The Sun.
London, England, 1840-06-23 00:00:00

DEFENCE OF COURVOISIER,

It having been reported that during the course of the
speech for the defence, on Saturday, Mr. C. Phillips
had stated his belief that Courvoisier was innce-mt, we
can distinctly state that such was not the fact. We were
present the whole time, and from first to last Mr. C.
Philips never made use of any expression. which would
bear such a construction.

CONDUCT OF COURVOISIER SINCE HIS

CONVICTION.

On being taken to the condemned cell on Saturday
night, after the Jury had delivered their verctlet, the con.
vict appeared sullen and reserved, and endeavoured to
choke himself by cramming a towel down his throat, but
his object was frustrated by th,t vigilance L, f the officer in
whose charge he remained.

Before Courvoisier's conviction a French clergyman
visited him, and administered to his spiritual comfort, but
since then the culprit has directed that his visits shou:d be
discontinued, alleging that he has made up his mind, and
is quite prepared to die.
Yesterday it was understood he made a full confession
of tie atrocious crime, of which he has been found guilty,
to the Governor of Newgatc, and the statement has been
reduced to writing and signed by the prisoner, but the
authorities otject at present to its publication. In addi-
tion to what luis alrealy appeared the prisoner said he was
dressed when he committed the deed ; that he turned up
the sleeves of his coat before using the knife, and that all
the movement which Lord William Russell made, upon
the fatal wound being inflicted, was a slight trembling of
the right hand. He laid; a napkin over the wound and
then went down into the kitchen and cleaned the knife as
has been stated. He did not return to see if his Lordship
was dead, but went up stairs, and having taken off his coat
threw himself upon his bed.
In the course of yesterday and Sunday the criminal
repeatedly expressed a wish that his fellow-servants might
be exculpated from the slightest blame; and be declares
that the whole of their statements against him were
founded in truth.

There is one remarkable fact connected with the trial
of the prisOner ; and, if the mistake had not been cor-
rected, in all probability the ends of justice would have
been defeated. The Lord Chief Justice, it appears, fixed.
Wednesday as the day on which the prisoner was to be
tried ; but his Lordship afterwards found that that was
the last day of term, and, in consequence of the Judges
being unable to attend, the trial was postponed until
Thursday. Now, if this had not been the case, as one of
the authorities observed to the reporter, the additional
evidence of Madame Piolaine would not have been in time.
The criminal has a father and mother living in Switzer-
land, and he has also a bister residing in Paris. No com-
munications have, it is said, passed between them since
his confinement in Nessgate ; but, subsequent to his con-
viction, he has expressed a strong desire to see his uncle.
who is in the service of Sir George Beaumont.
Monday, the 6th of next month, is fixed fer the execution
of Courvoisier ; and upon the same day the next sitting
of the Criminal Court will commence.

CATHOLIC LOYALTY. ALTON T0WER.5.......
The beautiful chapel attached to this noble mansinri, and
which has been lately so splendidly ornamented with e superb
and costly Gothic screen, designed by Mr. Pugin..presented
on Sunday last, the "
Ist inst., a scene, which could it be ade-
quately described, would convey to the heart of cr4r youthful
and beloved Queen the most cheering and solacing proof, that
families of the nobility in he? empire. No
most ,illustrious
priest concluded 'the solemn High
her memory is fondly and devotedly cherished Irf one of the
magnificent organ burst fort}, into a soul thril-
Mass, than the ‘
full-toned strain, and the choir, as if inspired by the inter-
lisngnoeasion, with redoubled ardour cliaunteci to the God of
sooner had the officiating
Nations,fe.orti hgis
the King of kings, a grand Te Deem of thanksgiving
merciful preservation of our revered Queen and her
Royal Consort from the late murderous attempt of the infatu-
ated Oxford. The Earl and Countess and whole family joined
heart and soul with the whole congregation in rendering this
just tribute of gratitude to the Almighty and of veneration and
loyalty to their Sovereign. The Right Rev. ".Dr. Walsh,
oitot
Bishop of the Midland district, has by a circular addressed to
Loyaltyh e Queen
of and
all his clergy, required them to make the same solemn demonst
tt
ii
ioe nation the
an
ofjoy tthro egmhsou.tpb
theul
iem
tdiocese,testimonial
ot
nh
ivasl gvfiti thge
tholcs. Vivan t
Recnna!
GROUSE —We are informed by a sprmina cor-
respondent, that a considerable number of ad birds, have died this
season during the last two weeks of April and Vie first week of
May, either from tape-worm or some thins(' caused by the
great drought, as it was remarked that the malady ceased when
the rains commenced. We cannot at present say if this com-
plaint has been general, but it has been particularly noticed as
uncommon by the shepherds in the Highlands of Selkirk and
Peebles-shire, and in some districts of Perthaire.— Caledonia*
Mercury. _ . _

The Londonderry Tories have sent
a requisition
to Sir James John Hamilton to come forward as their candi-
date. Captain Hamilton, brother-in-law of Lord Abercorn,
was solicited, but prudently declined.