The Sun.
London, England, 1856-11-25 00:00:00

MARLBOROUGH STREET.

EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF STEALING VALUABLE
Boor.—William Kortri,ght, 133, Cambridge-street, Ec-
cleston•square, and Beresford Augustus Christmas, of the
same address, were brought before Mr. Beadon, charged
with stealing, at Brampton-park, Huntingdonshire, a
quantity of valuable books, the property of Lady Olivia
Sparrow. A great number of books were produced in
court, some of them of the greatest rarity and very little
known but to bibliopolists. Amongst them were au ele-
gant copy of the " Eastratii in Aristotle," formerly be-
longing to Francis the First, and a copy of " Prynne's Re-
cords," with the royal arms embossed on the cover. There
was also a manuscript Bible o`f groat value.

The first witness called ;as Mr. Toovey, book-
seller, No. 177, Piccadilly, who produced " Prynnes
Records" and the " Eustratii in Aristotle," of the
latter there being only one other copy extant, and stated
that yesterday afternoon, the prisoner, Kortright,
entered his shop and offered the books produced for sale,
as also several other books which he had got in a cab at
the door. He examined the books, and seeing from their
titles that they were of great rarity and very valuable, he
questioned the prisoner about them. Prisoner said he
had purchased them abroad, and that the books were above
price, especially the Eustratii, there being only one other
copy in existence, and that was in the possession of Lord
Gosport. He told the prisoner to call again, and he would
i think the matter over. Between his first and second calling
Lord Gosport same in, and witness showed the books to
his lordship, who knew the books as soon as he saw them,
and named them without even opening them, as also
other books which he had at the same time. His lordship
told witness that no one was at liberty to sell the
books, as they were heir-looms. His lordship then said
he would go out and seek advice on the matter ;
and, in the meantime, Kortright came again, and he
then gave him ten guineas for the books for the
purpose of retaining them. This was only in part pay-
ment. At this juncture his lordship returned, and he
then told him what he had done. • Witness then told the
prisoner he must explain the matter further before he
could deal with him. Kortright said the owner of the
books was in a cab at the door, and introduced the pri-
soner Christmas to them. As soon as Christmas entered
the shop he told him to explain the matter to his lordship.
They left the room, and the prisoner remained in conver-
sation with his lordship. He had previously had dealings
with Chi istmas.

Lord Gosport said he never was mere surprised than
when he saw the books produced lying on the counter
in Mr. Toovey's shop; and on bearing from Mr. Toovey th3t
they had been offered for sale, he went out, and having
secured the services of a detective officer, wont back
to Mr. Toovey's, where he saw one of the prisoners with
" Prynne's Records" underhis arm. The other prisoner ha 4,
the other book. His lordship then fetched in the officer, and
told the prisoners no one had the power of selling the
books. Christmas then took his lordship into the back
shop and begged he would be lenient with him. He told
him he had no power to be so as he had a duty to perform.
The prisoner then told him he became acquainted with
a grandson of Lady Olivia Sparrow's, and by that means
he had access to the house. He asked him if the name of
Elliott, given by him to Mr. Toovey, was his correct name.
Prisoner said it was not. His lordship subsequently went
down to Brampton Hall, and he found the books produced
were missing from the library. His lordship had known
them from his childhood.

Mr. Beadon (to the prisoners)—Have you any questions
to ask of his lordship.
Prisoners—No, your worship ; the evidence has been
very truly stated.

Mr. Beadon=Then I shall remand you for a week.

MARKET NEWS.—(This Pay.)

HAY MARKETS.

SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, 2/ 103 to 4/ 10s ; clover do.,
3/ 10a to 5/ 103; and straw, 1/ 4a to 1/ 9a per load.
Trade dull.

CuM➢ERLAND. —Meadow hay, 2/ 103 to 4/ 12s ; clover
do., 3l 108 to 5/ 103 ; and straw, 1/ 5s to 1/ 103 per load.
A fair demand.

WHITECIIAPEL.—Meadow hay, 21 lOs to 41 105 ; clover
do., 3/ lOs to 5110 s ; and straw, 1/ 5s to 11 lOs per load.
Trade hoary.