The Sun.
London, England, 1860-05-02 00:00:00

Considerable sensation was caused in Rochford,
and also in Rayleigh, on the morning of Thursday
last, the 25th ult., from its being stated that Mr.
Chapman, the landlord of the King's Head Inn, and,
contractor of the mail, had been fired at on his re-
turn journey from Ingatestone. It appears that on
the mail cart reaching Rayleigh about half-past one
in the morning, it being very dark, in a narrow
part of the road, near Mr. Grout's farm, a gun was
fired from a field by the road side, and the horse at
the same moment suddenly stopped, turned round
and backed into the ditch, when a second discharge
from a gun was fired, apparently close to the driver.
Mr. Chapman jumped out to the horse's head, when
the animal immediately sprang forward, drew the
cart out of the ditch, and started. Mr. C. was for-
tunately enabled to get in again and proceed on his
journey, and reported the matter to the police at
Rayleigh. On arriving at Rochford he delivered
his bags, and met Mr. Akers, inspector of police of
that town, in the street. Mr. Akers immediately
drove to the spot, accompanied by Mr. Chapman.
On arriving there, they found two waggon ropes,
or a rope tied twice, one part of which was broken,
and the other on the ground, suspended to elm trees
on each side of the road. Mr. Akers took pos-
session of it; and also found some brown paper
wadding from a gun. Suspecting a party at
Rayleigh, Inspector Akers proceeded there,
and took possession of the man's shoes,
which, on comparing them afterwards in
a field next the spot, were found to cor-
respond with the footprints. The man's name
is John Philbrook, who was formerly driver of the
mail, but was discharged some time ago by Mr.
Chapman. He has been apprehended. The police
obtained a clue to a gun having been lent to a
young man, William Britton, a carrier, who lives
with his mother, at Rayleigh. They searched her
premises on Saturday, when a gun was found con-
cealed in an out-house, under some hay and straw,
and. ou searching further a powder-flask was found.
The ramrod of the gun was a home-made one, and
on comparing the end of the same with the wad.
ding, it fitted exactly. This man has also been ap-
prehended. On examining the cart, on the side of
the panel, just under where Mr. Chapman sat,
there was found a considerable quantity of shot,
some of which passed through the cart and lodged
in the opposite side. The horse Mr. Chapman was
driving was a very fast one, travelling at the rate
of 12 miles an hour; from the impetus caused by
the speed at which it was going, and from the
collar striking one of the ropes, it broke it. The
prisoners were taken before the Rev, W. Twyne,
at Rayleigh, and remanded till to-day (Tuesday).
The post-office authorities despatched Sergeant
Robinson, a detective officer, from Scotland-yard, to
assist Sergeant Akers. It is very seldom Mr.
Chapman drives himself, and this renders it evi-
dent that the attack was planned.—Essex Herald.

UNTRY MARKETS,

LIVERPOOL-MAY 1.

We have had a fair attendance at this day's market, but
the consumptive demand for wheat is still only on a mode-
rate scale ; prices at a reduction of ld to 2tt per cental on
wheat, 6d per sack and barrel on flour, and fully 6d per qr
on Indian corn, compared with Friday's currencies. Oats
and oatmeal have been without animation at the late rates.
Beans, peas, and barley as before. The day is warm and
sunny.

BRISTOL-MAY 1.

At our market we had a fair attendance, but holders re-
fusing to give way in prices, little or no business was trans-
acted,

NEWCASTLE-UPON TYNE—May 1.

The market is affected by the fine weather, and there is
a slow trade in wheat at Saturday's rates. Flour difficult
to sell, but steady. Barley unsaleable. Oats quiet, but
held at full rates. Beans and peas in retail at Saturday's
rates.