The Sun.
London, England, 1821-08-09 00:00:00

PROVINCIAL JOURNALS.

The following article has been sent to us for
the purpose of appearing in THE SUN ; and as it
exposes anonymous malignity and, falsehood, and
vindicates a character unjustly assailed, we deem
it our duty to insert it :

TO THE EDITOR OF THE COVENTRY MERCURY.
have to request you' will do me the favour to insert
in your next Journal the paper transmitted herewith, being a
copy of a most malignant and calumnious libel, on my character
' and reputation, and prefixed to a publisjled letter from Mr.
• in • .
Moore to myself; and appearing a handbill printed by Mr.
Wm. Rotherham, of this city, and published on Monday last,
subsequent to the copy of the same published at, my request,
appearing in your Journal of that day.
I feel quite aware, Sir, it will be conferring a personal obli-
gation on me, by giving up, your time and a place in your pa-
per, on a subject rather applying to personal feeling than public
interest, but as the attack made Upon me applies to my conduct
in the discharge of a public duty, it will, I trust, justify the
request lam now making: It is ata old adage, that " Cmsar's
wife ought not to be suspected ;" therefore it is I am desirous
of placing my conduct before a liberal and candid public, other-
wise I should have rested perfectly at ease, under a conscious-
ness of my own rectitude.
__

I am, Sir, your's, obediently, •
Cross Che.apino• Aug. 4, 1821.
S. WHIT WELL.
" Perhaps a more invidious and mean attempt never was
made to detract from the merit, or. by implication to injure an
individual in public estimation, than has been practised by a
member of the Corporation of this City, towards Mr. PETER
MoonE, one of its Representatives, in Parliament, who had
been wrote to by the Committee appointed to-arrange the man-
ner of conducting a public festival and rejoicing here on the day
of till Coronation of his Majesty, and- requesting his (Mr. P.
Nloore's) presence and co-operation therein. This application,
it was supposed by. many in this city, had been treated by our
worthy member with indifference or neglect, when it appears'
the person above alluded to had the following letter in his pos-
session, which he suppressed."
July 28th, 1821."

TO MR. WILLIAM ROTHERHAM, PRINTER'.
Six,--A handbill having been.printed and circulated by you,
containing misrepresentations and falsehoods, only to be equal-
led by the malignity of its author, which you have obtruded
on the public, taking the whole responsibility upon yourself of
the veracity of the charges and assertions therein contained, I
can only address myself to yon as its author, when stating to
an unprejudiced public a refutation of those averments, so wan-
tonly, and I may say, wickedly advanced.
Whilst I feel jealous for a reputation which I trust calumny
has seldom attacked with its poisoned arrow—and I hope
never with success —it is probable; had this mischievous
publication confined its .malignity to an attack on myself in-
dividually, I should have suffered it to be consigned to the
oblivion and contempt that it merited. But feeling, as I
do, that a latent principle of political rancour, and party
prejudice against. the Public Body .with whom I have the
pleasure and honour to ..be associated, actuated the author
of the publication now referred to, as much as a direct
attack on my personal conduct ; I cannot refrain from
animadverting (although in the most limited compass) on
the illiberality of its author. Your handbill states that the
person whom you hold forth as having been guilty of such
a dereliction 0 duty as can. only be characterised by expressions
and epithets applicable to conduct the most nefarious and cri-
minal, is a Member of the Corporation. Now, Sir; why advert
to the .circumstances of the person whose --conduct you was
arraigninie as one of the Corporation ? You knew at the time
you made this observation (because every one knew it) that the
station I filled, connected with the question now before the
public, had no more to, do with the Corporation than it had to
do with the Charter Companies of the City, who joined in the
festivities of the day-! for you give, at the foot of the letter you
have published, the designation given to me by, Mr. Moore,
which was as Chairman to the Committee, &c. &c. ; but it
proves, what is to be lamented, that when, on an extraordinary
occasion like that lately celebrated—when all political prejudice
—all party feeling, all personal animosity, appeared annihilated,
in rallying round one common centre, expressive of attachment
to our Sovereign and the glorious Constitution of our happy
country (Which, on the occasion referred to, his Majesty entered'
into a solemn engagement to maintain
and support), fears were
excited, no doubt, in the mind of the author of the paper to
which these observations apply, and of those whose views are
like his, that it was more than possible that this union of sen-
timent, anti co-operation of action, might do away those local
prejudices which' have been heretofore so baneful in their influ-
ence, so fatal to personal friendship, and so injurious to,the
community at large; but notwithstanding the wishes of the
author of this libellous attack, I feel a most gratifying hope
that the present unanimity of
those who rally round the best
interests of the country is a happy presage, that liberality of
emulation we shall witness will be, to demonstrate that he is the
best citizen who best' promotes his country's welfare.
Having endeavoured to remove tile prejudices intended to
apply to the Corporation, I shall only claim your attention, Sir,
to that of the calumny which applies to myself personally ;
and in doing which I shall occupy a very small portion of your
time as I consider the refutation of a personal -calumny of leas
importance to the public than the exposure of an intended iin-
.putation on a Public Body.
The allegations in your handbill, Sir, bear two aspects—the
one a base motive ; the other, a corrupt and venal-practice.
You charge me, Sir, with having " invidiously and meanly
attempted to detract from the ment, or by implication, 'to in-
jure an (individual in the public estimation. 'When I meet
with any event of a painful or unpleasant nature, proceeding
through tile medium or an individual, before I draw, a decided
opinion on the conduct of such individual, I always look for'
the obvious, probable, or possible motive inducing the same,
and in proportion as these views elicit the conduct of the party,
my conclusions are analogous thereto. Now, Sir, the in
of prejudice or malice cannot trace the probability of sugchenuit any intention being in exercise on this occasion. With whom did
the invitation originate ? under what circumstance ? -and by
whom were the invitations transmitted ? They originated with
the Committee, of which I was one. The circumstance giving
birth to the'same was a hope that the coMPany of the Gentlemen
invited would promote mutual-gratification ; and knowing the
intentions of the loyal inhabitants of Coventry, that they might
possibly give their aid in support of the public festivities ; and
to me it was designated to transmit the same. The communi-
cations received in answer thereto speak for themselves, as to
the discharge of my duty ! So much for a motive to injure one
of the four Gentlemen invited. Now the charge of corrupt
practice—," Having treated our worthy Member with indif-
ference or neglect; by having had the following letterin his
pocket, which he suppressed." Here the present charge and
the former are different in their nature and character. It is
possible the former might be a visionary view of the matter
through the bewildered state of the personmaking the charge=
but here is a matter of fact at issue. The narrative of the hav-
ing possession of, and suppression of this letter, shall speak for
itself. I received it by post, on Thursday morning, the 19th, a
few minutes before the procession took place ; but so pressing
were my engagements connected with the same, that. I believe
I had no opportunity to peruse it until after the procession had
closed. Immediately, or very soon after the cloth was removed
from the dining table at St. Illary's Hall, I mentioned to seve-
ral Gentlemen that I had that morning received a letter from
Mr: .Moore, and immediately gave it to those near me to peruse.
The Gentlemen passed it to each other to a considerable distance
from the spot where 'I sat ; it was afterwards-returned to me.--
I inquired if it would be right to call the attention of the
company to it, and it was universally decided in the nega-
tive ;- after which one of the Committee requested a sight
of it, and it escaped me that I had nut received it back._
But on learning, on Saturday last, that a letter had been re-
ceived. by the Post Master of this City, from Mr. Freeling,
of the General Post Office, to make' inquiry if such a letter
had been 'received, I was aware, fur the first time, how much
importance its publicity was considered an, object by Nir.Moore.
The Committee happening at that moment to be met for the
purpose of. adjusting the accounts, I observed I could not find
Mr. M's letter; • which was a matter of concern to me,' under
these circumstances ; when one of the members of the.Cominit-
tee said he had it, not attaching any' particular importance to
it, beyondits havingbeen submitted to the Committee.
I observed, that as Mr. M. seemed to attach considerable im-
portance to its publicity, was it their wish that it should be
printed and published in the Coventry papers ? This was una-
nithottsly objected to. • When Ileft the Coininittee, I was de-
,sirous, it' possible, to meet Mr. M.'s views; and I resolved upon
L.4alling on-Mr. Reader, requesting lie would insert it in the fol-
lowing Mercury; Which, to oblige me, lie kindly consented to
do ' and im,F9nday it was before the public. Witt; an earnest
to•reinove any- unfavourable impression from the mind of
Mr: M.-I 'at the same tinie wrote to that Genelentan, explain-
ing as -far as lay in my power all the circumstances of the case.
Having detailed these facts, the public will easily conceive
how, great must have been my surprise on having,a bill put into
my hands on Monday, containing the charge's therein brought
forward, and a printed copy o?' the Letter from Mr. Moore !
This,-Sir, is an undeviating statementof facts. Whether I have
deservedithocitaiges'your handbill has so copiously heaped upon
Ane, theptibJic will decide; and of their decisitia I can have no ap-
prehension.' Cerfainly have to regret that my time find attention,
•so getrertillYqully occupied, should hive been-put in requisition
on this,occasion ;: but, as observed before, persons, holding
`PUblic Statinfts ()tight notto :be satisfied 'with conscious -recti-

tude ; it is an indirect impeachment of .their conduct, if they
allow an imputation to lie against them unmet and unrefuted.
West Orchard. WHITWELL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE COVENTRY MERCURY.

SIR-A report having been circulated that I was the author
of a handbill reflecting on a Member of the Corporation, for
'suppressing a Public Letter, addressed by P. Moore, Esq.
M.F. to the Chairman of the Committee for conducting 'the
Festivities in this City on the day of his illajesty'4 Coronatioif,-
I bet', through- the means of your Paper, to say most de-
cidedly that I had nothing whatever to do with that handbill.
And as I expected that a copy of Mr. Moore's Letter would
appear in the Meicury on Monday last, no 'one was more sur
prised than myself at a handbill being. published on the subject
at all. In justice to the worthy Magistrate who is there made
the object of attack, I have to say, that several. Gentlemen,
Members of the Committee, have since assured me, that the
Letter was laid . before them by the - Chairman at the dinrer
after the procession ; and on Saturday last, being the first
time the Committee met in their official capacity since the festi-
val, the Chairman proposed its being printed and circulated by
handbill, which was Overruled"by a great majority.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Spon-street, Aug. 2, 1821. P. GREGORY.

POLICE INTELLIG ENCE.

NOVEL CASE OF CHILD STEALING.

HAT T 0 IC' GA RD E -- Yesterday information was-given at
this Office by Mrs.' Hurril, wife of .a boot and shoemaker in
Goodge-street, llaxylebone, respecting two of her children, the
eldest, a boy aged 13, and the youngest, a girl aged 11, who had
been stolen, or to speak more correctly., seduced from her. It
appeared from her statement, that in March last a person, who
gave his name as the Rev. Mr. Probas, and represented 'him-
self to be a Minister of the Established Church, applied to the
Echo-office-in Oxford-street, for .a smart boy to wait on a young
gentleman at a genteel' boarding school, and this application
was answered by✓Nirstlluirill on behalf of - her son. The soi-
disant reverend gentleman4fected to -be extremely- scrupulous.
.in obtaining a testimonial of the boy's character. His scruples,
however, were effectually removed, and the boy surrendered to
'his protection, under the most flattering appearances to the eye
of the mother of an eligible situation. At the termination 'of
this arrangement he ascertained that the, boy had a sister, an
engaging child ; and by similar specious representations he
duced the mother also to surrender her to his protection. lie
left town with the children under care, and in a few dais

' after the mother. received a letter from him, dated Yak?". and
signed by a different name from -tlfat under which he was in-
trusted with the charge of her children, from which she ascer-
tained that her boy and girl were performing on a public stage
in that city. Both parents 'were extremely alarmed at this dis-
covery, and a letter was immediately sent to reclaim them, as
they objected to that profession for their children. An answer
war returned stating in substance that his• ebgagements would
not allow him to write oftener than once a neonthl; that her chil-
dren, were doing very well and had ad reason to complain ; re-
questing her not to make herself uneasy about them, as they
were soon to be in London, never to leaVe it again. He repre-
sented that the boy was getting on well, and would make a good
singer in time, that the girl was wonderfully iraproseed, belt he
did not mention a word about their restoration. -Shortly after
(in the beginning of May) Mrs. Hurril received a third
letter from Hull, in the hand-writing of the person who
had seduced her children, but signed by the children
theMselVes; in which chi), informed her of their performances
in public, and of the great profits which they obtained by them.
The letter enclosed a paragraph cut out of the Hull paper, like-
wise
a copy of the bill of performance, to shew the progress
which they were making, 'concluding by saying that they bad
changed their names to Jameson. The patagraph above allud-
ed to is as follows :—" There is now performing at the M usic-
hall, Albion-street, in this'toWn, a Miss Jameson, only if years
of age, a most beaittiful and interesting child. In dancing she
is, for herage,'unrivalled, and her singing is admirable. tell-.
Jameaon's slight of hand performance gives thee greatest satis-
faction., and Master Jameson as a singer, though only thirteen
years old, is a second Braham. Mr. Jameson, and his inte-
resting young family, will perform, in 'Leeds this present
Saturday evening, and on Monday and Tuesday, next, when
they will quit Leeds for Wakefield." The bill of performance
was under the patronage of the Royal Family, at the Free-
masons' Hall, Mylongate, Hull, in which he stated himself to
he Mr— Jameson, the celebrated juggler, pupil of the renowned
Indian juaglers' and Miss Jameson, only nine years of age,
from the Opera-house, the most 'elegant • dancer in England.
The first part was to consist of leerdemain tricks by- Mr.
Jamesoin The second part consisted' of singing and dancing,
viz. the, comic song of" Polly Parker," in character; the Ladies'
Hornpipe ; the comic. song of " Nobody coming to marry me."
A Scotch Pas Seul and " Little Sally" were to be enacted by
Miss Jameson. " The Fashions of London," in character,
and the "'Nightingale Club," by Mr. Jameson. " Scots wha
hae, wi' Wallace bled ;" " The trumpet sounds a victory,"
" When the rose bud," &c. " Love among the roses," by the
boy, Master ;Jameson; and to ceenchide with "All's Well,, ' by
Mr. and Master Jameson. The price of admission was Is. fid.
Mr. and Mrs. Hurril wrote twice on receipt of the above letter,
requesting to have their children, but received no answer ; they
consqUently became very uneasy, fearful that they might be ear-
ned out of the country. Having pledged every article they had
to raise money for his travelling expenses, Mr. 1-i urril set off
on the Ist of July from London, in quest of the fugitive and
his children. He first went to York, where, be learnt that
the person above alluded to-had passed by the name of the Rev.
F. NVillianrs, -had given out that he had buried his wife about
four years, .and that he was left with the.two children, without
means of support. On the strength of this tale, and by means
of advertisements and peritionS, he levied a large contribution
on the public: Shortly after, the fellow absconded, having de--
frauded the shopkeepers to a great amount. From York Mr.
Hurril traced them to Leeds, Wakefield, Hulk, and Stamford,
where he assumed the name of Jameson, and performed his
slight of hand tricks as-'above stated. From thence they were
traced to Coventry and Leicester, where he assumed the name
of Monro Ridgway, and where he also exhibited in the same

.•
line. Mr. Hiirrif then proceeded to Doncaster, Birmingham,
and various other towns ; in all of which the fellow assumed
different names and characters, viz. doctor, half-pay officer,
clergyman, &.c., defrauding every one. The 'anxious parent,
after spending a month ip search of him from town to town,- but
without success, and his finances being exhausted, returned
home, where he arrived at an early hour on Thursday morning.
The purport of Mrs. Surril's application to the Magistrates was
for their advice how to regain her lost children. The Magis-
trate expressed a wish that the reporter would give this distress-
ing case all publicity, in expectation that it would meet the eye
of some humane person who might rescue the children from de-
struction. They expressed their regret that thcy.could not ren-
der her any service, having no clue to find the fugitive. Mrs.
Duna left the office in tears,

QUI;EN-SQ.tran.—ln consequence of numerous complaint;
being made at this ofgee of the diSgrae:eful,skenes daily in' St.
J4rnests Park, Mr. Raynsford, the Magistrate, on Tuesday
night, gave orders to Grist, the Park Ranger, to procure assis-
tance, and take into custody all disorderly eharact_rs that he
might meet with at night. Grist, in consequence went with a
party of the dismounted patrol, and they apprehended upwards
of 30, many of whom said they .cainefroni the Cotintiv, and that
having no money to procure a,lodging they slept on the benches
in the park. They were yesterday examined before-Air. White,
and, 'not being able to give a satisfactory account of themselves
except four, 'they were remanded till their friendS,.. if they have
any, can attend.

CALAMITOUS FIRE.-Yesterday morning, be-
tween one and two o'clock, a lire, attended with
a most distressinc, accident, occurred at the house
of Mrs. Alexander, of No. 18, 'Cumberland-
streetrNew-road, Mary-le-bone. It originated
in a back parlour on the ground floor, in which
Mrs. A. usually slept, and was first discovered

in consequence of the family being alarmed by
'violent screams and a thick smoke about the
house, which being found to proceed from the
apartment of Mrs. A. the door, which was lock-
ed on the inside, was burst open, when a most
horrid spectacle presented itself to view, by the
unfortunate Lady being found most dreadfully
burnt, lying on the floor almost dead. She was
removed from the room, which was all on fire,
and Mr. Keys, a surgeon, in Homer-street, at-
tended, and administered such remedies as he
thought proper, but to no purpose, as she died in
a few hours. Several engines soon arrived, by
whose aid the fire was allayed, and kept confined
to the apartment where it commenced, and which,
together with the furninture therein, was com-
pletely destroyed before it could he extinauish-
ed: It is supposed the accident occurred from

the curtains having accidentally, caught fire, by
placing the candle too near them.

Ta AS,SI Zgg,

CHELMSFORD, AUG. 7

The Summer ASsizes for thiS Counfy co ni
menced here to-day, before Mr. Baron Woov in
the Crown
,Court, and NIT. Justice BURROuGH in
the Civil Court. In the former Court the Ca
lendar contains 58 cases; and in the latterlatterthe,
entry of cau'ses-anounts to about 16,. a number
infinitely less than has been known for antili
years at the Assizes for this County.

CIVIL SIDE.
CARROLL V. NELSON- AND .ANOTHER.

This was an-action on the case against the
fendants, who are proprietors of ," The Times'
light coach from Colchester to. London, for the
neglio,ent driving of their servant, wherebi, the
coach was • upset, and the pl►►intiff, an ,outside
passenger; had one of his legs broken, and the
a.ncle of the same leg dislocated.
Mr. GURNEY and Mr. ANDREWS conducted
the plaintiff's case, and Mr. MMIRYATT and Mr'
WAr.kouo the defendants'.

The facts proved were these plaintiff
who is a carpenter by business., residing' at Bear
nal-green, had
.taki n an outside place on the.
Times coach, on the 29th of December' last, ae
Colchester, for the purpose of coming to London" •
The -coach came with safety as far as Ilford, at
its usual rate of nine Miles an hour, includil4
Stoppages. In coming down the hill at the ClOcl4
HOUst", at Ilford, the near leader Started; and al'
the horses set off at a furious rate.. The coach'
man gave his whip to the passenger on the boVi
and with both hands-tried with- all his vigour tcf.
pull in the horses; but in the effort the coach
was upset in the foot-path with a tremendous
'crash. The plaintiff, in endeavouring to say'
himself from harm, jumped off'the roof, and sus'
tained the damage stated in the declaration."'
With assistance he was conveyed to a neighboDr'
ing house, and was afterwards carried in. a post
„
chaise to his lodgings at- Bethnal-green.
seven weeks he was confined tu his bed, and
the expiration of that time Ire was removed ftlf
the benefit of country air to Ilford, where he rftei
sided until very lately. His surgeon's 1314"
amounted to 531. His expences for nursing, 45;c:
incident to. his misfortunes, came to 671. He %VS
stated to be a young man of 26 years of a2,7e,- to
have lost the use of his limb, and likely to be
cripple for life.
On the part of the defendants it was pro'-- -
that their coachnrarp, named Gobbold, was a c:3're--1,
ful, steady, and attentive man ; that no sing.
accident accident had ever happened to the coach duli'',"`c
a great number of years of its travelling tl'4.
road ; that on the day in question,- col-131'14
down.llford Hill, one of the horses took fright
at a heap of ashes, which hadibeeu collected oa
the snow, Which then covered the footpath, 311,,
also in consequence of the splendour of the 55,,f
shining upon-som'e frozen water in the middle "4
the road ; that the coachman did every, thig
man could do under such circumstances to Pre,
m
vent accident, but the horses became unan:4e
able, broke their traces, and the coach, if' the
shock, was upset ; that the accident sustained,;(
„vri)/11.
the plaintiff arose a great measure from his°
imprudence in' jumping otr the coach in its f 3:
instead of keeping his place as the Other p/.57;
gers did, who sustained no damage whatever.
was stated 041 the behalf of the defendants. tl'i6lo
they had offered a liberal compensation to
t,
plaintiff in consideration of his moderate circuar of
stances, but without prejudice to the questi",or
their legal liability, it being contended, 'lest
though they were answerable for the careles9t
and negligence of their servant, or for ail
cident in default of providing a safe conveP'l,o-
they were not liable for the casualty which ore'
signed the injury that happened to the pla-i9t:lel
A negociation took place between the COO 05
on both sides; before the defendants' case
s',o
closed, and, under the circumstances, it . 4
agreed to withdraw a Juror.

of letter'
EXPORT OF TOBAXCO TO IRELAND.—COpY --
dated Treasury Chambers, July 1, 1,821 Corl!'
"GENT , LE mEN—With reference to a Report a the. ,f 19
sioners of. Excise of the ult. on a statement from N''''''Se4(
Ireland, in regard to a consignment of TobaccO 11-0;11 of the •
Yolk. • and with reference also- to a letter of this 1.30atu:1,,i-e,f°
23d Wit., to the COmmissionera a Excise, directing a 41:1-nd 14`
be prepared, allowing Tobacco to be exported to 11';':"e,-;+.,''i
vessels of 70 tons ; the Lords Commissioners of his Mlj De
Treasury desire that until the pleasure of Parlistneat
known, you will give general directions for rantin?'
dulgence. (Signed] "S. IL LUStil-NLY
" Commissioners Customs. *
44 Note.--Orders have been sent to the outports in con—r, -„
i

HOP IN LLIGE NC E. $O3
SOITTiTIVARi, Al 7 G. 6.—lt cs'inipcssible to haveToc -ler°
for .Hops than there is at present. The duty-is at ++cdtl!
MAIDSTONE, AUG. 6.—The late showers have iti
plantations to look luxuriantly, and the Hops are 4.85 t
into'bur. The mold has made its appearance in manY eldociv%
and is extending its ravages, the prc...aent isre4her (3.14
much to its extension.

. .
COAL-MARKET, AUckusT'EL , • k
Ships at Market. Shipssi.)l44 Price,
241 Newcastle - - 365 ;,,d, to 4:;",li
3 Sunderland - 2 Qa. t° 4
During a seveji6lorin thrfe
Fiiday week of
3,-year old steers were struck dead by liditti
at liayod-hang in the parisl& of lianfibaff
geneter-lyn, Cardiganshire.

tt..._
BIRTHS. rr, IPI
On Stpday morning, :the iith instant, the Lady of
~sit
Esq., of CharleS-street, Hatton-garden. of a son. AO,'
()n the 23d ult. at Annan, Scotland-, the Lady 0e
Little, sen. Esq. of a sun. - —•---'..

tl4
MAPMED. •„.e.
Yesterday, at St. George's Chuich, ITnnover-W-e )3as'"d;
Rev. Saxbv 'Penfokl, Sir Francis ,Syketl, vale*-
Park, Bucks.; to Henrietta, eldest daughter of Henry
Esq., of GlOu etster-pl ace, Pronnitn -sqv are.
t-;11*,
lED.
On the 7th inst., at his hOuse,tas' s.
Archer' Willson, aged 74. - vre.lo)4P
On the 6th• inst., Christian Dettniar, of
.
square. aged 67. t; -
At Petersham; on the 6th inst., the lion. CierneC'
stone, daughter of John, the lith Lord Elpl;itaf: 304:1e
On the 7th inst., at his residence, mpion t'1113,0
°Urea Lawson,Reed, Esq., one of, the dde,.brethr..
Trinity-ho-use, in the 91it year cif his age.

1111431
q 9,, °refit
T.i,dNDON : Printed by J. B. CA RSTAIRS. of
Ormond-street, Queen-square ; and published bf 5024.
-.SCRIPPS, of No. 7, South- Ajolten-street, ' 1 ff 114.0,
OrF.xcE,- No 112 Strand ••' -r T)v Ytt.riq;•ll 1.
e ,
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