The Sun.
London, England, 1847-02-20 00:00:00

THE WOOLWICH CONVICTS.

Thursday an adjourned inquest was held at the Ord-
nance Arms, Woolwich, before Mr. C. J. Carttar, on
the bodies of William Abbott, aged twenty-seven, and
William Wallit,gton, aged fifty. seven. two prisoners
under sentereo of transportation on board the hulks at

The coroner had signified his intention, in conse-
pit vice of what had transpireu in the House of Com-
mons relative to the medical treatment of the prisoners,
to institute a searching investigation, and it was agreed
to order a post MOTU= examination by Mr. Bossey,-the
surgeon of the establishment, in the presence of some
eminent member of the faculty.
Mr. Bossey also expressed his desire that the fullest
inquiry should be.made into his treatment of the con-
victs.
Yesterday Dr. Babington and Mr. Ashton Key, from
Guy's Hospital. attended by request of the coroner. A.
short-hand writer from the Secretary of State's office
also attended, and took copious notes of the proceedings.
Mr. Peter Bossey, surgeon of the convict establish-
ment, detailed the symptoms and mode of treatment
pursued in the case of Wallington, who had been several
times in the hospital. No remedial measures, either in
the way of medicine or nutriment, appear to have been
spared; port wine, isinglass, jelly, egg and brandy,
stewed eels, and other articles being reely administered.
to him.

At the conclusion of his evidence the Coroner put n
number of questions to Mr. Bossey as to the allegations
made in the House of Commons. In reply to these, Mr.
Bossey denied that he had ever threatened any sick pri-
soner with flogging, though he cited cases in which tho
prisoners had for a time successfully feigned illness.
There were cases in which he had threatened that if tho
attempts at imposition were continued, he would order
the men to be flogged; but they were not flogged, nor
were their cases even reported, upon their returning to
work. He had never threatened the really sick prisoners
under any circumstances whatever. With regard to the
charge of bucketing sick patients, or pouring cold water
over them, he stated that in the case of a prisoner named
William Theobald, who was in a state of insensibility
through paralysis, he applied the effusion of cold water
to his head, which treatment saved the prisoner's life at
the time; and be believed this circumstance had beers
maliciously misrepresented. He had never ordered pri-
soners who were on their death-beds out to work. It had
been stated, in the case of a man named Hayden, that
be had, been ordered to get up, and that he died almost
immediately afterwards. The fact was, the man died at
six o'clock in the morning, and he (Mr. Bossey) had
not seen him since the afternoon previous. 'With refer.
ence to the case of Henry Driver, whose body, it was
alleged, was opened almost before life was extinct, and
the entrails thrown into the Thames, the facts were, that
he died at eight in the morning of the 26th of May, and
the post mortem examination did not take place till nearly
noon of the 27th, and the body was subsequently deli-
vered to his friends. After some further explanations
from Mr. Bossey, Dr. Babbingtoa, and Mr. Ashton Key
were examined, and expressed their entire satisfaction
both as to the cause of death and the course of treat-
ment pursued by Mr. Bossey. The hospital was more
crowded than they could wish, there being 97 occupants
instead of the general average of 60. Still the treat-
ment was excellent, and the diet was richer and better
than in Guy's Hospital.
The jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of
" Died from natural causes," in both cases.
ptheTrheestCoronere then
reyx! raensds e d r
egtirettpelde atshuarte
the felt
he
attticakt
on Mr. Bossey should have been made for two reasons ;
the first, because a statement made in the House of
Commons by an Hon. Member was always looked upon
inin at
hsaetri;iuosusl
eigchott;il,ai nndotsebceopn:libly, iielybeacialus,sreaaetdti,7xkesemptabdys
Members of the House. Members in that. I-I-use could
say what they liked ; it was not libellous; they bad a
cat te blooche, and could slash right and lea, anhdatdhae
poor injured person had no remedy exceptheto con-
private friend, who was a Member of the House.
grant a
afforded
etroantneittti,te..of.Hien
gui
ry, regrettedhee a
at!: ee
it houseo would
q
the charges.
Mr. Bossey an opportunity of disproving
jcuhrayraacgterreeodf
After
he concluded by
Mr. Bossey,the in •
bI) through gamy.
noura
with him that he came ho
paying a compliment to thhoepsinkgill
tahned

AND SILKMERCERS' INSTITTI•
meeting of the subscribers to this
Hall, John
institution was held on Thurs layh at xeter Pearce,
FLberfEteol'innßthAranEißmsal
Esq., president. The report showed thereceipt of the follow-
ingTlUTlLE-
sums, subsequent to the
.h Feb., 1846 :-8161. Os. 4d.,
dividends; which, with contributions and 71/. 2s. 5d., pro-
duce of sale of ball tickets, made a total of 2,6771. Os. 3d.
Since the last report 1,3,'01. have been invested in the Fir.
chase of Consols. The capital stock of the institution con-
sists of 18,272/. Bs. Three per Cent. Consolidated Annuities,
and 10,0601. in Three-
and-a-Quarter per Cent. Annuities.
Twenty-four applicants have received pecuniary assistance,
exclusively of two widows, who were in 1843 placed perma•
nently on the funds.
DEATH BY ALLEGED
POISONOUS MEDICINES:mo
Thursday Mr. Wakley, M.P., commenced an inquiry at the
IVheat Sheaf, High-street, Camden-town, on the body of
Miss Sarah Ellen Collier, aged 19, lately residing at No. 14
in the above street. A gentleman named Bowen, provei
that deceased died on Monday evening, shortly after havin&
taken some medicine, according to the directions on the lab&
of the bottle that contained it. Dr. Cronin, it appears, ha
prescribed the medicine, and an ingredient. supposed to be:
deleterious (bitter almond water) had been obtained at the
shop of Messrs. Bell and Co., chemists, of Oxford-street.
11r. Wakley stated that the post mortens examination had
not vet been completed, and in the absenee of that requisite
evidence he would atijourn the inquest to Friday (yesterday)
Adpurned accordingly.
CLERICAL INTELLIGENCE. The following ap..
p..intrnents have taken place :—Rev. W. G. pumphr,,,
of Trinity College, Cambridge, to be domestic chaplain to thr
Bishop of London ; the Re R. Wilson to be rural dean is
the diocese of Chester; the Rev. Richard Neale, 11.A.,0f
Queen's College, Cambridge, to he rector of Stainburn, York-
shire; the Rev. John Groom, M.A., curate of at. John's.
Liverpool, to the incumbency of Rainford, in the parish 4t.
Prescot, Lancashire.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, COVENT GAR ,EN,
t ab lis h ed
for the purpose of rendering a more perfect performance
of the Lyric Drama than has hitherto been attained in this country.
Under the Direction and Management of Mr. BEALE.
The Nobility Gentry, and Patrons of Music, are respectfully in-
ormed that the Royal Italian Opera will open the fir t week in April.
It is proposed to produce, in the course of the -eason, some of the
established works of Ciniaro=a, Mozart, Rossini, Meyerbeer, and others
of the more modern Italian School, including Operas by Benin', Doni-
2etti, Mercadante, and Verdi, on a scale of the utmost perfectmn in
every department ; to which intent the manaJement has assembled a
Company embracing the greatest and most varied talent in Europe.
PRIMI SOPRANI.—Madame Grisi and Madame Persiani (her
first appearance in London for three years), Madame Ronconi and
Steffanoni (of the Theatre La Scala, in Mllan, her first ap-
pearance in this country).
CONTRALTI.—Signora Alboni (of the Theatre La Scala, Milan,
and of the Imperial Theatre in Vienna, her first appearance in:this
COuntry), and Mademoiselle Corbari.
TENORl.—Signor Mario, Signor Salvator Lavia (of the Imperial
Theatre of St. Petersburgh, his first appearance in this country),
Signer Tulll (of the Theatre San Carlo, in Naples, his first appear-
ance in this country), and Signor Salvi (ot the Theatre La Scala, in
Milan. and of the Imperial Theatres in Vienna and St. Petersburgh,
his first appearance on the Italian stage in England).
PRIMI BASSI BARITONI—Signor Tamburini and Signor Giorgio
Ronconi.
PRIMI BASSI PROFONDI—Signor Marial (of the Theatres San
Carlo, Naples, La Scala, Milan, and the Imperial Theatre, Vienna,
his first appearance hi this country), Signer Angelo Alba (of the
Theatre Royal,
.Madrid, his first appearance in this country), and
Signor Polonini (of the Imperial Theatre, Vienna, his first appear-
ance in this country.)
PRIMI BASSI COMIC! —Signor Pietro I.ey (of the Theatre Royal
Madrid, his first appearance in this country), and Signor Agostino
Revere (of the Theatres Royal, Naples, Milan, Vienna, and St. Fe-
lersburgh, his first appearance in this country).
Seconde Donne—Madame Antoinette Mollidori (of the Theatre La
Scala, In Milan), Mademoiselle Amalia Linari, Mademoiselle Luigina
Rellini.

iiieconde Tenors—Signor Eminanuele Slant) (of the Theatre San
Carlo in Naples).
Director of the Musk, Composer, and Conductor—Mr. Costa.
A powerful and numerous CHORUS of chosen and experienced
!fingers will complete the Vocal Department. Chorus Master
NUM Bonconsiglio. Prompter—Signor Monterasi.
The ORCHESTRA, formed of Artistes possessing the highest
executive powers, will comprise among its members Eighty distin-
inished professors. The Military Band of the Coldstream Guards
will be under the direction of Mr. Godfrey.
An ORGAN, of extensive compass, has been expressly erected
in the theatre by Messrs. Flight and Son. Organist—Mr. V. Novell°.
The BALLET, of a brilliant and costly character, will close the
performance of the evening. and no Divertissement will be suffered
between the acts of the Opera. The Director has the pleasnre to
announce that he has concluded an engagement with Mademoiselle
fanny Elssler ; and, during the season, the following eminent
Danseuses will appear : —Premieres Danseuse—Mademoiselle Dumi-
latre (of the Grand Opera, Paris), and Mademoiselle Plunkett (of
the Grand Opera, l'aris), Mademoiselle Bertin (of the Imperial
Theatre, Vienna, her first appearance in this country), Mademoiselle
Neodot (of the Theatre Royal, Madrid), Mademoiselle Marietta
Baderna (of the Theatre La Scala, Milan), and Mademoiselle Fuoco
(of the Academie Royale de Pail.). Monsieur Petipa (of the Grand
Opera, Paris), Monsieur Gontie (of the Theatre Royal, Madrid),
Monsieur Ferdinand* Croce, Monsieur Delferier (of the Grand
Opera, Paris), and Monsieur Auguste Mabille (of the Grand Opera,
Paris). :Mitres des Ballets—Monsieur Albert (of the Grand Opera,
Paris), and Monsieur Blasis (of the Theatre La Scala, Milan).
Leader of the Ballet—Mr. Alfred Mellon. Regisseur de la Danse
Mr. O'Bryan. Composer—Signor Alessandro Curmi (of the San
Carlo Theatre, Naples).
THE THEATRE.—To render the Interior at once commodious,
elegant, and comfortable, it has bees entirely reconstructed and
decorated, under the immediate direction and after designs of B.
Albano, Esq., C.E. with every attention directed to its proper
ventilation. The Decorations have been executed by Mr. Ponsonby.
The Management has happily secured the artistic skill of Signori
-Ferri and Verardi (of the Theatre Italien, in Paris), to embellish
the telling and to prepare a New Drop Scene. The approaches
to the Theatre will be found Improved, by a carriage way being
lbrmed immediately under the Portico in Bow-street, whereby parties
can leave or enter their carriages without exposure to the weather ;
and by increased facilities for ingress and egress. The Refreshment
Boom will be under the superintendence of Mr. J. G. Watson.
Tickets, Stalls, and Boxes, for the night or season, to be obtained
at the Box Office, Bow-street ; and at Messrs. Cramer, Beale, and
Co.'s, 201, Regent-street.

THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.
To prevent any fluther disappointment to the public, and to do
justice to Mr. Wallace's new OPERA, its first performance is de-
ferred until MONDAY next, to allow time for Miss Romer's re-
covery from 11,ir late sudden indisposition. All tickets issued for
Thursday will be admitted on Monday, until which evening there
will be no performance.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Ufider the 3lanstgement of Mr. B. Webster, sole Lessee.
THIS EVF.NIYG

MIL he, performed a new and original Comedy, called THE
I SCHOOL :FOR SCHEMING. Princirl characters by Messrs. Far-
rell,. Stuart, 'Buckstone, Howe, Selby, Brindal. Mrs. Glover, Mrs.
Hun:illy; Mrs. Yarnold, Miss Fortescue, Miss Bennett, Miss Rey-
nolds, &c`4

During the evening the Band will perform the Overture, " Lac
des Fees," " Plantagenet," " Rose," and " Plelen" Polkas, &c.
To conclude with the Original Grand Fairy Extravaganza,
called the INVISIBLE PRINCE ; or, the Island of Tranquil
Delights. Principal characters by Mr. James Bland, Miss P. Horton,
Mrs. L. S. Buckingham, Miss Reynolds, and Miss Julia Bennett.

THEATRE ROYAL, LYCEUM.
Under the Management of Mrs. Keeley.

THIS EVENING

Will be performed a new Comic D‘'ama, called ..£5OO REWARD.
Characters by Messrs. A. Wigan, Meadows, Emery, H. Butler, Miss
♦iliars, and Miss Forster.
After which a new Farce, called THE WIGWAM.. Characters by
Messrs. Matthews, Oxberry, Keeley, Miss Arden, Miss Turner,
Mtn Foster, and Miss Mary Keeley.

To be followed by the Farce of TILE ETON BOY. Captain
Popham, Mr. Wigan; Dabster, Mr. Kee!ey; Miss Fanny Curry,
Miss Dickinson.
To conclude with the Farce of MRS. IVIIITE.

THEATRE ROYAL. ADELPFII. esga
Under the direction of Madame Celeste-
TILLS EVENING
Will be performed the celebrated Drama, called THE GREEN
BUSHES; or. A Hundred Years Ago. Murtogh, Mr. 0. Smith ;
Dennis, Mr. Cullentord ; Jack Gong, Mr. Paul Bedford ; Grinnidge,
Mr. Wright ; Captain Dartois, Mr. Worrell ; Madame St. Aubert,
Madame Celeste ; Geraldine, Mrs. Tates; Nelly O'Neil, Mrs. Fitz-

After which the Comic Drama, called THE MAID WITH THE
MILKING PAIL. Lord Philander, Mr. Cullenford ; Algernon, Mr.
Boyce ; Diccon, Mr. Wright ; Milly, Mrs. Fitzwilliam.
To conclude with the Farce of A NAROB FOR AN HOUR. Mr.
Irrampton, Mr. Worrell ; Sam Hobbs, Mr. Lambert ; Dick Dumpy,
air. Munyard ; Miss Leslie, Miss Harding; Nancy Scaggs, Mrs.
Matthews.

PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
J. M. Maddox, sole Lessee and Manager.
THIS EVENING
Will be performed the Comic Opera, called THE CASTLE OF
A.YMON ; or, The Four Brothers. Beaumanoir, Mr. Walton
Olivier, Mr. Allen ; Richard, Mr. Barker ; Renaud, Mr. Delavanti
Allard, Mr. Wynn ; Ivon, Mr. Leffler ; Hermine, Miss A. Romer
Gertrude, Mrs. Fosbroke.
To conclude with the Comedy of SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER.
Principal characters by Messrs. Wynn, Granby, Vining, Compton.
Fisher, Cowell, Mrs. Stirling, Mrs. Hughes, and Mrs. Fosbroke.

FRENCH PLAYS.—ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
Lessee, Mr. John Mitchell.
MON.DAY EVENING
Will be performed the Vaudeville of LE DEMON DE LA NUIT.
Frederic, M. Berou ; Oscar, M. Langeval ; Gillestiern, M. Cartigny ;
Mathilde, Fargeuil ; Caroline, Mdlle. Vallee.
To conclude with the admired Vaudeville, called PIERRE LE
ROUGE. Pierre le Rouge, M. Lafont ; Jeanneton,
Boxes, 6s. , Pit, 3s. 6d. , Stalls, 35.; Gallery, 2s. Doors opened at
half-past Seven, and the performances commence at Eight.
Private Boxes, Stalls, and Places may he engaged at Mitchell's
Library, 33, Bond-street; and at tho Box-office.

ETHIOPIAN SERENADERS, ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
The celebrated ETHIOPIAN SERENADERS, Pell, Harrington,
White, Stanwood, and Germon, will have the honour of repeat-
ing their Inimitable ENTERTAINMENTS, at the above Theatre,
THIS EVENING (Saturday), and every Tuesday, Thursday, and
Saturday. Doors open at Eight o'clock, and the Entertainment com-
mences at Half-past Eight. The Programme will be varied on
each occasion. Their next DAY PERFORMANCE will take place
on Monday Morning, Feb 22.
Boxes, 4s. ' • Pit, 2s. ; Amphitheatre, 28.

ASTLEYrg ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. W. Batty.
ruder the patronage of the Queen, Prince Albert, and other
Members of the Royal Family.--Mr. BAT TY's Fox-Hounds meet
every Evening at Half-past Six, during the week.
THIS EVENING
Of Men and Steeds.
Will be performed THE ROYAL FOX-HUNT ; or, Life's Course
Entire change of the SCENES of the CIRCLE, by the double
Company of Foreign Artistes.

To conclude with the s uccessfld Comic Equestrian Fairy Pantomime
entitled THE FORTY THIEVES ; or, Harlequin and Ali Baba d
the Robber's Cave. Clown, Mr. Rochez ; Harlequin, Mr. W. mu._
vey ; Pantaloon, Mr. Laffarini ; Columbine, Miss Louisa Waite.
Box-of/Ice open from eleven till five o'clock.—Doors open at six
and commence at half-past six o'clock.—Stage Manager, Mr. W.
Broadfoot.

ROYAL SURREY THEATRE.
Lessee, Mrs. Frances Davidge.
THIS EVENING
Will be performed P. new Drama, entitled RABY RATTLER ; or,
The Progress of a scamp. Characters supported by the whole
strength of the Company.
After which, the favourite Ballet of LA STATUE BLANCHE.
To conclude with RAYMOND AND AGNES.
Box-office open from eleven till four o'clock.

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE.
ls,, Half-price, Gd.; Pit. Gcl.; Gallery, 34.
THIS EVENING

Will be performed THE CASTLE OF ST. ALMO. Principal
characters by Messrs. Hicks, Dale, Fonnan, Searle, Bird, Miss
Vincent, Miss Pearce, &c.
After which, THE VILLAGE OUTCAST. Robin Graysdale, Mr.
Hicks ; Mary, Miss Vincent.
To conclude with JACK BRAG. Jack Brag, Mr. Forman.

PARSNIP SEED.
• "TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Stn,--Will you allow me to suggest to the holders of
kitchen-gardens, or held-gardens, the advantage of sowing
«1.1313 year an increased quantity of parsnip seed. The plant is
",ardY, the root highly nutritious, and the culture inexpea-
Bare while as a crop the produce is greater than that from an
equal breadth of potato ground It would be well, also, to
Plant more than the usual number of roots for augmenting
the supply
sure the root Neil
se,ft fur the next year. As an edible, I feel
than it now Is—eCe be much more highly appreciated
Feb. 16, y. 18.47., yours, &(.., S.
London,

ROVISIONS rROM-
. n, t om N ew 11;”aiend
Sherida i - - 1". UNITED STATES. The
London, Salem, Peter Patrick,
and Olinda, from New
brines which were reported at Li-
-1,867 bushels and 421 bags
Ter pool on the 17th inst. '
klaBg,9eBoof biushels and 15,873
a wheat, 3.763 barranelsdcBf9fipi
bags of Indian corn,
interest, and where
ADVENTURES OF THE CONN AuG:ha'n corn mea,
/itilitary narratives are proverbially full
the readerof 11t"
(3
"8.
there is an Irishman for a hero,
something unusally daring and adventurous; wivreiPate
be expected from the doings. of a whole regiment of 141'1' nliaiy?
The question is answered
,in a remarkable work, justrnpeu,-
lished under the title of '' Adventures of the Connaught
Bangers," by William Grattan, Esq., an esteemed officer in
that celebrated corps, who fought throughout the Peninsular
war, and, with his daring dashing brothers in arms, passed
through so many perils, and met with so many singular in-
cidents, as to render the narrative of his and their adven-
tures a perfect library of romance. Nevertheless, the autho-
rity is unimpeachable, and while the reader is entertained
with scene after scene that would be marvellous enough were
the actors not Irishmen, he will possess one of the best and
fullest records of our victories in Spain that has yet issued 1
from the press. ft•