The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-25 00:00:00

APPOINTMENTS.

SEPT. 22.—Charles H. Houghton, Second Engineer
Supernumerary, to William and Mary ; William Ibbett,
Third Engineer, to William and Mary.
COAST-avAlitD APPOINTMENTS.

Lieutenant Thomas C. Woodman, chief officer '; Lieut.
William Webster, chief officer.; Lieutenant H. B. Davis,
chief officer.

A CHILI) ACCIDENTALLY SHOT.—An inquest was
held on Wednesday, before H. Footner, Esq., at An-
dover, to inquire into the death of William Henry
Robert Denison, aged two years and eight months,
eldest son of Henry George Denison, Esq., a gentleman
residing at Walnut Tree Mansion, Salisbury-road,
within half a mile of Andover. It appears from the evi-
dence of Francis Masters, Esq., brother to the lady of
the house, that he had only on Monday evening last
come down to pay his sister a visit; that on Wednesday
morning, immediately after breakfast, about half-past
nine, he (Mr. Masters) went into the drawing-room,
where the child followed him. After playing with the
child a few minutes on the sofa, on an instant the child
ran into the corner of the room, where stood a loaded
gun, having the shot belt hanging from the muzzle.
The child caught hold of the belt, and pulled
the weapon towards him, on seeing which Mr. Masters
sprang from the sofa, took hold of the gun, and while
drawing off the woollen case or cover, it suddenly went
off, lodging the whole charge in the head of tho child.
The child struggled three or four times, and it is sup-
posed died in two or three minutes after the calamitous
affair. Dr. Octaiius Hammond was sent for, who was
there in seven or eight minutes. On his arrival he found
the child had been dead several minutes, from perfora-
tions in the forehead, caused by gun shots. One over
the left eye had completely crushed in the bone ; there
were other perforations which would have caused death.
The jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict
of " Accidental death, from the discharge of a gun."
Mr. Masters seems to feel acutely this unfortunate cala-
mity, and the parents are nearly distracted at this sudden
and untimely bereavement.
FETE TO THE INSANE AT THE LUNATIC ASYLUM,
DUNDEE.—The sixth anniversary of the settlement of
Mrs. Kilgour, the present matron of that institution, was
held on Wednesday last. For several days previous. the
patients were busily engaged in making preparations for
the event. The external gate was splendidly decorated
by a triumphal arch, surmounted by a crown, which
attracted considerable attention from the passers-by.
Other arches were erected at suitable places, and flags
hoisted at different parts of the building. Cake and
other extras were served at dinner, which was enlivened
by speeches and music from the patients. As the after-
noon was fine, about a hundred sat down to tea on the
green sward ; and, after dancing some time, the com-
pany adjourned to a large hall, which they have agreed
shall be called in future the ball room. They there en-
joyed themselves for some hours in country dances, reels,
&c., which were performed in such a manner as would
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speeches were made during the evening, and a number
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ladies and three gentlemen attended to assist in the
dancing. The decorum which prevailed during the
various entertainments was perfect, and the recollection
of it will be fresh for a long time to come in the memory
of all who were present. As a proof of its effects on the
minds of some of the patients, it may be mentioned, that
two of the " depressed" were roused from their lethargy
by the stir around them, and that they not only took a
hearty interest in the business, but declared next day
that they felt considerably better in consequence of the
previous day's excitement. The first patient that was
admitted into the asylum was present, and seemed to
enjoy the sport with as much relish as the youngest
member of the company.—Dundee Courier.
BOBBEIEY BY A SERPA NT.—Yesterday informationwas forwarded to the various police stations that Thomas
Preston, a porter, in the emply of Messrs. Verrey's,
Regent-street, had absconded with the sum of 80/., the
produce of a cheque with which he had been entrusted
to pay certain Government duties. The impression is
that he has got on board some vessel for Ireland, accom-
panied by his wife and two young children.
The Earl -and Countess Somers have during the
last fortnight received much company at Eastnor Castle,
the family seat in Herefordshire.