The Sun.
London, England, 1844-03-20 00:00:00

DEATH OF MR. J. F. BLAKE.

Never had We a•more painful-duty to discharge than this
which now devolves upon us in announcing the death—the
sudden and unexpected death of a gentleman, long con-
nected with this establishment, and respected and esteemed
by its governing authorities, its numerous proprietors, and
the public generally, in the direct ratio in which the pro-
gress of time and extending associations afforded means of
appreciating, his character and intrinsic merit—a man whose
worth could be truly estimated only as circumstances
afforded scope for its development, and of whom, in a word,
it may be said that be faithfully, efficiently, and zealously
discharged all the duties of the several stations in which
Providence placed him. When we announce the death of
Mr. James Frederick Blake, the Secretary of the Incorpo-
rated Society of Licensed Victuallers, in whose service he
had been engaged for the long period of thirty-five years,
and whOse members have on more than one occasion pre-
sented to him distinct and enduring testimonials of their appro-
bation, we feel that we announce a calamity that will be de-
plored, not only by every member of the Society, but by
every one favoured with Mr. Blake's acquaintance, or with
his private or public association. The painful event took
place on Monday night, and the following are its particu-
lars, as elicited at the inquest held last night in this office :
Last night an inquest was held before Mr. Payne, in the
Committee-room of the Morning Advertiser office. There
was an unusually full attendance of most respectable trades-
men and residents of the neighbourhood, to serve as jurymen.
The room was tin onged ; and among the gentlemen present
were the Governor (Mr. Keasley), several members of the
Committee, &c.
Mr. Blake's servant stated that her master not coming
down to breakfast about the usual hour, and that having
subsequently knocked at his door, without receiving any
answer, she informed Mr. Blake's sister, M.A. Berry, who
resided with him, of the circumstance. Mrs. Berry went,
and entered the room, and then ascertained that her brother
was dead. Medical aid was immediately sent for. The
serv4ant was - particularly examined as to Mr. Blake's
habits, and what she had observed of his health. She said
that she had only observed him to have a slight cough.
She saw him shortly before eleven o'clock the previous
night. He generally sat up till twelve o'clock, or there-
abouts, to read. She had not the remotest reason to be-
lieve otherwise than that the death was occasioned by.na-
tural causes. The attendance of 'Mr. Blake's sister before
the jury was dispensed with under the melancholy circum-
stances, as it was clear that to require -her presence could
only lead to her agitation,. without adding to the testimony
already given. Mr. M‘Laughlin, the publisher of the
Morning Advertiser, deposed to having seen Mr. Blake
in his counting-house on the previous evening ; at
which time Mr. B. was pursuing his usual avocations with
the account-books of the office. Dr.' Sheridan, the editor of

the Morning Advertiser, being present, was requested to state
what he knew of Mr. Blake's health, as well as the habits of
that gentleman. In answer to the coroner's inquiry, Dr. S.
stated he was a Doctor of Medicine, and, as a professional
man: (having mentioned thatrhe had seen Mr... Blake on the
previous evening, at or about ten o'clock, on the busineSs of
the office) that it ,would be difficult to decide whether the
immediate cause of death was a disease of the heart, ossifica-
tion, or, as it is termed, angina pectoris; • or effusion of blood
on the brain. Mr. Blake had, on some pieVious occasions,
complained of pain in the shoulder, which w'as indicative of
the heart being affected; but, from. other circumstances, he
was rather inclined to believe that the death was caused by
effusion of blood on the brain. The deceased had not made
any serious complaints regarding the state of his health, but
he had no doubt whatever that the death ensued from na-
tural causes. Mr. Ray, also a medical gentleman. and who
was called in immediately after the discover), of Mr. Blall's
position, supported Dr. Sheridan's testimony as to the cause
of Mr. Blake's death. During the investigation a question
arose as to the age of Mr. Blake, Mr. Best, of Queen Anne-
street, Marylebone (a member of the Committee), stated that
about a month ago Mr. Blake mentioned to him that he was
then 58 years of age. The coroner having submitted the
case to the jury, they immediately returned the verdict of
" Natural death.".

In early life Mr. Blake was associated with the fechanics'
Institute, and, supported by the late Dr. Birkbeck, edited
a periodical publication connected with that Society. When
the Mechanics' Institute, Southampton-buildings, was opened,
Mr. Blake was not only an efficient member at its Committee,
but an active attendant on the lectures delivered in the the-
atre ; nor did his zeal end there ; for, amid the laborious oc-
cupations that he had to fulfil in this office, he found time to
prepare full, and remarkably neat and clear reports of such
lectures, of which reports were afterwards published in the
columns of the Alorntng Advertiser. The fact deserves to be
mentioned now, not only as proof of Mr. Blake's tasteful
and cultivated intellect, but as highly complimentary to his
judgment, for he then saw how valuable were the tendencies
of those institutions, which, instead of being reported,
were, with the single exception of the • Morning
Advertiser, everywhere frowned upon. The literary
taste and artistical science which he then cultivated had,
in his subsequent course of life, many opportunities of display,
but he contented himself with their unostentatious exercise.
The words and music of the Hymn sungrat the recent Jubilee
Festival were of his composition ; and little did those who
heard that Hymn, or witnessed the hale and joyous manner
in which Mr. Blake participated in the festivity, anticipate
that he should be so soon and suddenly called from the career
of usefulness to which his life had been devoted.

Our purpose is not to write an elaborate panegyric, but
simply to record the more prominent facts of a valued and
and valuable life. The untiring assiduity of Mr. Blake in
his official capacity—his anxious vigilance over the interests
of the Society—his readiness at all times to afford information
to its members on all matters upon which information might
be sought, and his unswerving integrity, elicittd the uni-
versal respect of the Corporation; while his social qualities,
his general urbanity, and mild and genial flow of generous
sympathy, endeared him to all favoured with his intimacy.—
Advertiser.

MR. SPENCER T. HALL AND THE
HALIFAX MESMERIC COMMISSION.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)
We noticed last week that the startling experiments of
Mr. Hall, the Mesmerist, had led to the formation by the
liberal-minded medical gentlemen at Halifax, of a Commis-
sion of Inquiry into the phenomena of Mesmerism. This
Commission sat four times, and Mr. Hall exhibited before
them the experiments he had performed in public, as well as
some others of a more subtle and important character. What
occurred`at-the, first two meetings was not published; but it
was then deemed advisable that each medical gentleman
should have the liberty of admitting three non-professional
gentlemen of his acquaintance. The sittings have been held
in the lecture-room of the Literary and Philosophical So-
ciety; and as Mr. Hall was about leaving Halifax, the fol-
lowing resolutions, after many severe and critical tests, were
coma' to on Thursday last, W. Briggs, Esq., occupyipg the
chair: _

1. " That the manner in which Mr. Spencer T. Hall has
brought his experiments before the meeting is such as to en-
tiele him to its confidence in his integrity.
2. " That the phenomena witnessed are indicative of an
influence (whether acting directly, or through some mental
process) which leads to actions independent of, or contrary
to, the volition of the persons acted upon.
3. " That this Committee considers it desirable that the
subject be still further investigatedby medical men and others
interested,
h atinthoerdtehrnks of the Committee be tendered to Mr.
if Possible, to extend a knowledge of the
laws which regulate vital phenomena.
4. "
Hall, and to the parties who submitted to be operated upon,
for the patient and satisfactory manner in which their ser-
vices have been rendered daring this investigation."
It is hoped, says the Halifax Guardian, that this inquiry
will continue to be carried on, though- Mr. Hall has left the
town ; and that medical men will attempt at their own houses
those experiments which he produces in public, and which,
if mesmerism be true, at least some of them can also effect
in private.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, Mr. Hall expressed
his determination not to relax in his own search after the im-
portant principles indicated by the phenomena brought be-
fore them ; and said he should be glad to aid in any future
rational inquiry at Halifax or elsewhere. He was under in-
vitation to several of the most important provincial cities and
towns,' and should certainly visit them with this view, if his
engagements in London, which are of great importance,
would permit him.

DREADFUL SHIPWRECKS.
TWENTY LIVES LOST.
Within the last three or four days the destruction of two
fine Liverpool ships has been reported at Lloyd's, namely,
the Georgiana, Captain
Wilson (a barque), two hundred and
twenty-seven tons burthen, and the Caroline, Captain Jack-
son, burthen nearly six hundred tons, the amount of which
losses, it is said, is little short of 45,000 L, and what renders
the wrecks more painful is, that they were attended with the
loss of upwards of twenty fives. The intelligence co • g
the Georgiana came to hand at a late hour last evening. •
appears that she left Liverpool for Arica, in South America,
with a general cargo, on the' morning of Saturday last, a
stiffish breeze blowing at the time. She, however, proceeded
favourably, until the morning of the following day, when she
was driven with much force on to a dangerous shoal, called
the Blackwater Bank, about nine miles to the north-east of
Wexford. Every endeavour was made to get her off; but the
gale still increasing, she was completely driven right over
the bank into deep water. The commander instantly ordered
the fore-anchor to be let go, in order that she might be
brought up. This had the desired effect for a short time,
but she soon broke adrift again, and a second anchor was
then dropped. At that period, however, it was found that
the vessel was fast sinking ; and a cry was raised " To the
boats 1" They were speedily lowered, and the crew
quickly shoved off from the ill•fated barque, and
used all their exertions to ' gain the land. The
surf was running tremendously strong,' and the wind
was 'as equally boistrous. T boat, notwithstanding
made *fay until they had nearly approached the beach,
when they were hurled bottom upwards, and the crew as,
quickly thrown into the sea. Some of the Unfortunate fel-
lows tried to regain the boats; others attempted to swim
ashore ; but out of the whole number, consisting of four-
teen persons, only two survived, W. Curren, chief mate,
and David M'Lean, seaman, the remainder, including the
captain, perishing amidst the breakers. The Georgiana sub-
sequently foundered in twelve fathom water, and, conse-
quently, is a complete loss. She was the property of Mr. J.
Worral, of Liverpool, and it is reported that her loss will
amount to 30,0001., a great deal of which is insured. The
Caroline was a fine packet ship, and belonged to Wilson and
Dawson, of Chapel-walk, Liverpool. She left that port in
the early part of last week, with a general outward-bound
cargo for Africa, her crew consisting of twenty-nine persons.
On her arrival off the Welsh coast, it came on to blow very
hard, and Captain Jackson deemed it prudent to run for the
Studwell Roads for shelter. The entrance had scarcely been
gained before both her anchors were obliged to be dropped
for her safety. The gale increased from the W.N.W. with a
tremendous rolling sea on, and after weathering for some
time, she was driven from her moorings on to the rocks on the
westernmost Studwell Islands; and quickly went to pieces.
The captain and some of the unfortunate fellows swam to
the island, but were as soon swept off by the surf and perished.
The remainder of the crew saved themselves by the jolly
and long boats, although in a most dreadful state of exhaus-
tion. Her loss will be very heavy, and she is partially in-
sured in the city.
LOSS OF THE GEORMANA.—By a letter received at Lloyd's,
from Wexford, under date the 17th inst., the following addi-
tional particulars of the loss of the Georgian*, from Liver-
pool, are extracted :—" This vessel, commanded by Wil-
son, was bouud to the west coast of America, and left Liver-
pool, on Saturday, for her destination, at nine A.m. ;
but about four A.m., on the 17th, struck heavily on
the Blackwater Bank, beat over it into deeper water,
when both anchors were let go, at about one mile from
the beach. The crew took to the boat, which- was
shortly capsized, and twelve out of the fourteen men in
her were unfortunately drowned. The vessel sunk in
about twelve fathoms water. The men saved are William
Curren, chief mate, and. David M`Lean, seaman. Little of
the cargo is expected to be saved, as the ship lies in deep
water and a strong tide runs between the Blackwater Bank
and the main.

~,
THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT TO LORD W. HILL.—
The unfortunate youth, named Palmer, who had a fall from
the same horse which his Lordship rode, after lingering until
the evening, expired. His head and all parts of his body
were seyerely bruised, and this accident has occasioned the
greatest distress to the mother, a widow, with nine children,
who has very blender mean of bUPPertillg Se large a family,

-w

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.
.NORFOLK ClRCUlT.—Bedford, March 18.
. (Before Mr. Justice PAITESON.)
James Booth was indicted for having maliciously and un-
lawfully set fire to a stack of barley, the property of William
Squire.
The only evidence against the prisoner was that he had
been seen near the stack when the firs took place. He was
acquitted.
James AsTlin and Thomas Elsome were charged with
wounding NV illiam Bird, with intent to maim, disfigure, and
do .him some grievous bodily hank.
Mr. Gunning and Mr. Birch appeared for the prosecution,
and Mr. O'Malley defended the prisoners.
The prosecutor is an under-keeper, or watcher, who, having
received instructions to preserve the game in a wood and
certain fields over which some gentlemen had received per-
mission from the occupier to shoot, proceeded on the night
of the 27th of December last to the wood, in consequence of
having heard a gun in that direction. As soon as he got into
the field adjoining the wood, he saw the two prisoners emerge
from it through a gap, Asvlin being then armed with a gun,
while Elsome bore in his hand something which looked
very like a cock pheasaht. Notwithstanding the disparity
of forces, Bird walked up to them, and, challenging them
with being "on trespass poaching," proceeded to collar
Elsome, while he intimated his intention to hand them both
over to the law.

The time, place, and circumstances were, unfortunately,
too suited for a fray, and kiplin in a moment dealt the keeper
a severe blow on the head, which brought him to his knees.
As he retained his hold, however, and persisted in so doing,
the two poachers then set upon him, and breaking the gun
over his head, inflicted several severe cuts and wounds, which
ultimately had the desired effect. As soon as they had made
off the poor man crawled home and, giving the alarm, took
his bed, from which he did not rise for seven days, during
which time he was almost out of his senses, and in a most
critical condition. _ _

Mr. O'MALLEY' submitted that as the prosecutor had no
legal authority to arrest the prisoners, for he was not the
servant of the occupier or possessor of the wood, or the lord
of the manor wherein it was situated, this indictment could
not be sustained. _ _

Mr. Justice PArissoN was clearly of opinion that, sup-
posing the arrest of Elsome was ever so illegal, Asplin could
not be justified in assaulting and wounding Bird. The pri-
soners having been found Guilty, they were sentenced to be
transported for fifteen years.
His LORDSHIP then disposed of several other cases, includ-
ing one of arson, in which the prisoner was charged with hav-
ing set fire to a pigstye. It appeared that the stye was in a
yard attached to a house, and inclosed.
Mr. PRENDERGAST, for the prisoner, submitted that the
pigstye in question was not an outhouse within the meaning
of the Act. The point taken by the Learned Counsel having
been reserved for future discussion before the fifteen Judges,
the prisoner was convicted upon the facts, and at a late hour
his Lordship proceeded to Huntingdon, whither Lord Abin-
ger had gone at an earlier hour, in order that preparations
might be made for commencing the business of that county
the first thing to-morrow morning, there being an unusual
quantity of business in that lively town.