The Sun.
London, England, 1841-12-01 00:00:00

Nathaniel Aleiander, Esq., examined—l reside at
Clapham Common. I was formerly engaged as a mete I
chant in Calcutta, and was present at the marriage of
the plaintiff, which took place in May, 1828. I was on
terms of intimacy with Captain Sewell cad his wife. He
appeared to he, extremely kind, and devotedly fond of
her. They hid. two Sons and two daughters. Mrs.
Sewell" is 'a da'aightet of Colonel Hay: In the beginning
of February, 1841, I was consulted regardiii some let-
ters that had been addressed to the plaintiff regarding
the conduct of his wife. 'I then, in company, consulted a
barrister' a mutual friend, on the subject, and it was de-
termined to take immediate steps to ascertain the truth
of the rumours.
Colonel James Young, of 28, Albion-street, Hyde-
park, examined—l left India in January 1840, and ar-
rived in England in June following. I had been on
terms of intimacy with plaintiff and his wife in India.
At the rimiest of Captain Sewell, I called on Mrs.
Sewell, and invited her'. to visit myself and daughter.
She promised to do so, bat did not. I know that the
plaintiff's income was about 1,2001. per year. I consider
the allowance of 9001. per year to his wife was more than
be could well afford. I remember the defendant corning
to India, and I have witnessed the plaintiff's exceeding
kindness to him when he met with the accident.
Dr. James Ronald Martin, of 17, Dower Grosvenor-
street, examined—l attended Captain Sewell's family in
India; and was on terms of intimacy with them. In
1838, Mrs. Sewell tient up the country, and caught the
fever. I then considered her removal to this country
absolutely necessary ; and Captain Sewell, acting upon
my adVice, sent her with her two daughters to England.
Thee. Kerr, of Oxtord-terace, examined—Mrs. Sewell
came to my house on the sth of November, 1838, but
only remained there until the 26th of the same month
She removed to Blandford street, and denied me the op-
portunity of seeing her children. I have often observed
that the window blinds were always down. I afterwards
visited the children by the plaintiff's order. The letters
produced are in Mrs. Sewell's handwriting. (Two let-
ters were here headed in.)
Mr. James' Clark, of the firm of Messrs. Denny,
Clark, and Co., East India merchants, Austin-friars,
proved the annual payment of 900/. to Mrs. Sewell.
Ann Woodhain examined.—My husband is clerk to a
house agent, and I reside in Boston-place, Dorset-square.
During the latter part of 1839, I was in Mrs. Sewell's
service. Defendant was a constant visitor there. lle
had two dinners daily, one at one o'clock, and the other
at six o'clock. He used to come frequently to the six
o'clock dinner, and remain as late as twelve, one, two,
and three o'clock. The children used to be put to bed
at seven o'clock. W hen the defendant was with Mrs.
Sewell, she used to tell me to deny her to other visitors.
They frequently went to the theatre together, and I have
seen them both very intoxicated. This witness was pro-
ceeding to prove the adulterous intercourse, when
The Learned UNDER-SHERIFF said it was unneces-
sary, as the defendant had admitted his guilt, by suffer-
ing judgment to go by default.
Examination resumed—The blinds of the house were
studiously kept down. Sometimes the defendant and
Mrs. Sewell quarrelled, and the latter was in the habit
of repeatedly sending the former money. On one occa-
sion I knew she sent him x 101. note.
Elizabeth Keene and other witnesses proved that the
defendant and Mrs: Sewell had frequently slept together,
and the following letters were then read

" August 14, 1840.
"MY DEAREST Tom—l have received your letter,
dated June 8, via the Persian Gulf, and shall at once
commence on money matters. I know not why, my
dearest, you do not send me the 250/. I want. I would
not dream of asking it, if it was not actually necessary.
I You must recollect that have never been enabled to
commence my year free, and have been obliged always to
break into my quarter to pay old bills. This leaves me
in debt and misery. I drew two or three days ago my
allowance, 225/. ; 461.115. I. paid Miss Berry ; 21/. odd to
Miss Black ; I have to pay the boys' tailor's bill, not
less than 131. I bought them new hats, shoes,
gloves, and fresh collars to their shirts, in
short, I may say, almost a new refit. The
difference in the house bills would astonish you, for
they are all hearty eaters, and you cannot stint them,
pour things ; I can honestly affirm that the money
goes in household expences, and on them. For myself I
do-not suppose I eat two ounces during the day, neves,
like Rebecca, feeling hungry ; and as for my dress,
though genteel and lady-like, itis most plain, as! think it
a sin buying costly things to lie in the drawer. I never
go out, and if I was asked to a ball, would be obliged to
get a dress for the occasion, so do not think that on
myself it is spent, though, my dear old man, there was
a time that if it had been you would hate gloried in it.
You have no idea how dear everything is in the eating.
way ; children must eat, so must servants, and though
mine, I must do them the justice to say, are steady and
ecomenical, still they must be fed. Washing is enor-
mous ; I have tried a dozen and they cannot do it on
my terms. I tried by the piece, I tried by the dozen, all
brought in the same bill. You may think 900/. a large
sum, but Tom, you know not England ; for myself I
never wish to hate anything to do with money, it frets
me to death, and I am sure my health is not improved
by it. I have been very far
.from well ; I have had a
return of my nervous fit and palpitation at the heart—it
is mind I am sure is the cause, fur I fret to death about
this quarter. I leave in November next, and the sums I
shall have to pay for the breakage of furniture and
crockery ware, those nasty servants did almost drive me
mad. Oh Toni could yon but see my sleepless nights
you would, if you have not lost all love, send me the
money on receipt of this, it will be just in time to spare
me much anxiety on leaving this house, and make me
clear ere I ester another. Do not. send it to Denny—
they seize hold of every thing for themselves. In one
of your former letters you mentioned having remitted
40N. I wrote to them about it, and they said it was to
repay themselves for my allowance—always, my old man,
see about tliis yourself, trust not to others—and now I shall
say no more abOut money, knowing your love for your
old woman will not let her pine in want—but send the
money immediately on receipt of thiS, it will just be in
time, and you shall have fond fond kisses in return when
I see you. And now for our boys. I took thgn to
school last Tuesday, and, with a sad sad heart, Ayou
may imagine, even now I have not recovered my spirits.
I miss their merry faces and laugh. The house just
seems as if there was a death in it, all so still. They
were very loth to go, for they had been so happy at 1
home they said. I took them once to Astley's, and
three times to the play, for Mr. Farmer, one of these '

times, got a private box lent to him, and kindly gave
it to us. I also took them to Greenwich, and showed
them the Chapel and the Picture Gallery. They really
were happy, for Henry loves any water trip. They
also went to Gravesend one day, and you should have
seen dear Henry. His eyes were nearly starting out
of his head with delight at the shipping. I never saw
a child• so happy, and just a sight of the salt water did
us all good. Henry forgot his pencil, but on his re-
turn home drew one or two of the ships. He is very
fond and has an eye for shipping, though he says he
will be like papa, a soldier. Willy says he will be a
sailor, because he intends to do nothing but fish and get
whales and sharks. Yet, my dear Tom, you must sup-
pose that we did nothing but skylarking, as the boys
call it, duringthe holidays; fur owing to Mr: Farmer's
great kindnes's,.and interest fOr' them, he used to call or
an evening %Wuxi disengaged, and hear them their les-
Henry's ' improvement in Latin; French; and

sons.

former,
. , -----
_ .
arithmetic was astonishing---the f owing, I sup
pose to his • being. taught by a lady was awfully pro
nounced, but was easily, as I suspect, rectified. French
he has a taste for, and soon caught up the true accent.
His sums would have gladdened you. - IVhen he came
liwne, he was in simple addition, and during the holi-
days went through division, subtraction, multiplication,
and got into compound division, that is summing, up of
pounds, shillings, and pence. Willy, too, gets on fa-
mously. He read sadly, but Mr. F. seeing this turn,
made him a present of a little book called the " Adven-
tures 'of a Donkey," and .‘ Essop's Fables." This was
nuts to Willy ; any thing in the beast and bird way
is his delight, and instead of being listless and
indifferent, it used to be, Oh ! Mr. Farmer, do
bear me first, I have such a funny story about •
so and so, and the fits of laughter I used to and
gape, &c., but was too thankful for the advantage to
say one word ; he is still in town and at his de'Sk. Entre
nous, I am a little surprised at his continuire, so long
at it, as I "ou 1 d imagine it was not in his line, but the
gentleman who put him in is trying for the direction,
and should he ' succeed. will take Mr. Farmer by the
hand. I have, no doubt, his niece is to be married this
month, and after a trip on the Continent will reside in
London ; th's will be a comfort for him. I read your
and helgsln_eto isi:3;till°l. a‘tvlilulimwerLtehetir)
critique to him,
you by the next overland—:Maggie
g_unti the Ist of se
I shall give notice this this qua.rinte
.. September, two
rheallathin,
school not comtnencie
months' holiday`;
more and more dissatisfied ; shelexion ellecraYrinell
;she
getting plump, and her e.
has fine black eyes, goor forehead, and wilnlieh'.:l,4%): ;
teeth ; her nose is still pretty,
theshe has beautiful hair
colour at Present very
over thick, but very fine,
pretty, but I am afraid it will get darker, Which will
spoil it; she will he a showy girl with a pretty figure,
'.
though short. Your pet Ou.sse3r s
Gasses, a little Hercules in
body, and a Bonaparte in mind; eis a fine fearless
spirited child and ought to have been ahoy—Very quick,
but very naughty, for I cannot get
her to learn her
letters ; she has a slate, and writes in her own fashion
letters to you every day. Her love for me is great, and
I shall have sad work when she goes to school, but she
is too young yet, and I cannot part with her. I saw dear
Dr. Martin the other day, he was delighted to see us ,
struck me as looking old—he said he thought me muchn .
improved, but still advised my staying in Engla. nd; m)
health is not quite what I wish it, though looking well.
I am now at a stand still, not getting thinner or stouter.
I require constant change of air to rouse my constitution,
for when it becomes accustomed to the same air it loses

its activity.. :London I do not think agrees with me, it is
not bracinr, enough, and I sigh for green fields. I shall
try and procure a small cottage a little way from town,
but not far from the boys, it bill be cheaper and more
healthy. I thank (lod, my dear old man, you keep your
health—spirits yOu never fail in. I was indeed sorry to
hear Rebecca had been ill, she orTht not to over exert
herself, and a three-storied house is no joke. Tell her
with my kind love that if she ever wishes to see me she
must promise immediately on hearing I have sailed a
Captain Trelawney's chair, and two sturdy bearers to
hoist me np, or I shall break a blood vessel in mounting.,
I shall not be sorry to see her pale face again. Tell
her she and I will often have a chat when you young
folks are gadding about. You will never get me to balls
and parties--only a play, remember. I ant going down
hill, and. time tells more on woman than on man. You must
not believe what that naughty Dutton says ; we took a
mutual fancy for each other,' and therefore she sees me
all couleur du rose. I have no mock modesty about me,
but I tell you candidly I am not likely to eclipse any
married woman or spinster, though I do not think I shall
be the worst looking. Do not forget to remember me to
her. You say in your letter you are sorry to have cut
the Kerrs. Why, dear Torn, you must have changed
your mind, for every letter almost is teeming with wishes ,

for me to keep the boys from beyond her baneful influ-
ence, which I truly found it to be. I came to this con-
clusiim of cutting from mature deliberation, and not on
impulse. I assure you had I told you half, you would
alter your opinion. All I can eay is this, I should.
never interfere with your visiting eftr branch of my fa-
mily that you please, though I solemnly declare I Will
never speak or visit to the Kerrs again. The Rhodeses
are too insignificant to speak about. Ido not go there,
nor do I wish to put myself to the trouble of seeing her
when she calls, but if I met her in the street should
shake bands and speak. I have had quite enough of
them ; •hate them too dearly. Many, many thanks, my
dear Tom, for the curry paste, tooth-powder, and humps.
Do not send me any more humps, I do not eat them, and
our pets do not care about them. I inclose you a list of
what I want you to send me yearly, alto a commission to
get some muslin dresses worked for me, which put in
hand immediately you get this. The beasts of Custom-
• house officers only left me two white dresses, and you
cannot imagine the comfort and blessing they have been
to me this ht weather. You cannot get handsome worked
dresses for love or money in this country. Have them hand-
somely worked according to my directions, and make your
old Wife look smart. You know when I have a thing I like it
to be good and very handsome- Send for Kinruw; he
will understand my directions. Do this, old pet, imme-
diately on the receipt of this, for I really want them.
Do not forget the China work you have. Send also my
Berhampore silks. Did Captain Hawkins think of my
shawls? They would be a godsend here. Kinrow will
bring you lots of
choose the patteins .. . yourself. I like it best,
and Your taste is good. You cannot fail to understand
my directions. Read them'taKinrow, and say like what
the Mansahib had before. Tell him I shall write you if
badly worked. Do this for me, my own dear husbanil,
and put them in hand as soon as you get this. Do not,
I implore—if you value my brain—forget the money 1
want. Send it immediately, and save my brain, and lei
me for once begin my year free and in bliss. od bless
you, dearest Tom, think of me sometimes. I do not
flirt too much. Recollect I am inclined to be a lectle
jealous. Your dear girl sends many kisses, and if not
overburthened with younger ones, accept as many as
inclination leads you from
" Your affectionate, attached wife,
" Finished Aug. 15, 1840." "M. S. SEWELL."
" Me DEAR TOM—In my last 1 think I mentioned
having with Mr. Sutherland paid Bruce Castle a visit,
I must endeavour, though briefly, as this is the last day,
giving you an idea of what I saw. We went all over
the grounds, which are extensive and prettily laid out.
It is in a retired spot, and I should think very healthy,
and the general appearance of the boys does not contra-
dict this. We also saw the different rooms set apart for
the masters and their classes. There is also a laboratory
and carpenter's shop, in which those whose tastes lie that
way amuse themselves. The system of education Mr. S.
asked much about, and appeared quite pleased. Deft that to
him while I looked over the bed-rooms, which are clean and
well arranged. The only thing that struck me as differ-
ent was order in the dining-room, they were all as-
sembled as we passed. and the style, first come first
served, seemed to prevail. I saw one youth stooping
over his plate, reading a book he had placed before his
mug, at the same time filling his mouth to its utmost
capability ; but this very likely was occasioned by the
absence of one of the Masters, who was with us, and I
have no doubt the boy thought it was no bad plan to
give food for body and mind at the same time. I must
own the gymnastics frightened me with regard to my
poor thin boys ; but they say no accident has happened,
so I must be content. I told Mr. Hill I could not give
a decided answer until I heard from you, and that
Michaelmas would be the earliest period that I could
place him there. I have not at all compromised myself,
and therefore if you have heard of another school that
you prefer you can let me know. I went on Wednesday
to Greenwich. Mr. Sutherland kindly remained at home
to introduce me to Mrs. Cousins. With this school lam
really pleased ; it is situated in the most healthy part
of Greenwich, close to the Park ; the house is most
comfortable, in short, more like a private dwelling
than a school. I saw all the bed-rooms, and Maggie's
bed, the school-room, the parlours where the masters
give them music and singing lessons, and even the
kitchen, for we passed through it to go to the garden.
The lady was most anxious to let me see all, and pressed
Maggie and myself to join the dinner-table, but I was
afraid of disturbing them ; she said they all dined to-
gether—no separate dinners—and to judge from the
bill of fare, which consisted of mackerel, roast mutton,
beef-steak pie, and cold beef, they must live well. As
Maggie is losing time, I decided to place her there at
once, and I take her on the 17th ; she is to learn dancing
by a master, music at present by a lady, and when
more advanced the master, reading, writing, &c. It is
my intention, should you approve of the school, sending
Gussey at Midsummer, but these arrangements remain
for your approval and decision. Miss Sutherland, the
short time I had for judging, appears a nice quiet girl,
with more command of manner than you would expect
from one whose knowledge of the world can only be
gained by school experience. Mr. S. dines with me
on Sunday, and brings his daughter, he is an excellent
good-hearted man, and I like him. About the 250 I
can honestly affirm, I owe every sous. Could I save
out of 900, I should not have allowed you to remit me
that sum per annum. Once clear of all my debts, I
have but too severe a lesson ever to exceed the sum you
allow me. Maggie and Gussie send many kisses. My
boys I hope to see on Thursday. Give my love to
William Hickey. lam going next week to see dear
1)r. Martin with Mr. Sutherland.
" Yours affectionately,
" M. S. SEWELL."
" 93, Albany-street, Regent's Park.
"Mr DRAB SEWELL,—Your letter, dated 17th Decem-
ber, 1639, 1 received on my arrival in town from an en-
gagement at Brighton, where I had been playing what
is called the leading business, i.e. the principal characters.
The critics, and the (discerning part of the public, abuse
my tragedy acting sadly, but, like my light, comedy and
old-men. I am now at a pause, gathering resolution to
eschew tragedy for ever, and also, in obedience to my
sister's wishes, trying to obtain sonic official situation in-
stead of seeking the means of living by the stage, but
get nothing but kind assurances. I shall not be forgotten,
the first opportunity that presents itself. I doubt whether
a month or two may not see me hard at it again. I have
got through the early difficulties tolerably well, having
contracted no debts save one with Stockqueler and Co.,
who have kindly advanced me small sums of money when
required ; this I calculate paying by my next benefit, or,
if I can obtain an appointment, my sister has promised
to start me clear. So John Peter Grant and his cheap
Secretary contrived to burn the theatre. Bravo,
bravissimo ! If you build another I advise you, as a
friend, not to subscribe a rupee. If Mr. G. is to be in
the management no gentlemen or respectable man will
ever submit to his penny wise and pound foolish fan-
tasies, and such a one should be Secretary and House
Manager, or vulgar and low people creep into the party,
and drive gentlemen amateurs away, by which the
drama gees to pot, and the sweet converse of the green-
room grows harsh. L. Clarke, though a troublesome
man to the Committee..was the best manager ; he and I
did one or two good things, we got up plays with profit,
at a season when the rest said we were daft, and we fought
the Italian clique, and finally beat them ; when the rest
were pizzoni mad, our M.'s resigning. I felt James
Young and the other fat men get the better of me, and
from that time I never got a good benefit': Do You re-
Member my Cabinet dinners, my friends the Came-
ronians, and the report of the Champagne corks? Sir,
they were social outpourings- of the spirit. The next
best things I enjoyed in Calcutta were your Sunday
tiffins ; how we did drink the pale cool from the refrige-
rator, and argufy on the construction of the groat globe
itself,•and whether 'inch were' made fram monkeys, or
monkeys from men. What have you done with my
chemicals ? pray send them when you have an opportu-
nity, and if you could pack' up d feW genuine manillas,
certifying the same, say 250, I cannot afford to pay duty
for more. Mrs. Sewell will tell you probably I have
been of some little service to her. When I came to
town she was annoyed with bad servants. I saw the
necessity of their immediate dis Charge, but Mrs. Sewell
has acquired a notion from the Kerrs and Rhodeses that
all servants are alike, and'so She kept thein till'they com-
pelled her to send them away: Imegine Mrs. Sewell re-'
turning home from a dinner party, accompanied by a
young gentlemen of the name of White, and- being
obliged to get the policeman to open the door. She took
the- servant to the police-station at a late hoursbut they
would nut take the woman in charge, as the complaint
amounted only in the eyes, rather ears of the police, to
negligence. lam happy to say she has got two respect-
able servants at present, 'one with a character of three
years, the other eighteen months. Your dear children
are at present at home till ,Stinday. I 'have taken them
twice to the theatre, to Astley's and-COv-ent Garden.
Dear little Augusta went with us at Astley's, she
laughed arid enjoyed it to the end. You would have
been delighted to see her. The boys are much improved,
and are in excellent hands for a year. I recom-
mended Mr. Harrif from frequent observation that
Pupils are taught and treated in a style tha
you Would in every respect approve of. Mrs. Sewellt
tells me
you recommend Bruce Castle, and asked me to
acct2rapany
her to inspect the place and arrangements,
aw do' • Margaret- is misplaced sadly, sent to
ludicrously
ago, ma
eoio)l) conducted by a ladrwlio, thirty years
her companions eaerielh
imbeen efficient, but now in her dotage, and
cent, anti some tI went to see Margaret there ;
th'e
ygoverness, who manages the con-
girlsat present is a specimen , the consequence is, Margaret
precocious conversation, and i
improprietyu of her conduct.
The best of it is, you pai,ictitnorit7g
lectures Augusta en
the holidays though
given yet,
the child is at home.
which induces me to point out the mistake to
you may remedy it at your earliest leis!Ur-e to
you'
that
could come over for a time; how you would wish youl
g. Improvement is on the march inianlelsstloter
delightful weather, and the appearance and freer;
sits and sciences. The magnificence with which the
shops are fitted up would surprise you, the windows en-
plate glass, 20 feet by 12, is splendid gilt
frames.
epces o ie
Mafdame Vestris is conducting Covent-garden
in a style of unequalled splendour, all the beauty and
talent she can collect ; she is still lively and brilliant in
intellect, and truly deserves success. Charles Ketubl
re-appeared for sonic nights
by the desire of the Qtren •
and his performan
his receptions were tremendous,
r It outhful considetYezB
'graseful, elegant, and weneer." 1 a
there. The Were
shut age. I saw Siddons and Wilson
the 'They
shut up in measureless content, especially
To be sold 't sold ! Master Fathom has returned to the
boards, and the comic muse revels at the Sans Som.
hear your
If you honour me with a letter, let me
opinion of the perforeaance—the newspapers laud
you to the skies. Is Mr. Hum e a good actor ? By the
bye, I was nearly marrying an actress at Bath, and
formally proposed, and was , in obedience to
maternal wishes, the mamma considering me addicted
to ardent spirits and late hours. lam at present in love
with Miss E. Tree' and though I ogle her from the pit,
she treats me with great disdain, which makes me puff
my cigar with great vehemence as I return home. Give

" April 14, 1841."