The Sun.
London, England, 1847-08-30 00:00:00

No. 17,144.

AUGUST 30, 1847.

CO URT CIRCULAR.

ARPVEREKIE, AUG. 26.—The Prince's birthday.
At seven o'clock this morning a serenade took
place under her Majesty's and his Royal Highness's
window, performed by the sailors.
At half-past two o'clock in the afternoon the
grounds of Ardverekie were thrown open to every
corner, to witness the celebration of Highland games
in honour of the day, her Majesty giving prizes to
all the successful candidates.

The ancient games of the hammer, the hurling-
stone, leaping, foot-racing, and dancing, were dis-
played one after another.
The tents were pitched close by, and at the end of
the games a substantial repast was provided for any
one who chose to avail himself. About 200 persons
were present.
Amongst the company we observed the Duchess
Dowager of Bedford and Lady Rachel Russell, Lord
Cosmo Russell, Lord Georgiana Romilly, Mr. and
Mrs. Macpherson, of Cluny, and family, Mr. and
Mrs. Davidson, of Tulloch, the Hon. Captain Gordon,
R.N., &c.

The Prince of Wales was dressed in full Highland
costume of the Stuart tartan, and three cheers were
given for the Duke of Rothesay, as well as for his
illustrious parent.

The royal dinner party will include this evening,
the Marquis of Abercorn, Mr. Macpherson, of Cluny
the Hon. Captain Gordon, R.N., and Mr. Davidson,
of Tulloch.

HER MAJESTY'S VISIT TO THE

HIGHLANDS.

THURSDAY NIGHT.—The sailors of the royal yacht,
about 20 in number, took up their abode last night in
the inn, which is occupied as a temporary residence
by the Marquis of Abercorn. A band of merrier
fellows never met before on Loch Laggan. They
sang sea songs with the greatest glee till midnight,
and at sunrise this morning they proceeded to the
Lodge on a musical expedition, which does infinite
honour to the fancy of her Majesty, by wham it was
conceived, and exhibits the spirit of innocent hilarity
which reigns throught the Court. This being the
anniversary of Prince Albert's birthday, his Royal
Highness was the special object of public honours. A
gathering of the clans in the neighbourhood had been
Nummoned to commemorate the occasion ; but as the
day would necessarily be advanced before the " tar-
taned array" could assemble from the distant glens, it
was thought desirable that the early morning should
be signalised by some appropriate compliment to the
Prince. The presence of her Majesty's jolly tars was
opportune, and by the Queen's desire it was arranged
that they should repair to the Lodge at dawn, and,
stationing themselves under Prince Albert's windows,
hail the approach of day with vocal melody.
The morning was most auspicious. For the first
time since her Majesty's arrival the air was calm and
balmy. Not a ripple disturbed the surface of the
lake, in whose glassy bosom the green sides of the
mountains and the brilliant foliage of the woods were
reflected in the most vivid colours. Every thing gave
promise of a warm, sunny day.
The royal sailors were early afoot. They passed
round to the Lodge by a floating bridge ; and a little
after six o'clock commenced to serenade the Prince,
by singing in excellent style Bishop's fine glee—
" Hail ! Smiling Morn !" The deep swell of their
voices, mingled with the dulcet strains of the violin,
resounded over the bosom of the loch, and was
echoed back by the hills. The sweet sound fell with
delight on the ears of all who heard it. It startled the
Prince from his slumbers, and his Royal Highness, asto-
nished and delighted, presented his thanks to the jolly.
tars. The party were afterwards entertained to break-
fast, and remained at the Lodge during the rest of
the day.

At twelve o'clock the Highlanders began to assem-
ble at the floating bridge. Soon after that hour the
'Marquis of Abercorn, Cluny Macpherson, Mr. D.
Davidson, of Tulloch, the Hon. Captain Gordon, and
other gentlemen, arrived, all dressed in rich High-
land costumes. Cluny Macpherson carried the shield
which was worn by Prince Charles at the battle of
Culloden. Farmers, tourists, and others, gradually
arrived in cars and gigs. About halfpast one the
Macphersons, arrayed in the tartan of their clan,
marched down with the bagpipes at their head, their
standard-bearer carrying the flag. under which the
followers of Cluny had fought in the two rebellions.
Upon the arrival of this body of Highlanders the
procession was marshalled by Cluny, a,sisted by the
Hon. Captain Gordon and others; and after being
conveyed in detachments over the Pattock, the whole
body proceeded to move towards the Lodge. The
Macphersons marched in the van—a small body of
Macdonalds next—the general crowd followed—and
the rear was occupied by a pretty long train of car-
riages, of Carious kinds, containing numbers of ladies,
whose gay dresses helped to enliven the motley ap-
pearance of the men.
•As the procession entered the lawn her Majesty
and Prince Albert, leading the Prince of Wales and
the Princess Royal, and followed by Earl Grey, the
Duchess of Bedford, and a train of courtiers, were
seen approaching from the Lodge. The Highlanders
were immediately drawn up in line before the royal
party, and the people took their places in the rear.
The ground is peculiarly well adapted for such a dis-
play. The lawn gradually ascends as it recedes from
the Lodge, and is terminated by the green mound
said to contain the dust of Fergus and other mo-
narchs—thus forming a natural amphitheatre capable
of containing one hundred thousand spectators. The
few hundreds assembled on this occasion presented
but a meagre appearance, as they stood in line or loi-
tered in groups along this green gallery of nature ; but
the grand and solitary aspect of the scenery, the
distinguished personages who occupied the lawn, the
lodge with its neat flower-garden, enclosed by the
bays of the lake, and the lofty mountains which rise
on every side, rendered the scene one of unusual in-
terest. As soon as the whole of the procession had
reached the ground her Majesty and the Prince were
greeted with loud cheers, which they graciously ac-
knowledged as they walked along the front of the
Highlandmen. Mrs. Cluny Macpherson, and Mrs.
Davidson, of Tulloch, and the Misses Davidson, were
introduced to her Majesty by the Marquis of Aber.
corn.

A number of agile Highlandmen were then called
out to engage in the games ; and the afternoon was
spent in putting the stone, throwing the hammer,
tossing the bar, jumping, running, and dancing—the
Queen and Prince Albert remaining on the lawn
during the greater part of the time. Prizes of from
five to ten guineas were awarded to the successful
competitors ; and one of the tents, containing a
plentiful supply of refreshments, was open to the
people during the day. At the close of the amuse-
ments loud cheers were given by the people, which
her Majesty and Prince Albert acknowledged. The
multitude then left the grounds.
Bonfires have just been lighted on the King's
Island, on Corryarder, and other prominent points
round the Loch. •

In the course of the dny Cluny Macpherson, Mrs.
Macpherson, Davidson of Tulloch and his lady, and
others, had the honour oftark:,\ai
taking lunch
waschat it n excellentheLodge
with the royal party. ie
spirits, and seemed to enjoy the scene very much.
FROM A CORRF,SPONDENT.)
APDVEItEKIE, AUG. 27.

I arrived here early yesterday morning from Kin-
gussie, with the view of witnessing a scene that ex-
cited the liveliest interest, and engrossed the attention
of the loyal inhabitants of Badenoch, Strathspey, and
Lochaber, to the exclusion of everything else. Car-
riages, gigs, carts, riders on horseback, and foot-
passengers, continued to arrive during the forenoon
at the place appointed by previous intimation ; and
although only two days' notice of the gathering had
been given, there was a large concourse of people, at
a low estimate, I should say at least 1,500, besides
the Highlanders, who numbered about 200. As soon
as Cluny Macpherson heard that it was her Majesty's
wish to have a Highland gathering, he issued a cir-
cular, of which the following is a copy :
" The Queen having expressed to the Marquis of
Abercorn her Maiesty s desire to have a gathering of
Highlanders at Ardverekie, on Thursday, the 26th
instant, i i honour of his Royal Highness Prince
Albert's birthday, it is expected that all the inhabi-
tants of the country will gratify her Majesty by being
present on this auspicious occasion. It is her Ma-
jesty's gracious intention to have Highland games,
and to give prizes; the people to meet at the floating
bridge at one o'clock p.m., and to walk up to Ardve-
rekie in procession—Cluny's men to be at the Castle
at ten o'clock in the morning of Thursday.
(Signed) "EWEN MACPHER.SON,
of Cluny Ma3pherson.
" Cluny Castle, Aug. 23, 1847."
The people began to arrive there long before one
o'clock—some as early as nine A.M., and many were
out all night in their march across the hills, so as to
show their loyalty and attachment to their gracious
Sovereign.
At one o'clock the Highlanders were drawn up
in a line from the road to the floating bridge,
when Cluny announced that the Marquis of Aber-
corn would address them on the subject of the day's pro-
ceedings. ifs Lordship stated that her Majesty was
pleased to hold this Highland gathering in honour of
his Royal Highness Prince Albert's birth-day, and that
shewas also gracionsly pleased to offer prizes for the va-
rious games. The Noble Marquis concluded by men-
.

PRICE SD.

tthioenisiuungnmy tshttehoen gave-orders
sebevearwalairiid•eerdn.
ciunss to be competed for, and
to the Highlanders to em-
bark on the floating bridge, and form themselves
marching order on the other side. The
were in
They com-
manded by Major Macpherson of Drummond, Inver-
ness, and Major Macpherson of Ruthven, till they
arrived at the lawn, when Cluny took the com-
mand in chief, assisted by the Marquis of Abercorn
Mr. Davidson of Tulloch, and the Hon. Captain'
Gordon, R.N. The foot passengers were ordered to
follow the Highlanders, the carriages, gigs, horses,
&c., bringing up the rear. Ardverikie Ledge is about
three miles from the floating-bridge, and, agreeably to
orders, we all marched in procession, which had a
very imposing effect. The wild music of the pipes,
the heavy tread of, the Highlanders•• and other foot
passengers, with the long train of vehicles, made the
scene one that will ever be green and fresh in the
memories of all present. We had some beautiful
views of the procession, winding its way round the
turnings of the road, through the birch trees.
The road is, as you are aware, on the south side
of Loch Laggan, and there are many beautiful
and interesting objects which you cannot but see
as you pass along, but more especially on this oeca-
sion, when there were such a concourse of people,
with the war tunes from the pipes, echoed from side
to side of the Lake. The people now arrived on the
lawn in front of the Lodge, and formed themselves
into half circle with an inner space for the High-
landers' who were received on the ground by Cluny
and Tulloch. Cluny called on them to draw swords,
each being armed with a broadsword and shield.
Cluny stood in front of the Highlanders with his three
sons. By this time her Majesty was out on the lawn,
accompanied by Prince Albert and the royal children,
and was approaching, when Cluny and Tulloch gave
the signal to cheer, which was enthusiastically responded
to by all present, the ladies waving their handker-
chiefs. The cheering continued till her Majesty
walked on foot to where the Marquis of Abercorn
was. The Marquis stood at the head of the High-
landers fully equipped in the Highland costume,
wearing the Order of the Garter below the knee.
The Queen walked up in front of the Highlanders,
having a most pleasing expression on her counte-
nance. Her Majesty seemed quite delighted with
the fine appearance of the men, and as soon as she
had bowed to them all, she returned to where her
suite were, at the lower end of the lawn. The
Hon. Capt. Gordon and Tulloch took charge of the
games, and the Marquis of Abercorn stood beside
the Queen, while Cluny stood in command of the
Highlanders. The names of the competitors were
read over by Mr. Cattanach, the head forester or
keeper for the Marquis of Abercorn, and each man
as his name was called, stepped out of the circle, and
threw off his coat, &c. The sports of the day com-
menced with throwing the heavy stone, and this, as
well as all the other games, were keenly contested,
and afforded much amusement to the royal party and
other spectators. The prizes were awarded as fol-
lows :

Throwing the Heavy Stone.
Ist Prize—Samuel Kennedy, gamekeeper
to Tulloch.. ... £5 5 0
2d .. Duncan Cattanach, Kingussie 3 3 0
Throwing Light Stone.
let Prize—Archibald Macdonald, Cren-
achan, Lochaber 5 5 0
2d ... Samuel Kennedy ... ... 3 3 0
Throwing the Hammer.
Ist Prize—Colin Macdonald, Cren-

achan .. .. .. 5 5 0
2d ... Samuel Kennedy ... ... 3 3 0
Foot Race.

Ist Prize—Colin Macdonald
2d .. W. Kennedy

5 5 0
3 3 0

reaping.
Ist Prize—Archibald Gunn, Inverness... 5 5 0
2d .. Wm. Anderson, Kingussie... 3 3 0
Tossing the Cabber.

Samuel Kennedy ... ... 5 5 0
You will see from the above list that Samuel
Kennedy has gained no less than four prizes. He
is a native of the parish of Laggan, Badenoch.
Several Strathspey reels were danced in first-rate
style on the lawn, in presence of her Majesty, but
the prizes were not awarded till this afternoon.

Thus ended the day's proceedings, when all were
sumptuously entertained at the expense of her
Majesty, in nicely fitted-up booths. Mr. Angus
Mackay, the Queen's piper, played several tunes to
the dancers.

I ought to mention one thing which occurred, and
which all admitted was the most interesting sight of
the day. As the games were going on, the Marquis
of Abercorn presented Mrs. Cluny Macpherson and her
family, Mrs. Davidson and the Misses Davidson,
Tulloch, to the Queen. Her Majesty conversed for
some time with Mrs. Macpherson, during which one
of her sons, a smart little boy, came up to his mother,
and was immediately noticed by the Queen. Hu is
about five years of age, and was dressed in the High-
land costume. He made his bow to her Majesty,
who introduced him to the Prince of Wales and the
Princess Royal. In two minutes after the three were
seen walking up and down, having hold of one ano-
ther's hands—the Princess Royal being in the
middle. Just as the crowd was dispersing, the
Prince of \Vales was called into the Lodge, and when
parting with the little Macpherson the Prince was
heard to say—" Don't go away, please, we'll meet
again." The crowd gavelhree cheers for the Prince
of Wales, and he turned round and took off his High-
land bonnet, and make a bow in acknowledgment.
The Queen remained out all day, and seemed to
take great interest in the games, and Prince Albert
himself measured the distance to which the stone was
thrown.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, Allen Mac-
donald, the bard of the district, was introduced by
Cluny, and recited an original piece of his own com-
position welcoming Queen Victoria to the Highlands.
Poets Laureate used to get a cask of wine on such oc-
casions, and Macdonald was also handsomely* re-
warded by her Majesty.
The attendance throughout was very great, and
amongst others, included the following, viz.:—Prince
Leiningen ; the Duchess of Bedford; Marquis of
Abercorn; Duke and Duchess of Norfolk; Lady
Rachael Russell ; Lady Jocelyn ; Earl Grey ; General
Wemys; the Hon. George Anson ; the Hon. Captain
Gordon ; Sir James Clarke; Sir John Mackenzie of
Anierls%.• n
and;
Misses MacphersonDayid Davidson
of;
Tulloch;Cluny, Mrs.and family
Macpherson, of Strathmashie; Misses Macbarnett;
Miss Macpherson, Brachacy; Mr. Macdonald of
Coul, and Miss Macdonald ; Mrs. Macpherson of
ne l;
Coul • Mrs. and Misses Carmichael, Edinburgh ;
Joseph Green, Esq., Singapore ; R. Gordon, Esq.!;
Mr. and Mrs. Macpherson, Dalchully; Major and
Mrs. Newman • Mr. Macnab, Sherrabeg ; the Rev.
Mr. Sutherland and Mrs. Sutherland, Laggan ;
the Reverend Mr. Macnab ; James Macpher-
son, Esq., Chapel Park, and his Lady ; Cap-
tain Macpherson, Bialid ; Huntly Macpherson,
Esq. ; George Stewart, Esq., and Miss Stewart, Bel-
ville ; James Macpherson, Esq., Calcutta; Mr. and
Mrs Macdonald, Sherramore, and party ; Mrs. Mac-
pherson, Blairgy, and Miss Macnab; Major Colin
Macpherson, Ruthven i Dr. Macpherson, London ;
John Macdonald, Esq., Bennevis Distillery • R. R.
M'lan, Esq ; John Cameron, Esq., Corrichoilly ; Mr.
Kennedy, Lienachan ; Colonel Hugh Ross, Tirin-
drish ; Mis.s Robertson (daughter of Lord Robert-
son) ; ;lss Ross ; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Robertson,
Banchor ; Commodore De Kay, and family, from
New York. This gentleman arrived a fewbdeantaf:
from America with a cargo
keeper,
In the evening Mr. Cattanach,
have bonfires lighted on the
made arrangements to
of L ga•an, and on King
hills of Aberarder andL
buted among the destitute Higholfangdr;:iislneg
aa: There were about
Fergus' Island in Loch g
alg nand when lighted the
ten barrels of tar in each e,
ofL includeden in
ge hern,
was truly grand. headrt oa gratuitously.
to u y .
appearance
Majesty and
and Duchess of Norfolk, the Marquis of
the Duke
the Earl Grey, Viscountess Jocelyn, Mr.
Abercorn,
Major-General Wemyss, Hon. Captain
ytheyesterday Prince
G.
E. Anson,
Macpherson, and Mr. Davidson of Tullock
Gordon, Sir James Clark, Bart., Cluny Macpherson
The. royall
tdhienuperrirpicaert,
of Cluny

THE WINDING-UP OF A YANKEE BARRISTER'S AD-
DRESS.—" May it please the Court. I had rather live
thirteen hundred centuries on the small end of a thunder-
bolt, chew the ragged end of a flash of lightning, swallow
the corner of Virginian thorn fence, and have my bowels
torn out by a green briar, than thus to be bamboozled
by those gentlemen."
A WINDFALL.—On Saturday afternoon as two
boys, about four years of age, were sitting on the step
of a door at County Place, .they rfin in pursuit of what
appeared to them some " bonny ws" that were flying
about with the wind. They secuf the whole, four in
number, and, on taking them ho, to the surprise of
their parents, they turned out to:be four notes of 201.
each. The owner was found to be Mr. Todd, of Aber-
dalgie, who, on the money being restored to him, pre-
sented the boys with 1/. each.—Perth Paper.
JENNY LIND IN BIRMINGHAM.--This far•famed
il vocalist made her debut in Birmingham, at
athaseiatTeod ywbn-
hall, on Thursday evening last. SLheab wasla
, and other
Madame Solari, Signori Gardoni, F. Lablache,
not noted
filled,
thvocalists.ere b
eTi
al ige
aHgarlef,a contrary
many
se placestexpectation,oia the
differentwas
e nt
neighbourhood.
prin-
cipally the nobility and gentry
parts of the building vacant
Those
pres

ire C. J.
the Gar-
'g the
-eight,
_ recently
Employed in her Majesty's Victualling Yard,
Deptford, whose demise took place on Sunday night
week under very remaikuble circumstances. The
investigation lasted five hours, and -caused great
sensation in the neighbourhood.
The jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the
body, which presented the remains of a delicate-
looking little woman. The appearance of her hands
caused the jury to suppose she had died of cholera.
On the return of the coroner and jury to the inquest
room the following evidence was adduced :
Mercy Lydia Bywater, wife of a cooper in her
Majesty's Victualling Yard, deposed that she lived
next door to the deceased, who used to complain of

pain at the heart. Deceased has three children, of

the respective ages of five, nine, and sixteen. The
deceased and family lived alone; no lodgers. On Sun-
day evening week, at eight o'clock, young Hutchings
called, and said his father wished to see her, his
mother being very bad. Went, and found deceased
in her bedroom; undressed her, and got
her into bed. The deceased said' she had
taken jalap. Mr. Hutchings sent for some
brandy, which he mixed with warm water, and
witness administered it ; the deceased then vomited.
Gave her some tea, which had the same effect. De-
ceased said she had taken nothing but jalap. Her
husband replied that it was a d-----d lie; she had
taken something else; she had taken bitter orange or
bitter aloes. During the evening Mr. Hutchings
said he had some arsenic in a drawer, and he was
afraid she had been to it. He had taken it from a
drawer up stairs, thrown the contents or. the fire,
broken the bottle, and thrown it down the water-
closet. Witness laid down by deceased, and at half-
past eleven o'clock gave her some beer, which she
vomited; gave her another half-pint, with a like re-
sult. Deceased said her husband was a brute, and
had behaved to her in a cruel manner. Hutchings
told her he had given his wife some tea, but deceased
said she had taken jalap. Said she felt ill at half-
past one o'clock. The boy said his father had arsenic
for rats and cats ; the latter had killed his chickens.
Had taken the deceased home (houses her) many
nights, on account of her husband's ill-usage. He
said he threw the arsenic into the fire at half-past
five. Deceased • told witness that E utchings had
acted very brutally ; he called her a b--y old coun-
terfeit, and a cursed old sow, and that he would
serve her as he had done before, and that witness
knew how. This was on Saturday night, when he
made a dreadful row. He was tipsy. She called in
a neighbour to assist her into bed. when she sent for
Dr. Downing, the police surgeon. Deceased ex-
pired tit halt-past one on Monday morning. Had
three fits after drinking the beer, and threw the glass
across the bed. Deceased had scarcely a bit of food,
merely a cup of tea and bread, all day, at times.
Hutchings made the tea and brandy and water on
Sunday. Deceased complained of great pain in her
stomach. .

Edward Downing, surgeon, deposed that he was
called to attend the deceased at half-past eight on
Sunday evening. She was vomiting and complained
of great thirst and pain ; pulse very weak, and ap-
peared fast sinking. sent her a stringent mixture,
and ordered brandy and water to be given. Mrs.
Bywater called in the morning, and required a cer-
tificate, as the poor woman was dead. He told her
that, understanding arsenic had been used he could
not comply with her request, nothing about poison
having been alluded to. Involuntary purging and
vomiting was continually going on. Witness had
made a post mortem examination of the body and
contents of the stomach, which he had given over to
Dr. Heisch and Mr. C. Taylor, M.D. Thought the
deceased had been labouring under the effects of
cholera.

Mr. Caleb Taylor, M.D., deposed that he had exa-
mined the stomach and contents. Poison was present.
Charles Heisch, Esq., of Blackheath, Lecturer on
Practical Chemistry at St. Thomas's Hospital, said
he had examined the stomach. He had cut it up and
boiled it in distilled water. There were deep red
patches on the surtace of inflammation. He boiled
it one hour, and placed it in a new parcelian dish,
tested it afterwards by the usual means, which led him
to suspect the presence of arsenic. Had already dis-
covered ten grains—two grains might cause death,
five would produce it, and ten would most certainly.
Four medical practitioners had examined it, and
expressed their conviction that a large quantity of
poison had been taken.

Mrs. Bywater re-called—Deceased told her she had
taken no other medicine but jalap.
Mrs. Mary Moulton said she breakfasted with de-
ceased's husband at two in the morning after
death had ensued. He said ha'l dined with de-
' ceased, and afterwards heard her groan. He had
lain town after dinner in the next room. He heard
her groan again, and asked why ? She replied to
him, nothing is the matter, only she had taken some
jalap. Re then said to her, " That be d—d."
had arsenic in the house in a bottle, which he had
broken. He had broken open his son's drawer, in
which it was, and had made off with it. Can't say
when he broke open the drawer. He did not say
when, only after the groaning. He did not say what
he thought was the cause of death. His wife could
not get at it. They dined in the parlouf.
Mrs. Bywater re-called—She heard deceased cry
very much in the morning about her husband's treat-
ment the preceding night.
Thomas Hutchings, aged sixteen, eldest son of the
deceased, deposed that his mother was pretty well at
breakfast on Sunday, about nine o'clock. His mother
afterwards prepared the dinner—potatoes, batter pud-
ding, and beef. He took it to the bait, r's, and all
dined off it. His mother ate some pudding. After
dinner she retched. Had a mulberry pie also. His mo-
ther ate none of it. Half an hour after dinner he was
taken very sick and retired upstairs. Father was up-
stairs at the time. Mother cried at 10 o'clock, and father
went out, and returned at ten minutes to one. Wit-
ness went out after dinner, and remained till half-
past five. His father made tea at six o'clock, and
took some up to his mother. She drank it, and
retched afterwards. Witness had a bottle containing
arsenic locked up in a drawer up-stairs ; was given
him by a hostler to kill cats and rats. His fowls bad
been killed by the cats. The bottle was one-fourth
filled with white arsenic. Had it two months age.
Always kept the drawer locked and the key in his
pocket. Opened the drawer at seven on Sunday
evening, all was right as he left the bottle ; had not
opened the drawer for a week. Had forgotten that
his father had broken open the drawer on Sunday
last. When his father made the tea he said he had
broken open the drawer and took the stuff out, and
said that he thought his mother had taken something.
This was at half-past five. His father broke the
bottle and threw the contents into the fire, and told
his little brother to put the bottle down the privy.
His mother did not know there was poison in the
drawer. He never used it. His father mixed it for
the cats. Father kept the bottle one day a month
ago, and gave it him back again to lock -up. Did
not say why he broke the bottle. Father had not
beat mother for a long time. A hostler gave the
arsenic. His brother fetched the dinner beer.
Charles Hutchings, aged nine years, deposed that
his brother had poison to kill cats ; never saw it used
at all.
Thomas Hutchings re-called—The bottle was half
full of poison.
Hutchings, the husband, was called in, and the
coroner informed him of the nature of the evidence
that had been given ; that arsenic was in the house in
large quantities, but under lock and key, and that
deceased was taken ill before the drawer was
cautioned Hutaings that
krokenti'e open, and having
whatever he disclosed as to the dreadful affair would
he taken down against him, 'lnd that he was not
hound to say anything unless he did so voluntarily,
Hutchings said he did not intend to make any state-
ment at all. He was an innocent man, and that was
sufficient.

The room was then cleared for about an hour, and
on the doors being re-opened, the husband was again
called in, and the Coroner addressed him as foll,.ws :
—John Hutchings, it is my painful duty, after a most
patient investigation into the whole of the evidence,
to inform you that the jury by the solemn oath they
base taken, agreed unanimously in a verdict of
Wilful Murder ;igainst you, and that you will be
forthwith committed to Newgate to stand your trial
on this most serious charge.

EXPLOSION OP GAS.--BRISTOL, SUNDAY MoRNIN_Ot:
—An accident occurred last night at the churchtofb
Matthew, Kingsdown, which caused the_
neighbourhood,
and
Con-
sternation and alarm throughout theneighbst h
will, it is feared, lead to the death or'f
days since by the
out of repair, it was removed
for
the
workmen of the gas company, purposethe otfimbeeinbgy
It would seem that the gas-meter atthleeachuornceh,PPbrei°nng.
p gas into the church; but it
repaired and regulated.
pipe, to prevent any
firmly closing the large cock at the end of the main
of repair, as mire
ear was usedat
le air took place.
The meter not being regulated,
bweoeubldousetem that this part oxftethoesivfietetisnegapsemoufstthaelsionflhaamve.
inflam-
mable .
necessary to have a supply of gas for and it being
Sun-
day's service, it was resolved to temporarily connect the
main and the branch pipe from the church fittings by
means of a piece of lead-piping. For this purpose,
three persons, Baily, the sexton, and two gas-fitters,
named Aylesbury and Taylor, went to the church last.
night. Upon entering the building Bayly struck a light,
and an instantaneous explosion took place. The three
men were knocked down, and very much burnt abc,ut
the face and bodies, and some shavings in a vault wader
the church caught fire, and communicated with some
cushions and other matters, which speedily ignited. The
noise of the explosion calling attention to the spot, the
engines were fetched, and the fire extinguished before
much damage had been done to the church. The men
were removed to the infirmary, where they lie in, it is
feared, a most dangerous state.

WATER AT LONDON-BRIDHE THIS DAY.
29 minutes after 4. j Evening .. 50 minutcs after 4.