The Sun.
London, England, 1856-05-16 00:00:00

THE SON LONDON. FRIDAY ;EVENI.N6,_ MAY It 3, ISS

X
tir;l4 1-0 f' 11

SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Cloc,

THE RUGELEY POISONINGS,

once," and then he again repeated the words, so i Cook's heed. I had great difficulty in doing it, from
'ona, as the body is fastened up that is of no cense- ' his hand being so very stiff. The hand then closed
'pence for a day or two. While I was talking to de- again. I did not see any book iu the room. •
ieased's brother-in-law Palmer and Jones left the Cross-examined by Mr. Grove—lt was not a usual
-oom and returned in about half an hour. Upon their thing to tie the arms down in putting a body
return I expressed a wish to know from Palmer the straight. I never used tape before in laying out a
name of some responsible undertaker in Rugeley, in dead body. I have used it to tie the feet
order that I might at once order a coffin and give direc- together and also for the tces. I have never seen it
dons. Palmer said " Oh, I have done that. I have ; used for the arms, but it is usual for those who are pre-
ordered a shell and a strong oak coffin." He did not sent to tie the arms by the side so soon as a person dies.
-ay of whom he had done so. I said I gave you no The arms remain in their position and stiff if that is not
authority to do so, at the same time expressing surprise. done. Then there is frequently a difficulty in keeping
I said but I must see the undertaker to give directions the eyelids of a corpse closed if they are not closed im-
about the funeral. I think he told me the name of the mediately after death. The jaws are usually tied after
endertaker. I then ordered dinner for myself, my son- death.
in-law, and Mr. Jones, and asked Palmer to join us. By the Attorney-General-1 have laid out a great
We all dined together at the inn. I was going back to many bodies of all ages. I was called up at half-past
London that evening. Before I left I desired Mr. 12, and was with the body until half-past 1. I have
Jones to be so good as go up stairs and found it necessary to use tape for the feet about half an
get me his betting book or pocket-book, or hour after death.
any books he might find. I had seen Cook Dr. Harland, of Stafford, examined by Mr. Bodkin—
with a betting-book, bat I could not describe it. It lam a physician. On the 26th November I made a
had a clasp. Jones left the room, and Palmer followed post mortal:, examination of the deceased's body at
in ten minutes. Jones was very sorry to say he could Rugeley. I called on Mr. Bamford there, and on my
not find any book or papers, Palmer was present. I , way I was joined by Palmer in the street. He said, "I
said, "No betting-book, Mr. Jones ?" and, turning to- ran glad you are come to make the post mortar:, exami-
Rards Palmer, I said, " How is this ?" Palmer said, nation ; some person might have been sent that I did
"Itis no manner of use if you find it." I saki, "No not know, but I know you." I said, " What is this
use, sir ?I am the best judge of that ;" and he again case—l hear there is a suspicion of poisoning in the
said, "It is of no manner of use." I again said, "I am case." He said, "Oh no, I think not ; he had an
;he beat judge of that. It is of use. I understand my epileptic fit on Monday and Tuesday nights, and you'll
son won a great deal of money at Shrewsbury, and I find an old disease in the heart and in the head." We
ought to know something about it." Palmer said, "It then went on together to Mr. Ba,mford's, and whilst in
is of no use, I assure you. When a man dies his bets his house, not having brought my instruments with me,
are done with. Besides," he said, "Cook received Palmer offered to lend me his. He said there was a
a great quantity of his money on the course queer old man who seemed to suspect him (Palmer) of
it Shrewsbury." I said, " Very well, sir, the book something, and he did not know what he wanted. He
ought to be found, and should be found." Palmer said, seems to suspect that I have his betting book, but
"Oh it could be found, no doubt." I again said, " Sir, Cook had no betting book that would be of use
it shall be found," and I then went to the door of the 'to anybody. Mr. Bamford and I went to Mr.
sitting-room, and calling to the housekeeper, I desired Frere'e, a surgeon, at Rugeley, and from thence
that everything in the bed-room might be locked up, to the Talbot Arms. The post mortal:, examination
that nothing might be touched until I returned, or sent was then proceeded with. Mr. Devonshire operated.
some one to take care of the property, and authority to Mr. Bamford, Palmer, and several other persons were
takepossession. After that, prior to leaving, I went to take present. I stood near Mr. Devonshire. I noticed the
a last look at the deceased, and I saw some servants in body was very stiff.
the room turning up the bed clothes to see if anything Lord Campbell—More than dead bodies generally are?
was there. The undertaker was there. I bad previously Witness—Yes, my lord.
given the undertaker instructions to send the body to Examination continued—The muscles of the body
London, and I had also told him to pat the body in the were very highly developed by being strongly contracted
coffin. The undertaker had just placed the body and thrown out.
in the shell. I went to the side of the shell, the Lord Campbell—By strong spasmodic action ?
iody was uncovered, and I knelt down by the Witness—Yes.
side of the shell and taking the right hand of the corpse. Examination continued—l examined the hands and
[ found it firmly clenched. I looked across the body found them firmly clenched. The abdomal viscera was
tad observed the left hand was likewise clenched. I first examined.
lid not observe anything else. I returned to London Dr. Harland was then about to detail the particular
,nd communicated with the uncle of the deceased, and results of the first and second post mortem examination
se gave me a letter to Mr. Gardner, of Rugeley. I re- of the intestines and spiral curd. Lord Campbell di-
urned to Rugeley next day (Saturday) about Bin the rected that they should be read, which was done. Thee
svening. On my arrival at the platform at Euston-sqaare, were of too lung and technical a nature to report, ant'
I saw Palmer as I was leaving London, and he told me the result arrived at was there was nothing at all un-
tie had received a telegraphic message to come to Lon- natural in the appearances presented.
lon after I had left Rugeley which brought him to Examination continued—The viscera was taken out
London. I think I asked him where Mr. Cook's horses of the body. The lungs and liver were healthy. There
vere kept, and he replied at Exford. When I got to was blood in them, but not more than gravitation after
Wolverton I again saw Palmer in the refreshment room. death would cause. I examined the head. The brain
I said, Mr. Palmer, this is a very melancholy thing, I was healthy ; no extravasation, or serum, or any-
he death of my poor soon, and dying so suddenly. thing to indicate pressure. The heart was con•
[ think, for the sake of his brother and sister, tracted and bloodless. It indicated no disease
t might be desirable to know what his complaints were, but spasmodic action. The stomach had nume-
I think it might be desirable that the medical attendant rous yellowish white spots, the size of mustard seeds,
'hould know something of it, and I should like his body and did not at all acoount for death. They did not ii,
tpened. Palmer replied " Oh, that can be easily done." my opinion interfere with health. The kidneys were full
hi-tithing more passed, and we then went to our seats, of blood from gravitation, and gave no indication of
ae did not travel in the same carriage. When we disease, The blood was in a fluid state. It does occur
eached Rugby I saw him in the refreshment room. in cases of sudden death, but is very rare, I did not
[le came to my side. I cannot swear whether it was discover any appearance sof organic disease upon
;here or at Rugeley I said to him—" I think I had this occasion. The upper part of the spinal cord only
better have a solicitor to look after my interests." was' examined, and that appeared perfectly natural.
Palmer said " Oh, yes, you can do that—do you know There was nothing to account for the death of deceased,
any one at Rugeley ?" The bell then rang, and I ran and nothing unusual in the appearances. When the in-
to get some refreshment. When I came back to the testines and stomach were first removed, they were placed
iarriage I found Palmer sitting there, but nothing in a jar. Mr. Newton and Mr. Devonshire, who ope•
airther took place 'until we got to Rugeley. There was rated, put them in. Palmer was at that time at the
a lady and gentleman in the same carriage with us. back of Newton, and Palmer gave a push, which threw
soon after we reached Rugeley Palmer again asked if I him upon Devonshire, and threw part of the con-
knew a solicitor in Rugeley. We cause near the mu- tents of the stomach into the intestines. I thought
eibus. I said— " No, you know I am a perfect it was some juke, and said, "Don't do that." After
stranger." He said, "I know them all ; I'll introduce this, the opening of the stomach proceeded. The sto
you to one. I'll go home and get a cup of coffee and mach contained about three ounces of brownish fluid,
•hen come over and tell you all about it." I again said but nothing so unusual. Palmer, who was looking or,
[ would not trouble him. He only wanted a cup of said "They will not hang us yet." The stomach and
:offee ;he would then accompany me. He said we its contents were put into the jar. The intestines were
should not find one. I then said to him, changing my then examined, but nothing material found in them.
'oice, "Mr. Palmer, if I call in a solicitor I suppose you They were small and contracted. They were put
will have no objection to answer him any question." I into the jar, which was tied over, sealed, and placed
dtered my voice purposely. He replied, with a spas- upon the table. Palmer at that tune was moving about
oodic movement in the throat which was perfectly evi the room. In a few minutes I missed the jar. I said,
lent, " Oh, no ; certainly not," When I mentioned the " Where is it ?" Palmer said " Here," near the door
oost mortem, examination Palmer was calm. After the where he was standing, and he brought the jar, saying
conversation about a solicitor there was a pause of three that be thought it would be handier there. That was
1
it four minutes. He then proposed to come to me after not the door I came in at, avid Ido not know where
he had had his coffee asid tell me of a solicitor, but I it leads to. When Palmer gave me the jar I found
)egged him not to trouble himself. In the course of the the covering had been cut through, but none of the
evening he came to the hotel and saw me, It contents bad passed through. I asked who had done it,
vas after I had seen Mr. Gardner, He sail, but there was no answer. When the jar was about be-
It is a very unplea;•aat affair for me these ing taken to Mr. Frere's, prisoner said he would rather
ells." I said, "It is right I should tell you, Mr. it should go to Stafford. I took it to Mr. Frere's house,
Peamer, since I saw you I have heard rather a and returned to the Talbot Arms. Before 'Felt it I re-
afferent account of Mr. Cook's affair." He replied, arranged the bladders over the jar, so that the cut which
" Oh, indeed —I hope it will be settled pleasantly." had been made would be obviated. Upon my return
I said, "It can only be settled, sir, in the Court of to the Talbot, I saw Palmer, and ho asked me what
Chancery." I think he said, " Oh, indeed." I think, would be done with the jar. I told him that it would
after a short pause, he said, " What friends had Mr. go to London that night.
Cook to visit, or who he visited, in the neighbourhood of At this point of the evidence the Court adjourned.
London ?" I replied, "Several." "Oh, but I mean," Previously to the jury retiring, the Foreman com-
ae said, "who dues he stay with when. he goes there ?" plained to his lordship of a serious inconvenience which
Lord Campbell intimated that that need not be gone they felt from the continuous gusts of cold air which
into,
was kept passing through the court from under their
Cross.examination continued—On Sunday evening, seats, and which affected them to such an extent that
between five and six o'clock, I saw him again at the they feared their health would be injured.
Talbot Arms, He said, "If I were you I would not take Several of the gentlemen of the bar also complained,
:ny solicitor to Helsford," I said, " Why not, Mr. and almost everybody in the Court joined in the general
Palmer ?" He said, "I should recommend or advise complaint.
you not to." I said, " I should use my own discretion The Recorder said it was not an unusual cause of
about that," He said, " Oh, of course, you will." Alter complaint at these courts. It was the practice when the
'.his Palmer came into the room where I was court got very hot, to pump in blasts of cold air.
writing, and approached me with a piece of paper Lord Campbell assured the jury that he would al
in his hand as if he would give it me. I did once see that the evil complained of was
not take any notice of it, and I said, " Pray, Mr. Palmer, abated. It was most necessary that everything should
who is Mr. Smith, of this place?" He said, "Mr. be done in courts of justice so that no inconvenience
S:nith" two or three times, as if he did not know such should be felt by any one called upon to attend them.
a person. I said, " The Mr. Smith who slept or sat up Notwithstanding this remonstrance the nuisance was not
with my son on Saturday." He replied, " Oh, he is a abated, but during the whole day a continuous stream
solicitor of this town." I said, " I ask you a question, of very cold air kept passing through the perforated
sir, because, as a betting-book is lost, I should like to linings under the seats.
know who sat np with my son." After a short pause I Oa the reassembling of the Court the cross-exarnina-
aid, " Pray, Mr. Palmer, did you attend my poor son tion of the witness was proceeded with by Mr. Sergeant
in a medical capacity?" He said, "Oh dear, no." I Shee.—l was merely an acquaintance of Palmer's, as a
said, "I ask you the question, because lam determined surgeon practising at Rugeley. lam sure Palmer, ad-
to have his body examined ; and if you had attended dressing Dr. Bamford, said, "They won't hang us yet."
him madically, I suppose the gentlemen I shall call in Afterwards be repeated the same expression to several
would think it proper you should be present." He then persons. I said I bad heard there was a suspicion of
-aid, " Can you tell me who is to make the post mortem poisoning on the first poet mortem examination. I drew
examanation ?" I said, " I can't, for I shall not know up some notes in pencil and wrote that which I have
myself until the morning. I think it right to tell you of it. read. I don't know how Dr. Taylor got the notes. I
I shrill have it done to my satisfaction ; and whether you sent them to Mr. Stevens the night I drew them up. I
are present or not is a matter of indifference to me." have netseen itsince. On the first exarninationlsawlarge
Palmer said, "So it is to me." I saw nothing in the mucus policals at the base of the tongue, they appeared
appearance of the body to require its speedy burial, to be of some standing. They were numerous. I have
Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant Shee—Deceased re. no doubt they would produce much inconvenience. In
sided with me about a month in the beginning of 1855. my judgment I doubt whether they would give much
He had then a slight sore throat. There appeared to be /min in speaking. I will not undertake to say they
no difficulty in his swallowing. I did not notice any were enlarged glands. I adhere to the statement that
ulcer about his face then. I saw him twice or three times the stomach was healthy. The lungs were full of
in the summer, and in the month of October, previous to blend, the heart empty. I examined the white spots
his death. He looked much as usual, and not like an in the stomach, but not with a lens, it was satis.
invalid. He had been poorly in the early part of the year, factory without. The brain was healthy, it was also
and said his medical man had advised him, if he did not carefully examined and thin slices of it were taken off.
get better, to go to a warmer climate. His brother and It was slightly sore. There was no open wound, merely
sister were rather delicate. His father, I believe, died at excoriation.
the age of 30 or 31, from rupturing a blood.vessel. I By Attorney-General—There was nothing more than
don't know if Cook had attempted to insure hislife and mere excoriation, and symptoms of past disease. I
failed. I was much dissatisfied that his betting book never heard of a certain disease producing tetanus.
could not be found, and therefore I desired his room at About a quarter of a minute, which he thought would
Rugeley might be locked up. I saw Mr. Gardner the show any disease, if such disease existed. 1 examined
following morning after my second arrival at Rogeley, the spinal cord as far down as far as possible. The
I was once in communication with Inspector Field. It wound of the spinal cord softening would floe
Was a fortnight or three weeks after my son's burial, have produced death. I examined the throat.
Field called on me, but for what cause I don't know. I I There was a loss of substance in the %lands.
never applied to Lim,Ma
The distended tonsils arose from a disordered stomach,
y Xeeling examined by Mr. Welsby—l am a There was nothing in the lungs which would cause
widow living
at Rugeley, On Wednesday morning, 21st death. The spasmodic symptoms would account for
November last, I laid out the deceased's body, in emu. the state of the
heart, I could
not trace the empti-
pany with my sister-in-law. I got to the Talbot Arms ness of the heart to any other cause. I have read
about 10 o'clock in the morning. The body was warm, of cases of poisoning in which the blood was fluid. I
but the hands and arms were cold. The body was lying had no difficulty in arriving at an opinion with the use
on the back with the arms crossed upon the chest. I of a lenge. I have never read of a case of tetanus occa.-
did not observe anything particular about the body; sinned by a diseased brain. There was no relaxation
it was very stiff indeed.
I have laid out many of the spinal cord that would occasion death, and if the
corpses, bat I never saw one so stiff before. We part had been examined immediately after death, no
had great difficulty in straightening the deceased's better result could have been arrived at.
arms, aid I had to draw a piece of tape from the Mr. Charles James, Devonshire, examined by Mr.
wrists under his bank with which I fastened them Huddlestone —Assisted Dr. Salford in making the
i lown. His right foot was turned on one side, outwards, post mortem examination the bod was fin-
e. .n we were obliged to tie the two feet together to keep gars , y pale, the
were bent, and the thumb of the left hand was
them in place. The eyes were open, and we were a con- drawn in. The mouth was contorted and the body
siderable time before we could close them ; the eyelids generally was very stiff. I opened the body and
were very stiff, The hands were also very stiff, and fond the licer was very healthy, the heart seemed
clenched. Mr. Palmer went upstairs with us, and held healthy and it was the usual size. The lungs contained
a light to her whilst she took two rings off the finger on a considerable quantity of dark fluid blood. The blood
1.

_ .
was perfectly fluid. I examined the Train and found
1 healthy thNiughaut. I examined a 'dual portion
of the spinal it was perfectly soon I. I took
out the stomach and opened it with a pp.'r of scissors.
I had a jar ready to remove it. As I was placing
in the jar I felt a push but nothing else occurred.
I punctured the stomach and some of its contents
tell out, but it was put in a jar and sealed up. I
presently tied up the punctured part. I went to Mr.
Freres the same day and found the jar in the same
state as I left it, and they were given to Mr. Boy-
cott on the 26th. On the 29th I opened the body
again to get at the liver and kidneys. I took them
out of the body, the liver, spleen, kidneys, and some
blood, and put them in a jar and sealed it up and
gave it to Boycott on the 30th. I examined him par-
ticularly in consequence of what had been stated by
Palmer relative to a certain disease, but it was not
the case.

at Shrewsbury, but there he coold only pay Smith ri/. out
411. he owed him. Ilryl ymi not batter call Smith to prove
this, and whatever Professor Taylor might state to-morrow
ho wrote last Tuesday to Gardiner that " we," that
is Professor Taylor and Dr. Rees, have this day finished
tire analysis, and find no traces of strychnine, prussic acid,
or opium. What can beat this from a roan like Professor
Taylor, after what ho has stated before, or of Dr. Bam-
ford's evidence. Mind, I know it, for I saw it in black
and white. This is strictly confidential. It is true that.
as regards his betting-book, it is no good to any one. I
hope the verdict to-morrow will be that be died of natural
causes, and thus. end it.—Yours, Wm. PAIZIER."
Cross. examined by Mr. Sergeant Shee.—l knew Cook
well, but do not know his handwriting. Palmer said
" He did not suppose they would object t..) Cook's signa-
ture." Palmer afterwards said, "Have you seen or
heard anything ?" I told him I had seen something,
and he said that he was as innocent as a baby.
Palmer told me upon the Saturday before
Cook's death that he was not well. He was
in bed, and vomited. He was to have been one of the
party. He saw Palmer at Rugeley upon the second
day of Shrewsbury races. I did not see him there upon
Tuesday.

Cross-examined by Mr. Grove—ln examining a body
in which death had been caused by tetanus the spinal
cord would be looked to filect ; part of the spinal cord
was examined on the first poet mortem examination,
about half an inch. I have never been in practice. I
am a student in the lie iversity.
Dr. Monckton—l am a physician at Rugeley. On
the 25th of Jan. I made a post mortem examination of
the spinal cord and marrow of the deceased man. I
found the muscles of the trunk lei. The muscles of
the arms and legs were in a state of rigidity. I could not
say it was unusually so. The muscles of the arm had
partially flexed the fingers and the hands. It was very
firm, and took considerable force to unfix. The feet
were turned inward, much more than usual. I care.
fully examined the spina; cord ; the body was in a state
to make a satisfactory examination. There was no
disease. I entirely agree with the opition of the last
witness.
John Boycott examined by Mr. Welsby—l am clerk
to Messrs. Sandon, Gardner, and Co., solicitors, Rugeley.
On the 26th November last I received a sealed jar from
Mr. Devonshire. I took it to London, and delivered
it the next day, in the same condition as I received it,
to Professor Taylor, of Guy's Hospital. On the 30th
Nov. I received a second sealed jar from Mr. Devon-
shire, which I also delivered in the same condition to
Dr. Taylor. I was not examined at the inquest. Oil
my way to London, last Tuesday, Newton made a com-
munication to me at the Rugeley station. I brought
him to London with me, and took him to Mr. Gardner,
to whom he made a similar communication.
James Myatt examined by Mr. James— Jam boots
at the Grand Junction Hotel, Stafford. In November
last I was post-boy at the Talbot Arme, Rugeley.
I know Palmer. I was employed to convey Mr. Stevens
to the station after the post mortem, examination, but
before doing so I went; to my tea. Returning to the
Talbot I met the prisoner. He asked me if I was going
to drive them to Stafford. I told him I was. He asked
cue if I would upset them. He eaid he supposed I was
4oing to take the jars. I told him I believed I was.
After that he said, "Do you think you could upset
them." I told him "No." He replied, "If I could
there was a 101. note for me." I replied I could not,
and said I must go, as the horse was in the fly ready to
start. I don't recollect his saying anything more
about the jar. On being pressed what more
was said, witness said I told hint if I did not
somebody else would go ; he said, " I need not be in a
hurry for if any one else went he would pay me." I saw
him again the following morning as I passed his house
to go to my breakfast. He asked me who went in the
fly the previous night ? I told him him Mr. Stevens,
And I believed one of Mr. Gardner's clerks. He said,
"He believed it was." I don't recollect anything more.
Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant Shee—l had not
spoken to Palmer before be asked me if I was going "to
drive them to Stafford." I don't recollect if Mr. Stevens'
name had been mentioned before it. I can't say it there
were any other visitors than Mr. Stevens and his friends
at the Talbot. I understood the word "them" to apply
Stevens and his party. I don't recollect Palmer saying
co Mr. that he would give "101. to break Stevens' neck."
I can't say if Palmer had been drinking at the
time. He said, "It was a humbugging c m
cern," or something to that effect. Palmer gave me
no reasons to suspect why he spoke so of Stevens. He
did not lead me to believe that Mr. Stevens had been a
troublesome suspicious fellow.
By Lord Campbell—l
.don't know if there was more
than one jar in the fly.
Samuel Cheshire, late postmaster of Stafford, now
undergoing his sentence for reading Dr. Taylor's letter,
was brought up in custody to give evidence. His ap-
pearance caused great sensation in the court. On getting
into the witness box he fixed his eyes on Palmer, but
the latter did not return his gaze, but fixed bis eyes
on the counsel. Witness's appearance is much al-
tered since his incarceration. He deposed—l know
the prisoner W. Palmern well, We were schoolfel-
lows together. I have attended races with him on
three or four times. I never betted. I was very intimate
with him. In November, 1855, I went to Shrewsbury
'aces with him and returned in the evening. On Satur-
day the 17th I went with the prisoner to see Mr. Cook
At the Talbot Arms. He was in bed. I resided at the
Post-office, about 300 or 400 yards from Palmer. On
Tuesday evening the 20th of November, I received a
message from Palmer between 6 and 7 o'clock. I was
to come to him and bring a receipt-stamp with me. I
did so. I found Palmer in his sitting-room ; after a short
time ho said he wanted me to write out a cheque, pro-
ducing me a copy from which I was to write. I copied
it. He told we he wanted it, because it was money Mr.
Cook owed him. I wrote in his presence as near as I
can remember--
By Lord Campbell—What you copied was it left in
Palmer's possession ?—lt was, my lord.
Examination continued— Before I commenced writing
it he said he wanted me to do it because Cook was too
and Weatherby would know his writing ; he said he
was going to take it over for Cook's signature, after I
had written it.
Witness Was then ordered to stand back, and
Mr. Weatherby was called into the box, and sworn.
He said, I am secretary to the Jockey Club ; my estab-
lishment is in Birmingham. I keep a banking account
for gentlemen by receiving and paying stakes for them.
Cook bad an account with me. I know Palmer wed.
He had no account with me at that time. On 21st
November I received by post a cheque or order on me
for 3501. Two days after, on the 23d, I sent it back to
Palmer, the prisoner, at Rugeley.
Boycott was recalled, and proved he served a notice
on the prisoner in Stafford Geol, and another on his
attorney, to produce the document in question, which
was said to be in the writing of Cheshire, and purported
to be in the handwriting of John Parsons Cook. The
document was called for, but not produced.
Mr. Wetherby, in answer to Mr. Sergeant Shea, said
he believed the document was in the handwriting of Mr.
Cook.
Lord Campbell ruled the learned sergeant was out of
order in putting such a question, under the circum-
stances, to the witness.
Cheshire recalled, said, as well as he recollected, the
writing he copied was an order on Mr. Wetherby to pay
Mr. W. Palmer 3501. On the Thursday or Friday fol-
lowing I saw Palmer again. I bad hoard in the mean-
time of the death of Cook at the Talbot Arias. He sent
for me between 6 and 7 o'clock in the evening. I went
to him and saw him come out of the kitchen. He went
hack and returned with- a quarto sheet of paper. He gave
me a pen, and asked me to sign it.
By Lord Campbell—Was any thing written on it ?
—Yes.
Examination continued—Told him it was. Palmer
said you know
,that Cook and I have had dealings to.
gether, and this is a document he gave me a few days
ago, and I want you to witness it. I said what is it
about ? He replied some business that I have joined
with Cook, which was all for his benefit, and there is a
document stating so. I just cast my eye over it then.
It was a quarto post sheet of paper of the usual descrip-
tion. I thought the writing on it was Palmer's writing.
I told Palmer I could not sign it because I might be
called' on at some future day to give evidence on the
matter. I told him I had not seen Cook sign
it, anti also that I thought the Post-office au-
thorities would not like me to be called on
to give evidence as it would necessitate them
placing some one in my place during my absence.
I did not, in fact, give my exact reason for refusing to
sign it. He said he thought "it would be no matter ;
he thought they would not object to Mr. Cook's signa-
titre." I gave back the paper to Palmer. I left it with
him.

Ellis Crisp, inspector of police at flugeley, examined
by Mr. James—Upon 17th December I assisted in
searching prisoner's house. There was a sale of his
effects to pay his creditors. I took this book away.
Sergeant Shee—lt was not concealed. The book
was produced. It was a Manual of Chemistry,
and in Palmer's writing was a note against the
word strychnine. "Strychnine kills by causing fix-
ture of the respiratory organs." In another book pro-
duced by another con-table, was a note, showing that
prisoner was studying the properties of strychnine, but
the Attorney-General said it did not show more than
that prisoner was pursing medical studies.
Elizabeth Hawkes was next examined.—l keep a
boarding-house in Beaufort-buildings, Strand. The pri-
soner was at my house on the Ist of December last. I
had some conversation with Palmer on the 19th of No-
♦ember. I purchased some game for him on Ist Dec.—
a turkey and brace of pheasants, and the porter purchased
the fish. I packed it up in a hamper. I had no conversation
with Palmer about the porter purchased or the things.
I wrotethe;direction on the hamper. The porter gave her
the direction. I had not been paid for the things. Pal-
user came to her house on the first of Dec. I did not
see Palmer to tell him what had been done with the
hamper. The direction within on the hamper
was W. W. Ward, Esq., Stoke-upon-Trent, Stafford-
shire.

The witness Herring was again called and examined
by Mr. Welsby.—l reside at New-cross. I am inde-
pendent. I have known the prisoner two years. I saw the
deceased at Shrewsbury races. Mr. Fisher, Mr. Jones,
and myself were in a room adjoining the prisoner's and
Cook's. On the Thursday morning I saw Cook.
I don't know whether he had money on
Wednesday. I saw him with some money
in Bank notes they were crumpled up. I was not
enabled to ascnlain the amount, but there was a con-
siderable quantity of notes. Cook showed me his bet-
ting-book. It contained entries made on the Shrewsbury
races. On Monday the 19th of Nov. I received a letter
from Palmer. The letter was handed in and read, as
follows :

.
"My dear Sir,—l shall feel much obliged. iflB y0u1855 wil
ive Inc a call at 70, Beaufort-buildings, Strand, to-mor-
ow (Monday), about half-past 2 o'clock.—l am, dear sir,
yours, Sec., ' War. PALMER."
I received the letter on the Monday morning, and I
called there that day. I found Palmer there, and he
asked what I would take. I declined to take anything.
I then asked hint about Mr. Cook. He said, "He's all
right, the physician gave a dose of calomel and advised him
nut to come out, it being a damp or wet day. Palmer
said what I want to see you about is to settle his ac•
count. While he was saying this he took a halt
sheet of paper out of his pocket and said this is
it. I rose to take it, and be said I had better
take it down ; this will be a cheque against you. At
that Cute he pointed to some paper lying on the
table. I wrote on that paper from his dictation.
have here the paper. I wrote on that occasion
receive of Ingham 3501. ; Bath, 300/. ; Green, 140/. ;
Morris, 2001. ; Nelson, 30/. He asked me how much I
made it. I replied, 1,0201. He said that was the same
as Cook made it. He then told me to pay myself 61.,
and Shelley 301, and that if I saw another person he
named I was to tell him that Cook would be up on Thurs-
lay or Friday and settle with him himself, and that if
lie gave we 15/. it would make 1,0001. remaining. Oct
of that he told me to take 2001. to pay my own bill. I
,tepped writing and looked up, and said I know no dif-
ference between you. He then said I was to pay Pad-
rick 3501. and Pratt 450/., and the three payments
would niche one thousand pounds. He then gave me
Padwick and Pratt's addresses which I wrote down,
He then said, " You had better write out a cheque for
Pratt and Pad wick, and send them at once." I told
him I had but one plain cheque in my pocket. He
said "You can easily fill up a cheque on half a sheet of
paper." I refused to do so. I had not received the money.
Palmer said it would be all right as Cook was not to see
it. Palmer wished me particularly to pay Mr. Pratt
4501.; his words were "you must pay Pratt as it
is for a joint bill of sale on the mare." He
told me he was going to see Pratt and Padwick,
and he would tell them I would send them the money.
Previous to this I told him I would call on them after I
got the money at Tattersalls' ; he then said what is
Caere between us, and I said 451. Palmer said you
owed me 401. on the Liverpool meeting, and I said
I was to settle that with Mr. Sargent. He said,
" But you have not settled it yet, as I have done that."
fie went on, therefura, "If I give you 10/., that will be
right." At the same time he took out of his pocket
e 50/. Bank of England note, but I was unable
to give him 291.—the change. I gave him
at his request my cheque for 201. and nine sovereigns. I
don't know the number of the 501. note. He pressed me
to send the cheques immediately to Padwick and Pratt,i
because it would then be before bank hours. lie said
" when you settle this account, write down word to
either Cook or me." I turned round and said I should
certainly write to Mr. Cook, believing I was settling his
acco'ent. Palmer said it (lid not matter much who I
wrote to. I said if I address Mr. Cook, at Mr. Palmer's,
Rugeley, Stafford, it will be correct, will it cot I He
said, yes. After leaving him, I went to Tattersall's, and
I received there all, except 1101., of Mr. Morris. I sent
a cheque for 450/. to Pratt, and posted a letter for Caok
from Tattersall's. On Tuesday, 20th, I received a telegra-
phic message, which I gave to Captain Hatton at the
inquest at Rugeley. In consequence of receiving that
message I wrote balk on Wednesday to Mr. Cook,
addre•isieg the letter as before,' [The telegraphic
message was asked for, but it was not produced ; it
was stated that it was given to the coroner at
Reaeley. I produce three bilk of exchange,
Cie drawing of two and the acceptance of the other are,
I believe, in Cook's hand writing; I got those bills
from Fisher; I gave him cash far them.
Boycott was again recalled and proved that the signa-
ture to one and the acceptance on the' other two drawn
by Palmer were in the prisoner's hand writing.
Mr. Welsby—They are all dated Rugeley, Sept. 15,
1855, and each for 2001., one at a month's date, and
two at two months, and each of them payable to tae
order of the drawer,
Herring's examination continue.d—When the first bill
became due, on the 18th of October, Cook paid
me 100/. and the remaining 100/. at Shrewsbury,
either on the Wednesday or Thursday morning of the
races. I supposed the 2001, Palmer was to pay myself with
bad reference to one of these bills. I deducted that
amount out of the 1,0001. I had no hold on him kr the
remaining 2001. bill, because I did not pay Mr. Padwick
350/. There was another bill for 500/.
Thomas Straweery, manager of the Bank at Pule
ley—Tee hand writing upon this bill is prisoners-. It
purports to be accepted by Sarah Palmer, prisoner's
mother. I know her handwriting. She has an ac-
count at our Bank. I should. say certainly the accept-
ance is not in her haud writing.
Examination of Herring continued—l got this
300/. bill from Fisher ; it is indorsed "J. P. Cook."
the bid was not paid at maturity. I have taken pro-
ceedings against the prisoner for it.
Cross-examined by Mr. Grove—l do not know of my
own knowledge that Palmer and Gook had transactions
together. I was at Shrewsbury on Wednesday, I know
of many being ill ; with me it was diarrhcea.. I took my
meals at the Raven. No one who stopped there was ill.
One gentleman who dined there was taken ill, I saw
Cook on the race ground. It was damp upon the
Thursday. I remonstrated with Cook for staying out,
as he had been ill upon the previous day.
By the Attorney-General—None of our party were
at the Raven. .

Frederick Slack —Am porter to Mrs. Hawkes, at the
Boarding-house in Beaufort Bai!dings. Palmer was
there, and sent me out for some game and fi,h, barrel of
oysters and a turkey. He wrote the address William
Ward, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. I put the ad-
dress upon the parcel. Palmer said he did not want the
gentleman to know where it came from. I took it to
the station.
The court then adjourned.

Mr. James said notice has been served on the prisoner
and his attorney to produce the document, and called for,
but it was not produced.
Examination continued—l believe there was a stamp
on the paper. I did not read it over ; I merely cast my
eye over it. It was to the effeet that certain bills, the
date of which, with the amounts, were quoted, were all
for Mr. Cook's benefit, and not for Mr. Palmer's.
The amounts were rather large. I recollect one was for
1,0001. and another for 5001. It had a signature of
lorJ. P. Cook. I was in the habit of giving Palmer
letters addressed to his mother residing at flugeley.
During the month of October and November—•l can't
recollect which-1 gave him any letters addressed to
his mother. Palmer has taken Cook's letters, and Cook
has taken Palmer's letters. I remember the inquest
being held on Cook, and seeing Palmer during the time.
He came to me on a Sunday evening previous to the sth
December, and he asked me if I saw or heard anything
fresh to let him know, and hinted at my opening a let-
ter. I told him I could not do so. He said he did not wish
me to do anything to injure myself. I don't recollect
!rim coming to me again. I am suffering punishment
from reading a letter from Dr. Taylor to Mr. Gardner.
When did you read that letter ?
I did not read more than part of the letter, and told
Palmer what I recollected of-it. It was on the sth
December. I told Palmer that no traces of strychnine
were to be found mentioned in Dr. Taylor's letter. I
do not know what else. Palmer raid he knew there
would not, as be was perfectly innocent.
Captain Hatton, senior chief constable of Stafford,
pi educed a letter addressed to Mr. Ward, coroner. The
lett,sr was read by the clerk of the court. It was as
follow's :
My Veer Sir,—l am sorry to tell you that lam still con-
fined to Lny bed. I don't think it was mentioned yesterday
at the inquest that Cook was taken ill on Sunday and
Monday nights, the same as on Tuesday night, when he
died. The chambermaid at the Crown Hotel (Alssters)
can prove this. I also believe that a man by the name of
Fisher is coming down to prove he received some money

LONDON GAZETTE—(This Evening.)

CROWN-OFEICE, MAY 16.
11E3IBER RETURNED TO SERVE IN THE PRESENT rAnLIA.-
RENT.
County of Longford —Henry George Hughes, of Cornad-
rung, in the county of Longford, Esq., Queen's Counsel,
in the room of Richard Maxwell Fox, Esq., deceased.
WAR DEPARTMENT, PALL-MALL, MAY 16.
6th Regiment of Dragoon Guards— John William
Doering, to be Cornet, by purchase, vice Bruce, promoted.
7th Dragoon Guards—Christopher Barton, to be Cornet,
without purchase, vice Nicholl, promoted.
let Dragoons--Cornet Godfrey Thomas Hallifax has
been permitted to retire from the service by the sale of his
CO inllliSSion

11th Light Dragoons—Robert Dunmore Napier, Gent.,
to be Cornet, by purchase, vice Cockburn, promoted ;
Thomas Marshall Cockerill, Esq., to be Paymaster, vice
Rely, appointed Paymaster of a Cavalry Depot.
12th Light Dragoons—Cornet John Charles Le Queens,
from the 14th Light Dragoons, to be Cornet, without pur-
chase, vice Goff, appointe.l to the 3d Light Dragoons.
15th Light Dragoons— Edmund Buckley, Gent., to be
Cornet, by purchase, vice Walker, promoted.
Royal Regiment of Artillery—Lieutenant James Peattie
Morgan, with temporary rank, to be Lieutenant, with
permanent rank ; Staff-Serjeant Schoolmaster Charles
Wherry to have the rank and pay of a Quartermaster of
Royal Artillery, on being appointed Superintendtait of tho
Regimental Schools at Woolwich.
Royal Engineers—Second Captain Francis Fowka to be
Captain, vice Brevet-Lieutenant-Colonel Burmester, de-
ceased ; Lieutenant Robert Mat a Parso-.ls to be Second
Captain, vice Fowke.
Coldstream Guards —Honourable William Henry Bruce
Ogilvy to be Ensign and Lieutenant, by purchase, vice
Rose, promoted; Hugh Granville Fortoscue, Gent., to be