The Sun.
London, England, 1828-05-27 00:00:00

CITY MARKETS TWO O'CLOCK.

SALTPETRE continues to decline, and sales are
reported below the average of the last declaration by
the East India Company. There are very few Con-
tinental orders.

Run.—The show of Ruin being limited, business
is still conducted on a small scale. The stock in the
docks yesterday, was only 8,093 puns. The delive-
ries were 236 puns. for home consumption, and 339
for exportation. Brandy is in demand, but Geneva
very heavy.
SmEs.—The market gene ally is brisk, but at no
advance in prices. Pepper is much in demand.
INDIGO.—There is no improvement in this nun ket
and quotations ftve rather under those of last week.
Hoc's.--Considerable attention is now paid to
this market, owing to the unfavourable accounts
from the plantations. Within the last three days,
the letters from nearly all the principal Hop districts
represent the bines as being attacked seriously with
the flea. In Hops of last year's growth there was
a great deal doing towards the close of last week, at
an advance of not less than 40s. to 50s. per cwt.
Old Hops also command better prices, by about
10s. per cwt. Kent Pockets are quoted from 120 s.
to 110 s. per cwt.; and Sussex from 1203. to 130 s.
The bettings on the duty this morning are, that it
will not exceed 70,000/. The general average is
from 70,000/. to 80,000/.

RUSSIAN PRODUCE.---The accounts this morn-
ing from St. Petersburgh, by the steam-boat, are
dated the 10th inst. Tallow there was at 98 for
the old, and 110 rubles for the new. About 300
casks had been purchased since the last post. Here
Tallow remains heavy at the lowest prices lately
obtained. In Hemp and Flax there was no altera-
tion, but the former rather in demand. Exchange,
1U 3-16.

THE SILK TRADE.—The resignation of Mr. Hus-
kisson is considered in a favourable point of view by
a majority of persons in the trad, who appear con-
fident that they must have their former protecting
duty on manufactures before the present depression
is removed, and are speculating on the abandonment
of the free trade system. Changes in the duty on
raw Silks are still talked of, and prices are more
tirm. The manufacturing department has slightly
recovered from its langour.
COTTON.--This market is not brisk, there being
few orders from the manufacturing provinces, where
trade is represented to have become very dull. The
flock of Cotton in the West India Dock 9 yestorday,
was 19,754 bales, and 1,591 bags,

IRELAND.

DUBLIN.-COURT OF INQUIRY.
IN THE ]TATTER OF ROBERT PARSONS ?PASSE, A SUPPOSED

LUNATIC.

This enquiry commenced on Thursday, May I, in
the Court of Appeals, before Masters Connor and
Townsend, and Messrs Alitford and Beatty, who
were appointed CommissionerF, under a writ De Lu-
natic° Inquirendo, issued under the Great Seal, at
the instance of Robert Perrse, Esq., of Newcastle,
in the county of the town of Galway, cousin-ger.
man and heir-presumptive of Robert Parsons Persse,
Esq., of Castleboy, in the county of Galway. The ob-
ject of the inquiry was to ascertain whether the said
Robert Parsons Persse is of insane mind, so as to
be incapable of managing his affairs, and at what
time he became so; also the nature and amount of
his estates and other property ;—the third subject of
the inquiry was to ascertain his heir-at-law and next
of kin.

Mr. Sergeant BLACKBURNE, as Counsel for the
petitioner, stated the case. After explaining the
objects of the inquiry, he said that Mr. Robert Par-
sons Persse, the alleged lunatic, who is somewhat
above forty years of age, was possessed of large real
estates; his mansion and domain are at Castleboy,
in the county of Galway. It might not be unim-
portant to mention that, previous to the commence-
ment of the malady with which he was afflicted, he
was peculiarly attentive to his affairs, and, regarding,
money matters, was extremely close and parsimo-
nious. He was acquainted with but one transaction
of M'. Persse's life, previous to the occurrence of
the malady, in which he had manifested a good deal
of improvidence. He had a cousin-german, Mr.
Burton Persse, whose name would frequently be
mentioned in these proceedings, who had been for
some time agent to the lunatic's father. In the case
of Prendergast and Eyre, in the, Court of Chan-
ceryx Mr. Burton Persse had been appointed re-
ceiver to the extensive estates of Giles Eyre, and
security was required on his appointment. The
lunatic was applied to acrd consented to become one
of the sureties in a large amount, the consequences
of which act would hereafter appear. He would
not now allude to them further than to say, that in
1826, in consequence of defaults, proceedings were
had against Mr. Burton Persse and his sureties, and
executions were issued against them for a large sum.
He stated this circumstance, in order to show that
Mr. Burton Persse, if unlimited confidence had been
reposed in him by his relative, when iu the full pos-
session of his senses, should be the last man in the
community to abuse it; but the Jury would find
that the present proceeding was resisted solely and
exclusively by Mr. Burton Persse. The insanity
and decay of understanding of Mr. P. Persse was
produced by intemperance, and of so extreme a kind
that he is now completely bed-ridden. He had
been afflicted with a certain disease from year to
year, for a long period ; and in consequence of seve-
ral causes, improper remedies, and want of care, his
state of health became so disastrous, that in the
latter end of October, 1826, the unfortunate gentle-
mast had to be removed from Galway to Dublin, in
order to have the advice and assistance of the most
eminent professional men. had been originally
his intention to travel in the carriage of his relation
Mr. Dudley Persse, who is the eldest son of the
lunatic's heir apparent; but, in consequence of this
gentleman's marriage, that arrangement was altered,
and the lunatic travelled with Burton Persse. From
the moment he stepped into his carriage until the
present time, Mr. Burton Persse had exclusive con-
trol and dominion over his affairs. They arrived in
this city in November, 1826, at a house furnished
for the lunatic, in Mountjoy-square, where he was '
attended by Doctor Jackson and several other emi-
nent medical men. He was at that time in such a
state of debility—sack were the extreme ravages of
disease—that his dissolution was expected from day
to day, and from hour to hour. From that time to
the present, with scarcely au interval, some days bet-
ter—some days worse—his bodily disorder conti-
nued. In the course of last summer his joints be-
came so swelled, that he was completely bed-ridden,
and is so now. Under these circumstances, it was
apparent that the management of his property should
have devolved on some responsible person, duly ap-
pointed. It was quite incumbent on the petitioner
to apply for this commission, which he did accord-
ingly ; and after every resistance on the part of Mr.
D. Persse, it was ultimately granted by the Lord
Chancellor. It was represented that the issue of
the commission Mould realise the supposition of the
petitioner, that Mr. Parsons Persse had such acute
feelings, that the very idea of a commission would
set him mad. In the course of the discussion, the
friends of the lunatic naturally looked to the dispo-
sition of his property, and they endeavoured to ob-
tain a knowledge of the state of his mind. It was
found that the property was enjoyed by Mr. But.
ton Persse, making allowance fur disbursements for
the lunatic; but it appeared that in a year and a
half no settlement had taken place between them.
If Mr. Parsons Persse had been in a sound state of
mind, would he not require a settlement during that
period Further, it appeared that, previous to the
time of his malady, Mr. Parsons Persse had invested
13,000/. in the Funds. While in Galway, in order
to save himself the trouble of coming to town, he
11 had given to Messrs. Latouche (than whom he could
make no better selection) a power of attorney to
make sale of his stock. In March, 1827, the very
period when Mr. Burton Persse opposed the appli-
cation for a commission, he contrived to make him-
, self master of this 13,000/. The authority under
which he obtained this large sum was a document
in the hand-writing of Mr. Robert Parsons Persse.
He said so, because a Dr. Mahony had sworn the
fact. It was hare necessary to call the attention of
the Jury to Doctor Mahony, who, as he was instruct-
ed, was a young man of limited practice, formerly
resident at Loughrea, near to which town Castleboy
is situate. Doctor Mahony thought it worth while
to abandon whatever practice he had in Loughrea,
and came up to town shortly after the lunatic. with
whom be has since remained. Between Dr. Ma-
hon), and Mr. Burton Persse a close connection ap-
peared to exist. A pretty accurate notion of the
condition of the unfortunate gentleman (Mr. Par-
sons Persse) may be formed from the fact, that it
was not only necessary to have the advice of
the most eminent medical men in town, but
also that he should be in the constant care and
custody of a resident Doctor. It was considered
necessary for. Doctor Mahony, of Loughrea, to make
a sacrifice of his practice ; but it was fair to presume
that such an arrangement was rendered very well
worth his acceptance by Mr. Burton Persse. On
the 20th of March, 1827, Dr. Mahony authenticated
the document by which 13,0004 was irretrievably
transferred. The order was addressed to the Messrs.
Latouche, and was in these words,—" Please hand
to my cousin, Mr. Burton Perrse, my Government
Stock in your hands, and send me your account."
If it were not for the power of attorney in their
hands, this stock could not have been transferred,
because Mr. Parsons Persse himself should have
gone to the Bank, and complied with the customary
formalities. Mr. Burton Perse made use of this
convenience to his own purpose, in order to convert
all the money to his own use. He did not call on
the Jury for restitution of this money, but the cir-
cumstance of a man of parsimonious habits con-
senting to such a proceeding afforded evidence of
his disordered and debilitated state of mind. \l' hen
Mr. Burton Persse was called on to explain
this transaction, he raid that the 13,000/. was
a voluntary gift ; that, in the case of the lunatic's
death, he would not be obliged to refund it ; if he
survived, it was to be repaid ; but he had given 110 se-
curity whatever—and this occurred whilst he was in-
vested with a species of trust which should have pre-
sented an irresistible bar to his acceptance of the gift of
a farthing; 13,000/. is irretrievably transferred by the
scratch of a pen. Could it, therefore, be a matter
of surprise that he struggled against this inquiry
Proceedings must be instituted to compel Mr. B.
Persse to disgorge himself of the moneys thus ac-
quired; and that would be one of the consequences
of the finding of the Jury. It would be seen, in
evidence, that he had a most distinct interest in

giving strenuous opposition, when the finding of the
Jury would make him recnorsible 'for the spo-
liation. I have (said Ole Leanne? 'ergeant) elt
particularly on this part of use case, because it
serves to show the necessity off affording pro-
tection to the afflicted gentleman. I have stated
to you that the propriety of instituting this in-
quiry was discussed before the Lord Chancellor.
After his Lordship had heard the reasons for and
against the inquisition, he decided on taking the
matter into his own:hands ; and accordingly deputed
Doctors Jackson and Crampton to visit Mr. Parsons
Persse. The reports made by these medical gentle-
men to his Lordship induced him to issue this com-
mission, in order that a Jury of twelve men, on their
oaths, should decide the questions at issue. You
will hear the testimony cf various medical gentlemen,
and others, regarding the state of Mr. Persse's mind,
since November, I 826; we shall show you that in
conversations his mind wandered—that he was
subject to the most fantastic and deranged
hallucinations—that he was utterly forgetful of
events—that his memory was totally impaired:
—There may be, as in the generality 01
such cases there are, brief intervals of sanity; but
such was the general system of debility, such was the
decline of his mental powers, as to leave no doubt on
the mind of any rational man that he was totally in-
competent to the management of his affairs.
Evidence was here entered into, which went to
corroborate Mr. Sergeant BLACKBURN les statement,
after which the Jury consulted for about half an
hour, and returned the following verdict :
" We find that the said Robert Parsons Peisse is
of unsound mind, so as to render him incapable of
conducting or managing his affairs; that he became
so on the 17th November 1826, and has continued
to be so to the present time, with lucid intervals.
And we further find, that he then was, and now is,
seized of real estates of the yearly value of 4,630/. ;
that on the said 17th November, 1826, he was also
possessed of Government Stock, beating interest at
four per cent., to the amount of 13,868/. Bs., and
also of Government Stock, bearing interest at three
and a half per cent., to the amount of 5,107/., toge-
ther with cash, amounting to 8841.85. 7d., and furni-
ture, stock, and farming utensils, to amount in value
6,0031. We find that Robert Persse, of Newcastle-
lodge, in the county of the town of Galway, Esq.
(the petitioner in this matter), is heir-at-law; and
that Burton Persse, sen., Esq., of Lacabawn-cot-
tage, in the county of Galway, is his sole next of kin."

FESTIVITIES AT DEEP DEN E.—During
nearly the whole of the preceding week the unique villa of
Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. HOPE has been the scene of great
magnificence and hospitality. During the Races the visi-
tants were divided between The Oaks (Lord DEniv's)
and Deep Dene. A numerous and gay Party dined at each
place from Tuesday till Saturday. Among the constant
inmates at Mr. Hares were—Lord and Lady Gwynyn,
Marchioness of WESTMEATH, Marquis of LOTHIAN, Lord
BERESEORD, Mr. DE NEUMANN, Earl of ROSSLYN, Hon.
M. SYDNEY and Mrs. SYDNEY, Countess of TANKER-
\Iux, Hon. Colonel WALPOLE, Colonel BERESIORD, Mrs.
BURROWES.

SIR WILLIAM CONGREVE.—Le COnStibl-
tionnel (Paris paper) of Friday last announces the death
of this gallant Officer. He is stated to have died at Tou-
louse, in the Protestant cemetery of which place his re-
mains were interred on the 16th inst. Sir Witidam is
said to be the inventor of that most ingeniously constructed
and effective instrument of war, the Cong,reve rocket, and
the Head of the Laboratory Department of the Ordnance
Establishment at Woolwich.

CONFIRMATION.--The Lord Bishop of
GLOUCESTER held a confirmation this day at the church of
St. Margaret's, Westminster, when about three hundred
young persons of both sexes partook of the rite. The Rev.
Mr. WEIMER delivered an appropriate lecture yesterday at
St. Margaret's, which was attended by a great number of
the candidates for confirmation, and several preparatory
examinations had been previously held.
At an Assembly of the Corporation of North-
ampton, on Wednesday last, came on the election of Head
Master for the Free Grammar School in that town, vacant
by the death of the Rev. J. STODDART. At the close of
the poll the numbers fur each candidate were declared as
follows, viz.—
The Rev. C. Cuthush, A.M 52
Mr. H. T. Lane l6
The Rev. .1. Walker, M. A 3
Mr. W. Sanders 1

The dead heat for the Derby, and the bone
fide spirit i❑ which the second race was run, have re-
deemed those stakes this year from any imputation of
trickery, and must satisfy both winners and losers that all
was fair.

Amongst the sporting characters at Chester
Races was the Rev. NANNEY WYNVE, Rector of Llanrwst,
who, to a good living, and an income of 6,0001. a-year,
adds one of the best racing studs in the country. The
Rev. Gentleman wore no distinctive marks of clerical cos-
tume.—Berkshire Chronicle.

Last week, on opening a wheat stack belong-
ing to Mr. J. LILLY, farmer and molester, of Newark, the
nests of two mice were discovered, containing the surpri-
sing number of 41 young ones, all nearly of a size. One
nest had 21, the other 20. This may account for the
destruction these creatures cause.—Nottingiunn Mercury.

Such is the extent of the consumption of
bottled porter at present, that one respectable brewer in
the city disposes among the spirit-dealers about 90 dozen
A-day, or 1,080 bottles of porter, besides ginger and spruce-
beer.— Glasgow Chronicle.
ELOPEMENT.—EarIy on Tuesday morning
last, a man named PaIDOL, who kept a public house on
the Quay, at Guernsey, eloped with his servant maid,
leaving behind him a wife and two children, and not satis-
fied, he deprived her of her wearing apparel, linen, and all
the ready cash they had in the house, thereby leaving his
family in a strange place in a forlorn, destitute, and
wretched condition.—Hunts Advertiser.

On Saturday last, the first wool market for
this season was held at Pontefract. There were only a few
small lots shown. The first that was sold was found, on
being packed by the buyer, to be falsely wound, containing,
in each fleece, a quantity of inferior wools, dodins, &c.
The case was taken before the Mayor, who appointed a
person to examine the wool; and, agreeably to his decision,
two lbs. in each stone were deducted on account of the de-
ception which had been practised.—Leeds Mercury.
There has been little doing in the sale of
cotton yarn during this month, and stocks are rather ac-
cumulating. No reduction in the price of twist has, how-
ever, yet taken place : and from the circumstance of the
hand-loom weavers getting as much yarn as usual to manu-
facture, no material reduction is anticipated. Several fine
cotton works are to be erected this season ; one of which
will be unprecedented in this part of the country, being
270 feet in length, and seven stories high.--Glasgow
Chronicle.

RED BARN AT POLSTEAD.—ThiS place is
daily visited by parties high and low, from far and near, all
anxious for a eight of the place where the dreadful death
of the unfortunate MARIA MARTEN took place. Some
have been down from London, others from Cambridgeshire,
and, since Sunday last, it is supposed, there have not been
less than 1,000 persons there. As Stoke fair was on Wed-
nesday, as immense number went, as it is but a short dis-
tance from Stoke.—Suifidk Herald.

..,
RURAL FESTIVITIES.—Extract of a letter
from Shrewsbury, May 18 :—" For some time past great
preparations having been making at Wellington, Wrock-
wardine, and other parts of the neighbourhood, to celebrate
the recent marriage of EDWARD CLU DDE, Esq. to the
beautiful and accomplished daughter of General Sir WM.
COCKBURN. The happy couple are expected to arrive at
Orleton, the ancient seat of that popular and highly re-
spected family : a large body of the principal tenants are
to meet theta some miles ou the road. Oxen roasted,
bonfires on the Wreking, &c. and every demonstration of
respect and affection to one of the most ancient families in
this county—or, indeed in the kingdom,
will recal the
days of old English hospitality and baronial splendour.—
Bath Journal.
One of the Richmond stage-coaches which
starts lions St. Paul's at ten o'clock, met with a serious ac-
cident yesterday, nearly opposite the Life Guards Barracks
at Knightsbridge. As the coachman was passing the bar-
racks, driving at a furious rate, the axletree suddenly
broke, and the coach was instantly
passenger, was
oaeneki,nsaidoed
otherwise
so
in-
, overturned with
a tremendous •crash, several of the passengers were
dy,
in-
jured, that she was taken to St. George's Hospital. The
thaeudfaacelaat
wheel-horses were beat to the ground, but we are happy to
,sierrei:outlifsullyiy injured,cut
in
add, that no lives were lost. Some officers of the Life
Guards, who witnessed the accident, humanely rendered
the most prompt assistance to the ladies, and severely re-
primanded the coachman for his temerity.

LITERATURE.

COSTANCA, A POEM. LoNnoN, MS.

This is a quiet unassuming little work, introduced
by a sensible preface, which deplores rather too sen-
sitively, we think, the medern system of bookmak-
ing. These catchpennies will always, soon or late,
find their level, even without the aid of Mr. Merle's
fulminations. Nevertheless, lie is justified in in-
veighing against such trumpery, for the very laud
able pains be has taken with his own poem of Cos-
tanca. It is, as we said before, a truly modest pro-
duction ; frequently reaching to excellence, never
sinking below a certain respectable mediocrity. The
author possesses an elegant and well-informed mind.