The Sun.
London, England, 1856-05-26 00:00:00

1.911r1M11 -
LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MAY 26, 1856.

GENERAL CRIMINAL COURT.

THE HUGE LEY POISONINGS.
[The following appeared in part of our impression of
Saturday.]
At 10 o'clock this morning the trial was resumed with
the examination of witnesses for the defence. The
Court was densely crowded.
Oliver Pemberton—l am teacher of medicine at the
Queen's College, Birmingham, and surgeon of an hospi-
tal there. I was present at the post mortem examina-
tion of Cook's body, and saw the spinal cord. It wati
not in a state to enable me to arrive at a propeeconclu•
skin as to its state. The part which had been separated
from Ole head was green in colour, and the outer cover-
ing was not in a proper condition to make an examina-
tion as to the cause- °Nee death.
Cross-examined—The bony parts of the body had
been opened first. - The outer covering of the spinal
cord had not been cut.
livery_ Matthews examined by Mr. Groves—l am an
inspector of police. Upon the 19th of Nov. I was at
the Easton-square station. The express train from Lon-
.ion to Rogeley leaves at five, and reaches Stafford at
3 42, but that night it reached at 8.45. It is 10 miles
from Stafford to Rugeley. That is the only way of get-
ting there after the two o'clock train from London.
Joseph Foster—l am a farmer and grazier. I used to
, keep the George Inn, Welford, near Northampton. • I.
knew Parsons Cook well. I used to meet him in the
hunting field. He was very delicate in constitution.
fie'used to hive bilious attacks, and vomited.
Cross examined by Mr. EaTarnes —He hunted regularly
when well. I know Pell. Cook was member of a
cricket club. Ceok came one morning to meet the
hounds in his hunting dress, bat be did not go in con-
sequence of illtiese. I did not see him go out for some
time after this.: lie did not dine at my house the day'
-Were.
Re-examinei by Mr. Gray—l have seen him sick on
other occasions. -
George Myatt—l am a saddler, and reside at Rugeley.
I was at Shrewsbury races when Polestar won. I was
at the Revell Hotel that evening. It was the second
day (Wednellay). I saw Cook and Palmer there that
evening. It wasio.bnut 12 o'clock. I was waiting in the
room at the time. I consi ler Cook was drunk at the
time. I had some. drink with them. They proposed
to have a glass ot brandy awl water. They each-ball
one. Cook Made some remark, and fancied it
was not good. He drank part of it, and made
the remark " her thought there was something in it."
Palmer tasted it and said he (lid not think there' was
anything in it. Cook proposed to have some more, and
Palmer said he would not have any more unless Cook
drank his brandy and water up. They had no more
brandy, and Cook went ,to bed. I slept in the same
room with Palmer. The brandy was brought in in a
decanter. Each took from the same, but mine was
poured out, but I don't know by whom. I never left
the room the whole of the time until we all went to
bed. I never saw anything put into the brandy and
water during the time I was present. It could not
hare been put in without my seeing it., Wheil Palmer
and myself quitted the sittine-room to go to bed we left
Cook there. Nothing occurred during the night. When
we went to bed I locked the door. Palmer in the morn-
ing asked me to go and call Cook. I did so. I went
to Cook's door and rapped. He told me to come ie.
I went in and and he told me how ill he had been during
the night. Cook said he had been obliged to send for
the doctor, and he asked me what had been put in the
brandy and water, and I said that I Aid not know that
anything had been put in. He asked me to' send Palmer
'to• him: I did so. When I saw Cook next it was at
breakfast. Palmer and myself had breakfasted before
Cook came in. He (Cook) hari his breakfast in the same
room. Weenll three left by the express train for Rugeley
that night. We dined at the Raven before leaving. We
left Shrewsbury about six o'clock. Palmer paid for the
three railway tickets. On the road Palmer was sick.
We he stepped at the Junction Inn, close to the railway
station, there being no train to go on. Palmer, said, it
-must be the brandy or the water that caused him to
vomit.: I heard that a great many persons had hien -ill
at Sbrewsbury races without any accountable 'causei We
travelled nine miles in a fly. . . .
Cross-eXaniined by Mr. E. James—l .have: known
Palmer all his life. He deals with me for sad-
dlery. I am not in the habit of going to races
with 'him. I was not at - Doncaster • races with
him. I have been at Doncaeter once' in my life, but not
with 'the prisoner. I bare been to the last Wolverhamp-
ton races with him. I did not sleep -With.' Palnier dur-
ing the time I was there. I did not atop at the same
house. I slept at my brother in-law's. I was at Wol-
verhampton for two days. I neither dined nor break-
fa-ted with Palmer during the time I was at the Lich-
field races .with him. The course is ten miles from
Rugeley. I slept at house 9t that occasion. I think
that's about all the races I was. at last year. • I don't
recollect ever sleeping with Palmer but once in - a
double-bedded room. I have never, been at any other
races and lodged at the same hotel with Palmer but
Shrewsbury. I have never slept at Wolverhampton in
my life. Palmer paid my expenses to Shrewsbury, but
on no other occasion. I have visited Palmer in Stafford,
Jail. I remained with him a couple of hours. I cannot
recollect whether it was before the assizes. I went be-
cause Mr. Smith was going, and I thought 1 should like
ttesee him. -Insed to lay Gut a sovereign on his horses,
lent never more. I did not bet on Palmer's horses at
Shrewsbury. I did not back Polestar. When I have
betted half a sovereign or a sovereign I have " stood "
with Palmer to that amount. I first saw Cook at about
12 o'clock, at the Raven, on Wednesday night. I had
not been dining with Palmer. On Wednesday night I
went to the Ratren,, and, knowing -the room Palmer
generally occupied, I went up to see whether he was
there. It was between 8 and 9 o'clock. The first thing
I saw was Cook putting on his coat outside the door.
He said, " Hilloa, what brings you here." I said I came
to see hew they were getting on. Palmer was not-in hie
room, so I went into the town. I returned to the Raven
in about 'an hour and went into Palneee's sitting-room;
and I waited in the room until he returned. There was a
per on named Shelley present. I viatitted about a couple
Of hours. I should say it was about 12 o'clock. I had
no watch. He came in with Mr. Cook, who was the
worse for liquor. ' lie was not very drunk ; but. I could
see he was the worse for liquor. The brandy and water.
was had after this. The brandy tree brought in in a
1 decanter, and the water was on the table. Tne tumblers
and the brandy were brought up together. I don't re-
member Mrs. Brooks coming. I don't remember
Palmer being called out of the room.. - I recollect a per-
son who I know to be Fisher comiog in. Palmer never '
left the room after I joined the party until he went to
bed. I was sitting close to him taro whole time. When
Fisher came in, Cook asked Palmer to have some mere
brandy and water. Palmer said he would not have any
snore unless he (Cook) drank his. Cook, it was evident
to everybody, was the worse for liqttor. Cook drank the
brandy and water at a draught, and then he said "There's
something in it." I dont know Vent he said "It burns
my throat dreadfully." I wilt le isitively swear he did
not say so. Cook did not Make any other observation
than I have stated. Cook gave the brandy and water
to some ore to taste. I think it was Fisher. I don't
know a Mr. Reid. I don't know that that gentleman
came into the reom. I believe theere was but four per-
sons present. I cannot say whet her any other person
came ie before we went to bed. (soak left a small quails
tity in thegless. I believe Pallier tasted it and said there
was nothing the matter with it, es)o then he handed it
to Fisher. I don't recollect, positievesly the remark that
Fisher made. I cannot recollect that he said the glass
was empty, and it was no good tee give it to him. We
remained in the room half-an-hour, after the brandy and
water was drunk. 'Cook did not leave the room. Pal.
miser and myself left Cook in the room. I did not knoW
Cook had been ill before he tol(r. me in the morning.
We had one glass a-piece. It was: mixed with cold wa-
ter. On the following Thursday I dined with Palmer
at the Raven. During the time the inquest was beini
held I'was at home at Rugeley, 'hut on the last day I
went to Birmingham. I did not go to the inquest
at all.
Re-examined—The deputy-gov error was present dug- !
ing the time I was with Palmer in; the gaol, and when he'
went out another officer dime in. We did not talk about
this case, but about his brother's. There was an officer
present the whole of the time.
By the Attorney-General—l never spoke to Mr. Gard-
ner about the brandy and water. I never had any con-
versation with Mr. Gardner about it. I spoke to Mr.
Stevens in the presence of Garda er, but said nothing
about the brandy and water. I tc old Crisp exabtly that
which happened, and as I have eta ted this morning.
Mr. Sargent—Ll know the prise finer, and I also knew
the deceased. I had a letter from Cook during Shrews-
bury races. I have not got the N tter. I searched for
it. The letter was sent to Sam uders, the trainer. I
made application to Saunders for it by letter, and I re- ,
ceived a letter in answer. I have seen Saunders since,
and have made every exertion to. !get the letter referred
to for Mr. Stevens. I have not a. copy of Cook's letter,
but I recollect its contents well..
Sergeant Sheet—May I ask th e witness to relate its
contents ?
Lord Chief Justice—You ha ,d better produce Saun-
ders. -
Sergeant Shee—lf Saunders- does not arrive, I can
call this witness?
The Lord Chief Justice eign;lfied his assent.
Examination continued—l h ave noticed Cook's throat.
I was with him at Liverpo DI the week previous to
Shrewsbury races. Re calleed my attention to his
throat. I looked at it, and. 'the back part of it wag
ulcered and very much infi amed. The uvula was
swollen, and I said I was to in prised he 'could eat and
drink in such a state. Cook said he bad been in that
state for months, and had gitven up taking medicine.
Almost at every meeting we have had his throat has
been spoken about. On one occasion, on the
platform of the Liverpool races, he took a gin-
gerbread nut with caye nue in it. He took
it by mistake, and afterwards .he told me it had nearly
killed him. I know at Liver pool Cook was very poor:
This was a week before the Si- wewsbury races. He owed
me 251. He gave me 101. on account, and said he had
' not sufficient to pay his exner ties at Liverpool, but that
I should have the balance, 151. ettheShrowsbury meeting.
I knew Cook and Palmer we', re in the habit of "putting
on" for each other, and they did so at Liverpool races.
' I put some money "on" at I eiverpool for Palmer, and

he told me Cook stood with him. [ have known Cook
to apply to Palmer for a sceite.io lotion. I don't knowthat it is a mercurial-lotion.
• - Dr. Taylorsaid it was calomel and lime water.
By Mr. E. James to witness—The lotion was not to
be drank. It was at the War wick race meeting in
1855. Cook was at Newmarket ;he lived in the same
house with me. He was present at. nearly all the au-
tumnal race meetings., The Liverpool meeting .was a
week before Shrewsbury. He swallowed very well, and
that surprised me. The ginger-bread nut, was.: a t4ela'
nut. It was put in a bag with some other. I have
tasted one, and they are very strong. •
Mr. Jeremiah Smitiesaid —I -am an attorney residing
at Rugeley, and knew the late Mr. Cook. I saw Mr.
Cook on the 16th of November_ at the Talbot Arms.
He was in bed, and his breaking was placed on his bed.
He had a cup of tea, with a wineglaesful of brandy in
it. He drank it. I have dime' in his company at
Palmer's. On the 16th we ha-I dinner there ; we had
rumpeteaks and champagne. We had port .wine after
wealieed. Three bottlea were emptied, and Cook took
his share. We left the house about 6 in the evening.
Cook and .myself left in company. We went to my
house, and then to the Albion Motel next door. We ho
each a glee's of cola brandy and water. Cook left Me there.
Before Cook left he said he- felt cold ; he borrowed a
book, and said he wcriela go home and read it in bed.
He left-about 8 o'clock. I had a conversation with
.cook on ridgy alteration aboutracing. Palmer was
present. I asked •Mr. Cook for money—for 50L. He.
gave me 51.. and then took hie note case out- of his
pocket., and I sail "You can ply me all ;" he said, "No,
there's only 411. due to you." He said he had given
Palmer ,money, and . he would pay me the remainder
after the settling at Tattersall's. On the night fhllowing
'(Sateerday)_ I elept in his room as he wee not well. Went
to bed. There had been a cencert _at the hotel, which
made it late. In the early part of the night he was un-
ellaxot wets ..teaataaaatle-a*errealedewak,WAshi,lg
his mouth and .gargliiig his throat. I cannotysay 1
whether he had vomited. Islet); till the morning, and
when I awoke I heard Bamford and Palmer. talking.
Cook was asked how he wig and ha ' replied •
he felt better, and that he had slept between , two
and three hours after the house had become quiet.
Bamford said I'll send you some medicine." I don't
recollect anything else. I know the prisoner's Mother.
I received a message from her on the Monday night at
nine o'clock. I west to her. In consequence of what•
then
.paseed I went to look for the prisoner. I did not
find him at that hour. I saw him abont 10 mina es past
10, coining in the direction frarn Stafford in a car. He
asked me whether I had seen Cook that day, and he
told me I had better go to see, as before he returned
from his mother's it would be. late. We afterwards
went up to Cook's room together. Cook said
"Doctor, you are late to-night. I did not expect you
to look in. I have taken the modieine." Cook asked
me why I bad not been in before, and I said I had
been to Lichfield on business. Cook said " I have been
up, doctor," and Palmer said, "You ought not to have
been up." I don't recollect anything else. Palmer,
and myself left the room, and we both went to Palnaer s
:Image which was about 400 or 500 yards. We'
were, there about half an boor and left together,
and returned to Palmer's house: I went is with
him. I ' afterwards left the home, and went hone.
After dining with-Cook and Palmer on Friday, asked
them to dine with me the next day. Cook did not do
so ; he sent me a note to say he was unwell. I was
at the Albion. I had a boiled leg of mutton for,
dinner that day ; and I sent some broth to Cook
by a charwoman named Rowley:- Before Cook's
death I borroWed 2001:, and negotiated a loan
with Pratt for 5001. That was in May. I might
haie borrowed more ; but Ido not now recollect it. I
know they,. were jointly 'interested in one horse, and
that tliey used to bet for each other. I .have seen
Thurlby dress Cook's throat with caustic-about, . the
time of the Shrewsbury races. I think it, was just
before. The two letters I now produce I. saw -Cook
sign. They are, two notes and A memorandum. -Cook
was served with a writ shortly before his death. I was
not present. I cannot say that ha gave ma instruotion.s
t o appear.
The lett ors put ins were read by Mr. Streight, the
Clerk of the Arraigns. The first was without date, and
signed "J. Parsons Cool," Monday. The following is'
a copy of the letter:—
"My Dear Sir—l have been in a devil of a, fix about the
bill, but have at last settled it at the cost of an extra two
guineas, for the discounter had. issued a writ against
me. lam very much disgusted .at it."
The letter was sent to me, but its envelope was de-
stroyed. The next letter bore. date the 25th June,
1855 ; it was also without address, but" witness stated
that it had been sent,to him, ,and he. had destroyed the
envelcpe. The following is a Copy of the letter
Dear .Terry--I should like to have the bill-renewed for
two months. Can it be done? Lot me know by return.
I have scratched Polestar for the Nottingham and Wolver-
hampton Stakes.. .J. 611111 be down on Friday or Saturday.
Fred. tells me Arribas will win th 6 Northumberland
Stakes,"
The memorandum. put in and read was signed J. P.
Cook, and the following is a copy
" Polestar three years, Siriustwo years, by way of mort-
gage to secure MI. advanced upon a bill of exchange:for
2001.,. dated:29th August, 1855, payable abouttfiree months
after date."
Cross-examined by the AVerney-General—He was the.
Mr. Smith who took Myatt toStefferd. He had known
Mr. Palmer long and intimately. He had been employed.
a good deal as an attorney for Palmer. lii•December,
1854, he applied to him to attest a proposal for
13,0001. to be effected in the Solicitors' and General
Office, for Walter Palmer, the brother of the prisoner.
It was so long ago he could not recollect whether
or not he was applied for that purpeee. He did
not recollect that in January, 1355, Palmer applied
to hint to attest a proposal fur 13,000/. on bra
brother's Walter's life in the Prince' of Wales
Office. He did not know that 13,0001. was a large sum
for Walter Palmer's life, as he had money, and lived
dependent. Witness did not know that he was an un-
certified bankrupt. He knew that he was a benk-
rapt six years before, but he did• not know that
he had done anything' since. He knew :that
he had an allowance from his mother, but he did not
know that it was 'a pound a: week. William Palmer
frequently ge ye him money. In 1854 he resided party
at William Palmer's and partly at Palmer's mother's.
He al pt at Mrs. rainier's.
How long did the habit continue of sleeping two or
threw times a week at Mts. Palmer's house I—Several