The Sun.
London, England, 1847-07-14 00:00:00

JULY 14, 1847.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.
HOME ClRCUlT—Chelmsford, July 13.
CROWN SlDE.—(Before Mr. Baron PARKE.)
Emma Elizabeth Hume, 24, a pretty young woman,
was indicted for feloniously attempting to administer to
Thomas Hume, her husband, a large quantity of a cer-
tain deadly poison called sugar of lead, with intent to
kill and murder him.
No counsel was engaged either to prosecute or defend
the prisoner, and Mr. Bosanquet was requested by the
Court to examine the witnesses from the depositions.
It appeared from the evidence of the woman's hus-
band, who was considerably older than herself, and who
nad the appearance of a sickly, ailing man, that he was a
widower at the time he married the prisoner, and had
some grown up children. For some time prior to the
month of April he had been suffering from a liver com-
plaint, and a man . named Merchant, who lived in the
same village with the prosecutor and his wife, and who,
it appeared, had the reputation of being able to cure the
disorder in question, had been prescribing for him, and
had made up for him some boxes of pills. On the 7th of
April the prisoner was obserred by her daughter-in-
law to be mixing up some flour and water to a
thick paste, and she then moulded it into the
form of two large pills, which she placed upon
the oven to dry, and when they were dried she put
them into a box which contained some of the pills that
had been sent by Merchant. At this time her husband
was bedridden, and it appeared that she went to him
and told him it was time for him to take his medicine;
and she then produced the two large pills, and wished
him to take them. From circumstances that had pre.
viously occurred, he had some suspicion of her inten-
tions, and, after observing that the pills were too large
and too strong for him, he refused to take them. The
prisoner pressed him to do so, and told him that " Tom`
Warner" had said that they were just the things for his
complaint; but he persisted in his refusal, and the pri-
soner at length put the pills back Cato the box with the
others. The next day she again pressed him to take
the large pills, but he refused; and it appeared that after
that they were handed over to the police. The prose-
cutor also stated that a short time before this happened
the prisoner had brought him some fried potatoes, but
the moment he had put a portion of them into his mouth
ho discovered such a nauseous taste that he was obliged
atosa she
pitouhtrewuhgahtt
him somehehadta broth, whichuponken;and h
anotheradthe
same
ocemae-
ie
taste, and he refused to drink it. Tom Warner, it
appeared, was a labourer in the village of Tollesbury,
where the prosecutor and his wife resided.

At the conclusion of the examination of the prosecutor
the prisoner asked him why he had put her into the
workhouse when he was well able to keep her?—The
prosecitor said he had not done so.
The prisoner then asked whether he bad not said that
he would leave her at Chelmsford, if he took a false oath
to do it.

He denied ever having made use of such an expression.
Prisoner—Did I not say to you that I would not do
what they wanted me—to poison you?
Prosecutor—l never heard you say so.
Sarah Elizabeth Hume, the prosecutor's daughter,
proved that she saw her mother mix up the large pills,
and place them with the smalt ones in the box, and she
afterwards saw her offer the same pills to her father, and
press him to take them, upon two occasions. She also
stated that upon the occasion when her mother made the
mutton broth, she first put some white powder into a
basin, and mixed it up, and then poured the broth into
it and back into the saucepan, several times. Her fa-
ther refused to drink the broth, and when it was brought
down the prisoner told her to throw it away, and at the
same time directed her to wash the basin and saucepan
quite clean. She said that after her father refused to
take the pills they were placed in the box upon a ledge,
and she afterwards saw the same pills handed to Fox,
the constable.

Mr. Baron P&RRE told the prisoner she was at liberty
to ask the witness any questions she pleased.
The prisoner said it was not true that she asked her
to wash the saucepan, she did it herself.
Fox the constable who took the prisoner into custody,
said that upon his showing her the large pills she at
first denied all knowledge of them, but she afterwards
admitted that she had attempted to administer them to
her husband,,but the said she did not intend to poison
him.
It was then given in evidence that the two large pills
referred to, upon their being analyzed, were found to
contain 26 grains and a half of sugar of lead ; and that
in the state of health of the prosecutor that quantity
would certainly have caused his death if he had taken it.
The prisoner, in her defence, merely denied the
charge. _

Mi. Baron PARSE having summed up, the jury, after
deliberating for a few minutes, returned a verdict of
Guilty.

The Learned JUDGE, addressing the prisoner, said she
had been convicted upon the clearest testimony of the
diabolical crime of attempting to take away the life of
her husband by poison; and there was toil much reason
to fear that she would have succeeded in her attempt if
her previous conduct had not excited suspicion in the
breast of her husband as to her intentions towards him.
He felt it to be his duty, therefore, to pass upon her the
most severe sentence fixed by the law for this offence ;
and he at the same time observed, that he knew of no
other crime so dreadful that was not visited with the
punishment of death. Ho then ordered the prisoner to
be transported for the term of her natural life.
The prisoner heard the address of the Learned Judge
with apparent indifference, and the moment the sentence
was pronounced sprang to the side of the dock, where
her husband was standing, evidently with the intention
of inflicting any injury that might be in her power upon
him. She was immediately seized by two or three turn
keys, with whom she struggled with the most desperate
determination. Finding herself overpowered, she leaned
towards her husband as far as she could, and grinned at
him, and, with a most savage expression of countenance,
muttered imprecations upon him; the poor old man was
trembling in every limb, and apparently almost dead
from fright. The prisoner was at length carried out of
court by the turnkeys.

OXFORD CIRCUIT.—Oxford, July 13.
CROWN COURT.—(Beforo Mr. Justice ERLE and
Common Juries.)

FEATHERSTONEHAUGH AND PUTTER-ILL /7. SHERWOOD

AND CO.

Mr. Whateley and Mr. Selfe appeared for the plain-
tiffs; Mr. Keating and Mr. Pigott for the defendants.
The defendants were contractors for making the new
line of railway from Oxford to Rugby; and the plaintiffs
were employed by them to fence and otherwise prepare
several miles of that line; and the action was brought
to recover a balance of 1131. due for the work so done.
The defence was a set-off to a greater amount, and after
a trial of four hours the set-off was established to the
satisfaction of the jury, who, without hesitation, re-
turned a verdict for the defendants.
FEATHERSTONEHAUGII AND PUTTERILL V. CLARIDGE.
The same counsel agai❑ appeared for the plaintiffs,
and Mr. Keating and Mr. Dowdeswell for the defendant.
This was an action of slander for saying of the
plaintiffs that they had forged the name of a Mr. Purnell
for 901.
The defendant pleaded only " Not guilty."
At the opening of the case the plaintiff's counsel ex-
pressed a readiness to take a verdict for nominal damages
if the defendant would apologise.
Mr. KEATING said that the defendant meant to impute
forgery to the 'plaintiffs, and was ready to make any
apology they might desire,
,if a juror was withdrawn,
and the cause so terminated, each party paying his own
costs.

This answer not being satisfactory, a witness was
called, out of whom nothing could be extracted, and
then a second, who, however, proved that the words
supposed to have been used referred only to Mr.
Featherstonehaugh.
At the suggestion of the Court, Mr. Beating's offer
was acceded to, and the jury discharged.
This was the fourth and last case in this Court, and
was over at half-past one o'clock.

NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—York, July 12.
The assizes at this place commenced to-day, the com-
mission having been opened on Saturday by ➢ir. Justice
Wightman. The other Learned Judge, Sir Frederick
Pollock, did not arrive until last evening.
The cause lists, which arc not yet published, are ex-
pected to be very light. There are 110 prisoners named
in the calendar, 4 of whom are charged with murder, 2
murder and robbery, 3 rape, 1 attempting to shoot, 3
manslaughter, 17 burglary, 3 housebreaking, 9 cutting,
wounding, or stabbing, 5 forgery, 7 uttering forged
documents, 18 robbery with violence, 6 horse-stealing, 3
arson, 1 housebreaking and rape, and 5 concealment of
birth. Three of the persons named are for offences com-
mitted within the city. The authorities of the city have
expressed a desire that these latter may be tried at the
Guildhall, instead of in the county, at the Castle, as is
usual, and the Lord Chief Baron, upon application male
to the Court this morning, intimated that he should com-
ply with the wish.
The Learned Judges began the business of the assizes
at noon to-day, the Lord Chief Baron presiding at
Nisi Prius, and Mr. Justice Wightman in the Crown
Court.

CIVIL SlDE.—(Before the LORD CHIEF BARON.)
GILL V. LUND.
The plaintiff, Mr. Richard Gill, and the defendant, Mr.
William Lund, are both farmers, residing in the neigh-
bourhood of Sheriff Hutton, near York, and this action
was brought to recover the sum of 451., for loss which
the plaintiff alleged he had sustained in consequence
of the defendant's dog having worried a number of his
sheep.
Mr. Martin and Mr. Cowling appeared for the plaintiff;
and Mr. Baines and Mr. Bliss for the defendant.
It appeared from the evidence of several witnesses
that on the 19th of April last, at about five o'clock in
the morning, a black and white dog, shown to be that of
the defendant, was seen along with another, a red dog,
chasing the sheep in question in a, field. It was not
proved to whom the other dog belonged, though it was
supposed to be the property of a person in the same
neighbourhood. The flock consisted of small Cheviot
ewes, with young lambs. Several of the ewes as well as
of the lambs were destroyed by these dogs, and some of
them were drowned. having been driven into a pool of
water; others were very seriously injured. The de-
fendant's dog, which had usually been tied up of nights,
was seen at the defendant's house later in the same day,
lying under a table, iu a " drabbled" state, and lit/.

PRICE SD.

Lund, when spoken to the same morning about th.s
matter, said that it was a bad job, that the dog had not
been tied up that night; that the occurrence, however,
could not then be helped, but he was willing to pay for
any damage that might have been done by his own dog.
A difference subsequently arose as to how much the de-
fendant ought to bear of the loss; and as there had been
two dogs engaged in the attack on the sheep, he con-
sidered that he should not be called on to pay more than
one-half of the damage sustained. Arbitrators were
appointed by the parties, and the arbitrators chosen ap-
pointed an umpire; but the latter, on the question being
left to him, considered the point to be one of difficulty,
owing to the circumstance of there be' another dog
besides that of the defendant, and the f . in proof not
showing what portion of the mischief had been actually
done by the defendant's dog. He thought it more pro-
perly a question to be determined by a lawyer.
There appeared to be no doubt that Mr. Lund had
admitted his liabilities to some extent, and the plain-
tiff's witnesses stated that 451. would be a reasonable
estimate of the amount of damage done to the flock.
One of the defendant's witnesses, however, stated that
about 381. would cover the whole loss, and Mr. Richard
theGa utletym,
otst umpire, said that 301. would be enough, at

Somo discussion took place respecting the defendant's
liability upon that point on which the umpire was is
doubt; but Mr. Martin contended, that while the several
owners of the two dogs could not, in such a case, have
been sued jointly, either of them might be made answer-
able for the whole damage produced by the two dogs
worrying the flock at the same time, although it might
not appear precisely in how far both dogs had partici-
pated in every item of the mischief done.
It was proved, for the defendant, that the sheep of the
neighbourhood had been several times worried upon
other occasions, shortly before the 19th of April, and
since that day. Defendant's dog was 'hanged on the.
night of the 19th.
His LORDSHIP concurred in the view taken by Mr.
Martin, telling the jury that they must be satisfied—
first, that the defeadant's dog was one of those engaged
in doing the mischief; secondly, that the defendant was
aware of the dog's being given to worry sheep; and,
thirdly, that, having such knowledge, he, the defendant,
had neglected such precaution in confining the dog, as
would be needful to restrain him from committing inju-
ries of this kind. It had been shown by one of the wit-
nesses that defendant was once present when the dog
had chased some sheep, and seized one of them.
Verdict for the plaintiff—Damages, 401.

WESTERN ClRCUlT.—Winchester, July 13.
This cirouit commenced yesterday. Mr. Justice
Williams arrived in this city, and having opened the
commission, proceeded to the cathedral and attended
Divine service. There are upwards of forty prisoners
for trial; and from the appearance of the calendar the
offences with which the parties are charged would seem
to be of a very serious character, several- persons having
been committed for cutting and wounding. The cause
list has in it sixteen cases, three of which are to beltried
by special juries. Chief Justice Wilde, accompanied by
his lady, arrived yesterday evening. This morning the
business of the assizes commenced, Chief Justice Wilde
sitting at Nisi Prius at tea o'clock, and Mr. Justice
Williams opening the Crown Court at eleven o'clock.
William Boyd was indicted for having, on the sth of
March, maliciously cut and wounded Thomas Meatyard,
at Alverstoke, with intent to murder him. Other counts
varied the intent.

Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Collier were counsel for the
prosecution.
.. _ .

- From the evidence' it appeared that Meatyard was
chief mate of the York hulk, lying in Portsmouth har-
bour. The prisoner was confined on board the hulk as
a convict, under sentence of transportation. About five
o'clock on the morning of the sth of March the prisoner
came on the spar-deck with his hammock. Meatyard
was walking on the deck. The prisoner threw his ham-
mock carelessly off his shoulder. Meatyard requested
him to move the hammock further back, as some ene
would fall over it. The prisoner hesitated, muttered
something, and then moved the hammock as he had been
desired. In about ten minutes afterwards Meatyard
received a violent blow on the head whick knocked him
down. He endeavoured to get up, and while doing so
he received another blow on the temple, which again
felled him to the ground. He then saw the prisoner
brandishing a weapon in his hand. Meatyard called for
assistance, and one of the guards ran towards the pri-
soner, who threw the weapon at him. He was then
secured. Meatyard's head was very much injured. Ho
was confined to his bed for some time, and he had not
yet recovered. The weapon was prduced. It was a
short stick, with something tied round the end of it
with a cloth, which weighed more than a pound. Upon
this cloth being undone, it turned out that a chain was
bound round the stick, which enclosed a large iron nail,
forming a most dangerous instrument.
The jury found the prisoner Guilty, with intent to do
grievous hodjly harm.

Sentence deferred.
NISI PRIUS COURT.
Chief Justice Wilde has been engaged the whole of
the day in trying a case in which the question has been,
whether certain railway surveys were properly done,
and whether the sum charged was excessive.

INVERNESS WOOL FAIR.
(From the Inverness Courier.)
On Friday about one hundred and twenty dined in the
large hall of the Caledonian Hotel. James Matheson,
Esq., of Achany, presided ' • and on his right and left
were Mr. Gunn, Rhives ; Mr. Sinclair, of Forss ; Mr.
John Mackenzie, banker, &c. Alexarder Matheson,
Esq., of Ardross, was also present. As usual, the ordi-
nary was attended by all the principal buyers and sellers
who attended the market. After a good dinner, and the
cloth having been removed,
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the first toast, said, it
had fallen to his lot, very unexpectedly, to have the
honour to propose the toasts of the evening. There
was nothing for which he was more unprepared;
because, as they were all aware, dinner had commenced
before he was honoured with the request. There was
no chairman; and, as it was not in the nature
of a highlander to shrink in the hour of need,
he had accepted the honour; and he craved the
indulgence of the meeting, and their generosity in over-
looking his deficiencies.—(Applause.) The first toast
was " the Queen"—the most fortunate woman in the
world—as a woman, a wife, and a mother; and as a
Queen, in presiding over the freest and most powerful
nation in the world. To Highlandmen, for the two
visits she had made to their country, she was especially
dear; and now they were fora third time to be so highly
honoured.—(Much applause.)
The CHAIRMAN then successively gave the " Queen
Dowager"—who is about to leave the country for a
warmer climate; " His Royal Highness Prince Albert,
the Duke of Rothesay, and the other members of the
Royal Family ;" " The Army and Navy ; ' and " The
Duke of Wellington."
The CHAIRMAN said,—They had now arrived at the
toasts more nearly connected with the business of the
meeting—toasts in which they were more personally
interested, although he felt persuaded they would not be
received more cordially. They could never appreciate
too highly the benefits arising to the country, and to
individuals, from strangers coming among them to
purchase the commodities which were brought to
the market. He was sure all would join heartily
with him, when he proposed " Mr. Lockwood and
the Wool-buyers." They were distinguished for
liberality in their dealings, and they were desirous of
promoting the improvement of the growth of wool in
this country. He remembered when the produce of
wool in this country was much smaller than it is now;
and they were indebted to the enterprise and public
spirit of gentlemen from the south for the increase of
quantity, and the comparative perfection now arrived at
in the production of wool of superior quality. It was
only by encouraging the resort of those gentlemen among
them that they could hope for still farther improve-
moot of thin brorirl, of ,Erpiooltnro, an important in this
country.—(Applause.)
Mr. REED, Gordoubush, returned thanks for Mr.
Lockwood, who had just gone out.
Mr. JOHN MACKENZIE, banker, said—lt was due to
the respectability of the market that the landed pro-
prietors of the north should attend it, not merely as
taking an interest in it ; but that they should come
to welcome the gentlemen who came from the south
tt oh a
ta
rn.d
Miat
t. h e s Io
ut
owfa
As
cfortunate for t
te thisnded bad attended
done bad he been
:
mar-
ket. He was one of the largest landed proprietors.
deeds in
proprietors.
He would not dwell upon his
his presence, whatever he might have
man
had made a
absent ; but he would say, that n
better use of his wealth.—(Applause.)
He had done
none had
Ht
them-
selveslp e
much
to
more encourage
generousindustry o
n;
eavnold- ent. ese an exam
"The -ea t of e airman.
bl
ndtoedgipveroprietorsh ofl
hthe notrhth. bbegged,ttheertehfeorela,
una e t o return
• sufficient manner for the very handsome
(Ti
\hirre.e
i\ timest td and
foonses
ed more.)
himself
thanks in a
reception to the proposal made by his worthy friend on
the left. lie could not but feel undeserving of the kind-
ness they had manifested towards him ; but as tar as
good.
will was concerned, he would yield to none.—
(Applause.) lie only regretted
st
absence
essi
se Pnwotla‘w, or was not
morewas t
wool
oea
epfilarbs
fair
ea
ir of;
time
bhuet carryinghhadiss
sai st
h ote hes
ce a
si Inver-
nessoTnhedi
not by a want of interest, but by pressing engage.
ments elsewhere. lie was born and had spent his child-
tmhaerkmeot,unatnadinsit fwroams
wNistrhhennuceotrhdeinbaersyt wfeel-
oolchoomodesamt o tnhge
ing of happiness that he now found himself among those
present, lending his humble aid, and giving his encou-
ragement to that branch of agriculture with which in his
earliest years he was connected. He could only wish
that his latest years might be spent amongst them. He
thanked them for the honour done him.—
(Applause.)
The CHAIRMAN proposed, " Mr. Pagan and the buyers
of sheep."—(Cheers.)
Mr. PAGAN replied he had been in the ha
bit for years
past of giving the sellers advice. This
were year himself.
not do so for he did not know what to do
. he would
who came from
!con could accuse the people
Things certainly in a queer state. No per.
the south to themd
to give givingvea fair price
and to get a fair return, thoughg they could not
tbeat bad
prices; they always liked
always get that.—(Laughter.) Lie recollected coming