The Sun.
London, England, 1848-10-31 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON,

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
OLD COURT.
(The trial of Linfield, Orpin, and Dryden, contained
from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
James Danver Wilson, the father of the deceased,
stated that the deceased had lived with him at Norwood.
She was ill some time before her death, which took place
on the 22d of September. She first became ill on the
12th. She was absent from home one night, about a
week before she became ill. Did not know where she
went. When she was ill, Mr. Chapman, a surgeon,
was sent for and attended her up to her death.
James Wilson stated that the deceased was his
sister. On the 14th of September he carried a
note for his sister, to Mrs. Linfield's, Prior-place,
East-street, Walworth. He was taken up stairs to a
bed-room where he saw Mrs. Linfield. On reading the
note she said you came from Norwood, to which witness
replied, yes; and Linfield then said your sister com-
plains of pain, to which witness replied, that she was
very bad, and he expected the doctor there when ho got
back. She then gave him two ounces of common salts,
which she desired him to give to his sister, with plenty
of warm milk, and to sit on hot water. Ho asked her
what was the matter with her, and she said she had
the liver complaint, but she had a good constitution, and
would get over it. He asked her how many times his
sister had been there, and she said twice—once in the
week before, and again on the following Monday. She
gave nothing but the Epsom salts. His sister took
the salts. _ _

ints, and said it was all over, and that the firemen had
set it down as an escape of gas, and that she had done it
by putting a light into the cupboard where the old news-
papers were kept, and that it flared up and was over in
a minute. I next saw Fitzgerald on the Monday fol-
lowing, who came and told me that Beaumont wished to
see me at her brother's; and I went there, when she told
me I need not be afraid as she would give me what she
had promised, although I had not done it. She then
bound me to secrecy, but not giving me the money I sent
to her, when she sent me back word I might do what I
liked, and that if I said anything she would charge me
with stealing some things which she had given to me.
The witness then went on to state that at two subse-
quent meetings with Fitzgerald she denied having fired
the place herself, but said that Fry had advised combus-
tibles being used, and the first she knew of the house
being on fire was from being awoke by the smoke enter-
ing her bed-room, and that she made her escape with
difficulty in her night clothes up a ladder on to the
roof, where she was rescued. The ladder up which she
made her escape the witness had taken up stairs, and
placed in a position leading to the roof, a few days pre-
viously at the desire of Beaumont. He then gave infor-
mation to the insurance-office.

The witness was cross-examined at some length, but
nothing was elicited either to damage his, character or
alter the substance of his evidence.
William B. Storr, of the firm of Debenham and Storr,
proved that the prisoner Beaumont came to him with a
claim of 2171. for the property alleged to have been
burnt at the fire. He, as valuer to the Westminster
Fire-office, made inquiry, and found that a quantity of
the property, set down in the list submitted to him of
the articles burnt, had been pawned by Beaumont and
Fitzgerald. He saw her several times upon the subject
of her claim, and at last, having seen the witness Bag-
ster, he had the aid of the police, who having heard his
statement, ultimately took the prisoners Beaumont and
Fitzgerald into custody.
George V. Stephenson, clerk to the Westminster Fire-
office, proved the policy of insurance, which was effected
to the prisoner Beaumont's mother in January, 1838,
subsequently in 1845 assigned to the prisoner and her
sister, and finally, in 1847, to prisoner only.
Philip Sidney, of Hatton-garden, solicitor to the pro-
secution, proved having served the prisoner Beaumont
with a notice to produce the policy of her insurance,
which she alleged had been destroyed in the fire.
Mrs. Elizabeth Robins, the wife of a shoemaker, car-
rying on business in Oxford-street, stated that she had
known Beaumont for fifteen years. On the day of the
fire she called upon Beaumont at about twelve in the day
and went into her bedroom to change her dress, which
she did, and left some other clothes behind. Beaumont
then went away, and in the evening witness called upon
her at the coffee-house, and Fitzgerald was there. She
seemed in an agitated state, and said, " Shall I tell Mrs.
Robins?" and she immediately said, " There is going to
be a fire here! lamin a great deal of trouble;" and
requested witness to lend her 55., which she did, and
immediately Beaumont went out with some young man.
Immediately she was gone Fitzgerald asked if Beau-
mont had been to her (witness's) house? and having been
answered in the affirmative, told her that she left 401.,
some dresses and duplicates. She then detailed to witness
the transaction with Bagster, and said that she (Fitzge-
rald) meant to fire the place. Witness, scarcely know-
ing what to think, endeavoured to dissuade her from it.
Fitzgerald promised not to do it, and witness went home,
where she found a quantity of gold and silver, and! two
notes, hidden under the dress Beaumont had left behind
her. The next day Beaumont called, and told her that
the place had been burnt, and witness said, " Oh! that
wretch has done it ;after all." Beaumont made no an-
swer, and subsequently asked witness if she knew any-
thing about making out•a claim for an insurance-office,
and witness recommended her to her sister, who had
once had a firo.

Wm. Woodhatu, a police-constable, went on Sunday,
the 17th of September, to Mrs. Linfield's, 24, Prior-
place, East-street, in plain clothes. He saw a young
man there, who took him into the parlour, where he saw
Mrs. Linfield. He told her he had come from a young
woman named Wilson, at Norwood. Linfield asked
witness how she was. He said, very bad. She asked if
she had taken the medicine she had sent her ? Witness
said he did not know. He asked who brought the young
woman to her house. She said, a person named Dry-
den, living in York-street. She said, that the woman
who brought her had given her a box of pills
and some alum water, which caused a stoppage.
He then told her he would call again in
the morning. On the next morning he called,
told her he was a police, constable, and took her into
custody. He stated that she was charged with using a
certain instrument on a female named Wilson, in order
to procure abortion. Linfield said, the only instrument
she had used was to draw off the water. On his in-
quiring if the young woman had given her any money,
she said she had received 21. log. from her, Bs. of which
she gave to the woman who brought her. She kept 2s.
for the medicine, and returned 21. to Eliza Wilson.

The letter from the deceased to Linfield was here
put in and read, in which she complained of great pain,
and requested the prisoner Linfield to send her some-
thing to relieve her.
Thomas Connor, a police constable, took the prisoner
Dryden into custody on the 18th of September. He
found her in York-street, Lock's-fields. lie told her he
was a constable, and that Mrs. Linfield was in custody
upon acharge of having used instruments to procure abor-
tion. Dryden said "It is through nothing that I have
given her. I only gave her five-leaved grass, ground
ivy, and pillacocia pills." Witness asked if she had got
any money from Mrs. Linfield, and she said none,
and knew nothing of Mrs. Linfield. She
afterwards said she received eight shillings from
Linfield and 3s. from Eliz a Wilson for medicine. Ile
then took her into custody. On the following day
he apprehended the prisoner Orpin. He found him at
Rose cottage, Chapel-road, Norwood. He told him he
W. 13 a constable, and that the prisoner was charged with
two females in custody with using instruments upon
Eliza Wilson, to produce abortion. He ,said the knew
nothing about it, and that whatever stuff Eliza Wilson
tos;k to poison herself was of her own accord, and he
had nothing whato'er to do with it. Ho went to Lin-
field's house on the 19th, and found a box of pills there,
and a bill for (3/. 15.5., which Mrs. Linfield had paid
to Mrs. Dryden.
William Merritt assisted in searching Linfield's
house. Found a quantity of herbs, among which was
savia. He also found satin at Dryden's, and a quantity
of herbs, together with two printed bills.
The printed bills were read, which contained a list of
herbs and other things sold by Linfield, who called
herself a midwife.

A mass of evidence wea then adduced which went to
prove that the fire broke out twenty-fire minutes past
eleven o'clock in the evening, and was speedily got
under, and was found to have broken out in the bar at
the back of the shop. The damage was trifling, being
merely confined to some books and things that were in
the room. After the fire was put out the police went to
the roof, where they found the prisoner Fitagerald partly
dressed.

The police proved finding a quantity of duplicates re-
lating to property charged in the claim as destroyed,
hidden in flower-pots, milk-cans, and other places.
Ann Garrett, a former servant at the coffee-house,
deposed to having left the service in consequence of
Beaumont having in May last solicited her to set fire
to the place.
The agent of the landlord proved Beaumont to be 40/.
in arrears with her rent. _ _

A cert]fiJate of Dr. Clough's was produced, certifying
that Lintield had attended his lectures on midwifery
and the diseases of women, and practised it under his
inspection.

Joseph Armstrong, another policeman, stated that he
had been stationed at Norwood for four years. Knew
the deceased Elizi Wilson, and the prisoner Orpin.
Had seen them trequmtly together at a late hour in the
evening, and had frequently seen him hi,s her.
John Chapman, a surgeon, of 2.'hurlow-place, Nor-
wood, was called in to see the deceased on the 14th
September, but did not see her then. Saw her on the
150. She was very ill with great constitutional dis-
turbance, and dangerously ill. She was in great pain in
the lower part of the abdomen. She complained of con-
stant sickness. Witness consulted with a physician
upon the case. The witness examined the deceased OA
his first visit, and described the state in which she was,
which is unfit for publication. Witness also examined
the deceased about 36 hours after death, assisted by Mr.
May. The witness then read a paper describing the
state of the body internal and external after death.
From the examination of the deceased, he had
no doubt that the deceased had been pregnant for seven
weeks. The introduction of such an instrument as the
one produced would hare caused miscarriage and the ap-
pearances he had described. Au instrument used to re-
lieve the water would not have caused such appearances.
lie believed the cause of death was the intlimu3ation of
the uterus in couseqaenco of abcrtion having been pro-
cured by tile use of an instrument or instruments.
Mr. Wray, of Dulwich, surgeon, who assisted the last
witness at the examination of the deceased, gave similar
evidence.

.11 long statement made by the prisoner Fitzgerald,
after examination at the police-court, Bow-street, was
then pat ia, and after stating that she had been six
weeks in Beaumont's employ, and corroborating a por-
tion of the statements made by Bagster, it went on to
state that Beaumont had promised to take her with her
to Australia if she would fire the place, and that by
threats, promise of reward, and entreaty, she procured
her aid to the extent she had. She, however, denied
hers being the hand that fired the place, and alleged that
according to her mistress's directions, after she had fas-
tened up the house she washed a coarse apron, and hung
it near enough to catch fire. She then went to bed, and
was awoke by the knocking and ringing at the place
when the fire was discovered. In hor statement she
also sought to implicate other parties besides the pri-
soner Fry.
This closed the case for the prosecution
•

Mr. Justice WIGgTMAN said, Fry only being impli-
cated upon the evidence of his fellow-prisoner, there was
no case for the jury, and directed an acquittal.
Air. O'BRIEN then made a powerful appeal to the
sympathies of the jury, contending that his client had
been a tool in the hands of the others. and that there
was no direct proof that hers was, the actual hand that
fired the place.
Mr. CuAnNoctc inquired upon which count the Court
pressed the charge against Beaumont?
Mr. Justice WIoaTatAN said, the count charging her
with being an accessory to the fire with intent to de-
fraud the insurance-office.

Robert Emmerson, a policeman, was present before
the magistrates on the examination of the witnesses
against the prisoners. Linfield and Dryden made state-
ments on the first examination, and Orpin at the last.
(The statements of the prisoners were then put in and
read.)
This closed the case for the prosecution.
Mr. PARRY submitted to the Court whether there was
any case to go to the jury against Orpin.
Mr. Justice MAULS said the case was very slight
against Mite%
Mr. PARRY. said that, under such circumstances, he
would not trouble the jury on his behalf.
The COURT then adjourned for half an hour, and on
its resuming,
Mr. BALLArrrists addressed the jury for the prisoner
Lin field.

Mr. CHARNOCK then, at some length, argued that
there was no direct proof but that the fire was accidental.
Fry had been acquitted ; and it was not at all clear that
Fitzgerald had fired the house—in fact, the evidence
went to negative the supposition—and if they did not
think the offence proved against her, they could not
convict his client of being an accessory to that which
was not proved.

LUS LORDSHIP having summed up,
The jury retired, and, having been absent about half
an hour, returned into court, bringing in a verdict of

His LORDSHIP, in passing sentence, said it was clear
Fitzgerald had been a tool in the hands of Beaumont ;
he then sentenced her to seven years' transportation, and
Bdaunaosit to fifteen years.
The case lasted from ten in the morning until a late
hour in the evening.
The five prisoners convicted last week of Post-office
robberies, were brought up during the retirement of the
jury, and severally ordered to be transported for seven
years. _ _ _

The prisoner
,Dryden declined saying anything to the
jury.
Several witnesses gave the prisoner Linfield an ex-
cellent character for skill and care as a tnid wile. Many
of the witnesses had known Linfield for upwards of 20
years.
Mr. Justice MAIILE summed up the case, and
The jury, after a short consultation, Acquitted all the
prisoners.

There were two othQr indictments against the priso-
ners, but they were not proceeded with.

THIRD COURT.
(Before Mr. BULLOCK.)
Charlos Pitt, aged 17, a servant, was indicted for steal-
ing a silver fork, a spoon, and a quantity of wearing
apparel, the property of Mr. Samuel Pole, his master.
Mr. Huddlestone appeared for the prosecution.
The prosecutor, a major in the army, stated that the
prisoner had been his servant for nearly two years,
and he had no suspicion of his being dishonest until
about a fortnight ago, when missing some article of
wearing apparel he instituted a search, and then disco-
vered that a quantity of his winter clothing had been
abstracted from a portmanteau in which it was usually
kept. When the prisoner was asked where the things
were, he said, that in all probability witness had left
them at Skillingle-park, at which place he was on a visit
last Easter. knowing that to be untrue, he called in
the police and gave him into custody, and his boxes be-
ing searched a number of pawnbrokers' duplicates relat-
ing to the stolen property was found.
The jury having heard a good deal of corroborative
testimony found him :Guilty, and not being known he
was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, and to be
kept to hard labour.
Richard Pendrill, 20, and Matthew Cox, 19, were in-
dicted for stealing 191 b. weight of sugar, the property of
the London Dock Company.
The facts of the case were these:—the prisoners, two
sailors, belonged to a brig lying in the dock, and the
sugar had been abstracted from a bag lying on the quay.
The sugar was found in Pendrill's box, and Cox admitted
having taken it.
Thejury Acquitted Pendrill, but found Cox Guilty.
The Captain having given Cox an excellent character,
and offering to take him out again, Mr. Bullock ordered
Cox to be given up to him.

IVE,II COURT.
(Before Mr. Justice WIGHTMAN.)
Emma Beaumont, 26, spinster, and Nary Ann Fitz•
gerald, 25, married, standing reniando from last ses-
sion, were indicted for arson ; and James Fry, who had
been out on bail, and surrendered to take his trial, was
indicted for aiding and abetting them in the commission
of the offence.

Mr. Clarkson, Mr. Bodkin, and Mr. Parnell appeared
for the prosecution ; Beaumont was defended by Mr.
Charnock ; Fitzgerald by Mr. O'Brien ; and Fry by Mr.
Robinson.

Mr. CLARXSON having stated tho case to the jury,

Mr. BODKIN called

Joseph Bagster, who having been sworn, said—l am a
porter, and work in Covent-garden Market. I know
the prisoner Beaumont, and have lodged in a coffee-
house kept by her at 53, Long-acre, and bad done so for
some time previously to the 21st of August. Whilst I
lived tkere_the prisoner. Beaumont upon:several occasions
spoke to me about setting fire to the house, and said she
would not mind giving 101. to me if I would do it. I
told her I would consider of it, or something to that ,
effect, and she then showed me a policy of insurance
in the Westminster Fire-office, for 4001. She then
told me that she was behindhand with her landlord,
and that if she procured the money from the insurance
she should go to Australia and purchase a farm. She
pressed me further about firing the place, and agreed
to give me 101. for doing it. I did not tell her I would
not do it, or that I would ; and she then began to take
away the property the house contained, consisting fof
glass and china—most of which was carried away by
Fitzgerald by Beaumont's orders. The beds were cut
up, and being made into pillows were taken away ; and
it was finally arranged that I should set fire to the
house on Thursday, the 25th of August, and I left the
lodgings on the preceding Monday. I called at the
coffee-house on the Tuesday, and Fitzgerald requested
me to allow some of her boxes to be taken to m
lodgings,
which was done. On the Thursday Beaumon t sentfo me to the coffee-house, and came in shortly after I had
arrived there. She then said the matters were all ready,
and they might as well go through with it, having
gone so far. She siren said that she intended to go
to Asticy's Theatre with Fry at half-past nine, and
that I was to set fire to the place while she was gone. She
then put three sovereigns on the sideboard for me to
take up, not handing it to me, so that I might not he
able to say she had given me any money. She then
said that she would give me two sovereigns the next
day, and the remaining 51. when she got the money
trona the fire-office. Fitzgerald was there whilst the
conversation was going on. Fry was also there, but
not war enough to hear what was said. Fry and Beau-
mont then went Our, and I put the money into my
packet, and told Fitzgerald that I did sot mean to set
tire to the: place, and would not de such thing for any
consideration, and that I was going into the country.
Fitzgerald said she thought as much ; and I then left
the house, and with a friend went down to Watford,
and thence to Northampton, returning on the next day
to town ; and in the evening I went to the coff,e-lion-e
and saw Eitz:zerald, whom I asked what Beaumont said
about limy taking the money ? and she told me that
Beaumont tad said I bad acted wisely, for as it was
op ra night the streets would be full, and it would not
have been so safe. She then told 'me that if I would

POLICE IN TELLIGENCE.
MANSION-HOUSE.

Sarah Iluxton and Henry Goodson were brought be-
fore the Lord Mayor, upon the charge of having robbed
Mrs. Reeve, of Old Fish-street, of 111. 12s. 6d.
The prosecutrix had charitably given employment to
the female prisoner, who was sister to her servant, and
destitute, but was imprudent enough to lot her see that
there was gold and silver money in the cash-box. The
girl had been at work at the house for a day or two; but
on Saturday evening she disappeared, and so did the
purse in which the cash was deposited, and which had
been kept in the box in the bedroom. Information
having been given to Storey, the officer, he proceeded
to investigate the matter, and on Sunday night ho ap-
prehended the two prisoners, having learned that they
were living on intimate terms, and that neither of them
had slept at home on Saturday night. The officer sud-
denly presented himself to the man at a beer-shop in
the Southwark- bridge.road, and Goodson, in great con-
fusion, tried to slip some money into the landlord's
hand, but it fell upon the floor. It was well known to
the acquaintances of both prisoners that they were with-
out money of their own for some days, and their ac-
ekrunt of the manner in which they became enriched so
soon was not at all satisfactory. The female prisoner
was taken into custody very shortly after her companion's
apprehension; and it was pretty clear that they had been
carousing together, on Saturday night, on part of the
produce of the robbery. The account given by both
prisoners was contradictory.
Martin, the keeper of the beer-shop, said, the male
Sundaynd s
actedi
, honestly in that capacity he, however,
had •
prisoner had been waiter to him for some days, and had
always
caliesdud n
ouenlyabse himself for a couple of days, but
nii,ganhdt,eadndh,iamfteorvderecltawroinsgovtheraetigwnitsne
witness
hadd.
o of p
always acted kindly to him, offered to lend him a
couple
ac-
cordingly, and took his I 0 U for the amount. Witness
added that Goodson, upon being
apprehended, wanted to
put some gold into his hand, but it fell
to the ground.
Four half-sovereigns and a sovereign were picked up,
but it was possible that more money had fallen, for there
were several people ou the spot.
Storey, the officer, said it was twelve o'clock at night

do it some one else wmid, and perhaps she'd do
it her-elf. She added that the prisoner Fry had
been there during the day, and that it was ar-
ranged that it should take ];lace that night, and that
she was to have 207. for doing it; that Fry had g.me
out and bought a threepenny receipt stamp, upon which
Beaumont and he attached their names to it, and that
she had made her mark, each of them binding th&u-
hakes to carry out the; object, and: not to betray each
otter. Oa the next day Fitzgerald came to my lodg-

TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 31, 1848.

when he apprehended Goodson, who accounted for the
possession of the money by stating that he had found 51.
on London-bridge, in a purse, which he afterwards said
contained more money.

The prisoners were committed for trial.
MARYLEBONE.
Samuel George Lacey was placed at the bar before
Mr. Long, upon the following extraordinary charge of
burglary and outrage at the residence of Mr. Peter
Rogers, an elderly and very infirm gentleman, at Haver-
stock-hill, Hampstead

Mr. iinrlstone, a clerk at Worship-street Police-
court, and who is a friend and :neighbour of the prose-
cutor, attended, and was permitted by the magistrate to
qttestion the several witnesses relative to the facts of the
case. _ _

Prosecutor deposed that the prisoner had lived with
him as footman and valet, and, after a servitude of not
more than a month, he was discharged on the 25th ult.,
in consequence of a 5/. note and a sovereign having been
missed, and which it was strongly suspected he had
stolen. On the morning of the 24th inst., between five
and six o'clock, he (prosecutor) was awoke by a crack-
ing noise in his bedroom, and immediately after a man
enveloped in a large cloak came to his bed-side, and,
placing the said garment in front of his face, exclaimed,
,6 oh, d—n you, now I'll do for you," or words to that
effect. Prosecutor added that he sprung up, and with
what strength he was master of (seized with both hands
the prisoner alluded to, who threw at his head with great
force a chamber utensil, and then rushed out of the
apartment, locking the door after him. He (prosecutor)
gave an alarm, and his two servants rushed towards him
to see what vas the matter.

By Mr. Hurlstcne—l have no doubt whatever that
the prisoner is the man. I did not see his face, but
there is such a peculiarity in his voice that I could not
be mistaken. I can safely swear to him. The cloak
was mine, and was picked up in the house after the pri-
soner had effected his escape. Upon examining the
premises, accompanied by my servants, I found that one
of my desks in the parlour had been broken open, and
two sovereigns and some silver abstracted therefrom, a
quantity of papers was strewed about the floor, and ten
shillings in silver had been stolen from a purse in the
pocket of ley trousers, which were on a chair by my bed;
the empty purse was left behind.
Mary Bailey, the housekeeper, stated that on hearing a
noise in her master's room, she jumped out of bed and
awoke the man servant, who, on entering the apartment,
cried out, "For God's sake come down directly, for Mr.
Rogers is murdered!" Witness observed that, on going
into the room; some blood was running down her mas-
ter's face; she further said, that 15s. had been taken from
her purse, which was in a drawer in the kitchen, and
that her fellow•servant had been robbed of a pair of
boots. _ _ _

Mason, 168 S, deposed to his having been sent to the
house upon information of the burglary being given at
the police-station; he made a close examination of the
premises, and ascertained that an entry had been effected
by breaking open thecoal-cellar door, and making in the
back kitchen window, an aperture in a pane of glass
sufficiently large for the introduction of a hand ; the
bolt was by that means undone, and the sash thrown up.
After much inquiry, he (witness) found out where the
prisoner was lodging, and on Saturday afternoon last
took him into custody at 49, High-street, Mile-end, New
Town. Not any portion of the stolen property was
found in his possession, and he denied having been at
the prosecutor's dwelling since the period of his being
discharged.
The prisoner repeated his denial to the Magistrate,
and called two witnesses, ono of whom, a young man
named William Thompson, lodging at the same house as
the prisoner, swore positively that he saw the prisoner
at home and in bed at half-past five and 'at half-mat
seven on the very morning of the discovery of the rob-
bery in question.
Mr. LONG felt that, after such distinct evidence as
that, he should not bo justified in sending the accused to
prison, and therefore discharged him.

tin as to his character, which, being approved of, the
article was sent in, but both Johnson and his referee
quitted their abode and had not been heard of again
until the former was taken into custody on other charges.
Martin, however, had ever since kept out of the way.
Mr. COTTINGHAM directed that Martin should be
taken into custody as speedily as possible, in order that
the gang, to which he no doubt belonged, might be
broken up.
Mr. Williams, a hatter, stated that a man who gave
his name Daggs gave an order to the extent of 161. 18s.
for hats, and referred to Captain Hodgson as to his re-
spectability as a tradesman. The order was to be sent
to Windsor, and upon complainant calling upon Captain
Hodgson he gave Johnson an excellent character for
probity and honesty, adding at the same time that he
would have no hesitation in advancing him any sum of
money that he required. Complainant was a out to
complete the order, when he by accident heard that he
had got into the hands of a nest of swindlers, and thus
ho was saved from the consequences.
Mr. CoTTINGHIM said that it would have been well
for the rest of the tradesmen who had been defrauded
of their goods if they had escaped in the same manner.
Anthony Tate, a tailor in Moorgate-street, said
Hodgson called on him, representing himself to be a
captain, and gave an order for clothing, and at the same
time referred to a person named Fowler for a character.
The latter gave him an unexceptionable one, and upon
the faith of its accuracy Hodgson obtained from him
clothes to the amount of 411. 10s. Hodgson, upon being
subsequently pressed for payment, handed over his ac-
ceptance to the complainant, which never honoured
from that day to the present, and both he and his re-
feree had not been heard of since until the present
occasion.

Hodgson exclaimed that it was merely a debt, and
that it would be paid by and by.
Evidence was then gone into implicating the other
prisoners in the various swindling transactions, from
which it appeared that Bench had also !given Johnson
such a character to tradesmen as to enable that person
to obtain the possession of ~,nods, and that he acted, as
Hodgson had previously done, as referee, and subse-
quently absconded. The other prisoner, Jacobs, had
also succeeded in defrauding other tradesmen, and in
his case Downing was his referee, and, in fact, to such
an extent had they been carrying on their depredations
on the public, that the Magistrate remarked that it was
high time a stop should be put to their proceedings ;
that at present he (the Magistrate) could not dispose of
the case, ar he was convinced there were many other
tradesmen in the'metropolis who had been victimised by
the gang ; and that if the necessary publicity were given
to the examination through the medium of the news-
papers, he had no question but it would have the effect
of bringing forward other persons who had been suf-
ferers. No doubt it would take time to discover and
break up so formidable a gang of swindlers, but he con-
sidered it a public duty to investigate and sift the matter
to the bottom, and for that purpose should remand the
prisoner until next Monday ; and at the same time the
Magistrate gave Sergeant Barry, of the A division, strict
injunctions to spare no pains or trouble in completing
the charges against the accused.

THE HONITON BANK.
EXETER DISTRICT BANKR UPI CY COURT,

Oct. 24.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Berm)
IN RE FLOOD AND LOTT (HONITON DANE).
The official assignee, Mr. 11. L. Ilirtzel, read his se-
cond report. On the 18th of April last, he bad re-
ported that debts due to the estate had been applied for,
amounting to 136,2491. 15s. Bd.; besides 7,7791. 14s. sd.
on promissory notes; and that there was about 1,0001.
more to beWpplied'for';•that he had then 8,000/. cash in
hand; that the assets might possibly realise 43,0011. 19s.
11d.; and that he did not consider a dividend of more
than from 6s. Bd. to 7s. 6d. in the pound would be ulti-
mately realised; but he hoped in the latter end of May
to be able to declare a dividend of at least 2s. 6d. in the
pound. He now regretted to report that the farther the
accounts were :investigated the more complicated and
erroneous they were found to be. Many persons
returned as debtors had proved themselves to
be not so, and some to be creditors. Having made
another recapitulation of the debts due to the estate,
and anticipating also a dividend that might come to
it from the estate of Christopher Flood, deceased, the
assignee did not expect the creditors would obtain a
larger dividend than was mentioned; and, the accounts
being still in great confusion, would not pledge himself
to realise even that. It was proved with undeniable
clearness that no surplus could come from the separate
estate of Christopher Flood, deceased. The extreme
estimated value of that estate might possibly be 60,t'001.
or 70,000/., but being subjected to a mortgage for
20,0001., the surplus could be at most only 50,000/.; and
there were claims for his private debts, and his liabilities
to the creditors of Messrs. Flood and Mules, and others,
which would far exceed that 50,000/. and render his
estate insolvent, and unable to assist the creditors of
Flood and Lott. The assignee was, however, advised
that he was entitled to prove upon this estate for the
debt due from Flood and Mules to the Honiton Bank,
and to receive a dividend for the benefit of Flood and
Lett's creditors. As to the separate property of
Christopher Samuel Flood, the greater part of it was
in mortgage. Three of the principal estates in it
were mortgaged to Messrs. Lyon and Bentinek for
20,0001. The assignees, in order to pay off this, in-
tended to sell as much of the property of the late Chris-
topher Flood and Christopher Samuel Flood, as could
be realised. But part of the estate of C. S. Flood con-
sisted of fields purchased by him to complete the pro-
perty of his father, and as they would realise small sums
unless sold at the same time with it, the assignee had
not deemed it prudent to force the sale of them. The
assignee feared no surplus would arise from the estate of
Harry Buckland Lott. The late Harry Baines Lott be-
queathed the residue of his property to him, subject to
various legacies and an annuity of 1,000/. a year to his
widow. The assignee feared, as the bankrupt, Harry
Buckland Lott, had expended part of this estate, there
would not be enough left to pay these legatees, but that
a heavy deficiency would arise, and that the annuitants
and legatees would claim to prove on the separate estate
of Harry Buckland Lott, which would become insolvent.
The trustees under the father's will had taken possession
of the residue of the property unadministered by the
bankrupt Lott, so that the assignees had no power
over it unless at the risk of becoming liable to the
debts of the father, which would be imprudent.
The assignees had sold the estate of Roundball for
9,5001. less than it cost, but not mulch below what
was to bo anticipated. There was another property,
Pulshayes, part of the estate of H. B. Lott, still unsold,
but the assignees were unwilling to force the sale, be-
cause it was contiguous to the ornamental grounds of
Tracey, and its sale to an independent (Tiler would
damagehseoulcould
the o
lovalueuge rof
hope
to re
Thee to
Tracey.Tahlise any
eoffisurplus
clalassig from thisneefeared
separate estate of tehebaboaknkersutpatteHwaarsryinß. mLoortttg.ag
principal part of the
tthe Colonel
H depreciationoneyw ond
of,
house pfieris.tt be.
upaid
o;o
iatonud, from
the
assignee did not know whether an
Other parts of the who
ompursot
joint estate, a
sywsyuelipalusstwhoeusldepaerriastee.
estates of C. Flood and C. S. Floso
considerabled, w ere in
dffi mortgageeulty
to Messrs. Lubbock. There w
here, the assignees being advis,eadthatCto u
C. Ss Flood d
d had
t
mortgage his father s
no right toh estate
from himself, and that Messrsi . Lubbock had no claim on
part
that separate estate, which s administered by the Court
of the joint property mortgaged
of Chancery. That
debt. Th t g s
sufficient to satisfy the mor
gagh • t tt f th
to Messrs. Lubbock, wouldt not, the assignee feared, be
The bankrupts in first render-
deficiency, n
must sell it, and prove on t e join es a e or e
roapsersteyoutrhietybafonrkrouveprts-
ing an arose.accoinfnat-oyftheir assets had deceived themselves.
The bankrupts had calculated the
drawn balances.
had The bank
received estatefro from their was
principally debtorsP
debts due tothem
as wTohretyh whatever a
also
reckoned
respectivethe
the
pro-
perties would fetch.
pro-
perties again, among the bank property. So by taking
the value of these properties twice over, they had de-
ceived themselves to the amount of at least 15,0001.!
Mr. Player, clerk in the bank, had gone through the
debts with the assignee, who was now possitive that the
amounts he had set down as good were the utmost that
could be depended on for the estate. He feared that the
assets would probably be ,less than mentioned at last
meeting, and the amount on which dividend must be
paid, increased to the extent of 20,0004 The 6s. Bd.
dividend would hardly be realised; but if he could sub-
stantiate the right of the bank estate to prove on the
estate in Chancery of the late Christopher Flood and
Mules to the bank, he hoped the dividend would not be
much reduced below what had been expected.
The report further gave the following analysis of the
debts due to the banking firm. Total applied for from
balance of account was 158,280/. 45. 11d. Of these
there were-good, 31,931/. 2s. 11d. ' • doubtful, 10,189/.
12s. 10d. ; bad, 91,0021. 3s. Set off in Honiton tank-
notes, deposit notes, &c., 25,157/. 6s. 2d. The total
amount applied for on promissory notes, &c., was
16,448/. 18s. 3(1. Of these there were-good, 5,751/.
Doubtful, 3,221/. 9s. 3d. Bad, 4,710/. Bs. 2d. Set off in
Honiton bank-notes, deposit notes, &c., were 9,75e7
Os. 10d. The amount of assets, according to the new
estimate, would therefore be-good on balance of ac-
counts, 31,9311. 2s. Ild. Doubtful, at ss. in the pound,
',547/. Bs. 2d. Good on promissory notes, 5,7514
Doubtful at ss. in the pound, 8051. 7s. 4d. Amounting
to 41,034/. 18s. sd. Nothing was assumed for the bad
debts ; they were considered to be irrecoverably lost to
the estate.
Mr. Cox asked if the assignees had obtained any in-
formation from Mr. Woolnier, or Mr. Latimer, in whose
newspapers there was a statement as to thegoldmissinsigld?
Mr. Daw said he had been to those gentlemen,
found that the statement was sent to them by Mr.
Herman James Lott. No further elucidation of the
transaction, that the assignees could mention, had come
before them; but the assignees entertained no doubt of
the improper abstraction of that money.
His Hoeronst added that the matter was under investi.
gation, and it would be injudicious to ask questions
sheet it.
The examination was adjourned till the second Thurs-
day in January. Mr. Lott was unable to attend, being
unwell.-Western Times.

We have advices from Pernambuco to the 28th ult.,
when the quotation of exchange, notwithstanding the
rise which had taken place at Rio and
„Bahia, was not
above 23d. The import markets continued bad, and a
report of a change of Ministry, which would have the
effect of bringing ipto power the democratic and turbu-
lent party by whom the recent riots had been fomented,
tended to increase the prevalent distrust, the animosities
r,f this party being directed against the Portuguese resi-
dents, who are regarded as almost the only people of
tubtace and credit among the trading community in
empire.
In accounts from Senegal, of the 1I th ult., it is
mentioned that the news of the emancipation of the
blacks created a temporary sensation. In commercial
affairs there was quite a calm. Guru PM in demand at
47f, .50e. the 100 liilog.

NAVAL INTEL LIGENCE.

We regret to state that the health of Commodore
Sir J. Gordon Bremer, K.C.8., K.C.H., although
improved during his short leave of absence from the
duties of Superintendent at Woolwich Dockyard, is
nevertheless in so unsatisfactory a condition as to
oblige him to take the earliest opportunity of resign-
ing that responsible and very onerous appointment
into the hands of the Admiralty. This event ►ill be
much regretted by all classes in her Majesty's dock-
yard, Woolwich, by whom Sir Gordon Bremer is held
in the highest respect, esteem, and reverence, for his
just and impartial administration of his office in the
most kind and considerate manner.

It will, however, be some consolation to the officers
and men of Woolwich Dockyard, to find that the
place of one so much esteemed will be filled by an
officer who is in every way worthy to succeed to their
respect—via. Captain Henry Eden (1827), now prie
rate secretary to the First Lord of the Admiralty. It
would be superfluous to enlarge on the merits of this
gallant officer. Since he has occupied the distinguished
otlice he now holds, he has become more extensively
known to officers of all ranks of the navy as one who, pos-
sessing a most admirable esprit de corps, has exerted
himself to the utmost to anticipate, so far as his
ability and influence extended, the wants and wishes
of every one with whom he has been brought into
official contact. His departure from the Admiralty,
we are sure, will not be more deeply regretted by
every one in that establishment, from the highest to
the lowest, than by the whole naval service ; and we
are equally certain that the selection of this officer by
the Board of Admiralty to succeed Sir Gordon Bre-
mer will be unanimously approved of. In the report
of the " Select Committee on the Navy, Army, and
Ordnance Estimates," page 48, it is laid down that
" the office of superintendent of a dockyard should
not, in the opinion of your committee, be conferred as
an honorary retirement for past services, however
meritorious, It requires activity, habits of command,
and of methodical arrangement, and the order and
efficiency of each dockyard will be found principally
to depend on the fitness of the superintendent for the
peculiar duties he is selected to perform." Fully
concurring in these opinions, which, although mere
truisms, in some degree redeem the narrow, dull,
trifling, unmeaning, maudlin character of the report
generally, redolent as it is of "small beer," " salt
junk," and quarters of pounds of "onions or leeks," we
think it will be conceded by the immaculate "select"
that Captain Eden, by his professional and office la-
bours, has qualified himself in an eminent degree
for the very important situation of a dockyard
superintendent. To his experience of general afloat
service he has added that acquired by a term of com-
mand as Flag-Captain at one of our principal ports,
under that late most highly-distinguished flag-officer,
Admiral Sir Graham Moore, G.C.8., and he goes to
Woolwich more especially adapted for the "peculiar
duties he is selected to perform," inasmuch as from
his present position as private secretary to Lord
Auckland he is necessarily most thoroughly imbued
with the sentiments and wishes of the Admiralty with
reference to dockyard reform, which under his active
superintendence we may fairly hope will turn out to
be improvement.—Herald.
Captain Charles Eden, flag-captain to Sir T. Bladen
Capel, K.C.8., the Commander-in-Chief at Ports-
mouth, will in all probability succeed Captain Henry
Eden, at the Admiralty, as private secretary to the
Earl of Auckland, who, we are happy to believe, is
in the enjoyment of excellent health.
The First Lord of the Admiralty gave a dinner
last night, at Eden Lodge, to Rear-Admiral D.
' Dundas C. 8., M.P., and the Hon. Captain Berkeley,
C. 8., 111. P., his Lordship's colleagues; Captain Eden,
Captain I'. INN/Atte, and other naval officers, &c.
Admiral Sir 11, illiam Hall Gage, G.C.H. returned
to Devonport from London, from leave of absence, on
Saturday, and re-hoisted his flag on board the San
Josef.

The Impregnable, 104, flag-ship, to replace the
San Josef, has been taken out of dock, and the officers
and crew will be turned over to her very shortly.
Rear-Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, Bart., C. 8., left
Southampton yesterday, to return to Malta, to reside
there.

The Admiralty have cancelled the order for per-
mitting Lieutenants Lymingstalt and Sasse, of the
Swedish Royal navy, to make notes and drawings of
what they inspect in their visits to Majesty's dock-
yards.

EARLY ATTENDANCE.—The Admiralty have called
on the dockyards to report at what time in the morn-
ing it is customary for the principal and other officers
to attend at their respective departments, and to com-
mence their duties for the day.
CHAIN CAHLES.—The Admiralty have called on
the dockyards for a return of all chain cables which
remain at the establishments uncleaned • and also a
return of all new cables furnished from 'contractors
since the 30th Sept. last year. We would suggest
that their Lordships should likewise call for a return
of how many shackles of cables were altered at De-
vonport Dockyard, on the plan of countersinking the
pin, and what was the cost per shackle; and likewise
how many shackles were sent from Devonport and
other dockyards to the river Thames, to the establish-
ments of the contractor to be altered upon this simple
plan, and what was the cost per shackle charged by
the contractor; the cost also of conveyance to and
from the contractors to the dockyard being given,
and by whom that cost was defrayed. This infor-
mation, if furnished correctly, we believe will clear
up a report which has for some time prevailed of the
most undue favour having been shown to a con-
tractor to the great detriment of the public service.--
Herald.

APPOINTMENTS.

Commander George H. Gardner, promoted in
March last, has been appointed to study at the steam
factory, Woolwich.
Lieutenant Frank H. Hawkins (1840, late of the
Amphion, screw-frigate, has also been appointed to
study at the steam-factory, 'Woolwich.
Surgeon—Dr. Colin A. Browning (1817), to be
rgeon superintendent in charge of the Ilathemy, Sl.l
convict ship.
Midshipman—A. J. Lines, to the Daphne, 18, at
Chatham.
THE CYCLOPS, STEAM-FRIGITES.---"A letter from
an officer of the Cyclops, steam-frigate Captain the
Hon. R. F. Hastings, dated, Madeira, steam-frigate,
18, says—
"We leave for Cape Verde to-day; we are all Well
and are already counting our prizes of coast slavers.b.
The Dover, colonial steam •vessel,, for the Gambia,
and the Adelaide, colonial vessel for port Adelaide,n
are here ; and likewise a French Admiral's steam_
frigate, L'Elan ; a Dutch war steam-frigate,
Ph er'n-
an American eorvettee. One thing Imust notor:ixe
t
to mention—as we all experienced the benefit of
that is, the admirable coal establishment of the Ad-
miralty at this island. It will be scarcely believed at
our home dockyards that our vessel, together with
the French and Dutch steamers, were coaled in
Funchal Roads the same day; but such is the fact.
We took 133 tons, and the Frenchman took 135
tons, and the Dutchman, I believe, about the same
quantity. Our Captain was highly pleased with the
expedition, and expressed as much to the people in
charge."
The Prince Regent, 92, Captain W. F. Martin, at
Spithead, will have her defects made good by the
dockyard by the 2d November. The repairs have
been delayed by the weather.
The Powerful, 84, Captain the Hon. R. S. Dundas,
C. 8., will have her defects made good at Spithead
by the 2d November. This ship has entered very
few men as yet.
The Vernon, 50, Captain Fitzgerald, arrived at
Sheerness from the East Indies on Friday, and on
Sunday, at 11.30, A.M., was towed up to Chatham by
the African and Wildfire steam-vessels.: Her orders
are to be cleared of her ballast, and to be prepared for
being docked and surveyed, preparatory to being paid.
off. When in dock Mr. Watts, assistant to the Sur-
veyor of the Navy, is to proceed to Chatham, and in
conjunction with the officers of the yard there, to
survey and to report upon the ship's condition.
A report has been called for as to when the Leander,
50, at Portsmouth, and the Indefatigable, 50, at
Devonport, will be completed and ready in every
respect as advanced frigates.
The Amazon, 26, was commissioned at Devonport,
on Saturday, by the master, Mr. Niblett. Captain
Trowbridge arrived at Devonport, and took up his
commission on the following day.
The Calliope, 26, Captain Stanley, arrived at
Auckland on the 25th June, from the Bay of Islands,
having been ashore there.
The Dido, 18, Captain Maxwell, arrived at Auck-
land on the 29th June, from New South Wales.
Both ships are ordered home.
The Dwdalus, 19, is ordered to be surveyed, and
her defects to be made good at Devonport as soon as
possible, as their Lordships have intimated that her
services will be wanted very shortly.
The Orestes, 14, Commander Hawker, at Ports-
mouth, will relieve the Grecian, 16, Commander
Tindal, on the Brazil station.
The Seagull, 6, packet-brig, Lieut. Commander
Smail, has been taken out of dock at Devonport, and
will shortly be ready to return to Falmouth.
The Dragon, 6, steam-frigate, Captain W. H. Hall,
left Kingston on the 27th for Carrickfergus, with
ordnance stores.
The Reynard, 8, screw-schooner, Commander
Crecroft, will not be ready at Portsmouth before the
17th Ncvember. A spare screw is ordered for her.
The ltisatnond, 6, steam-sloop, Commander Foote,
arrived at Chatham, has had her orders for paying off
cancelled, and in consequence of her efficient condi-
tion is ordered to have her defects made good, and to
be refitted with every dispatch. It has been wkispered
that the township of Stonehouse political interest has
had something to do with keeping this vessel in coin-
mission, instead of being paid off; as other vessels paid
off before their time have been.

The Medina, 3, steam-vessel, Lieutenant-Com-
'Lauder Darby, to leave INroolvnen on the sth No.