The Sun.
London, England, 1825-01-18 00:00:00

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF KING'S BENCH, JAN. 17.
CRIM. CON.
COX versus KEAN.

This morning this long-expected cause came on before the
LORD CHIEF JUSTICE. At eight o'clock a considerable
crowd had assembled in front of the doors of Guildhall, and the
rush was tremendous upon their being thrown open. Among
the throng which filled the Court, almost to suffocation, within
a quarter of arthour after the doors were unbarred, we observed
Mr. Elliston and a number of other theatrical character&

At 25 minutes past nine o'clock the LORD CHIEF JUSTICE
took his seat on the bench, and the special Jury was called over.
The following Gentlemen only answering to their names--
Wm. Forster (merchant), Wm. Henning, Neal Blackburne.
Alex. Ba'mann°, John Dixon, Thomas Borradale, and John
Catley. A tales was then prayed, and the following names
from the Common Jury List completed the Jury, and were
sworn—John Dyer, Thomas Henry, Vm. Chapman, John
Peter Redlingham, and Henry Vincent.
Mr. Law read the declaration, which set forth, that Robert
Albion Cox, Esq. was the plaintiff', and Edmund Kean, de-
fendant; that it was an action for criminal conversation with
the plaintiff's wife ; and that the defendant had pleaded Not
Guilty. -
The COMMON SERGEANT—May it please you, my Lord,
and Gentlemen of the Jury—lt is my painful duty, on the
present occasion, to bring to your attention the unpleasant cir-
cumstances of a case, which, in the present state of morality,
is unfortunately not unfrequent. When you shall be put in
possession of the circumstances of the case, contrasting it with
the infinite variety of such cases which have come before the
public, I think you must .agree with me, that never did any
case involve a greater degree of criminality or worse aggrava-
tions of guilt. There was not only a lengthened violation of
the laws of hospitality, but a shameful mockery of sacred
friendship, in return for unlimited confidence and generous
faith. The lengthened observations which it will be my duty
to make may render it necessary for me to bespeak your pa-
tience ; one portion of the ordinary duty however is abridged:
it is altogether unnecessary for me to trouble you with any de-
scription- of the parties; for in this extensive metropolis there
are no persons better known to the public. The defendant,
from his situation and character, is known, not only in Eng-
land, but over all the world. lie holds the first place in the
first rank of a profession, which brings him, more than any
other profession could, before the eyes of the world. It is im-
possible, Gentlemen, that you should forget how Mr. Kean
blazed upon the world on . his first appearance. What other
individual-in the same profession had achieved, after long years
of labour and study, what they had held with difficulty and
by a precarious tenure, and feared to lose capriciously, Mr.
Kean had possessed himself of in a moment, anti retained dur-
ing a- series of years, to the present time, continuing the most
favoured of his profession, and drawing not only fame, but
emoluments such as no Englishman before his time ever re-
ceived on the stage. Every circumstance connected with the
life of a public man like Mr. Kean is necessarily known to the
public, and you cannot-be ignorant, Gentlemen, that his suc-
cess in London caused a great change in Mr. Kean's situation.
It was a great change, because only a week before he was a
humble member of a strolling company, performing in the
western counties, and only known in country towns. He was
then in obscurity, and his great abilities appreciated only by a
few who possessed peculiar judgment and great dramatic taste.
Amopgst those was the present plaintiff,who became acquainted
with Mr. Kean, when playing at Dorchester, where Mr. Cox
resided on his paternal estate, disposing of his wealth in a
manner which engaged the esteem of his neighbours and friendes.
Such was the relative situation of the parties, when my client
generously stepped forward to encourage and patronise this
friendless young man. I believe at this time Mr. Kean was
invited to plaintiff's' house ; at all events he received from the
plaintiff attentions and encouragement, of which he then stood
in no small need. Mr. Cox married in 1805, and I understand
Mrs. Cox belongs to one of the most respectable families in the
county of Somerset. The plaintiff and his wife lived in great
harmony for many years ; and until her intercourse with the
defendant was discovered, there had never been the slightest
interruption of their domestic happiness. Mr. Cox was not
very successful in business; he was a banker in the country,
and was induced to form another connection in London, I be-
lieve, as a gold refiner, which obliged him to reside in town,
where he has continued to the present time. It was in 1813
the acquaintance between the parties commenced. It was after
Mr. Cox and others had seen anti appreciated those traits of
genius which every one has Since admired, that Mr. Kean came
up and made that striking appearance before a London
audience, which stamped his fame as a first-rate actor. Mr.
Cis's was at that period one of the conducting committee of the
theatre, and I understand retains some connection with it to the
present time. You may imagine the honest pride and satisfac-
tion which he felt, when Mr. Kean, whom he had so kindly
befriended in his obscurity, received the full meed of public
approbation. It is scarcely necessary to inform you that the
defendant's professional success did not cause any discontinu-
ance of his intimacy with the plaintiff and his family. Mrs.
Cox was a lady of considerable attraction. She was possessed
of intellectual attainments superior to the gefierality of her sex.
She was well acquainted with Shakspeare and the other dra-
made authors of note, and was possessed of considerable thea-
trical taste. • Mrsegean was known to Mrs. Cox; courtesies
had passed between them, and the families were exceedingly
well acquainted. Mr. C9x could have no suspicion of any Wl-
proper familiarity betweentilis wife and Mr. Kean ; and if he
had, Mrs. liean's visiting at the house must have lulled all
suspicion. I think it necessary to state these circumstances,
,because confidence might be mistaken for indifference, or
worse ; and it may be suggested to you that my client had
winked at his wife's improprieties. As I have said, however,
Mr. Kean was not an acquaintance whose intimacy was likely
to create suspicion. He was not an extremely young man.—
At this time I think he must have been more than 30 years of
age. He was not introduced as a bachelor or an adventurer,
but he came with his wife, and as a man of family. Under
what circumstances gie fatal attachment which forms the sub-
ject of the present action commenced, I am unable to say.
The plaintiff does not know. Until lately it was impossible for
him to • guess how long had been its duration ; but documents
have fallen into his hands which incontestibly prove that it was
going on for nearly seven years. That it should continue so
long without causing any suspicion in the plaintiff's mind may
excite surprise; his character, however, ought to be taken into
consideration. Those who arc acquainted with him know that
never did any man possess. more frank and open manners, or a
more confiding and generous temper ; and never seas any man
more likely-to become -the dupe of successful treachery, be.
cause none was less likely to suspect it. Gentlemen, I am at a
loss to tell you at what precise period the
.criminal intimacy
commenced, but the letters which I hold in my hand prove
that it was carried on with the mostlngenioiss caution and the
deepest treachery for many years. I shall first point your at-
tention to the date of the letter ; but before I proceed to this
part of the case, I should inform you that the intercourse
was discovered in March last year, under circumstances which
left no doubt on the plaintiff's mind, of the full extent of
his misery. Then it was my client was first apprized, that
his friend and his wife had been betraying him for a long
course of years. , His conduct on this occasion was such as
marked the gentleman and man of feeling. He determined
never more to pass an hour under the same roof with her,
but he told her he would not turn her into the street ; he
would leave his house, and get lodgings for himself, or go
into the country until she could find a harbour for herself.
Whether Mrs. Cox availed herself of this humane and con-
siderate proposal, I know not, but when the plaintiff re-
turned to his house, she had left it, and lie found a mass of
letters most unaccountably and carefully preserved. They
were addressed in various names, and to diffilent places, to
elude suspicion; but the style, tenor, and sentiments, were
so completely incorporated, that it is impossible to mistake
the writer, the person to whom they were addressed, or the
subject on which they were written. The earliest date of the
letters is the sth of April, 1820 ; this is the }lost-mark, for few
of the letters have any date within. Mr. Kean was then at
Lynn, in the county of Norfolk, on one of those professional
excursions from which he had derived so much profit and
fame. He writes to Mrs.-Cox- in language which indicates a
warm but respectful attachment. lie had not then felt any
thing like contempt. It was clear that the criminal intercourse
had commenced, but at that period, probably, he did feel a
respectful affection. The letter begins " Dearest of women,"
certainly rather a familiar mode of addressing a married
woman. The writer thenallsclaims any intention of practising
the deceptions of ordinary letter writers, who address their
friends; " and. descant upon the . appearance of the country
And antiquities, merely to prove they are men of observation."

The writer proceeds. " 1 know we are funned for each ota.a :
the assimilation of our character proves it. lam no philoso-
pher. The theatre was crowded to excess—the applause en-
thusiastic. Bet what availed the crowd? my Charlotte did not
see them. What the applause ? ury Charlotte did not hear
them. The walks arc beautiful, but my Charlotte did not enjoy
them, and her absence is a counterpoise which overbalances all,
my successes. I hope to return soon, and fold my dear little
girl in my arms. From the first moment I saw you, I loved
you; I have never known any change. My affection for you
has increased, and in the possession of your heart I have ob-
tained the summit of my wishes." Froin this letter it,is not
difficult to form a conclusion as to the kind of intimacy which
subsisted between the parties. This.sear, or the subsequent
one, the defendant made a professional trip to America. From
thence he writes, "My dearest little love," and expresses his
regret that he did not take advantage of the offer which she
made to accompany him. Some sack offer then was made.—
He continues: " If I had but you in my arms, my happiness
would be complete, and I Ahould fancy myself enjoying.the pro-
mised Elysium. lam getting a great deal of money. You
doubt my affection:" and then he concludes in the well-known
words of Hamlet :
" Doubt thou the stars are Hr.:, •
Doubt that the sun (loth move,
Doubt truth to be a liar,

But never doubt 1 love."
(A laugh). This, Gentlemen, seems to be a favourite conclu-
sion—a form, or part of speech, in actors' letters, as it occurs
in another letter also. :1 letter front America, dated Silt of
April 1820, begins thus:—" flow shall I requite my dear little
girl for all her affection ? In my heart she reigns triumphant,
anti shall, while pulsation beats there. Indeed, Charlotte, I
love you dearly. flow sincerely I repent my folly in obstruct-
ing your wishes, and not allowingyou to come with me. Your
dear letters instruct and delight me 4 I sail from New York in
April 1822. I have no mortification but your absence. I live
in the best style—am travelling •magnificently,. and remit
1,000/. per month to England. I have given up all the frivoli-
ties of toy nature, and every correspondence that could inter-
rupt the thought of you. 1 am indeed jealous of your regard,
for I love you with the affection of a lover, end the esteem of
a friend." Mr. Commbn Sergeant continued, I have heard.
of a public whisper, and that it has dared to report that there
had been connivance on the, part of Mr. Cox ; there is some
reason for it in the degree of confidence Which he placed in his
friend and his wife. If the defendant's Counsel insist on it, it
might be difficult to prove that this confidence was not conni-
vance, only for the letters which I shall. produce. Tlfe Learns
ell Counsel for the defendant says, that he does not mean to
insist that there was connivance ; but really, malignant per-
sons will repeat such things, and in consideration for the plain-
tiffs character, I cannot withhold the evidence. This series of
letters prove that no precaution was neglected to lull the plain-
tiff's suspicions. On the 17th July, 1823, a letter was written
by the defendant. About this time Mr. Cox became unsuc-
cessful in business, and had some hopes of getting an appoint-
ment abroad. The letter ran, " my dear beloved girl, al-
though I rejoice that all is safe, I hate to think of the hour of
separation; but our consolation must be, that we meet again
as inseparable in person as we are in heart. Let him only go
abroad, and I will hazard the worst." In another letter, dated
the 115th April, defendant writes—" When we get rid of our
annoyances, we shall part no more." The letter then re-
commended caution. " Go, receive my letters from the re-
ceiving house, and put your letters with your own hand into
it." lie writes on the 21st July, 1112 when it appears there
was some danger of discovery—" Little darling, I thank hea-
ven that all is well ; we must be more sedry for the future. I
have received your little darling letter ; end then goes on to.
say, if he (the husband) was dbsent, " he
.should fold her in
his arms, and sleep in spite of the thunder." The discovery
took place in March last; but in the preceding January there
was some detection anticipated, from what I cannot say, .but
the defendant's letter, written at this .psfjod, manifested cone
siderable alarm. Ile writes—" My dueling love, fly to my
arms, take refuge .in a heart which is open. to you. If you
can secure her (meaning a young lady who lived in the house)
it is well—if not, fly to me, All I ask is, that you should
hide yourself fin- a while," -Oat with the sifuce and cry is.
raised nothing should appear to criminate_ sue. If the goods
are not found upon the thief, there 'ten be no conviction."—
But, Gentlemen, the goods • have been found, and I am
sure you will do your duty by convicting the thief:—(Loud
laughter.)—" Make up your mind to meet at tile Diorama on
Monday ; let no one see you, and no one shall see me until I
step before you. What money you want you shall have at three
hours' notice. You shall find in me a lover, father, and friend."
Then followed the favourite quotation about the stars and fire.
Here then are the proofs of the case: a discovery is anticipated
—the. lady is to be pursued, and find refuge in his arms, who
was to be her parent, father, friend—what money she wanted
was to be provided at three hours' notice—she was to keep
herself concealed, and prevent the detection of them. Perhaps
it is unnecessary for me, Gentlemen, to have made so many ob-
servations to prove to you that Mr. Cox could not have sus-
pected the wife of his bosom.of criminality. Mrs. Kean's con-
stant visits were of themselves sufficient to account for his blind-
ness. Besides this, there was a young lady living in- the family,
who, a man.might reasonably suppose, would have been a check
upon such an intercourse; het presence, at all events, would
make a husband .still less likely to suspect; and when this
young lady did not suspect, it was not strange that a husband
should ,not be aware of his wife'a infidelity. Besides, Mr.
Cox's,avocations frequently took him abroad, which gafp
greater latitude to the parties. But what palliation, what ex-
tenuation is the defendant about to offer ? I cannot conceive
what defence my Learned Friends may set up. I have indeed
heard one defence whispered-... 1 have heard that the defendant
means to rest his case upon some assumption or proof—that
Mrs. Cox is a woman of abandoned habits, and had permitted
the embraces of other men. I call upon you to consider this
as a foul aggravation rather than an extenuation of the defends
tines conduct. It is impossible for my client to say at what
period the defendant's intimacy with his wife commenced. It
is impossible for him to say what may have been the extent of
her depredation ; but it is for you to consider whose was the
fault—who was the origin of this humiliation of character,
which brought the eeVerest misery upon my client. This lady,
whom he was bound to protect—to whom he gage the full mea-
sure of his love—had been led into crime by the defendant. If
he had seduced her, and in this horrible state 'of things she was
led to admit the embraces of other men, of the lowest of mankind
(whether true or not I em unable to say), who is to be charged
with this dreadful humiliation, bat the defendant ? on whom
should it be visited ? on hint alone. It is known, however,
that Mrs. Colt once filled a respectable station in society;
that she has been visited by ladies of the highest rank in
this metropolis ; that .she has been considered a faithful and
affectionate wife, performing her domestic duties, as mistress of
a family, with credit to-herself; and it is a painful—a cruel
aggravation of the defendant's conduct to bring her forward
before the public, and to attach to her additional criminality,
added to that produced by his own crimes. If' the defendant
was the origin of the degradation and misery, his conduct
should excite the strongest feelings of indignation and con-
tempt. It is impossible to feel any thing else but contempt
for a man who would charge an unfortunate lady. with effects
produced by his own actions. But the defendant's letters are
important, to prove that the plaintiff could have nO suspicion
of his wife's criminality. The defendant, it appeared, had not .
the slightest suspicion of her constancy, and it was no wonder
that the husband did not suspect her fidelity. The defendant
was a perfect monopolist of the lady's affections; it excited his
anger when he heard she MN smiled on another person, a gen.
sleman whom she had accidentally met. The plaintiff did not,
suspect the defendant, and he could not have suppostd that his'
wife would have admitted the familiarities of others who had
less opportunity. In one of hit letters the defendant upbraids
Mrs. (ox with having smiled upon a Colonel whom she met.•
It appeared to him a matter of wonder; and when she had de-
ceived her lover, it was not to be expected that the husband
should know of her levities. The defendant writes to the lady
thus---- Dear 1.. B."—this was a kind of private name or
pass-word between them—" Dear 14. 8., change of circum-
stances produces a change in affections. To a casual observer
the change must be obvious, as it is indicated by your letters ;
formerly they were filled about me, and every page contained
assurances of love and devotion. You now Seem weary of the
subject ; your letters are filled with descriptions of balls, and
plays, anti concerts, and discussing the merits of different actors
and singers, which are to me matters of entire indifference. All
this assures me that your mind is made tip to the result 'which
I once vainly conceived would have broken your heart. If'
this, indeed, be so, I shall have no hesitation in releasing you
from your bonds. The simple style of your letters, which
used to delight my heart, which received a thousand kisses,
from my' lips, and were uniformly placed at night : under
my pillow,. is changed for the slang . of fashionable_coquetry—
You say you did not give the Colonel one smile hest night,—

' why smile say night, it these aeees beloag to me by right
I tell you, however, that you betray a littleness of mind. If
the mind that was devoted for six -years is worth—but no mat-
ter. One way was left by which our mutual happiness may
have been secured. This you have rejected.—Your unhappy,
hut fortunately proud Edmund."—(A laugh.)—Thus the
poi-
soned chalice was returned—justly returned to the defendant.
But, Gentlemen, you will perceive that he was taken by sur-
prise at the slightest indication of a favour shewn to another.
Here was decisive proof that Mr. Cox knew nothing of his wife's
familiarities with Mr. Kean, and still less with any other per-
son. It is now proper that 1 should state to you the circume
stances under which the criminal intercourse came to the know.
ledge of the plaintiff. I said that a young lady, a relation,
lived in the house. She was not placed there as a spy • on the
contrary, her presence, as I before observed, .served. to lull
suspicion. There were seri-ants in the house, attached servants,.
who lived with Mr. Cox before his marriage. They were de-
ceived by the extreme caution which was used : and, when at
length they discovered the disgraceful connection, they, thought
it more advisable to conceal it froth Mr. Cox, than, by inform-
ing, to make him miserable. They were certain, too, that '
if they had communicated to him his wife's dishonour, unless
they could produce the most convincing proofs, it would have
been impossible to make him believe that his wife and friend
were treacherously engaged to rob him of his honour. They
thought, too, that new artifices would be devised to hide the
guilt and continue the deception, anti that the deceived hus-
band would not listen to their tales. It is propet.l should state,
Gentlemen, that the discovery was made in consequence of
an appointment made at the plaintiff's house in Welling-
ton-place. Many manoeuvres were resorted to. In one case
Mr. Kean was to receive one letter; under other contingent
circumstances he was to be handed another. Mr. Cox, too,
was to receive a particular letter, if he arrived at a certain
time ; in case other circumstances arose he was to receive no
letter. Every precaution was taken, that the result was, that
Mr. Kean entered the house, and, passed a great part of the
night in it. Mr. Cox returned before the interview • ter-
minated, anti when the precautions were not in effective opera-
tion, and discovered the parties under circumstances which left
no doubt on his mind of his wife's dishonour. Ido not desire
to hide it from you,
,gentlemen, nor should I act within the
spirit of my iresartictians if 1 did; that subsequent to the dis-
covery of Mr. Kean's connection with Mrs. Cox, it becathe no
secret to her husband that • she had committed imptoprieties
with another man. Upon this ground the plaintiff desires that
the amount of damages claimed in this action should not be
excessive. lie had instructed his respectable law agent to ask
only for moaetate damages. It was the act of the attorney that
the damages were laid even so high as their present very mo-
derate amount, 2,0001. ; but I am confident that you will think
that sum too little, and regret that the damages are not higher,
and that you cannot give a more ample reparation to the plain-
tiff, when you consider the artifices and treachery which were
used to destroy his peace and honour. There were two letters
of January last, which betrayed the deep deceptione, the cold
calculating duplicity of the defendant. These two letters were
written on the same day; one to the wife and the other to the
husband. That to the wife contained expressions of ardent at-
tachment, and suggested means for deceiving the husband.
That to the husband contained an inculpation of the defend-
ant's conduct with regard to Mrs. Cox, and also it warm avowal
of• his friendship for the plaintiff. This act of unparalleled
duplicity arose out of the following circumstances:—ln Ja-
nury, 1823, Mr. Kean made one of his professional touts
through -the western counties. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were of the
party invited by Mr. Kean. Mrs. Kean was also of the party,
and a clergyman of the Established Church (the Rev. Mr.
Drury). The professional associations which attended such
a party • could not fail to make it agreeable ; and the
company spent some time in agreeable, social enjoy-
ment. During this excursion Mr. Cox alai or heard
something regarding Mr. Kean's attentions to his wife,
upott which he required an explanation, in which sonic
angry -language passed. Gin this occasion Mi. Kean wrote as
follows to alrs Cox :—" Dear . little imprudent girl, your in-
caution had nearly produced a most lamentable crisis. He of
course will show you my letter ; appear to countenance it ; tell
hint we shall meet. no more, and that he has lost a friend in me
as. I shall see him no inure. Leave the rest to me. Love shields
the object of Ail wishes, not exposei it. Aunt desires ter love.
(I don't know who this aunt is.) All shall be as you wish."
Here, in consequence of some altercation, the defendant writes
to the plaintiff to say that he withdraws his friendship, and
shall meet him and his wife no more, and at the same moment
writes to the wife, telling her this wee a mere delusion, and de-
siring her to countenance it. I shall now read theletter to Mr.
Cox ; it is dated front Exeter, whither Mr. Kean had gone:—
" Dear Cox, I have been considering seriously the mass of
nonsense which passed between us last night ; it has given me
much uneasiness. My simple motive was to show that I valued
My friends as highly in adversity as when I was humble,• anti
they in prosperity, and When 1 enjoyed their hospitality. This
was.my only motive rot particular attention to your family. I
am sorry you have Misconstrued my conduct ; your suspicions
are.unworthy of-you—degrading to me, and most unjust to that
Legg; whose conduct is unimpeachable. 'l'o do away with all
suspicion, I shall for the future withdraw my friendship."
Gentlemen of the Jury, how could Mr. Cox believe that
he was betrayed after such a letter, coming from a man to
whom he hail acted the part of a friend and benefactor?
Could• he think that man was basely betraying him ?
But hear the continuation of the defendant's letter :—" I
?dust be the Worst of .villains if I could take that men by
the hand, towards whom 1 was meditating the worst mis-
chief. Von do not know me, Cox." The result p:oved that
he did not, Gentlemen. " Mine are follies, not vices; my
text has ever been to do all the good in the world I can,
and when I am called to the great account, my memory may
be censured, but it can never be despised." Such were the
means' which the defendant employed to allay the plaintiff's
suspicions, anti engage his confidence. He pours out his
complaints, and addresses himself to the husband as a
man who has been injured by false stispicions, and lie writes
to the wife, urging her to keep up the deception, and support
I him in his stratagems. It is impossible to adduce strongerevi-
thence of the treachery which was practised upon the plaintiff,
or a greater aggravation of the defendant's guilt. Can any de-
gree of carelessness on the part of the plaintiff palliate Mr.
Kean's offence, after such specimens df deep duplicity, to which
Mr. Cox has become the unsuspecting victim ? Can any blame
be reasonably affixed todilr. Cox, When a series of artifices like
this have been practised to destroy his peace and happiness, by-
the very individuals who were sharing his bed and board, and
enjoying his attachment and hospitality ?It is due to him—it is
due to society, to express by your verdict your indignation at
such conduct, and your desire to give Iran the only reparation
for his lost happiness which the laws of England admit. I have
now detailed to you all the circumstances of this painful case.
I shall now proceed to call witnesses. The letters from which
I have read attracts, and a few .others, will be read to you by
the - proper officer ; and, Believe me, you will betray your duty
to maciety, a:you do not award the plaintiff—the injured and be-
trayed plaintiff—the amplest compensation which you can give,
the largest compensation which he claims.
Robert Henning examined for ahe plaintiff' by Mr. CHIT.
TY—I am acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Cox. I knew them
before their marriage, and subsequently. Mrs. Cox received
an excellent education, and is a lady of a cultivated mind ; her
name antecedent to her marriage was Newman. Mr. Cox was
.p.osacesed of some property at his marriage. I was present at;
the marriage, which took place upon the lath July; 1805 Mr.-
Cox lived near Dorchester with his wife, his property lay there.
I have been in constant intercourse with Mr. ('ox for several
years, and frequently visited him. 111 r. and Mrs. Cox appear-.
ed to live very happily together.
Cross-examined by Mr. Seaat.Elat.—The plaintiff was a
widower when he,married the present Mrs. Cox ; he had one
son by his former wife. Mrs. Cox was 21 or 22 at her mar-'
riage, the plaintiff several years older. I can't say how long it
was after their marriage that Mr. and Mrs. Cox left Dorchesa
tel. I know they lived there for a considerable time after the:
marriage—some years.
Thomas Fellowes, Esq..examined by Mr. Lew.—l am ac.:
quainted with the plaintiff', and haee been for many years be-.
fore his marriage with his present wife, as well as since. I have
been in the constant habit of visiting at their house from'
the time of Mr. and Mrs: Cox's marriage to • a very recent
period ; I believe to the commencement of the present action.
They appeared to conduct themselves very properly towards•
each other. Mr. Cox's conduct was affectionate and attentive,
and Mrs. Cox did not seem wanting in affection or respect to-
, wards. hilt. - - - -

Cross-examined by Mr. Ilnouoatmu--1 know that a lady
lived in the family, of Mr. Cox; a 111iss \Vickstead. She lived
in the house with the plaintiff and his wife. Mr. Cox's son also
lived in the house. I have heard of a Mr. Watman. I don't
know where he lives, nor where Mrs. Cox at present resides..
Mr, cox has ttot told me where Mrs. Cox is living. I have

soon him latoly. I dined in his company yesterday. Re did
not tell me that Mrs. Cox is now living with Mr. Ntratman. 'Re-
did not say that he had brought an action against Mr. Watoum
upon grounds similar to those upon which the present is found.
ed. I don't know of such an action.

Re-examined by Mr. Law--I understand Mr. Watman is a
clerk in the employment of the plaintiff:
Thomas Wheeler, examined by Mr. LAW—I am a retired
member of the medical profession ; I was an apothecary until
about three years ago. In June last I surrendered the office of
apoihecary to St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
Have you been in the habit of attending the plaintiff
wife ?--Mtiit assuredly.
Of,course you often called upon them?—Frequently, both
in sickness and health.—(A laugh.)—l am deaf; which causes
me to speak aloud.
You have often seen the plaintiff' and his wife together had
you an dpiibittinity of observing how they conducted themselves
towards each.other ?—Mr. Cox appeared to me to be kind, 'at-
tentive, and obliging; and Mrs. Cox seemed equally attentive
and affectionate towards him. •

CroSs-exaMiricd by Mr. Sc4ur.ET T—l cannot say up to what
time I was in the habit of attending Mr. Cox's family, because
he never compelled me to make out a regular bill. I never saw
any variation: or ..change in the conduct of the plaintirand his
wife towards each other ; they always conducted themselves pro-
perly towards-each other.

- The Witness's Manner was soine*hat 'etuphitie and precise,
which caused a buzz of suppressed laughter through the Court.
The Loin J UST ICE—I shall order the Court to be
cleared ; this is not a place for laughter.
Cross-examination resurned.-1 am now past 70 yeari of
age, and cannot ro'colle circumstances so precisely as I for-
merly a
did; but I think I might say I attended the plaintiff
and his wife until about two years ago, professionally, and af-
terwards as a friend., 1 saw them together a short time before
their separatif n.
John Brinkenstoff, examined by the CoMaroy i.EIIOI:AST.
—I am a clerk in Messrs. Coutts' banking-house, and know
the defendant's hand-writing. He is a customer of the house.
I ha-ve often transacted business with him, and seen him write.
At the suggestion of the CHIEF JUSTlCE-
several letters
were hantled to the witness, who proved thein to be in the hind
writing of the defendant.

The first letter bore the post-mark of Lynn, April 1820,
and addressed to Mrs. Allen, Bartlett-Court; Bow-street,
London ; it commenced." Dearest of women," and, after much
introductory matter, assures her, that since he left London he
paid attention to nothing but her, and how necessary she was
to his happiness.—ln answer to one of herdarling questions he
informs her that the theatre was crowded, and the applause
rapturous; the walks were beautiful—but Charlotte was not
there.

A letter dated Feb. 6, written in America, and bearing the
post mark of March 9, 1821, was here read It commenced—
" My dearest love ;" it assured her 'that his thoughts were
eternally on her, and the influence she had over his heart was
incalculable; he grieved over his family, and would have her
over there, were it not, that she would be lost to that society
which she was born to adorn. "0 ! that he had his dear
little girl in his arms." The letter concluded—
" Doubt that the stars are lire,
Doubt that the sun (loth move,
Doubt truth to be a liar,
But never doubt I love."
A letter of the sth April, 1822., was read, in which he stated
he was remitting to England 1,000/..a-month out of his earn-
ings in America, and conjures her not to let any one rival or
supersede him in her affections ; he had wooed her with the
affections of a lover, under the appellation of a friend—the
happiest moments of his life had been spent with her.
A letter, bearing the post mark of 17th July, 1822: -
" My 'amiable and lovely Girl —I cannot but lament the
cause of our separation ; but it is only for a time, and we shall
then again meet, and he joined as strong together as we aye
already in heart. Let but the great cause be removed, and I
shall laugh at all resistance." Ste.
Another letter, dated from Dorchester:—fly dearly beloved
knows her Edmund too well to- doubt hut that she is abso-
'lady essential to his happiness,—he was then in a chamber,
every article of. furniture• in which reminded him of his dearest
Charlotte.

.28th July, 1822.—My clearest though imprudent little girl,
and thanks her -tor that confidence which she reposed, and
which ought to be felt by hearts formed for each other.
2d August, 1822, in which he talks of remitting 1801., but
to whom we could not collect; and it then says,--" thus .you
see, my little darling, I make you my woman of husincss.".
Ctrlisle, 3d Nov. 1822.--My dearest love, do , not let a
thought enter your little brain for one moment that I cease to
love you—l am closely watched, and therefore cannot write
much, titc. •

6th Jan. 1823.—Your incaution has been the means of bring-
ing our affections to the most lamentable crisis, &c.—This was
the letter alluded to, last but one, in the Common Sergeant's
speech:
The letter written by Mr. Kean to the Alderman,-and lastly
alluded to by the Common Sergeont, was here read.
tinder date Jan: 6th, 1824, he writes her, tharif he loses her
his heart will break, 6Le. .

21st January, 1824.—This was a letter of remonstration
from Mr. • Kean, conceiving that Mrs. Cox had some other
object of her affections- beside him ; those pretty, letters which
she used to write, and which he used to clasp in his arms,
kiss with his lips, and sleep with under his pillow, were now
changed for mere common-place matter ordescription, &c.
22d January, 1824.—My darling, darling love, writes to me
in affliction ; she flies to me 'Tor refuge, and my heart, my
whole heart, is open to receive her ; he requests her to keep tin
secresy for a few months ; whatever money she may want shall
be supplied her at three hours' notice, and in him she should-
find a lover, husband, father, friend.
A letter, without date or post mark, addressed " Little
Breeches," and signed " Vour Lover," was read ; it merely
contained a request, that she would call upon him immediately,
at a place appointed.
A letter, lated Oct. 14 (no year), addressed L. 8., he states
that he shall be absent a fortnight longer than he expected, but .
that on Friday, the 31st, he should have in his arms the only
thing he loved in the world—and that was her.
Another letter desires het to walk every day during his 'ab-
sence to lull all suspicion, and on his return he would make
such arrangements that a lynx-eye should not discover them.
Another letter commenced my love—my life—my heart—and
was the subject of some private arrangements not important.
[The Loan CHIEF JUSTICE here left the Court tiir .a few
minutes when a tremendous disturbance took place in the gal-
lery, similar to what is frequently seen in the gallery of a the-
atre, when much crowded.)
John Coles examined-1 am the attorney for the plaintiff:4—
I received the letters produced this day from the
shortly after the commencement of the present action, and
brought them to Court. They were in ;I box when 1 received
them, sealed.
Cross-examined—By the instructions of the plaintiff a writ
was issued out against Mr. Wattmin, on the same day as the
writ in the present cause. The writ was declared upon it
Watman's case.

Alice Humber examined by Mr. COMMON SERGEANT—I
was servant to the -plaintiff, 411 r. Alderman Cox. I lived in
his service before his marriage. 1 left it for a time on my own
marriage taking place,- and afterwards returned and lived with
him again—that is, about ten or eleven years ago. 1 remem-
ber his marriage with the present Mrs. Cox. I lived in their
service about six or seven years after their marriage. During
those six or seven years Mr. and Mrs. cox lived very happily
indeed together. They appeared to be mutually attached, in-
deed very much so. When 1 returned to their service they
were living at Wandsworth. They then appeared to be living
.on the .same • terms as before. They came to live in London
after that ; it, was about six or seven years ago. They Went to
.reside in Little Britain. They afterwards lived in Welliiigton-
street, Waterloo-bridge. - I reinernher Mr. Cox having an
accident of breaking a rib; it was in the year 1823. They
then resided in Wellington-street. Mr. Cox was in thecoun-
try when the accident happened. I remember Mrs. Cox giving
me a letter for Mr. Kean she also gave me a letter, for
my master, hut. not on the same day, it was a few days
previous. I was to keep the letter for Mr. Cox in cas,ehe.
should come home before the Thursday. following--4 he
came home after Thursday I was to tell hint that my mistress
was gone Id see Miss Warwick, and I was not to deliver
the letter. I was to order a chaise to come on Mona); even-
ing, at seven o'clock, to the house .at Wellington•:Sireet.
Cox• left in that chaise; I saw .the chaise go off; it was
ordered to go to Salthill. . She returned the Saturday eVtning
When she- came back from Salthill she gave toe the
letter I have just spoken of for Mr. Kean; I took it to hint,
rnand
he came to the house it?,Wellingt9n-street between ten ana ele-
ven o'clock on the bae*Fday night." Mr. R. Phillips' was

eterfle him. 'Mr. 'Phillips was a gentleman whom 11r. Kean 'in his profession, a scholia', a man of extensive knowledge, and
called his secretary. Mr. Phillips only remained about half an in short a man M genius; but all this involved his case in
hour. Mr. Kean staid all night. I received instructions from greater difficulty, as he was also a public man, and felt deeply
Mrs. Cox as to the room Mr. Kean was to occupy. I was or- the calamity of this action, and which made it impossible
tiered to make up a bed for him in the room next the drawing- for him to take that line of defence which would entitle him
room ;—it was a spare room. When Mrs. Cox was going to, to a verdict. He wished the plaintiff' t. had thought it proper—
rest that night, she told me that when my master camel was he wished he had been advised, when determining on the pre-
to look out of the window before 1 went down to the door.; and sent action, not to have selected, if his object was whathe (Mr.
said to me, " For God's sake don't let me be caught !" I was Scarlett) understood it was, to obtain a legal separation from his
to knock at the bed-room door when Mr. Cox came; at that wife; he could earnettly have willed, that he had been induced'
dom. where Mr. Kean was to sleep. Mr. Kean's servant came not have selected one on whom a verdict of almost any kind
the next morning,—it was one of his dressers; he brought a would have such an effect on his future fame, and his very pro-
Rote directed to my mistress. spects of holding on in his profession -(peculiar as it was in its.
The LORD CHIEF JUST ICE—That was after Mr. Kean was dependence on the good opinion of the world), as on the present
gone away ? defendant. Surely one out of the many lovers of his wife
Witnes—No, my Lord; -I went .and knocked at his bed- might have been found, on whom a verdict would not have
room door; my mistress got out of the bed, unlocked the door been so serious a visitation as on his client. It is on account
and took the note; she sent me down to know-who brought it; of this peculiar circumstance that he felt such considerable
A came up and said it was Mr. Kean's servant. Mr. Kean was embarrassment in conducting the defendant's case ; for did
then lying in bed, and my mistress was standing by the bed-side ; not the Jury feel, that if he were to permit it to be said that
she had her gown on, but no shoes. I was present o the oc- such a man as Mr. Kean had been accused of a crime against
easion that Mr. Cox looked for papers in my mistress's drawers. the
.institutions of society—that of betraying his friend and se-
I saw him 'find some papers; he found them in a little cabinet duc:ng . his wife—and had then sought to defend himself in a
which was in his own bed-room, and which belonged to my Court of Justice, by violating a woman's confidence, that the
mistress. This was along time after the above circumstances consequences would not terminate with their verdict, but that
had occurred; it was when Mr. Cox lived in Hart-street, and it would follow him through life ? At the same time they
after Mrs. Cox had left him; one day after that circumstance could not perceive that Mr. Cox had exercised much skill,
took place. care, and he would say cunning, in getting up this case, by
Cross-examined by Mr. SCARLETT—I lived with Mr. and which every means of affording information as to the real dm-
Mrs. Cox in the capacity of housemaid when I first went into racter of the plaintiff's wife had been kept back, by which his
their service ; but for the last 3 years I was the only female Council might have shown what were the actual term,' on which
-servant they kept. I did not live with Mr. Cox at the time a those parties lived together, before the intimacy of the unfortu-
gentleman was found in my mistress's dressing-room; I was nate defendant with this lady of mature age commenced. How
with my master when he and Mrs. Cox went to Taunton, was it, that not one individual who knew the early history of
which was about eight years ago. I had never seen Mr. Kean these parties—not one common acquaintance of hers, had been
at my master's house before that time • Mr. Cox had a niece called, to show how much she deserved, and how much the
living with him ; her name is Miss NViastead. plaintiff deserved from the hands of a Jury this day ? His
Lille noise in the gallery of the Court was at this moment so Learned Friend felt, that if the defendant's Council was driven
great that the business of the Court was interrupted for some to resort to the only defence in hie power, that of making known
minutes, and the Lord Chief Justice said that unless silence the contents of the letters in his possession (and which ne should
was preserved he would instantly order the whole gallery to be at once say he did not intend to do) his Learned Friend then
cleared, observing, that he had no wish to close the doors, hut gave himself this topic—nthat the defendant, after seducing the
that he could not suffer the administration of justice to be dis- plaintiff's wife, and having availed himself of all the communi_
turbed by persons who came there to laugh.l _ cations made by her in the unreserved and unsuspicious confi-
The cross-examination then proceeded.—Mr. Cox has a thence of a woman, whose affections he had gained over to him-
country house at Wandsworth, where 1 have seen Mr. Kean self, comes into Court, for the purpose of betraying that
occasionally. The town house was at that time in Little Britain. confidence, and saying—l have proofs within my reach
My master and mistress were in the habit of going to the theatre that will show you are not deserving of any damages
when Mr. Kean acted, very often indeed : I do not know whe- at the hands of a Jury, for that I can establish your infamy
.ther they went into Mr. Kean's box. Mr. and Mrs. Kean both by means furnished by yourself. This was a strong hold that
came frequently to their house at Little Britain. It is between his Learned Friend sought for, knowing very well that such
.fitur and"five years ago, when Mrs. Kean left off visiting my a course would inevitably do more injury to the defendant's
mistress, and my mistress left off visiting Mrs. Kean ; I do cause than even their verdict could inflict. For, however great
not' know the reason of their visits being discontinued. After might be the eminence of Mr. Kean—however conspicuous his
this my master and mistress used to go to the theatre as be. powers—transcendent his genius, and however much might be
fore, and Mr. Kean used to come to their house as usual. It his fame, yet all depend upon the favour and estimation of the
';P:A4 three or four years ago that they went to live in Welling. public ; and we were not living in an age when the principles
ton-street. Mr. and Mrs. Cox used to accompany Mr. Kean into of morality were relaxed, or the virtues of domestic life dis-
the country when he went to perform at the provincial theatres ; couragcd. We all knew what was that public, how its feelings
Miss Wickstead used to go with them on those occasions. I were in accordance with the higher principles of our nature :
„remember on one occasion their going to Croydon, it is about and that it would not countenance or connive at a gross viola-
twotion of those principles by any man, however splendid might be
years ago. I remember the circumstance of being sent for
Mr. Kean'is servant at the house where Mr. Kean lodged. Mrs. his talents or universal his fame. The Jury would observe the
'Cox sent me ; it was about three o'clock in the morning. Mr. caution of his Learned Friend in conducting the cause; so
Keen came to their house at ten o'clock the night preceding ; , great was that caution, that he preferred to leave the
case here, incomplete as it was, rather than call a
he came in his own carriage ; I cannot say that my master was
with him ; I was not gone to bed at that time. Mr. Kean's witness to speak to the fact, which he would have the Jury to
carriage was at the door when I went to call his servant. When act upon. He would have them to infer what he ought to
the servant came, my master and mistress, Mr. Kean and have proved, and to give him the credit for all that he had
failed to establish by evidence. But lie (Mr. Scarlett) felt '..Miss Wickstead, all set out for Croydon. Mr. Kean drove the
con-
carriage, and my master, mistress, and Miss W. went inside; fident in saying that the Jury had not a right to inter that any
.my master came back again the same morning between six and one of the letters which had been put in by his Learned Friend,
seven o'clock. My mistress and Miss Wickstead remained be-
and read, was addressed to Mrs. Cox. His Learned Friend
hind. Mr. Kean did not return with my master. 31y master
might have called some person to prove that some of these let-
went down to Croydon again the same night, and on the next ters were addressed to her. But no, this he had not done: and
day all four came back to town. I mean my master and mis- the .lury were left altogether to conjecture, to matter of infe-
rence, and to take it as a fact, that letters addressed to Mrs.
tress, Miss Wickstead, and Mr. Kean. I do not remember
.my master coming home late one night with Mr. Kean when Allen, to " L. 8.," and to " Mrs. Little Breeches," and many
of them unsigned, were addressed by Mr. Kean to Mrs. Cox ;
my mistress was in bed. Mr. Kean came by himself two or
three times in the course of the period when they lived in and this his Learned Friend had declined doing, in order to
Wellington-street, and called them out. drive him to do so, that he may revel at will in a reply. But
Here the noise was renewed in the gallery by the pressure of had it been proved that any one of the papers now pro-
the crowd, and by persons outside endeavouring to get in. His duced were found by Mr. Cox in the cabinet that was never
,lordship looked towards the spot whence the noise proceeded, locked ? No, not one of them was found there, and yet
and said something in an undertone about sending the sheriff the Jury were to infer from the pretty maid's testimony—
to. do his duty. Mr. Scarlett replied to him, also in an under-
she who went into her master's dressing-room early in the
tone, that it was occasioned by the interesting nature of the morning, when he had his gown and cap on—they were to
- cause, and of the anxiety of the people to hear it.l ' infer that all these letters were found in an unlocked cabi-
net, and delivered up to Mr. Colas, tied with red tape—
The cross-examination continued.—When Mr. Kean called 31r. Coles, who sued out two writs on the same day for a
we were all in bed. My mistress once on those occasions got similar cause of action, at the suit of the present plaintiff'.
•uo ; my master got up on each of the times that Mr. Kean liut it was not only not in evidence that Al r. Cox ever did
called so late. I don't know whether, when my mistress got lint! these papers in Mrs. Cox's cabinet, but there is the
up, she joined Mr. Kean's company ; I never went into the strongest grounds for believing that he never did ; for if he
..earlour on those occasions. I was not desired at any such time had, would he r.ot have called this maid-servant of his, anti
to prepare supper. Mr. Kean remained there. when her mis- said to her, " Here, take notice, here are letters which .1 have
tress got up, till the next morning ; it was about one or two discovered in your mistress's drawer, and which fact you may
.a'clock when he came to the house. I do not remember my be one day called on to prove; therefore take notice that such
mistress getting up more than once; my master sat up with Mr. letters were found by me in such a place on•such a day !"--
. Kean the remainder of the night whenever he called. It was Such would have been the plaintiff's conduct had the -letters
in the winter season when my mistress went to Croydon, but really been found by him, as he would have the Jury to infer.
.I do not know whether it was in .January. I do not remern- But pray what right had any one to call on a Jury who sit in
,lier that on the night when they went to Croydon, and when- inCourt of Justice on their oaths to give a verdict accordingen.
Mr. Kean came, that my mistress came down stairs in her the evidence—what right had any one to call on .such a
. night-cap, and ordered me to get a supper. She was not in body to infer that certain letters were addressed to Mrs.
.her night-cap, that I am certain of, when she ordered me to go Cox, when no evidence was adduced of that fact-; but that
to call Mr. Kean's servant. It was in Spring, 1823, when they every thing lie spoke to the contrary to be the case? Ile
• went to Salt-hill. during the time my master livenerlrelling- would admit there was one letter addressed to Airs. Cox
ton-street. Mr. Kean hail slept in the house three or four times where there occurred a quotation which he should think a
-• before the night on which he went to Croydon, and when my man of Mr. Kean's taste would not have quoted twice to
master was at home. He had also frequently slept in the house .the same But t lady. the Jury were told that this -woman,
h
- at Little Britain after the visits of Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Kean who was cunning enough to delude her husband for years, and
had ceased. On the occasion that Mr. Kean slept there last, to impose on him an opinion of her fidelity that would admit of
'my mistrs certainly did say to me, " For God's sake don't no suspicion—this woman who had gained such an ascendancy
let me be caught." I suspected what she was about, but I did over his mind as to lull asleep every faculty of common
vnot know any thing of my own knowledge, nor did I ever watchfulness and prudence, that yet she was silly enough to
know it from my mistress. I have seen Mr. Kean and leave all these precious documents, whose value were now eeti-
- Mrs. Cox alone together, not often, about two or three mated at some hundreds of pounds by the plaintiff, in a cabi-
times ; I did not think there was any thing improper net that was never locked. Ilis Learned Friend had put in a
then ; I grounded my suspicion upon the letters that letter addressed to Mr. Cox by Mr. Kean, making some ante..
• used to pass between them ; I never did suspect my mistress sion to what had passed between them at Salisbury, and he
before Mr. Kean slept there : she was always very cautious, bad put in another letter which he said•was addressed to Mrs:
particularly after Mr. Kean became intimate with her. I Cox on the same day, apprising her that such a letter as the
may have said that I thought one or teo men were quite former had been written to her husband, and that she was to
sufficient for my mistress, but it was very latterly indeed that act in acquiescence with its contents. But what was the effect.
. • I said it. I did not say it immeOlately after I discovered my of this ? - His Learned Friend had placed himself in this predi-
westrese with Mr. Kean. ',now Mr. Watman ; he was my cament,—that of exposing his client to the fillP icion that these
master's clerk ; he had. been clerk about a year and a half or letters had be long known to him, if addressed to his wife, or,
two years; my master was a bankrupt when he lived in Little if not addressed to his wife, that he had obtained them from same
. Britain ; he was a gold-refiner at that time. Mrs. Cox left my other source, in order to make up this. case. His Learned Friend
master ir. April last, and I have not seen her since she left the had said this, that he was to have the benefit of the Jury's good-,
• house. My master was in the house when she left ; it was in natured conjecture, that these letters were addressed to the wife
the morning when she went from the house, but I do not exactly i of his client ; knowing that the only- means the.defendant has
. know the hour. Miss Wickstead accompanied her ; Miss of meeting the contents of those letters, is by an act that would
Wickstead returned after being absent about a fortnight. It incur more injury to his name than any consequences that may
was the day after my mistress went that my master searched flow from this action. Upon this account lie could not, nor
. for the papers. Miss Wickstead is now with her uncle, I was he authorized to betray one single letter from that lady.
my master. It wee early in tie morning when my master • Whatever might be his fate, or however serious the effects of
looked for the papers. I went into his room with some hie forbearance, he could not forfeit his honour by betraying the
- -warm water; my master was in his dressing-gown ; I did confidence of a woman, and for this honourable conduct he
not stay long in the room. My mistress often went out in must claim at their hands the benefit of that abstinence, and
the evening when my master dined out; very often ; and she that they would view with the strictest scrutiny the proof that
. stayed out sometimes till ten o'clock, and sometimes later; the letters now read were ever addressed as contendedfor. In
Miss Wickstead has occasionally gone out with her, and some- this determination he (Mr. Scarlett) thought Mr. Kean did
- times she went alone; my master used to dine out very often. right, and in his sentiments upon that subject he so fully con
• I have certainly known my mistress to stay at home of an curred, that lie would add his earnest prayer that they would
• evening when my master dined out, but she more frequently not suffer these letters, under such doubtful circumstances,
went out, and that too as soon as he was gone. When she re- to
weigh upon their mines without every inquiry as to whom they
. turned, she used to conic to the door alone. This took place ~,
they
ye actlreesshtl ; an.d, if addressed to Mrs. Cox, at what period
while Mr. Cox lived in Wellington. street. I do not remember
Air. Kean making my mistress a present of a horse. I never into his possession. If these were the letters
addressed to the plaintiff's wife, how came it that Mr.
-saw Mr. Kean give my mistress any money. I never knew a Common Sergeant did not prove it ? —why he would tell-
Sit James Somebody (Kemmis) drive my master and mistress them why. It was sometimes convenient for 'Counsel to leave
into the country. _
their Case,: so threadbare of proof, and to rest so much upon infer-
Re-examined by Mr. Co st eto x SvotoEANT...- Who kept ence, because were they to resort tostronger evidence, they would,
r the key of the cabinet where the papers were found ? It was at the same time, furnish to the defendant's Counsel ample
never locked. 1 do not know when my master became a bank- materials for a defence out of the very testimony that a cross-
rapt. I had no reason to know thartny master was aware that examination would extract from their own witnesses ; sad,
- rev mistress had ceased visiting Mrs. Kean. Mr. %%Tatman ta i
eretnre. to guard against this, the plaintiff's Counsel had
used to pay his addresses to Miss Wiclettead ; he was re- here lett his case upon conjecture. But one fact, however, was
cei vett in the house as waiting on that lady as her suitor. not a conjecture; the worthy apothecary, up to the time he vi-
. This .was the plaintiff's case. sited Mr. Cox as a friend, swore that he always observed the
' Mr. SCARLETT rose to address the Jury on behalf of same kind and affectionate attention on the part of the bus-
_ the defendant. He said he addressed them, with consi- band to the wife as he ever had done, arid this was very re-
derable embarrassment, on -the part of his client. He cently indeed. When was it that Mr. Cox knew of this
was too well acquainted with the nature of these causes, correspondence ?—no precise time had been stated; that also
and he trusted he was too sensible to what belonged to was left to -conjecture ; but. if he intended to go to a higher
j
his own character, ever to attempt to estify or palliate the tribunal, and expected to obtain a divorce, he must show the
--- conduct which had been imputed to M r. Kean. Whether precise time when hie suspicions were first excited, and that, on
his Learned Friend was correct when he said the morality of that awakening suspicion-in his mind, he immediately pursued
the times was more relaxed than in former days, he could not , a course consistent with the feelings of a man who was jealous
decide; but he was himself-inclined to think, that the morality of his honour and anxious to stand right in the eyes of the
of this age was as good as any that has gone before, and that world ; f or it would not do in the House of Lords to state
the sense of propriety on the part of the people, as regarded ' the matter in so vague and loose a manner as to require
thein • dont to elle several relations of domestic life, was as a wide and liberal stretch of presumption and inference for the
strong, notwithstandi. ng thelrequency of the actions, and of the purpose of making out hie .caeo. He hoped the Jury would
. circumstances which these actions exhibit to the world. But he novae • led to infer, that all that was hid would, it known, be
, bad another opinion,- and that opinion he should give without favourable to the plaintiff* and prejudicial to the defendant.
any reserve, and begged the Gentlemen of the Jury would bear This was a strange course for Juries to be called upon to
it along with them in their coirsideration of this case; it was adopt. His Learned Friend had told them that Mr. Cox was
this—that when a plaintiff came into a court of justice to ask a the friend and patron of Mr. Kean; that he had held out to
nowmpensation in damages for the injury he has sustained from him a leading hand, and had spoken to him the cheering lan-
reawilince like' this:. and which bffence all mankind must con- guage of hone; but what proof was there of this ?—not any,
' der; then the question assumes a very different shape, and it and he denied the fact, for it was-well known thatit was 13 years
is not at all mixed up with morality, but depending altogether since this celebrated man started, as his Learned Friend had
• anion circumstances t sod the damages should be measured be justly said, into that fame which other men were doomed for
, the amount of injury he had sustained. His Learned 'Friend hail years to climb to; and it was not for several years after that Mr.
,ndescribednlire K. ass a mew who had attained to great eminence, • Kean becatneucquainted, with thuplaintiffottd.his ,family, for

the young woman who lived in the family 11 years never saw" Wants of Mrs. Cos, and it appeared that the servant knew them
Mr. Kean in her master's house 'flit the 4 first years of her sea- well ; and, under these circumstances, it would be for them to
vitude. It would, indeed, be most base and treacherous, nay say, what money should be taken from the pocket of Mr.
more, it would be ungrateful and unnatural, if his client, hay- Kean. He (Mr. Scarlett) had so far showed the Jury what
ing been patronized and protected by the plaintiff, had turned manner of woman Mrs. Cox was, and he was desired by his
round, betrayed his friend, and seduced his wife. This cone, client not to add to the dishonour of Mr. COX, or to the wrongs
duct would have been a gross aggravation of damages, and of Mrs. Cox, by the production of her letter*. If the plaintiff's
would have justly exposed his client to the detestation of all Council had not indulged in statements which he failed to
.honourable men. But let Mine however, look to these said prove—if he had not introduced violated faith, betrayed confi-
'letters that had been so much dwelt upon, and make a corn- dente, abused hospitality, he Cllr. Scarlett) would not have call-
ment or two upon them. •It was very plainly perceived that, ed a witness. But now he must adopt another course. He was
whoever was the writer of them, there had been inspired in his obliged to call witnesses to prove almost that Mr. Cox had of-
. bosom a-very strang affection towards the individual to whom fared up his wife at the shrine of Mr. Kean, to do with her as
they were audressed_an affection, too, of a nature far different he pleased. In his private box—in his private dressing-room—
from that which an illicit connexion was wont to create ; for his habiliments such as modesty ought not to see—what could
what was the language of one of these letters ?—ln one of them .be the meaning,of taking a married woman to such places ?
the writer complained of .a visible change in the tone of the Why, the answer was perfectly obvious. It was said that
letters he received from the object of his affection : that the the plaintiff was a distinguished man, that he had filled city
simple style of writing iti which her letters used to be given, offices, that he was an Alderman; but, making every allow-
was
changed to the slang of coquetry, and that they contained ante for even the most Btrotian dullness, no man could be so
matter which to a common observer, was very different from blind as not to see that in pursuing such a mode of conduct,
that of love :—" I begin to find," said he " that your's is he was throwing his wife into the very jaws of danger.—
passion, and not love.; there is a coolness which tells me that Here was the' defendant, who had exhibited the passions
your heart is no longer mine." Now, if Mrs. Cox was the on the stage to a degree of , great perfection ; here was a
person to whom that letter was addressed, he would ask the titan with address and manner to captivate and enchain a wd-
Jury whether they did not think that a little daylight had be- man of much cooler temperament than Mrs. Cox; here was
gun to shed itself upon the writer's mind, which had been so a man to whom she at all times seemed devoted, anti yet did
long felt by others ? Suppose that Mrs. Cox was fixing her the plaintiff lead her to his dressing-room ! Could any man
affections upon another man, why might he not infer that shut his eyes to the consequences of such familiarity ? But,
she was deceiving Mr. Kean as she had already deceived on the other hand, suppose that he (Mr. Scarlett) should fail in
her own husband, and that she was proving herself to be a establishing collusion, and that a verdict must pass for the plain-
more consummate actor than Kean himself? But to whom tiff, was it, he asked, a case for two thousand pounds damages?
were those nocturnal visits paid by the woman Mr. Cox No, no. He trusted to their moderation, for he thought the
so highly values ? not certainly to Mr. Kean on every occasion, question wosid be, whether the verdict should be for twopence
and yet every time Mr. Cox went out to dinner, she as reeu- or two shillings. The other side hare left the evidence which
larly and invariably walked out, and remained from home for they could give incomplete, and he was therefore bound to sup-
some hours, and then returned late at night, unaccompanied by ply it, however reluctant the parties might be to come forward.
any friend, male or female, to her home. A very strange sort Before he sat down, he begged leave to say, that Mrs. Cox
of wife this? one whom he should think a man would be very might have deceived her husband, but after repeated detections
glad to get rid of. He ventured to address himself in this case he could not set up a claim to large damages. 31r. Kean slept
to the Jury, not without a very sanguine hope of obtaining their at the house of .Mr. Cox ; he entered it at every hour of the
verdict. lie said a sanguine hope—for it would not become a night, and in every condition; what was all that but an invite-
defendant's Counsel to speak more confidently, especially when tion to him ? Why, even the very night before he went to
he came with his defence from the plaintiff's own family. But America, he slept at Mr. Cox's, though having so large and
the whole complexion of the facts adduced in evidence was of respectable a house of his own in town. Under such circum-
such a nature, that he thought no Jury could contemplate them stances, he was fully satisfied the Jury would agree with him,
without feeling the strength of the plaintiff's claim on them that it would have been wiser, more honourable, and more dis-
weaken more and more at every advance. The Jury had heard of dee, if the plaintiff had avoided an inquiry like the present.
Mr. Kean's visit on one occasion at the house of the plaintiff; James Newman examined by Mr. Ilitonoit A H.—l am
he could only getat one of them, and that one was very material. Mr. Kean's dresser at the theatre. I have seen Alderman and
It appeared that he called at the house in Wellington-street Mrs. Cox there repeatedly. It is furnished in the usual way,
very late at night, and that Mrs. Cox got up and let hint in.— with a sofa, chairs, &c. I have seen them there while Mr.
They had heard of Mr. Kean's carriage coming to the door, Kean was dressing. I have seen this for the last five or six
and staying till three o'clock, and then Mr. Kean's servant years, before Mr. Kean went to America. I have seen him with
being sent for ; on whose arrival Mr. and Mrs. Cox, Miss a pair of silks on during their presence, which fitted him as
Wickstead, and Mt. Kean all go down to Croydon together. tight as his skin. Sometimes he has had a flannel waistcoat on
The Alderman returned to town on the same morning, leav- when they were there. They were several times in the dressing
ing Mrs. Cox and Miss Wickstead under Mr. Kean's protec- room while Mr. Kean was dressing. Mrs. Cox has sometimes
tion. Why this was very strange sort of intercourse ! lie come alone, and sometimes with Miss Wickstead. I never
would say, that if any man felt disposed to do this, to take his saw a servant with them. I have seen Mr. Kean take off his
wife and niece out of town, and return himself; leaving them own clothes and put on his theatricals in their presence. He
under the care of a male friend for all one night, that great care has been undressed to his flannel waistcoat. These silks are in-
should be taken that that friend was not an actor, because, of tended to represent the natural flesh. Sometimes Mr—Kean told
all other men, they were, from their peculiar profession, more me not to admit Mrs. Cox, and I have prevented her on different
capable of wielding a fascination and a power over a female occasions. I have seen the Alderman and Mrs. Cox in Mr.
mind, that would, if permitted, lead its possessor on the most Kean's box. They merely used it when they came to the
unhappy consequences. God forbid he should say there were not theatre. Mrs. Cox was almost every night there. After the
men of that profession as high in moral principle as they were play Mrs. Cox has been with Mr. Kean in his room, and the
splendid in talents, and who were as capable of adorning and Alderman with her. 1 have seen Mrs. Kean in Mr. Kean's
doing honourlto all the relations of social and domestic life box, and on those occasions Mr. Kean had another box for
as those of any other class, however exalted : he did not mean them. I recollect their going to Croydon in the night, about
to say any such thing, - for he knew there were men of that one o'clock. Mrs. Cox I saw there the day after, the Alderman
profession, all over the world, whose characters were as great having returned to town. I took money to Mr.f Kean. He
as their names were glorious. But still the habits, studies, played that night at Croydon. Mrs. Cox was at the play, near
and pursuits of an actor, afforded him facilities which other the stage box.
men had not, of winning upon the sensibilities of the female Cross-examined—l belong to the theatre, and was appointed
sex, and of working as destructively .upon a woman's heart as Mr. Kean's dresser about the year 1816. The Alderman was
the power of passion and poetry united ever produced. But so one of the Committee at the theatre, but Ido not know if he
highly did he think of them as men of honour, and so peculiar were the most active individual, nor if he had a private box. I
was their profession, that he would go a step further, and say, have seen many gentlemen visit 31r, Kean in his dressing-
that an actor was not the man who makes the first overtures to room, but not many ladies. I have been several times at the
a married woman ; it must come from her, for he feels so well residence of Mr. Cox, but Ido not recollect any particular oc-
that the very first time his dishonourable attempts were rejected casion, nor that I was in a bed-room.
it would not only ruin hint in that person's family, but it would Re-examined—l do not think Mr. Cox had a private box
destroy his prospects in the world, and deprive him of all his when he used to visit Mr. Kean.
well and hard-earned theatrical fame, however exalted it might John Steward examined by Mr. PLATT—Do you recollect
he. It was impossible therefore to conceive that any man with taking a letter with money to Miss Wickstead ?—Yes.
the knowledge which Mr. Kean possessed, and with the stake When was that ?—I cannot say precisely. •
that he had to risk, would have sought to have brought the
consequences of this day's proceedings upon himself. But Do you know the amount of the money ?—Certainly not; I
he would request the jury to look back at the journey to know nothing about that. In 18'22 I was a private box-keeper
Croydon, and reflect upon the conduct of the plaintiff on at Drury-lane Theatre, and down to 1024 I attended the box
that occasion. Under such circumstances for a man to thrust No. 4, which was kept fur the friends of Mr. Kean. I have seen
his . wife into the Inunilsenf a celebrated actor, if it was not an Alderman and Mrs. Cox there repeatedly. Once or twice Mrs.
act of collusion, it was an act of greater folly than he should Cox came there alone. The Alderman came once alone, and I
ever have thought arty Alderman of London to be guilty of asked him if any one else were coming, when he said yes, that Mrs.
but, although lie had made allusion to Aldermen, lie did not Cox would come, as she was then with Mr. Kean. She after-
mean to say that they were distinguished for any peculiar folly wards came by a passage under the stage. This was one of the
from other men ; yet he remembered to have read somewhere, nights when Mr. Kean and Mr. Young played together.
that, in the reign of Charles 11., it having been reported that Miss Anne Wickstead was called by Mr. SCAILLETT, and_
London was going to be fortified with horns, a wit remarked, after a delay of some minutes, she appeared.
that he supposed the Aldermen were going then to lay their Examined by Mr. SCARLETT.—I am the niece of Mr. Alder-
heads together. Much had been said about Mr. Cox being the man Cox, and have lived with him for some time. lam now 28
friend and patron of Mr. Kean, and of his introducing him into years of age. I remember a journey which weall took some years
notice, and being, as it were, the first mover of his future fame; ago, and also Mrs. Cox fainting at the theatre. Mr. Kean play_
all this was erroneous ; he would tell the Jury when it was eel that night : that may be ten years ago. We were in the stage-
their intimacy commenced ; that it was not when Mr. Kean was box. Mrs. Cox was take out, and conveyed to Mr. Kean's
performing at an obscure country town, in the company of strols dressing-room. As soon as she recovered she went home. My
ling players, but at a time when his name had attained the uncle called upon him next day to thank him ; he also invited
zenith, and was known to the world as• a consumate tragedian, a him ; before that time there was no acquaintance between them;
scholar, and one fitted to adorn the highest walks of life. The after that, however, they became intimate, and the families
first time the defendant ever KaW eine Cox was at the theatre at visited for about three years after. I don't know the cause of
Taunton. A lady had fainted during the performance of Othello, its discontinuance. I don't recollect that Mrs. Kean said
and Mr. Kean being on the stage,used everyexertion tbr her reco- she would discontinue her visits to us. My uncle after that
very,and on the next day the plaintiff waited en Mr. Kean to thank did not visit Mrs. Kean, nor Mrs. Kean at my uncle's.
him for his attentions on the preceding evening. An inter- My aunt began to frequent the play-house when she lived
course now commenced, and Mrs. Cox went almost nightly to in Little Britain. We very often went to Mr. Kean's box,
the play, and was seated in Mr. Kean's box. She was also and also to his dressing-room. My uncle only went once
repeatedly in his dressing-room; this was repeated almost alone. After we went to Wellington-place, we used Mr. K.'s
nightly. Highly as Mr. Kean stood as an actor, he could box. Mrs. Kean did not then visit at our house. I never remem-
not still be insensible to the applause and admiration of a ber to have received a letter from Mr. Kean, containing money;
lady. Time strengthened the attachment, and neither Mr. nor if I did, that it was for the use of my aunt. When Mr.
nor Mrs. Cox could live without the defendant ; he slept in Kean was going to America, I believe he paid Mrs. Cox's
their house whenever lie thought proper, and Mrs. Kean had expences for her journey to see him off. We went before that
told them that the intimacy which had so commenced must to Hampton Court, where we stopped some time. We went
and would end in wrong. Night after night Mr. Kean to Bermingham about two years ago, to join Mr. Kean. My
was at the house of plaintiff, and he must have seen that uncle was with us; we were absent for a fortnight. I knew
the period would arrive which did, at last, unfortunately come. that my colleen went in search of us, though I did not see him.
He (Mr. Scarlett) would not attempt to apologise for the mos My uncle asked no questions about the journey. I remember
ral wrong of his client, far from it; but looking at the visits, our going to Salisbury about two years ago. We went to
the periods at which they were made, the encouragement Windsor before that, and stopped there some days. Mr. Kean
given by the plaintiff to the defendant; looking at the stimu- joined us there. My uncle and aunt travelled in Mr. Kean's
lents which were so copiously administered, there was not carriage. We remained in the town of Salisbury for a fort-
one man in five thousand, nor perhaps in five millions, night. Mr. Kean paid the expences. The attentions of Mr.
who would have resisted the temptation. The drama was now Kean to my aunt were very remarkable both in and out of
coming to a close, and the letters show that the defendant doors. Mr. Kean has come very late at night to supper,
had not the same wishes or feelings as Mrs. Cox who had when my aunt was in bed; I recollect no occasion on which
resolved to sacrifice family and honour for the gratification of she got up to see him. I was then in bed myself. Mr.
her unhappy passion. The long course of levity—the long Kean has come to our house at all hours—sometimes at three
course of familiarity exhibited by Mrs. Cox towards the defend- or four o'clock in, the morning, and was always admitted.
ant, could not be unseen by the plaintiff; Mrs. Cox offered to On these occasions he slept on the sofa. My uncle after
make every sacrifice for him ; she was willing to leave her breakfast, went out to business and returned in the evening.
home—her friends—to bury herself in solitude with him ; and Mr. Kean remained in the interval. We went to Croydon in
what was he to do ? Every man, at some time or other of his the month of January 1815, but I cannot say whether it was
life, was led by a predominant passion ; in this case love, as before or after we had been at Salisbury. My uncle and Kean
in most others, predominated. Mrs. Kean's warning had no often sat up late together at supper. We reached Croydon by
effect; her jealousies were of no avail ; and the refusal on her day-light in the morning; Kean played that night, and my
part to receive the visits of 31raand Mrs. Cox were disregard- aunt and mself went to the theatre; we passed that night at
ed. Still they went to the theatre—to Mr. Kean's box—to his Croydon. I remember the day appointed for Mr. Kean's going
dressing room • and he now asked to what amount of damages to America, but 1 cannot say if he slept at our house on the
was such a plaintiff entitled? He (Mr. Scarlett) would call night before. I know Mr. Kernpts ; he was introduced to us
witnesses to prove that this statement was not overrated, for by a cousin of Mrs. Cox ; at one period my uncle desired lie
he was aware that he could not do so without exposing his should discontinue his visits; this is some dozen years ago;
client to very considerable danger. In the summer of 1820 Mrs. Cox told me something about a servant and that gentle-
, Mrs. Cox went to Birmingham, on a visit to Mr. Kean.— man, and after that time he did not visit us again ; I remem-
Mr. Cox dispatched his son after her, and what measure ber that my uncle was out till 6 o'clock in the morning, a quer-
did the plaintiff pursue afterwards ? What precaution did lie rel with my aunt was the result ; 1 know that letters passed
take ? He took her back to his bed without inquiry. Her con- between Mr. Kempts and my aunt.
duct with Col. Pearson was next the topic of animadversion by
from your own observations I ask you, if, at the time we
the plaintiff; but with that it ended, although the plaintiff's
jealousy was rather sensibly exhibited. During all this time, are speaking of, your uncle did not see what was going for-
the assiduity of the defendant continued unabated; and if he ward, and express his displeasure at it ?—My aunt told me
Ithat nothing improper had
she took her oat
(Mr. Scarlett) could prove, as he was instructed he could, that .
nen pts.
after the discovery of Mr Watmatfa illicit commerce in April,
Djo you know where Mrs. Cox now lives ?-1 don't know.
the Alderman and his wife were seen walking arm in atm to- When did she leave your uncle's house ?—ln April—l be-
gether, and that after this action was brought ! if lie could
have the second week; she went to Dover; she came back,
prove that, he had a most sanguine expectation of a verdict for
and then went to Norfolk. I know a Mr. Pearson, and my
the defendant. Whether the object of the plaintiff was to get
uncle never objected to his visits, neither did lie object to the
money from Mr. Kean, or procure a divorce in consequence of
visits of Mr. Kean. I have seen Miss Tidswell in Mr. Kean's
the adultery of Mr. Watman, he could not say, but this he could
say, that he had brought actions against both. The letters were Is she not an old lady, his aunt ?—Yes.
diseovered in April—tbe box was opened—the wife was gone— dressing-room.
the Alderman was subsequently seen with her, and there went Have you made other visits to Croyden ?—Yes, often. My
uncle has left Wellington-street, and we now live near the Park
off the divorce. If the plaintiff then knew of the conduct of the in Hart-street, Bloomsbury-square. I have heard my uncle
defsndant before that period—no man who had his eyes open
say he would make Mrs. Cox an increased allowance if she
could avoid seeing it; if there were connivance or collu-
would give up the acquaintance of a Mr. Watmen.
sion on his part in any way—then away would this action go
like the other. If this were the case, what damages could the Cross-examined by Mr. Common. SERGEANT-111r. Wat-
plaintiff be entitled to ? Would any Gentleman of the Jury man visited our house, on the ground of paying his addresses
like that his wife should act as Mrs. Cox had done ? or would to me. I remember my uncle's marriage, and I never saw a
they think themselves entitled to large verdicts if their conduct more affectionate couple. I gave no hint to my uncle, because
had been like that of the plaintiff? He (Mr. Scarlett) could I thought he was so very fond of Mrs. Cox. I don't think he
not help saying that a very strong presumption of collusion had the least suspicion of what was going forward with Mr.
existed in his mind. Now, a word or two with respect to Mr. Kean.
%%Tatman. That gentleman visited the house of the plaintiff Re-examined—lf your uncle saw a man in her room, could
under the plea of courting Miss Wickstead; but, as the event she make him believe it meant nothing ?—I don't know.
proved, he was indulging in an illicit intercourse with Mrs. Was your aunt very artful ?—lt appears now that she was.
h Cox. They had the evidence of the servant woman as to the James Parker examined by Mr. 8a01:G1i.4.11.—1 have lived

as servant with Mr. Cox tor eleven years. li do not recollect
having any disturbance about a lap-dog.
Cross-examined—During all the time I lived with Mr. Cc%
he and his wife lived very happily, as far as I could see. Upon
making the discovery of the letters my master went away, and
I went with him. My master said that he could scarcely be-
lieve such a thing. lam sure he knew nothing at all about it.
Re-examined—l knew Mr. Watman. I brought letters to
him from Mrs. Cox. I told my master, and I got one letter
for him. After this my mistress remained in the house, and
master went away, and remained away till Mrs. Cox left the
house. There was nothing about Mr. Kean before that letter.

Daniel Hendley, a door-lieeper at Drury-lane, has often seen
Mr. and Mrs. Cox. He saw them walk together in the month
of June last. I gave her the wall in passing. This was be-
tween 11 and 12 o'clock in the day. •
Cross-examined-1 live in •Hungerford-market. I saw Mr.
abd.lllrs. Cox walk.together in the open day, before all the,
world—any one could have seen them. I cannot tell her com-
plexion, as she had a veil on. I have often seen her at the,
Theatre.

James Parker (a man of colour) was recalled, to state the l
size of Mrs. Cox; and he said she was a good size, about as
tall as himself.—( Laughter throughout the Court.)
Mr. COMMON SERGEANT, in reply, first begged leave to.
observe, that nonian living could believe the story last told by
the box-keeper' nor was any thing offered in evidence to weaken
the case he had stated to the Jury. From the first to the lasts
the conduct of Air. Cox WAS what that of any man of honoer
would be. The discovery of Mr. Watman's affair threw lbeht
upon the whole subject, and the inquiry led to the painful dis-
closures of this day. Mr. Cox had acted the part of a humans
man as well as a man of sense. Upon finding his dishonour, he
left his house ' • his wife remained there for a week, and then
was settled in Norfolk-street, where.she now resided. A great
deal was said about collusion, but where was it proved ? Ile un-
dertook to say, no where. Mr. Cox was not altogether hiden.-
less, for if he had been active and diligent, this injury might rit
have taken place. The letters from Exeter were evidently -rs'
production of the defendant, however addressed. This Ilene,:
lover, this sentimental actor, had, forsooth, been delicate, era
he had not shown her letters. And why, because he wished
the inference to be the stronger against her. No letters, in fact,
could be as bad as the calling evidence out of the bosom of the
plaintiff's family. Mr. Cox here threw down the gauntlet--
he challenged inquiry—and he was met by testimony from hie
own relations. This was the manly delicacy, as Mr. Scarlet
called it, of Mr. Kean. Mrs. Cox was an artful woman, and
no doubt succeeded in practising on the feeling and good nature
of her husband. Kean's letter to Mr. Cox might be considered
a denial of guilt; but Mr. Kean was the last man who should
have held out a friendly hand while he was undermining the
peace, the happiness, and conjugal felicity, of the plaintiff' and
his wife. In fact, this letter, denying his guilt, and declining the
friendship of the too-confiding husband, was only written
with a view again to share the bed of Mrs. Cox. Too gene-
rous, indeed, to produce her letters ! Yes, butat thesame time
Mr. Kean was attempting by every means to blacken her:
character, and add a deeper dishonour to the plaintiff: The,
Jury had heard of the affair of the closet and Sir B. Kenimis
now he (Mr. Denman) would be very glad to know who gave
the attorney for Mr. Kean that fact ? To be sure, Mrs. Cox.
She knows the story of the dug and the maid servant. Mrs.
Cox, no doubt, gave all the information, which it was impose.
sible to obtain from any other quarter. Upon that occasion.
Airs. Cox swore to. her husband, that she was guiltless, though
suspected, and he again took her to his arms. The moment'
the slightest suspicion was excited, the plaintiff spoke to hie
wife, and her visits in the suspected quarter were instantlj
discontinued; and exactly so would it have been in the
case, if the plaintiff knew what was going forward. Veil
often, however, as the Jury must know, the power of the.
wife was greatest when she was disabusing her husband of hies
suspicions as to her fidelity. When the protestations of the,
wife were backed up by the defendant's letter of the 6th of
January, it was impossible for him not to be again reconcile&
to her. The Jury were next told the story of Newman, the
dresser of Mr. Kean; and certainly he (Mr. Denman) must
admit the imprudence of the plaintiff in taking his wife to such,
a place, or, indeed, in allowing her so often to frequent the
theatre ; but, nevertheless, was Mr. Kean to have a licence to.
make free with every man's wife who went to see him at the
theatre ? Certainly not, distinguished as he was by a geniues
which, well directed, would make him an ornament of Illk
profession even in the present age. Upon comparing the.
dates of the letters, the correspondence would be found to hail
existed, at all events, since the year 1820 ; and, for at least
well
years Mr. Kean had had the full possession of the mind as well
as the person of Mrs. Cox ; for as to Mr. `Tatman, he had
only followed the breach which Mr. Kean had made. Whl
then should that young man have been selected for punish'
meat? He had found her mind and habits already vitiated*
and it could not be the least poignant aggravation of Mr Kean''
conduct, that while so seducing her he must know it would end
in his throwing her upon the world. He, as a married man,
should have felt for that—he should have considered that lie
found these persons happy, and that he left them ruined. Thd
player should have no peculiar privilege, because lie was 0,
much before the world, or because his genius had obtains('
him•so many admirers. In fact, there were reasons why he,
should have been more cautious. He should have thought Of
the conduct of those great and irreproachable men, who shed
a lustre on the profession, and the age in which they lived'.
He should have imitated a Garrick and a Kemble, who never'
'betrayed the confidence reposed in them ; or of some of this,.
living ornaments of the stage, who were incapable of having
that imputed to them, which he was grieved to impute le
Mr. Kean. He (Mr. Denman) greatly admired the talent,
of Mr. Kean, and lie repeated, that he looked with the med.
sincere grief at what were likely to be the results of this
day. Mr. Kean, however, had chosen for himself, and
unwisely, as well as inhumanly, chosen to expose his oiel,
family, and that of others, to harrowing misery and suffer''
ing by his misconduct. The plaintiff did not ask for damage,
in his situation as a Magistrate, but for his suffering as an inciv
vidual. His happiness was broken, and that of his unhappy
wife lost for ever. For such injuries he expected damage!"
Miss Wickstead, and the servants, proved the state of happy
ness in which they had lived, before Mr. Kean had visited d
their house, and he (Mr. Denman) called upon the jury to die'.
charge their duty, and hold out an example to the country Ib9.
so doing. With respect to the money alluded to, the fact Was
that Mr. Kean paid the travelling expences of Mrs. Coi
she went to visit him. No wrong inference should be drawn
from that, and it would be• worse than idle to infer any thing
like collusion from the fact of borrowing and immediately re'
paying a few pounds. There was no proof of any warning
having been given by Mrs. Kean, beyond the, ere gossic,
amongst the servants. With' respect again to the ignorance 0!
the plaintiff, as to' the dishonour which ,was almost daily pray
rising upon him, there was the letter of defendant himself,
than which nothing could be stronger. That there was gre.,se
negligence-on the part of the plaintiff, he (Mr. Denman) would
not deny; but not such negligence as to justify the slighted
inference of any collusion. The plaintiff did not seek for monelt
but to vindicate his character ; he did not call for large tia'
mages, but for such an award as was due to friendship violated
—to abused confidence, and the total loss of an object of long
and fond affection.
The Loan CHIEF JUSTICE recapitulated the leadingpoinle
of the evidence to Jury, and left it to them to say, if
criminal intercourse had been proved ; for if it had, and no
blame was imputable to the plaintiff, then he was entitled
to their verdict. They would next have to consider wheta
had been proved in the defence, and ascertain if the proof
of carelessness amounted to what was stated as connivance*.
—lf there were connivance on the part of the plaintiff, he
could not be entitled to a verdict, for, if a man look quietlf
on at his own dishonour, he cannot come into a Court of JOY
tice and look for a reparation in damages. Besides the charge
of,connivance, it was urged for the defence, that the negligeOcl
of the plaintiff' was gross in the extreme, even after he ha!
quite enough to excite the surprise of any reasonable mat"'
Negligence was not denied on the part of the plaintiff;
it was insisted that it was not a guilty negligence, and 0..
that, as going to reduce the damages, the Jury were the
best judges. Another point was raked for the defences
namely, that the plaintiff was seen walking with his wife 11/
the month of June last, and that was also offered with a view le
reduce the damages. But it appeared to hint that the witnetie
might have been mistaken ; for certainly the letter of the de,
fendant, dated the Pith January, taken together with the whole
of the conduct of the plaintiff, negative any such conduct on
his part. However, the Jury had heard the evidence on boll
sides ; they had also heard the statement of Counsel ; and I
they believed there was no connivance on the part of the
tiff, and that a criminal intercourse were established, the plain'
tiff would be entitled to their verdict ; and they would, 13°
doubt, award such moderate damages as would satisfy the
justice of the case.
The Jury consulted for about twenty minutes, and returnal
with a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages EIGUT HUNDUSI:I
•POTINDS.
The Court did not rise until half-past 6 o'clock evening.

HORRID MunnEn.—News reached Windsor or
Saturday of a murder committed by a farmer, 01
the name of Shepperd, residing between Draytot
and Uxbridge, who, it is said, murdered his fici
children, the eldest, a daughter, 18 years of age
and the youngest 18 months ; after which he pit
an end to his own existence by cutting his throat
He was a widower.—(Times.)