The Sun.
London, England, 1844-03-25 00:00:00

THE MURDER AT BRIGHTON.

After the sentence had been passed upon the wretched
man, Lawrence, at Lewes, he was taken back to the
gaol, and the next morning he was conveyed to Hor-
sham, where the sentence is to be carried into effect, in
the custody of two turnkeys, who had strict orders to
watch him, in order that he might not lay violent hands
upon himself, which he has repeatedly threatened if an
opportunity is afforded him. It is now nearly eight
years since an execution has taken place in this county,
and it is rather remarkable that the last man who was
brought to the scaffold was convicted through the ex-
ertions of Solomon, the unhappy victim in the present
instance. This man's name was Shepherd, and he was
a noted burglar, upon the occasion on which he suffered
having committed no less than four burglaries
on as many successive nights. He came to
Brighton after the commission of the last, bringing with
him a large portmanteau, filled with valuable property,
the produce of the robberies he had committed, and he
took his place by a coach, which at that period, started
at six o'clock in the morning fur London. The person
whom he sent with his portmanteau to the coach-office
excited the suspicion of the police, and he was stopped,
and taken to the station-house at Brighton, where he
was questioned by Solomon, and on his saying that
he had brought the portmanteau from a gentleman
who was going by the coach, Solomon told a con-
stable to accompany him to the office and see if his story
was true. This was done, and on Shepherd coining
up and claiming the property he was allowed to de-
part. Very soon afterwards inf,rmation was received
of the robbery, and Solomon proceeded to London,
and after some search succeeded in apprehending Shep-
herd, who was ultimately convicted at the assizes and
executed. As has been already stated, the unfortunate
deceased was very much respected iu the town of
Brighton, and a subscription has been opened, which is
expected to realise a very considerable amount, for the
benefit of his wife, who ever since the melancholy occur-
rence has been in an almost frantic state, and his family ;
and a benefit has been announced at Batty's Circus for
the same object. 'We understand that the murderer still
continues to declare that he had no intention to kill the
deceased when he inflicted the blow upon him. It is
' expected that the sentence will be carried into effect on
Monday, the Bth of April.

THE LATE FATAL DUEL IN THE
UNITED STATES.
The following are a few particulars, taken from the
New York papers just received, of the late fatal duel at
Washington. This duel has, it is said, made as much
noise, and excited as much interest, on that side the
Atlantic as the Fawcett and Munro affair did here:—
In regard to the origin of the duel, it is believed that
on Thursday morning last, Feb. 15 (not on Thursday
night), Mr. Cochran said, in the presence of two or three
of Mr. May's friends, that he believed Mr, May a coward.
This expression of Cochran was immediately reported to
Mr. May, at whose request two or three of his friends
immediately waited upon Mr. Cochran, at his room, to
demand of him a retractation of the words, and an apo-
logy. Mr. Cochran declined, saying that he would con-
sult his friends, which he did. This was about noon of
Thursday.
By the advice of his "friends Mr. Cochran decided to
make no apology, but, en the contrary, excepted an in-
vitation to meet Mr. May and his friends at 8 o'clock the
next morning (Friday) at Mr. Nelson's tavern, about a
mile or a mile-and-a-half the other side of the chain
bridge, in Fairfax county, Virginia.
Mr: Cochran and his friends left the city of Washing-
ton about half-past 5 o'clock on Friday morning, in a
coach with four white horses. They arrived upon the
ground at Nelson's TaVern abeut half an hour before the
other party. As soon .as Mr. May and his friends ar-
rived—as they did in a single coach, Dr. Miller attend-
ing on horseback—he sent a challenge in the usual style
to Mr. Cochran, which was accepted.
Mr. Pooler acted as Mr. May's second, and Mr. Ash
as Mr. Cochran's second. Mr. Cochran was also
attended by his surgeon. Articles were drawn up and
signed by the seconds, designating the weapons, which
were to be rifles, and the distance fifty paces. The
mode of proceeding to be with the breach -of the
rifle to the shoulder—the muzzle down—and to be
raised at the word. The words, " Are you ready, gen-
tlemen ?" were then to be asked. Each were to reply
"ready," and at the word " fire !" the muzzles of the
rifles were to be raised. They were then to fire between
the words " one," " two," " three," " stop"—neither be-
fore "one," nor after "stop."
The seconds arrived about nine o'clock upon the field.
when the efforts to effect a reconciliation were renewed,
but without effect.
The distance was then measured off. All the parties
were perfectly cool and composed. Both the principals
were Members of the Temperance Society ; Cochran
was urged, however, to take a glass of liquor, but
refused:. Both were perfectly composed, each - ex-
pecting to wound his man and escape himself unhurt,
and each hoped to draw the other's fire—that is, by
firing at the word " one," to anticipate the other's
fire. Mr. Cochran, as was his custom, 'continued to
sing little snatches of songs. Each took his place ; Mr.
Ash gave the word, it being his privilege as the second
of the challenged party. Mr. Cochran threw off his hat.
Both • replied, " ready," in a fine clear voice. At
the word " one," both fired ; , Mr Cochran , a
second after Mr. May. Mr. May remained
unhurt. Mr. Cochran stood a moment—his - rifle
dropped from his hands, and he fell heavily and slowly
back, partly on his left side, the right leg being
thrown fiver theleft. Mr. Cochran's surgeon was first
On the spot. Blood was seen flowing from his forehead,
and, upon pushing up the hair with the fingers, a wound
was discovered through which a portion of the brain
protruded about the size of two fingers. He ap-
peared, and was at first believed, to be dead. • Scarcely
any pulsation' or breathing was perceptible. _ Mr.
May still continued in his place for some time, but
subsequently went to the place where his second had
stood. Almost immediately after, Mr. Cochran's surgeon
came to the spot. Dr. Miller ran to his assistance, and
concurred in the opinion that Mr. Cochran must die in
a few minutes. He called to Mr. May to take his
horse and make his escape. Mr. May did so. His
seconds came up to Mr. Cochran, and finding that he
was dying, ran to their carriage, which was a quarter of
a mile off, and returned to the city with Dr. Miller.
Mr. Cochran was then left dying upon the field, with na
persons in attendance upon him but his surgeon and
second, who was deeply affected by the fall of his friend.
The driver of the coach and four white horses,
frightened at the fall of Mr. Cochran, had suddenly
driven off to the distance of half .a mile, but was
brought back, and in the course of half an hour blankets
were procured, and Cochran was removed to his coach.
In taking him, to Nelson's tavern, • Cochran vomited
several times, and revived a little, his pulse becoming
more perceptible. He was perfectly senseless—bled
profusely, drenching the seats of the coach with his
blood. Efforts were made;upon the ground, before Dr.
Miller lefty-to replace the protruding brain. The hair
was shaved off in the vicinity of the wound, but it
was found impossible to restore the brain, and it • was
Mr
removed, and a bandage applied. At . Nelson's,
everything possible was done for Mr. Cochran.
Doctors Holmead, Elliott, and Hall, of Washington,
and Richie, of Georgetown, were immediately in attend-
ance. The shots were exchanged about a quarter past
nine o'clock on Friday, the Ith instant. From that
time till half-past four o'clock on the following Sunday
morning he remained perfectly insensible,:: and at.that
hour died. The injury to the bones of the head was of
a peculiar and striking character, and it seems remark-
able that he should have lived so long as he did. The
direetion taken by the ball proves that he was taking
aim when he received the wound.
The corpse was removed to the city on the 18tb, and
was buried the next morning.
It is said that Mr. May returned hastily to the city,
took the horse of his brother, Dr. Frederick May,
and fled from Washington. The seconds on both
'sides also fled, and none of them have been since
beard Of publicly. There , has been great excite-
ment, originating from the youth of the parties
engaged in the duel, and a supposition that it
might have been prevented, and. ought to have been pre-
vented. There are those who unhesitatingly say the civil
authorities ought to have been called upon to arrest the
parties, and thus prevented the deed. • •• • • ,

ANTI-CORN-LAW MELTING, LEEDS.--A greatmeet-
ing of the opponents of the corn.law was held at Leeds on Wed.
nesday last, principally to hear Mr. Fox. The great reputation
of that gentleman, together with the interest which the abolition
of the corn.laws excites in Leeds, collected a great concourse of
people. Something must be allowed, too, for the political feelings
of the O'Connor Chartists, who are numerous at Leeds, and many
of whom attended the meeting to show their hostility to the
League. Mr. J. G. Marshall was in the chair. surrounded by the
principal manufacturers of Leeds, and the members of the corpora-
tion. Several ladies also honoured the meeting by their presence.
The chairman opened the business, and Mr. Flint followed him
with a short speech. Mr. Fox then addressed the meeting at con.
siderable length, with his accustomed ability, eliciting from the
auditors a lull meed of applause. On his resuming his seat, Mr.
Smith, of Sheffield, attempted to speak; but he was opposed by the
Chartists who wero in the room, and a scene of great uproar, which
lasted for some time, ensued. Mr. Kidd, described as a Chartist
lecturer, made himself conspicuous in the tumult, and peace and
order were only restored by the chairman causing Mr. Kidd to be
ejected. The remainder of the proceedings were carried peaceably
to a close. Mr. Smith concluded his speech, and, on his motion,
the meeting voted its thanks to Mr. Fox by acclamation. It se-
•parated after giving hearty cheers for the League, and cheers as
hearty for the chairman.
WEsMINSTER-BRIDGE.—A .beautiful design by
Mr. Barry for an iron bridge on the site of the present bridge
has been published. It consists of five elliptical arches, is of
a light and graceful construction, and is at least fourteen feet
lower than that now in use. The plan for this new
structure is proposed in consequence of the unsafe
and unsatisfactory state of the foundation of the
existing bridge, as well as to improve the navi-
gation of the river and facilitate traffic by lowering the
carriage way. It is said that an iron bridge of this descrip-
tion could be constructed for less than double the amount
that would be required to repair and render secure the present
unseemly structure. The cost has been estimated at 185,0001.,
incbiding the expenses for erecting a temporary wooden
bridge ; and it is understood that this suns might be raised
for the mast part, if not wholly, upon the security of the
income from the property belonging to the Bridio Com-