The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-14 00:00:00

E' SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVF.--- I NG, MAY 14. 1Q57.

I have known the prisoners ever since their marriage,
which took place seven years ago. Mrs. Bacon had
been in a lunatic asylum in London, but I cannot tell
how long she had been there. My mother and myself
took her from the asylum in October of the last year.
Cross-ocantided by Mr. Sleigh—From all I know
Mrs. Bacon has always been kind and affectionate to
her children.

By Mr. Metcalfe—On the day on which Mrs. Bacon
asked me to come and atop with her, she wished me to
come early in the morning. The reason I was asked to
atop with her was that Bacon said he did not like to
leave her alone at home the whole of the week, It was
from the circumstance of her being confined in the
lunatic asylum. The blood he had spoken of was on
the inside the collar of the shirt, and looked as if it had
come from his chin while shaving. I have often seen
his chin bleed while shaving. I never asked Mrs. Bacon
to confess what part she had taken in the murder.
By a Juror—She did not say what time it was
when the men broke into the house.
William Henry Cooke, a police-constable, L 75
On Tuesday, the 30th of December, I was on duty
at the station-house in Kennington-lane, and I remem-
ber Mrs Bacon coming there about half-past lin the
afternoon in company with Mrs. Payne. They wished
me to come to Four-acre-street, as she said she thought
there was something taken place very serious in the
house. I went with them, and on the way Mrs.
Bacon said somebody had come in at the window and
cut the children's throats and her own as well, but
she did not say when it had been done. On getting
to Four-acre-street Mrs. Bacon tinkered the door and
we went into the back room, and I there found a
little boy with his head on a table with his throat
cat and quite dead. There was a good deal of blood
about—on the walls, the furniture, and the floor. I
asked Mrs. Payne where the other child was, and she
said, " Up stairs," and in the room up stairs I found
the infant lying on the floor with its throat cut.
There was a child's bed in the room. There was no
blood upon it, but it had the appearance of having
been slept in. Both the children had their night-
clothes on. On seeing the children I said, "This is a
bad job," and Mrs. Bacon said she did not do it ; a man
came in at the window and did it. She did not say
what time. She said it was the back parlour win-
dow. I looked at the window, it was fastened, but not
properly. The hasp of the window was bent, but it was
sufficient to hold it down. A person from the outside
could not have opened it. After the observation about
its being a bad job, we all we.,t into the first floor front
room, and I saw a female's night dress lying on the bed,
nearly covered with blood. I particularly observed the
sleeve, there was a quantity of blood round the neck.
There was a quantity of blood on the floor. While I was
searching the room, Mrs. Bacon passed me and went
to a little box, from which she took out an envelope
and said that she must send it to her husband. The
envelope was already addressed to " Mr. Bacon, at Mr.
Marriage, Ironmonger, Market-place, Reigate." It
contained a blank sheet of paper. She said the writing
on the envelope was her husband's. I then returned to
the station-house and took Mrs. Bacon with me where
she was detained. She was taken before the magistrate
the same afternoon and was remanded. Before Mrs.
Bacon was taken to the police-office I took Mr. Bushel,
the surgeon, to see the children. On the table of the
room in which I found the little boy I saw the two
knives I now produce (they were two common black-
handled dinner knives). They bore marks of blood, and
one appeared to have been recently sharpened. I
examined the room on the Wednesday after the
discovery of the murder, but there was nothing
to lead to the belief that aoy person had entered the
window. The dust about the window had not been dis-
turbed, and the ground underneath the window, which
would have easily shown the impression of footmarks,
was also undisturbed. On the 6th of January I received
from a female turnkey of Horsemonger-lane Gaol the
chemise which had been worn by Mrs. Bacon, which I
now produce. [The chemise was stained with blood.]
Cross-examined by Mr. Sleigh—On the Tuesday that
I first as w Mrs. Bacon I did not think she was in a
right state of mind. She never manifested the slightest
feeling or concern about the children.

By Mr. Metcalfe—ln searching the house I found a
woman's apron. It had the appearance of a bloody
knife having been wiped upon it. It had been
placid over a pool of blood in the room where
the little boy bad been murdered. There were some
toys on the little table before the murdered child and
several on the floor. On the Tuesday I went to Reigate
to bring him back to London. I was told not to tell
him what bad occurred. I went to the address on the
envelope, but I did not find him there, and Mr. Mar-
rigs said be did not know him by name.
Re-examined by Mr. Bodkin—l found Bacon at the
Bell public house at Reigate. I arrived about one
o'clock in the morning, he appeared as if he had been
in bed, and the first question 1 asked him was whether
he had not an aunt of the name of Payne, and he,said
yes. I was in plain clothes. I told him his aunt had
sent for him as bis wife was very ill. He
wanted to know what was the matter, and said,
" What can it be ?" I did not tell him what really was
the matter, in fact I bad but little talk with him the
whole of the time we were coming to London. We left
Redhill by the mail-train at ten minutes to four in the
morning. He never asked me who I was, or made the
slightest inquiry.

Thomas Horton, another policeman of the L division,
said : I went with the last witness on the Tuesday to
Bacon's house in Four Acre-street, and found the
articles I now produce (a woman's night-dress and an
apron), upon which were large blood stains. The apron
was lying on the floor and night-dress on the bed. I
also examined the window and found the dust outside
undisturbed.

Rebecca Longbridge : lam matron of Horsemonger-
lane Gaol. I was present when Mrs. Bacon was
brought there. I observed marks on her throat, it bad
plaister upon it. On the Wedneday I observed a mark
on her threat as if a string had been tied tight round it.
It was very visible at the back part of the neck. On
being questioned about it, she said it had been made
with the knife, the same as her throat was cut with.
Emilia Oaks, the female searcher at Kenningtoc-lane
Police Court.—On the 30th of December I searched
Mrs. Bacon, and, whilst I was doing so, she said a man
had come in at the window and murdered her two
children, and cut her throat as well. She said " will
they lock me up," and I said "no, put on your clothes."
There was blood on her chemise but none on the outside
dress.

to Bacon, in Fouracre•street. On Monday, the 29th, I
heard a noise in the room aijoining ; it continued for
about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. My atten-
tion was called to the circumstance by persons calling,
and not gaining admittance.
William Boke eaid—l occupy the house No. 5, Four-
acre-street. I was at home the whole of Monday, tho
29;h. I did not hear the children cry that day. Ever
since the Bacons had lived next door to me I have heard
a child cry every day.
James Cooke, the gaoler of Lambeth Police-court,
said—Mrs. Bacon was under my care during the time
of her examination. Mrs. Bacon, in my room, wrote a
letter.

Lord Campbell reminded the jury that the letter in
question was one that did not at all affect Thomas Bacon,
and that it ought not to enter into their consideration.
Witness continued—Mrs. Bacon asked for iuk and
paper when she was in the gaoler's room at Lambeth
Police-court. There were some other persons in
the room, but they did not interfere with her. Having
written the letter she gave it to me, and I said, "This
is a very serious charge you 'have made against your
husband. Let me beg and pray of you not to make any
charge that is not quite correct, and remember the Al-
mighty is looking down upon what yon are doing." She
said, "I am quite aware of that. What I have written
there is perfectly true. I don't see why the innocent should
suffer for the guilty." I then went with her to the court,
and handed the paper to the magistrate, who road it
aloud. The male prisoner was in the court. Ho was
taken into custody after the letter was written, but be-
fore it was read in court. Bacon was standing near me
when the letter was read, but I did not hear him snake
any remark.

Trhe letter was here read by the clerk of the arraigns.
It stated that she was an innocent person—that her
husband was the person who murdered the children.
Inspector Young said—On the 30th Dec. I heard of
the murder in Fouracres-street. I dent down to Reigate
for the male prisoner, and on his arrival at the station-
house in Kennington-lane I told hint I had sent to him
in consequence of something that had happened to his
wife. He became very agitated, and asked what had
been done. I broke it to him gently by telling
him that his wife bad attempted to commit
suicide. He appeared very much affected, and
said he .knew three women who had come from the same
place, and had gone in the same way. I asked him
what he meant, and he said out of their mind. He very
anmiously asked about the children, and I told him
there was nothing particular the matter, as he appeared
very much distressed. I afterwards told him that the
children had been destroyed by his wife. He wished to
go at once to see his children, and I sent a constable
with him to the house. He returned to the station-
house with the constable about half-past six, and he said
he had not been able to see the children, but that he had
seen the blood of his dear boy. On the Saturday follow-
ing this interview, I observed a cut on his finger.
The first examination of Mrs. Bacon was on the
30th. The inquest took place on Friday, the
2d of January, I was present and saw Bacon there.
I asked Bacon if it was true that some clothes were mis-
sing from the house. He said there were, and also a
watch and 71. in money. In accordance with an ar-
rangement Bacon came to the station-house on Satur-
day and gave a description of the clothes lost, which
consisted of a rough greatcoit and other apparel. The
money lost consisted of a 51. note and two sovereigns.
The Si. note he had received at the London and West-
minster Bank in payment of a cheque for 151., drawn
by Mr. Attar. I asked the name and number of the
watch, whiCh he hesitated in giving. I pressed him for
the number, and it was some time before I got the
number from him. Ultimately, he said he had bought
the watch of bis brother James, who resided at 3,
Charles-street, Northampton-square. The clothes stolen
he said he had worn on the Sunday, the day of tho
murder. When be came back from Reigate he had on
a black coat, a pair of fustian trousers, and a black
waistcoat. I was referred by Bacon to Mr. Edward
James Bacon to get the number of the watch, and he
gave me a bill in which the watch was described. The
description of the watch was circulated amongst the L
division of police, it was numbered 32,798. It was
brought to me by Sergeant Broad, L division. The first
time I saw a watch in Bacon's possession was on the 7th
of January. He told me he had been down at Stamford
on the 4th of January. I then asked him about his
watch, and he showed me the one I now produce, No.
13,663. I went to the house for the purpose of searching
it. Bacon was with me, and told him I had sent for a
candle to search the cellar. While I was near the cellar
I heard a noise in the yard, and Sergeant Broad told me
Bacon had put something into his pocket. On search-
ing him I found the watch 13,663. With respect to
some money be said be bad received, he said be had put
away two Si. notes to buy furniture with, and the other
two, part of the produce of a cheque for 501., he had
paid away at Reigate. I told him I had traced four
notes, and I asked him for further information as to the
note he alleged to have been stolen. He said he had
another 51. note, for which be had given change to
a person in the street. This note I have also
traced, and found it to have formed part of the
money received for the cheque. In asking about the
clothes he had lost, he said that Mr. Dixon had made
all his clothes for the last twenty years ; but I told him
Mr. Dixon denied that be had ever made a coat for him
like the one he had described. I asked him how he
came by the cut on his left hand, and he said he had
done it whilst cutting a stick. I asked him if he had
seen his wife before he left London for Reigate, on the
Sunday morning, and he said he had left her in bed very
comfortable, that he had kissed her, and that she had
bound up his finger to prevent it catching cold. After
Bacon was in custody, he said, "Oh, Mr. Young, is
it not shocking that she should say I did it ? I don't care,
the Lord will help methrough it. My poor boy I could
not hurt a hair of his little head. Truth always go
the furthest."

Cross-examined by Mr. Metcalfe—Bacon was not much
affected at his final examination, but has been very
much affected on certain occasions when the children
were referred to. The female prisoner throughout the
police examination seemed perfectly indifferent as to all
that took place.

Wm. Payne, an engineer, living at Mile End said—
My wife was a relative of Mr. Bacon's. I saw the
prisoner at Mr. Janes Payne's house in Gallo way-
street. It was about ialf past eight in the evening., they
had neither of the children with them. On the day after
the inquest I noticed Bacon's finger, and I asked bow it
was done, he said it wascutting a piece of wood—l said I
thought it was done whilst sharpening the knife on a
steel. He said his knives were new and did not re:claire
sharpening. After some consideration I said his wife
had murdered the children, and he said he did not be-
lieve it. He then toll me he had been robbed of a suit
of clothes and a coat, and I told him I did not believe
it. I flaked if Dixon made it, and he said no. He also
said he had lost a watch, and I told him I did not be-
lieve it. When I last saw both the prisoners I toll them
it was not proper for them to leave the children alone in
the house, and she said, " Never mind the childrer, they
are happy."
Cross-examined by Mr. Metcalfe—l told Bacon that I
would not believe anybody would go and murder the
children without robbing the house, and then a day or
two after he told me he had lost the money.
Mrs. Payne, wife of the last witness, stated that after
the birth of her last child Mrs. Bacon laboured under
insanity. She (witness) had heard that she had threat-
ened the lives of her nearest and dearest relatives. She
always appeared focd of her children and kind to them.
Henrietta Lawrence, a child about eight years, was
next examined, and, in a very clear manner, proved the
finding of Bacon's watch in George-street, Walworth.
Sergeant Broad was next called, and repeated his
evidence relative to finding the watch in the cellar.
Mr. Astell, cashier in the London and -Westminster
Bank, Lothbury, said in Oct, last he cashed a cheek
drawn on the Stamford branch of the Northampton
Bank. He gave four five pound-notes.
A clerk, from the Bank of England, proved that the
notes traced by Inspector Young were the same as
those received from the Stamford Bank.
The case for the prosecution having closed, the jury
were then taken to the London Coffeehouse for the
night, in charge of the officers of the court.

WINDING.UP OF JOINT STOCK: COMPANIES. —The Court
of Chancery has declined to make an order to wind-up
the affairs of the Esgair Lee Mining Company. A peti-
tion has been presented for winding up the at-lairs of the
St. George Benefit Building Society. A call of 3. per
share is required to pay of the debts of the Culchote
Mining Company. The list of shareholders liable in the
Cwwdyle Mining Company is about to undergo a settle-
ment. A call of 301. per share is required to pay off the
debts of the Norwich Yarn Company. Mr. Wryghte has
been appointed official manager t, wind up and investi-
gate the affairs of the Hull and London Assurance Co.
The Wheal Helen and Trevena Mining Companies Are
proposed to be wound up. A call of 2/. 10s. is to be made
to discharge the debts of the rVheal Concord Mine, and
one of 12s. Gd. per share for those of the Great Cam-
brian.

tADVERTISEMSNT.I-SFORTSMtN AND GENTLEMEN OF TEE
ARMY AND NAVY.—S, and B. Solemons, opticians, 39, Albe-
marle-street, Piccadilly, W. Observe—opposite the York
Hotel.--Portability, combined with great power in Field,
Racecourse, Opera, and general out-door day and night
powerful waistcoat pocket Perspective Glasses, weighing
only four ounces, each containing 12 and 18 lenses, con-
structed of German glass, will snow distinctly a person's
countenance two and a half and three miles. They serve
every purpose on the race-course, and at tha opera houses,
country scenery, and ships are clearly seen at 8 to 10 miles.
They aro also invaluable for shooting, deer-stalking, and
yachting. Single ones, the s'ze of a walnut, possessieg the
same great power. Her Majesty's Coast-Guards are making
use of them as clay and night glasses, in preference [ o all
others; they have also become in general use by gentlemen,
of the Army and Navy, and by sportsmen, gentlemen, game-
keepers, and tourists. The most powerful and brilliant
telescopes, possessing such extraordinary power that some,
three and a-half inches, with an extra astronomical eye-
piece will show distinctly Jupiter's moons, Saturn's ring, and
the double stars ; with the same telescope can be seen a per-
son's countenance three-and-a-half miles distant and an object
from 14 to 16 miles. All the above can be had of larger and
all sizes, with increasing powers, and are secured by
Igor Majesty's Royal Letters Patent. Newly-invented
Spectacle Lenses of the greatest transparent power. The
valuable advantage deeived from this invention is, that
vision becomes preserved and strengtiened ; very aged
persons are enabled to employ their sight at the most
minute occupation—can see with these lenses of a much
less magnify lug power—and they do nut require the fre-
quent changes to the dangerous effects of further power-
ful assistance. Persons can be suited at the most remote
part of the world by sending ono of the glasses out of their
spectacles in a letter, and stating the distance from the eye
they can read small print with it, and those who have not
made use of Spectacles by stating their ago. Deafness.—A
newly-invented instrument for extreme cases of deafness,
called the Sound Magnifier, Organic Vibrator, and invisible
Voice Conduct..,-. It tits ,o int.:, the ear as not to be in the
least perceptible; the unpleasant sensa,iou of singing noises
in the heal is entirely rem° /ed. It affords instant relief to
the deafest persons, and enables them to hear distinctly at
church and at public assemblies. 39, Albemarle•street,
dilly—opposite the York Hotel.

EXTRAORDIA ARY CASE.

(From the BrigAtqn Gazette.)
THATCHER V. D'AGUILAR.

Yesterday, at the Borough Bench, this (rote came on
before Messrs. A Bigge, J. C. Burrows, T. Warner, F.
&lithe, F. A. Argle', and D. M. Folkard.
Mr. Hutchinson, solicitor, of London. again appeared
for the complainant, and Mr. Roupell, barrister, in-
structed by Messrs. Palmer and France, of Bedford-row,
London, appeared for the defendant.
Mr. Roupell, on behalf of his client, accepted service
of summons.
Mr. Hutchinson then opened the cage. The complaint
was alleged against Colonel D'Aguilar that he had not
supported his son by the complainant. He proceeded to
say that Mrs. Thatcher was the widow of an officer. In
1853 she was residing at Brighton with her children,
when Colonel D'Aguilar, seeing her, was attracted by
her, and after much perseverance obtained an introduc-
tion to her. After ascertaining her position in life,
family, &c., he made her an offer of marriage, which was
accepted. Mrs. Thatcher was not a lady of fortune, and
the Colonel told her that he did net wish the marriage
to take place during his father's (Sir George D'Aguilar's)
lifetime, as he bad other views for him. Unfortunately,
the result of their intimacy was the birth of a child. Col.
D'Aguilar left Brighton to join his regiment in London
five months before the birth of the child. He came down
at the time, engaged a medical man, removed Mrs.
Thatcher, and agreed to allow her 301. a-year, being, as
he expressed it, the same amount as, if the child had
been born during her husband's lifetime, she would have
received from the East India Co. The money was regu-
larly paid by cheques upon Messrs. Hall & Co. from the
Col., who now said he did not wish to be annoyed by Mrs.
Thatcher. After some time she wrote to him, and he then
refused to continue the allowance. Till that time he had
never asserted that the child was not his own, nor
breathed a word against her reputation. The colonel,
during his acquaintance, bad done all that was consis-
tent. He had given Mrs. Thatcher his portrait, a lock
of his hair, an engaged ring ; had written her many
letters, and she had worked him a pair of slippers.
After this he wrote her a letter saying if she would return
all his letters, be would act as an officer and a gentle-
man, and fnlfil his promise to marry her. This she did,
when he turned round upon her, abused her, and in-
sinuated that she was everything that was bad. The
friends of both parties had tried to induce the colonel to
do something for her, and proposed to refer the whole
matter, to some military man, or other respectable per-
son. His client was now anxious to set her reputation
right, if she had done wrong with him she had done no
wrong with others. She was anxious to establish the
parentage of her child, and he should produce legal evi-
dence to prove that the colonel was its father. He was
aware that the law only allowed a very small amount,
yet the decision of the bench would be of great import-
ance, as it might influence the father to do what was
right acd proper towards the maintenance of his child.
Tne remuneration that could be allowed was scarcely
worth having, but they wished perfectly to establish the
parentage.
Mrs. Thatcher, examined by Mr. Hutchinson, de-
, posed—ln 1852 I became acquainted with Colonel
1 D'Aguilar. Was then a widow, residing at 12, Mont-
pelier-street, where my children were living with me.
The colonel was then residing with his father, Sir Geo,
D'Aguilar, in Brunswick-square, In January, 1853,
be first called on me. Had met him several times before.
When the colonel called, I thought he called in an
honourable manner, and ho became daily more ardent.
He called and brought bouquets every day; gave me
his likeness, also an engaged ring.
Mr. Roupell objected to the term "engaged" ring.
Mr. Bigge did nut understand the term. Was it a
wedding ring ?
Mr. Hutchinson then called for the ring, which Mr.
Roupell did not produce.
Mrs. Thatcher continued—lt was a handsome ruby
ring, worth 40 or 50 guineas. He gave me a lock of his
hair. Had a child by defendant on Dec. 24, 1853. Our
position in life is quite equal to the Co'oners. When
defendant gave the ring he put it on my finger.
Mr. Hutchinson wished to know which finger, and
being shown, asked if that was the one ladies called the
engaged finger.
Mrs. Thatcher—l havebeen told it is, and understood
from the Colonel it was. The Colonel put it on and
kissed my hand. (Laughter.)
The child was here produced by the mother, who said
he was very like his father, whose photograph was also
produced.
Mrs. Thatcher—l used to teach him to sing and to
play the piano, and he offered to teach me drawing in
return. Unfortunately something of a private nature took
place before he left Brighton. Before this he promised
marriage, which he said must be private, as Sir George
and Lady d'Aguilar had prior views for him, and would
never consent to it. Dr. J. Turner, of Regency-square,
attended me in my confinemement. I neither engaged
nor paid Mr. Turner. I received many letters from the
Colonel. Before the birth of the child I received a letter
from defendant requesting these letters to be sent back,
saying if so he would be inclined to fulfil his promise. I
returned all the letters, and after that, in consequence of
a communication received from Mr. Turner, had been in
the habit of drawing cheques on Hall's bank for 7/. 10s.
a quarter. In May, 1854, I received a letter from de-
fendant.
The letter was produced and read. It offered an allow-
ance, refused to adopt the child, and desired to break off
the correspondence.
Mrs. Thatcher—He had never accused me of impro-
priety of conduct before. This was after I had returned
the ring and letters. He had always been very affection-
ate, and no man could be more devoted or kind. I never
received any money from the colonel, except from these
cheques, the proceeds of which were applied to the
maintenance of the child. Commenced an action for
breach of promise of marriage in May, 1855. Met the
Colonel in R-gentstreet, 18 months after the birth of
the child, when be much abused me, Saw those cheques
in the Westminster Court, where ail action was brought
against the defendant, and one of the cheques was put
into my band by Sergeant Ballantine, who was counsel
fur Colonel d'Aguilar. To support this child I have
parted with my own income, and taken a position in a
school. Have called on Mr. Bellingham asking him, as
Colonel d'Aguilar's agent, to use his influence to induce
the colonel to continue the allowance.
Cross-examined by Mr. Roupell—Have brought two
actions against the colonel. The one for breach of pro-
mise is still goorg ou, the other was in the County Court.
Was taken ill there, and fainted.
Mr. Roupell—What was that action brought for ?
Mrs. Thatcher—l do not know.
Mr. Hutchinson explained that she was nonsuited.
Mr. Roupell—Did you give instructions for this ac-
tion to be brought ?
Mrs. Thatcher—l had some conversation with Mr.
Hutchinson about it.
Was any arrangement made respecting costs or da-
mages ? —None.
Was any arrangement made with respect to costs or
damages in the action for breach of promise of marriage ?
---This is not apropos, and I decline answering it.
Mr. Ronpell repeated the question, and was again re-
fused. He then asked, remarking that witness might re-
fuse to answer or not as she pleased—Have you not
stated that an arrangement was made between you and
this gentleman (Mr. Hutchinson) with respect to the ac-
tion for the breach of promise ?—I will not answer any
more such questions.
When did you first meet the Colonel?—I will not an-
swer tkat question.
Mr. Bigge—l think she ought to answer that question.
Mrs. Thatcher—lt was in the latter end of 1852.
Mr. Roupell—Where were you living when you first
met him I—At 12, Montpelier-street.
Where beforel—At Mrs. Sheppard's, a highly-res-
pectable lady's, in Montpelier-road.
Where before I—ln Montpelier-street.
Where before ?—ln London.
Where ?—I will not answer ? it'is independent of the
subject.
Mr. Roupell persisted in his questions, with a view to
elicit where Mrs. Thatcher was from the time she stated
she left London till ebe came to Brighton, but did not
make any material point. He then proceeded :—Where
did you first see the Colonel ?—Listening to the band in
Regency-square.
Did you speak to him first I—Certainly not. We met
several times, and felt an interest in each other. He

took off his bat and bowed, and then I bowed. We
afterwards seemed to understand each other, and as
though we loved each other. (Laughter.)
How long was it between the time that he bowed and
spoke l--Three or four days. I was walking on the Es-
planade with my children.
Was there any difficulty or necessity for an introduc-
tion ascertained who ha was before I permitted him

to speak to me. I found he was an unexceptionable per.
sonage, but no one introduced us.
Then it was a street acquaintance ?—I do not call it so,
Was it not so in fact ?--It was not a street acquaint
an ce•

'filen all that flourish made by Mr. Hutchinson about
considerable perseverance before he obtained an intro-
duction was all sham ?—We were introduced after that,
and before he came to my house. I liked the look of
him; I thought be was a nice-looking person; and I
dare say be thought siinilar of me. (Laughter.)
Mr. Roupell then proceeded with several questions
concerning the portrait which the Colonel had pre-
sented her, and endeavoured to ascertain if Mrs. That-
cher was in possession of a similar one previously. He
then proceeded to examine Mrs. Thatcher with respect
to her name, and elicited that she had sometimes, by
the advice of her friends, when much pressed in money
matters, used her maiden name of Ross, her mother-
in-law's name of Drummond, and also signed her
name Thatcher-Drummond. He then examined her
concerning her movements in London in 1850,
asking her if she was not then under the protection of a
gentleman of the name of Dunbar ; whether she had not
received money from that gentleman, and whether she
was not dismissed or turned out of her lodging in Albany.
street, in consequence of being found in an indelicate po-
sition with a gentleman, all of which she denied, and
oharacterised as vile falsehoods. Mr. Roupell then asked
if she knew a gentleman named Firth, to which she re-
plied that he was her cousin, and had called upon her.
Mr. Roupell—Do you know a person in town of the
name of Granville ?—Yes, he came to see me while in
Moor-street, to make arrangements for me to bring his
little girl to Brighton, to bring up with mine.
Has he been to see you in Brighton ?—Yes.
When did you last see him ?--I shall be very particu-
lar in this, for this is the gentleman with whom the Co-
lonel is annoyed, and I wish to clear my character. He
came down by an evening train, and we could not sgree
about his child. I had a house of my own, and he slept
there that night. My eldest daughter slept with me.
Did you meet Miss Husband at Gravesend in 1856 ?
—Yes.

Did she not say that she thought you was gf ne to
Scotland to live with an old. gentleman ?--Certainly not.
I never told her I had received NI. more from the old

gentleman in Scotland through a letter that I had sent.
I did not tell her that I was receiving 101. a month from
that gentleman whilst I was living in Brigqon. I don't,
remember saving that it was singuler the child was fair,
when the Colonel and I were both dark. I did not say
that, although I did not know who the father of the
child was, I would make both of them pay. I wonder
you should dare to ask me tha queation. (I laugh.)
By Mr. Hutchinson—Nothing ever occurred impro-
per between me and the cld gentleman. (A. laugh.)
After what has bee❑ called a "street" acquaintance, I
had an introduction to Col. D'Aguilar. Any statement
with regard to an intimacy with any other gentleman is
entirely without foundation. I only took another name
with the view of getting out of difficulty. Messrs. Han-
nington advanced me money, 'and having paid them a
considerable sum, caused me to be very much reduced.
Geo. Padmore, clerk to the solicitor to Mrs. Thatcher,
deposed--I have assisted very much in Mrs. Thatcher's
affair. I posted letters, of which those produced are the
copies. (The first letter was from Mies Husband to Col.
D'Aguilar, to ask him to return the letters which had
been sent to him by Mrs. Thatcher, and in reference to
the promise of marriage.)
Mr. Turner deposed—l am a surgeon-accoucheur, and
reside in Regency-square. In the latter part of 1853 I
attended Mrs. Thatcher in her confinement. Colonel
D'Aguilar instructing me to pay her every attention,
and he paid me fur that attendance. I don't remember
Col. D'Aguilar instructing rne as to receiving any money
from agents. On the 25th Dec , after the child was born
I saw Col. D'Aguilar at his father's house in Brighton,
and he was to pay all expenses. It was to be paid in
London through the bank of Messrs. Hall and Co. to
Mrs. Thatcher, and not to any other person. The
amount was 301. a-year. I know that the first money,
71. 10s., was paid in January. Cel. D'Aguilar paid ad
the expenses connected with Mrs. Thatcher's pregnancy.
Nothing was said about an old gentleman. (A laugh.)
Cross-examined—l became acquainted with Mrs.
Thatcher slightly in 1852. I attended her for a few days,
and there was an end of it. There was a condition when
Col. D'Aguilar consented to give her money that she
was not to annoy him or his family.
Mr. Jenner deposed—l❑ 1853 Mrs. Thatcher was con-
fined at my house. An arrangement was made for me
to keep the child for 71.105. per quarter. I have received
four cheques for that amount.
Mr. Hilder, solicitor, Gravesend, deposed—l knew
Mrs. Thatcher when at Gravesend. Have tried to nego-
tiate between her and the Colonel. She has always con-
ducted herself with great propriety ever since I have
known her. I have been very much annoyed by Miss
Husband.

This was the complainant's case.
Mr. I:loupeIL then addressed the bench for the defence.
He said his instructions were that Mrs. Thatcher's cha-
racter was not unimpeachable, and it was for that reason
he bad questioned her as tp her modeof living previously
to her acquaintance with Colonel D'Aguilar. After the
way in which he had examined her he should not be
doing right if he did not bring witnesses to prove that
she was a person of immoral chara, ter. He then caled
Ann Mannering, who deposed—l am a, spinster, and
reside at 49, Ebury-street, Pimlico, where I keep a
lodging-house. In 1852 I was living in Moorgate•street,
Chel,.ea. Mrs. Thatcher came to live there in May, and
quitted about Jan. 3, 1853. She was in the habit of
receiving visits from a gentlema❑ called Firth, whom
she represented as her ciusin. I remember him sleeping
there eight or ten times. He had no room of his own,
and he slept with Mrs. Thatcher. Ho was in the habit
of coming from May to August. A month or six weeks
after another person came to visit Mrs, Thatcher. I re-
member a person of the name of Edwards sleeping with
TiPatcper one night. Toera were other persons
who visited her, but to what extent their intimacy went
I don't know. I should not call her conduct prudent ;
it was immoral.

Cross-examined—Very soon after Mrs. Thatcher came
into my house, I knew the gentleman slept with her.
The children f Mrs. Thatcher were at school. It was
when I went to shut the thutters I saw something. I
knew he slept there several nights, because I let him
out in the morning. I was obliged to keep the children
away. I was in the intrigue myself. (Laughter.) I
had a few shillings for it. There was a eltu-gytrau
lodging in the house, but I did not tell him. Mrs.
Thatcher gave me in charge for stealing a ten-p3und
note, but she never lost it. I never asked her to
forgive me. The 10/. note has nothing to do with me.
I have been paid for my expenses, but I shall not tell
you how much.

Charlotte Jane Husband deposed—l reside at 24,
Wellington-street, Gravesend. My father was an offi-
cer in the 57th Regiment. I knew Mrs. Thatcher in 1850,
and she came to take lessors of me in embroidery. I was
then living in Liverpool-street, Gray'-inn-lane. Mrs.
Thatcher was living in New-road, Gloucester-square. I
removed with her. She told me that she knew Mr.
Dunbar, and that she was intimate with hire. She
asked me to go and get money from him, as he had pro-
mised her marriage, and she was going to bring an action
against him for breach of promise. I asked hini for
money, and he said she was no better than a common
prostitute, and if I came there he would give me in
charge. Mrs. Thatcher and myself had one common
sitting-room and each a bed-room. Mrs. Thatcher re-
mained only three days. A gentleman came in, and
from Mrs. Thatcher's impropriety of conduct with him
the landlady gave us notice to quit. The next time I ,avv
her was last July, at Gravesend, and she said her cousin
was dead. The next day she said the child was Colonel
D'Aguilar's. She said she wanted me to write to another
gentleman for the support of the child, as she really did
not know whose child it was. She said she had had 101.
a month from the gentleman she had lived with. She said
she had had 1001, from him before. I refused to write,
and she wrote herself. She said she saw the gentleman
frequently at Brighton, and she got money out of him,
frightened it out of him, because he had got a wife alive.
(Laughter.)
Cross-examined—When this took place with the gen-,
tleman she was quite willing. She did not scream, but
she made a sort of a noise. Mrs. Thatcher was pretty
much always drunk. We lived together a week after,
and then she was drunk. I cannot tell how many
gentlemen she had there. I could mention 100 of her fol-
lowers if necessary. (Laughter.) I have not been ac-
cused of improper conduct with a Mr. Lethbridge.
This was the defendant's case. _ _ _

Mr. Hutchinson proceeded to reply, observing that
the parties called for the defence were evidently actu-
ated by malicious motives, and was proceeding to show
why, when he was stopped by
Mr. Bigge, who said the magistrates had unanimously
agreed to make an order upon Col. D'Aguilar for 2s. 6d.
a week towards the maintenance of the child.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.—May 13.

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.

BIDDER V. SALISBURY.-AOTION ON A BOND.-SINGULAR

CASE.

This was an action to recover 7001. for the assignment
of a " bottornry " bond to the defendant. There was
also a count for assault, and false imprisonment. The
defendant denied that the bond was the property of the
plaintiff, and as to the assault, pleaded a justification.
Mr. Overend and another learned gentleman appeared
for the plaintiff ; and Mr. Sergeant Shee aid Mr. Char-
nook for the defendant.

The plaintiff; Miss Ridder, had formerly kept a
lodging-house at Melbourne, Australia, and having
saved a considerable sum of money, returned to
England with her daughter, a girl between ten
and twelve years of age. he took a passage in a
ship called the Ann, commanded by a Captaig Rams-
den, who was part owner. In the cour4e of the voyage
the captain borrowed from her 700/. for the repairs of
the ship and other matters, and gave her a " bottomry
bond" on the vessel for the amount. The plaintiff being
in want of money when she reached England, Captain
Ramsden introduced her to the defendant, Mr. Salis-
bury, who is a ship chandler, at Poplar, and he agreed
to advance her 7001. on receiving an assignment of the
bond to himself. An assignment was accercingly pre-
pared by a notary named Harrison, in Lombard-street,
and the parties attended at his office to execute it. The
plaintiff attached her mark to the assignment, and also
to the receipt for the 7001 , not being able to write ; but
when the defendant was asked for the money he said he
had forgotten his cheque-book. According to the plain-
tiff's evidence he afterwards snatched the document out
of her hand and induced her to let it remain in his pos-
session by promising to pay the money at his house. She
afterwards west to his house repeatedly and demanded
the money or the bond, but without receiving either, and
on one occasion he gave her into custody for annoying
him and using bad language to himself and his mother,
but the inspector at the police station dismissed the
charge. The defendant then sold the ship under a pro-
ceeding in the Court of Admiralty upon the bond, and
had kept the proceeds, which amounted to more than
1,0001.
The principal question in the case was whether the de-
fendant had paid the money, and upon this point there
was a direct conflict of testimony.
The learned Judge bummed up favourably to the de-
fendant, but said it was entirely for the jury to-say on
which side the truth laid.

The jury retired, and after about an hour's delibera-
tion found a verdict of guilty as to the assult, and
also that the 6001: had not been paid to the plaintiff.
Damages Si. for the assault, and 7561. 12g. in respect
of the plaintiff's claim upon the bond, with interest from
October.

JUDGE'S CHAMBERS.
(Before Mr. Justice Erle.)
THE QUEEN V. CAPTAIN ERLAM—THE ALLEGED CASE or
ABDUCTION.
In this case, which was expected to he tried at the
present session of the Central Criminal Court, for the
alleged abducilon of Miss Goodman, an application was
made to put in bail until next term, the indictment hav-
ing been removed into the Court of Queen's Bench.
Mr. Lewis, jun. (Lewis and' Lewis) informed the
learned judge that the certiorari, which was an ex parte
application, had been obtained at the last moment to
prevent the case being tried at the Central Criminal
Court. The defendant had been committed without bail ;
bad applied to Mr. Baron Watson to put in bail, which
was refused, as the sessions were near, and now, after
the grand jury bad found a true bill, and Mr. Sergeant
Ballantine and two other learned counsel bad been in-
strncted to prosecute at an expense in fees alone of 40
guineas, a writ of certiorari was on Tuesday afternoon
obtained by Mr. Justice Crompton,
Mr. Justice Erie asked whether the costs would not
be allowed!
Nr. Lewis remarked there were only certain costs
allowable.
His Lord-hip said Mr. Justice Crompton had fired the
ahoour,t of l,aii, ,vhicu was 2501. by the sureties and 500/.
by the defendant.
Mr. Humphreys, for the defendant, intimated that
there would be an answer to the case.

The bail were not opposed, and accepted in the sum

of 2501. The defendant was brought up from Newgate
and entered into his own reco,s,rnisancaa to appear tie):
term to answer the iudictnient in the Court of Queen's
Bench.

A writ of certiorari was allowed by Mr. Justice
Crompton, on the application of Mr. H. Gifford, setting
forth in the affidavit the reasons alleged for the trial to
tale place.in the Court of Queen's Bench.

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' COURT.
(Before the Chief Commissioner).

IN RE CHARLES GEARY.-" THE INDIGENT SEMPSTRESSES"

HOME

•
Thie insolvent, described as known as the Rev. Chas
Geary, of Alpheton, near Acton, baptist minister, secre-
tary of the Indigent Se.mpstresses' Home, in Fitzroy
street, Tottenhain-court-road, who was on bail, was ap
pointed to be heard, but did not apperr.
Mr. Sargood appeared to oppose for the detaining cre-
ditor, a printer, at Bath, and for four other creditors re-
sident at the same place, omitted from the sc-ledule.
The insolvent's attorney had received an intimation
that the insolvent was ill and had sent for a certificate.
The Chief Commissioner said he should proceed with
the case notwithstanding the insolvent's absence.
Mr. Sargood said he should be able to show a gigan-
tic fraud on the public, and that Geary was himself the
" Home."

The detaining creditor was called. Mr. Ferguson, the
chief clerk of the Mendicity Society ; the late matron of
the " Home," in Fitzrz,y-street ; and Mr. West, a
printer, of Bull and Mouth-street, who was a creditor
to a large amount, and who had been treasurer of the
" Home," but resigned nine months since, were exa-
mined.

It appeared that the insolvent was at Batb, and called
upon the detaining creditor to get nanles of the gentry,
as he wished to establish a branch of the " Distressed
Needlewomen's Home." He got into debt, and was
traced to London.

Mr. Fergus 311 of the Mendicity Society, described the
insolvent as a person well known to him, and that he
had been charged with obtaining money under false pre-
tences, but ho got off, as the case could not be estab-
lished. Geary had succeeded Roper in the Distressed
Needlewomen s Society. It was impossible to tell what
had been got from the putlic.
The Matron (Mrs. Mellor) said some aged women
were lodged in tee " Howe." Some of the parties were
paid is., ls. 3d., and is. 6d. a•day.
Mr. West said be had collected from his friends about
501., which he paid into a bank, and he had no other
money as treasurer. He only saw Geary at the "Home "
transacting the business. There was a Mr. Pope, who
was called an " Assistant. Secretary." (A laugh.)
The Chief Commissioner said, ae the insolvent did not
choose to appear, all he could do was to adjourn the case
to serve the creditors. At the present moment the re,
cognisance of bail was forfeited, but he would not order
execution to issue at once, but give them to Monday to
account for his absence.

The case was adjourned sine die, and Monday was
mentioned for the bail to show cause why he could not
appear
After the case was heard (just before five o'clock) one
of the bail returned with the insolvent, having brought
him from Acton.

An application was made to extend the recognisance to
Monday, but the Court refused. The officer of the
prison had gone. The insolvent was put into a cab and
taken by the bail to Whitecross Prison.