The Sun.
London, England, 1861-12-02 00:00:00

DARING ACT OF WRECKING ON 771E1 METROPOLI
ESSEX COAST.

SHEERNESS, Nov. 30.
A very daring act of wrecking, on the Essex
coast, a few miles below the Nore, involving a loss
to the underwriters of £lO,OOO, was investigated by
the county magistrates at the district bench (Sit-
tingbourne) )csterday. Seven boatmen belonging
to Brightlingsea, at the mouth of the Colne, named
Wm. Dove (master), George Oliver, Charles Cook,
Wm. Rumble, James Gould, James Bacon, and Jas.
Fielding, of the smacks Prima Donna and Sarah,
were charged with feloniously carrying away a
large quantity of tallow from the wreck of the ship
Regina, stranded on the Middle Swin Sand on the
night of the 13th ult.
The examination occupied the whole day ; but
the following will he found to contain the main
facts. The Regina was on a voyage from Coustadt
to London with a cargo of tallow and lathallooJ :
and on proceeding through the Swin for the mouth
of the Thames on the night of the 13th November,
heavy weather was encountered, and the brig went
upon the Middle Swin sand, some seven or eight
miles from the coast, and the crew left her irt the
long boat, and, after drifting some time were piekz,d
up by the schooner Effort, which put into Whit-
stable. On the following morning, at daybreak, a
signal was hoisted on board the Effort, and two
smacks, with divers, &e., came off, and they were
told to go to the wreck, which they did. In the
evening of the 14th Captain Skelton, the master of
the Regina, who had been ill on hoard the Effort,
went ashore at Whitstable and reported the wreck
of his vessel to Mr. Wood, Lloyd's agent. On the
afternoon of the next day, the 15th, Capt. Skelton
and Lloyd's agent proceeded to the wreck, and they
found a lot of boats alongside and about 50 men on the
top of the wreck. Several holes had been cut in her
broadside. The men were cutting into the ship with
axes and crowbars fishing up the casks and taking the
tallow out of the casks with boat-hooks and hands
together. There was a general scramble as to who
should get most. Captain Skelton and Mr. Wood
remonstrated with the men as to their reckless pro-
ceeding, and commanded then to cease cutting holes
in the side of the vessel and removing any more of

the tallow. About this time a breeze sprung up,
and all had to leave the wreck. Coates, the mate
of the Regina, was left in a Whitstable smack, near
the wreck for the night, and a telegraphic commu-
nication was sent up to Lloyd's, announcing the
plunder that was going on. On the following
(Saturday) morning, at two o'clock, Coates found
the men again at work on the wreck, and several
yachts, with tallow in them alongside. The mate
told the fellows to leave off digging into the ship,
with their crowbars, and they pelted him with
tallow. A boat-hook was thrown at him, and they
stated that they would as soon put an axe into him
as the ship. The names of the Prima Donna and
other smacks that were lying near were taken.
The men continued working at the wreck, and be-
tween three and four o'clock Captain Skelton and
Lloyd's agent returned ; but they could not get near
the wreck in consequence of the number of boats
that surrounded her. The captain hailed the men
to leave her, but they treated his remark with deri-
sion, and told him that they had as much right
there as he had. About daybreak Capt. J. Russell,
the special agent for Lloyd's Association, who had
taken a steam tug from Southend, arrived on the
scene. Capt. Skelton and Mr. Wood at once commu-
nicated with him ; and as it was evident that the
men would not leave the wreck, Capt. Russell at
once proceeded in the tug to Sheerness Dockyard,
and obtained the aid of a file of 12 marines. On re-
turning► in the afternoon, 25 smacks were seen near
the wreck, and the men were still busy at work ia
breaking up casks and fishing up tallow through
the holes which were cut in the side. Captain
Russell and Captain Skelton went near the
wreck and desired the boats to take what they
had to Sheerness, and for the men to
leave. With a deal of abuse they refused to go
to Sheerness, and as the marines were now seen on
board the steam-tug there was a general rush
arnonst the men to get the smacks under weigh and
run for the coast. A sergeant and a party of the
marines were got into the boat, which made for the
nearest smack. On approaching the Prima Donna,
which was hoisting' the sails and heaving up the
anchor, the prisoner Dove, the master, was called to
stop. He refused, and defied Captain Russell or any
one else to go on board. The sergeant and some of
the marines were then put on board the smack.
Still the crew refused to obey the order to stop
until the sergeant drew his bayonet. There was a
largo quantity of loose tallow in the smack. Two
other boats, Sarah and Spray, were boarded, and
the three were taken to Sheerness ; but 17 of the
smack ran away to leeward and escaped capture.
The prisoners were stated to have been on board the
Prima Donna and Sarah. Very close upon 200
tons of the cargo was lost, and with the exception
of the tallow brought into Sheerness none of that
taken from the wreck had been accounted for to
the receivers of wreck. As soon as the men left
the wreck, Captain Russell set the divers to worl
from the Whitstable smacks, and the whole of the
casks left had been got up.
Mr. Wood deposed that when he remonstrated
with the men upon their improper conduct, he ex-
plained to them that they were prepared with
divers to save the casks whole.
Captain Skelton stated that when ho left the
ship he intended to return, and that he got the two
smacks from Whitstable to take charge of her.
The prisoners were convicted under the 478th
section of the Merchant Shipping Act in the double
penalty of £5O, £lOO each men, or to be imprisoned
three months on each penalty until the amount was
paid.
Mr. Goody said it was unnecessary for him to
say that the men could not pay such large fines,
and intimated his intention of appealing.
The men were removed in custody by Superin-
tendent Green, of the Kent Constabulary.

AAOTHER TRADE OUTRAGE AT

BBEFFIELD.

SHEFFIELD, SUNDAY EVENING.

The horrible details of the outrage in Acorn-
street (which have been fully given in Me Sun) are
still iresh in the public mind, and we are sorry to
state that another deed of violence has been com-
mitted, which will throw fresh disgrace upon the
town. The outrage we are about to record, how-
ever, has not caused injury to life, but a large
amount of valuable property has been imperilled.

It appears that early this morning a man named
John Bollington, engine-tenter at the works of Mr.
Harry Houldsworth, crinoline manufacturer, New
George street, Sheffield-moor, went to his master's
premises for the purpose of inspecting the
machinery. Very shortly after entering the
works he found that an attempt had been made
to blow up the place during the night. On going
into a room which is let off to a factor named
Mattison, he found the window shattered to
pieces, the hearthstone broken, the joists of
the floor heave 1 out of their places, and
one or two of them broken. He went in the machine
room and there found that the joists of the floor had
been lifted up, and the framework of the door forced
out. It was evident that the explosion had preceded
from the lower story, and on proceeding there IN-
lington found his surmises confirmed. The usual
means of destruction adopted in these cases was
found, and sufficiently marked the nature and origin
of the outrage. In the cellar he found the shattered
remains of a large milk.can, capable of holding
several pounds of powder, which had been thrown
in through the grating. In the broken lid of the
can there was a small hole in which the fuse had
been placed. It is remarkable that the damage done
was not more extensive, but the building, as it is,
is seriously injured. A man was working all night
in another part of the works, but he says he did not
hear an explosion, but heard a hissing noise about
four this morning. The wind was very high at
the time, which may account for this somewhat
singular circumstance. The facts were at once
communicated to the police, and Mr. Jackson, the
energetic chief constable, was shortly afterwards
engaged with his detective officers in investigating
the case. The shattered remains of the can are in
the possession of the police, and it is hoped they
will be the means of affording a clue to the perpe-
trator of the outrage. it seems that a non-unionist
grinder has been working on the premises, and the
explosion was, it is thought, intended as a warning.
The two unfortunate victims of the explosion of
the " infernal machine" in Acorn-street are still
lingering in great suffering. This afternoon a
special sermon was preached by the Rev. Brooke
Herford, Unitarian minister, to a vast assemblage
of working men in the Temperance-hall. The rev.
gentleman, who is a stanch supporter of unions,
strongly denounces these crimes, and called upon
the working men of Sheffield to leave no means
untried until the perpetrators of them were rooted
out. The general feeling in the town is one of un-
mixed detestation and horror of these crimes, and
no amount of punishment will be deemed too severe
if the perpetrators are discovered.

HEAVY GALE OF WIND AT MANCLIESTER.—Lnie
on Saturday night a strong gale of wind sprung up in Man-
chester and its neighbourhood, from the west, which by
one o'clock on Sunday morning had increased to one of the
most fearful hurricanes ever remembered there, and did not
abate till towards five o'clock. It was feared much mischief
would result to shipping on the Lancashire coast, but very
little damage to property had been heard of in the neigh-
bourhood of Manchester up to nine o'clock, when our re-
port left.

OF WORKS.

The usual meeting of the Metropolitan. Board of Works
was held on Friday, at the office in Spring-gardens, Mr. J.
Thwaites in the chair.
THE EMBA/C.KINTENT OP THE THAMP,g.
Tho CumnmAN said he had received a communication
from the Right Hon. W . Cowper, the First Commissioner
of Works, in.referenee U.% the embankment of the Thames,
which he would rota to :the members of the Board. The
letter was as follows :

it oh,ice of Works, Nov. 26, 1861.
" Dear Sir,--I am anxious that the Royal Commission
'muld meet ag in as soon as
on the Thames Embankment sk.
possible, to consider the embank.'"ment of the Surrey side,
so that the second report may be, .made before the meeting
of Parliament, and I trust that you R.-ill be able to find time
amid your many engagements for thilik important purpose.
tt I have the honour to be years obediently,
"J. Thwaites, Esq. "WILLIAM COWPER."
To this letter he had returned the following 'OI,IY :
4, Metropolitan Board of Works, Spring -gardens,

Nov. 29, 1861.
"Dear Sir,—Tbe construction of a Thames embank,
tnent is a matter of such eminent public importance, and
its urgency is so fully appreciated by myself and my col-
leagues at this Board, that I cannot hesitate to waive all
personal feeling in order to resume my seat at the '1 hames
Embankment Commission, although I still adhere to the
views expressed in my protest against the former report.
" In adopting this course, I confess myself influenced by
the belief that the strong expression of public opinion in
behalf of this work, backed by your own and Lord Palmer-
stoa's cordial sympathy, will materially contribute to re-
move all difficulties in the way of its execution, and insure
the concurrence of the other members of the Commission
in the views which I formerly ventured to urge—l remain,
dear sir, yours truly,

"J. TITWAITES.

" The Right non. W. Cowper, MX."
Mr. IL 14, TAYLOR moved that the letter and answer ba
inserted on the Minutes, which was put and agreed te.

WILLS AND BEQULS2S.

The will of the Eight Hon. Sidney Baron Herbert of Lea,
P.C., of Wilton Must', Salisbury, bearing date July 10,
1858, was proved in the principal registry on the 21st inst.
by his Lordship's brothers •in-law, the Right Hon. Thomas.
Viscount de Vesci, and Cha,-les Wyndham a Court Roping-
ton, Esq , the executors, tho personal property being sworn
under £160,000. Lord HerVer.t died possessed of very con-
siderable property, both lax deci and personal ; and that over
which his Lordship had the pow, er of disposition he has be-
queathed to Lady Herbert, his Let:let, absolutely, whom he
has also appointed residuary legatee. His Lordship has left
a family of seven children—four sons' .and three daughters—
all, in their minority ; and as no pr wision is made for
them in the will, it is to be inferred tlia t they are other-
wise amply privided for. The testator ha.s left legacies to
some personal friends and to his domesticsl. There is a
legacy of £3OO bequeathed to the Salisbury Infi:mary ; also
a sum of £l,OOO vested in trustees, the divideads accruing
therefrom to be applied to repairing the chancel of the
church at Wilton, which owes its erection to the munifi-
cence of his lordship. His eldest son, now Lord iTerbert,
is in his twelfth year, and is heir presumptive to the earldoro.
of Pembroke and Montgomery.
The will of Alexander John Colvin, Esq., of Glouceesr-
place, Hyde-park, was proved on the sth instant, by 1310
daughter, Steuart Amelia, the wife of John Dunsmure, Esq.),
whom he appointed sole executrix. The personalty was
sworn under £40,000. The will bears date 4th of Septem-
ber, 1856, and was executed at Portobello, N.B. This gen-
tleman has left many bequests to relations and friends ; but
the principal part of his property is bequeathed to his
daughter, whom he appoints residuary legatee. To his
granddaughter, Jane Euphemis, a legacy of £5,000 is be •
queathed ; and to the children of his sister, Mrs Turnbull, a
sum of £B,OOO amongst them. There is a legacy bestowed
of £5OO, with a comment somewhat peculiar. The testator
says,—" Upon leaving for India I was indebted to
(naming him) seven shillings. I bequeath him £500,. as a
proof that I have not forgotten him."
The will of Capel Hanbury Leigh, Esq., of Pontypool
Park, Monmouthshire, and Penarth, Glamorganshire, was.
proved in London on the 14th instant. The personal pro-
perty was sworn under £lOO,OOO. The executors appointed
are the widow and Lieutenant-Colonel George Grey Rous,
Grenadier Guards, of Courtyrala, near Cardiff, and the
Rev. George Gore, Rector of Newton St. Loe, Somerset.
The will bears date August 22, 1860, and the testator died
at Penarth on the 28th September last. The deceased has
bequeathed to his relict, independently of marriage and
other settlements, an annuity of £2,400, and a legacy of
£5,000; there are other gifts of residence, &c , beyond
these bequests, devised to his son, John Capel Hanbury
Leigh (aged eight years) ; he is also appointed residuary
legatee of the personal estate. The testator has bequeathed
a few legacies to personal friends, and his annuities and
legacies to his dependents and domestics have been libera
as well as his charitable donations. Ho has loft to the infant
school, which ho had instituted at 'I yengarth for the in-
struction of the children of his workmen and labourers, a
legacy of £l,OOO, to the Swansea Infirmary and the Bristol
Infirmary each £5OO, and a legacy of £2OO to the Bristol
Eye Infirmary.—lllustrated London Hews.

CO UN2 BY 111ABKL 2 A 5.

YORK— Nov. 30.
The supply of wheat at this market to-day was small,
and consisted for the most part of new descriptions. A
fair business was transacted, and sales made at is per qr
over last week's prices. In barley a tolerable show, but a.
limited demand. Oats still a poor in 'Wry. Beans sup-
ported late rates.
Wheat, red 60s to 63s Oats.... 2oa to 24s
White do 63s to 66s Beans ..48. to 5 503
Barley .32s to 38s Peas ....---s to
Malt, 688 to 70s per qr. ; rye, 36s per qr.; flour, 46
to 48s per sack.

NORWICH—Noy. 30.
Wheat to-day was in short supply, and
.last Saturday's
prices were fully supported for all descriptions. Barley
was freely offered, and in some instances la per quarter is
favour of the buyer. Flour unaltered.
White wheat 60s to 68s I Red wheat 56s to 645
Malting barley....3Bs to 39s I Chevalier barley 37s to 380
New do.. .... ....37s to 398 I Oats.. to ---"8
Flour, 44s Od to —s Od per sack from the miller.

NORTHAMPTON—Nov. 30.
At this corn-market the supply of wheat was only mode-
rate to-day, and the quality of the samples in some instances
indifferent. The tone of the business was more active,
and recent rates advanced fully Is per qr-46s to 60s for
old, and 58s to 64s for new. A fair business in barley--
malting 34s to 425, grinding 29s to 31s per qr. Oats in
moderate show, at previous prices—quoted at 23s to 359
per 24 stone. Beans, old, 38s to 465; peas, 38s to 455.
Rye, 37s to 425; malt, 70s to 745; flour, 40$ to .-.0 per
sack.

LEICESTER—Nov. 30.
'The supply of wheat to. day was about an average, and
prices were rather higher than of late. White, 658 to 678
—red, 48s to 65s per 36 stone. Barley inactive, but a good
show, grinding, 30s to 33s ; malting, 33s to 37s per qr.;
oats, 243 to 35s per 24 stone. Beans were very scarce
—new, 408 to 428 ; old, 43s to 48s per 38 stone.
Fine flour, 45e I Seconds, 43s I 'Thirds, 41s per 20 stone.