The Sun.
London, England, 1845-06-19 00:00:00

THE SUN., LONDON, TITURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 19, 1845.

represented were quits willing to leave it to any gentleman of high
character and position, and not to a jury, but to any tribunal
which might be considered the fairest for the interests of Mr. Mus-
kett, or the young ladies, for whom he was trustee.
The CHAIRMAN recommended Mr. O'Malley to consider whether
it was not wise to accept of this accommodation, as there were too
toes to propose.
Mr. O'MALLEY stated that this proposition came too late, for
the fact was, that a proposition hade been made on
behalf of Mr. Muskett to the company, and it had been contumeli-
ously rejected, and in fact the company had offered nothing more
than his client already possessed by the Railway Clauses Consolida-
tion Act, and he should, therefore, decline the proposition thus
made in open Court. The real question was, was there such a de-
mand for railway accommodation on this Guildford and Portsmouth
line as to justify the Committee In disregarding the rights of pri-
vate property for the gratification of a whim of the South-Western
Company ? To the atmospheric line he had no objection, for in
the event of that Bill being passed, they had provided that no injury
should be done to the property, and he felt, therefore, no responsi-
bility respecting that line. But with regard to the Guildford and
Portsmouth Railway lie was bound to inquire whether there was
any demand for it in the public mind. The only two places in-
terested in this line were the town of Portsmouth and the Isle
of Wight, and he was assured that If these two places were out of
consideration, no Committee of the House of Commons would
have warranted the Bill at all. The great object of the pro-
moters of the South. Western Company, according to their evidence,
was to unite the intermediate towns with London and each other,
and when he had concluded the evidence which he was prepared to
lay before the Committee, he believed that they would be of
opinion that the Company had made out no case which would joe.
tify the interference with the private rights of his client.
Mr. Eager ,a land surveyor residing in the pariah of Wonersh,
stated that he knew Mr. Muskett's property at Westbrook, near
Godalming, and, Including all the appendages, it would let for 4001.
a year ; but the premises were in bad repair, and had for some time
been uninhabited.
The examination of this witness continued till the adjournment
of the Committee at the usual hour, but nothing of any public
interest was elicited.

the purpose of having certain clauses inserted in twe Bill. If their
wishes were complied with in this respect, no oppos'ition would be
offered by them to the proposed line.
Mr. John i\VMullan, examined by Mr. Rows, said that he was
secretary to the Grand Canal Company. There was a portion of
land belonging to Ilie Canal Company lying generally on the line.
That land returns about 3001. a year to the Company. It :is let
out for farming purposes. There is also a quantity of it used as a
highway, and there is a turnpike on this road which yields a return
of 1001 ►o 200/. yearly. That land is often crossed by the pro-
posed railway. The canal is crossed by a swinging bridge near
Ballycommon. He considered a much better line could be formed
along the banks of the canal. A section of the land had been
prepared.
The Committee gave it as their opinion that no plan or section
could be put in as evidence, but any question relative to the land
referred to might be asked.
The witness, in cont►nuation, said that a ground plan had been
submitted to Mr. Cubitt, and he was of opinion that there was suffi-
cient space on this land for a double line of railway.
Mr. Rowe said that he would produce the plan, and thus set
the matter at rest. _ _

came to the cast-iron girders or troughs of a bridge thrown over a road
leading from Langley to Iser, when it seems that it strnck one of
these girders, which threw it off the timbers into the ballast of the '
line, pulling with it, and against the iron girders, the remainder of
the train.

" The precise part of the line at which the luggage van first left
the rail is upwards of half a mile from that where the carriages
were thrown over the embankment. 'When the other carriages
were:thrown off the rails some evidently diverged to the right and
some to the left, as is indicated not only by the marks of the
flanches of the wheels, which cut and splintered the sleepers, but
by the iron rails themselves, for half a mile, having been cut, and
long slips absolutely sliced off by the flanches coming into sharp
collision with them."

In consequence of four of the upright posts of the telegraph
being knocked down by the upsetting of the carriages, and the
wires severed, all communication by mean of the galvanic telegraph
between Slough and Paddington, has been cut off. This, unfor-
tunately, caused considerable time to elapse before any intimation
of the accident reached the Paddington terminus.

The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee had already decided that
the plan could not be produced.
The witness then proceeded--He had made a calculation along
with Mr. Cubitt, and the result of that calculation was that a line
from Naas to Ballinasloe could be laid down at a much less ex-
pense than the proposed cne He had those calculations in his pos-
session.

THE FITAL I)UEL AT GOSPORT.
ADJOURNED INQUEST.—THE VERDICT.
PORTSMOUTH, JUNE 17.—The inquiry relative to the death of
the late Mr. James Alexander Seton was resumed before the Co-
roner for the borough, this day, at the Guildhall.
Mr. Payne (Coroner for the City of London) stated that he at-
tended on that occasion for the purpose of proceeding, at a proper
time, to produce the evidence of Mrs. Hawkey, and urged that
her evidence was most important, inasmuch r.s it would go to show
that the provocation was so great that should Mr. Hawkey be the
guilty party, the offence would only amount to manslaughter.
This proposition was acceded to by the Coroner.
Isabella Frances Hawkey was then called, and sworn—l knew
Mr. Seton. The first time I saw him was in the month of April
last. I was introduced to him in the month of Slay. He said to
Mr. Hawkey that all his acquaintances had left the rooms, and he
wished to be introduced to me. My husband did so, and I danced
with him on that ocaasion. He went away then. He expressed a
wish that I should call on Mrs. Sewn. I saw him once afterwards,
when I went to hear the band play, on a Monday. Shortly after I
went with Mr. Hawkey to Gosport I saw Mr. Seton. He said
that he had called on me with his friend Mr Pits, He said he
had left a music-book for me at my house. He said he would
come again in half an hour. My husband did not then go
out for a ride, as he wished to be at home when Mr. Seton
called. I called on Mr. Seton by engagement. As I was sitting
on a chair by the sofa, about a week or fortnight after the. first in.
troduction, he opened a desk and showed me some dice. He
showed me also a ring out of the desk. I stayed and spent the
evening. As he handed me a glass of wine he said something I
have forgot. He asked inc if I would be at home at twelve the
next day, if he called and brought the book. I was always at
home tilt two, when I used to walk out with Mr. Hawkey, Mr.
Seton asked Mr. Hawkey to let me go with Mrs. Seton to see the
drill next day. Mr. Hawkey consented, and told me to go. Mr
Seton called the next day about two o'clr ck. He remained at my
house nearly an hour. 'I hat was on a Thursday. I forget the
date. 1 made au observation as to Mrs. Seton waiting for me. Ile
replied he did not care. I never took Mr. Seton's aria in my walk.
It came on to rain. I went to Mr. Seton's, but not to the drill.
They engaged me to dine with them on the next Saturday. He
offered me his arm on that day. I declined it ; and he said, "If
one lady does it another may—my wife is walking with Mr.
Maugin." I said my husband did not like it. We went into
Portsmouth that afternoon. I know Mr. Tattnell and Mr.
Cleveland. Mr. Seton left me because there was not room
for us all to walk together. He did not say anything. I
saw hint on the afternoon of the following day. He said
that Mrs. Seton and Mr. Maugin had said to him that he ought
not to be turned out by any one, much leas a naval man. I think
he said so, because I spoke to Mr. Tattnell. The day after the last
transaction Mr. Seton came to my house. On Monday Mr. Seton
called, and said he knew my husband was out. Mr. Tattnell came
in, and Mr. Seton said he was not wanted there—he might go. My
husband came in, when they both left. On the Sunday, the day
before, as we were going to church we met Mr. Seton, who said
something I have forgot. On Tuesday he called, and asked me if
my husband was going to Soberton races ? I said, " Yes." He
said that he intended to go, but that if Mr. Hawkey went he
should not go. He said he had a great deal to say to me, and
would come again on that day. My husband did not go to drill
on that day. I know Mr. Pym. He came to lunch with us on
that day. Mr. Seton came in while my husband and Mr. Pym
were in the room. He was not announced by the servants. Mr.
Hawkey and Mr. Pym were sitting behind the door. Ido not
think he saw them when he first entered. He started back when
he saw they were there. It attracted Mr. Pym's and Mr.
Hawkey's notice. I saw Mr. Seton on the following Monday
at the soiree. He made me a present of a bouquet of flowers,
for which my husband thanked him. He danced with me
several times. On one occasion he called nn me when Mr.
Hawkey was at drill, and said, " It is no use hurnhuggingwith you
any longer," and he asked me if I intended to give him an oppor-
tunity or not. He said he knew Mr. Hawkey to be a quarrelsome
fellow. He said he knew he should have to go out with Mr.
Hawkey in the end, and that he should not go out on the common
for nothing If he gained his point he would not mind. I cannot
tell the date of this conversation. There was a knock at the door
at the time. He said, " Good God, here is Hawkey." He ran to
the table for his hat, and said, " Can't you let me out ?" It was
Mr. Pym that came in at that time. Mr. Hawkey noticed on that
afternoon that I was silent, and asked if Mr. Seton had annoyed
me ? On another occasion he offered me something, and said if I
did not accept what he offered he could not have any tie over n.e;
and said, " Perhaps you'do not think it of sufficient value." I told
him not to insult me any more by such offers. He said place your-
self in the position of some one whose name I do not know, and
with the colonel of our regiment. He said that Lori] Cardigan had
givi.n that person 1,0001. worth of jewellery He said, " nu 'd
that be any inducement to you ?" I said "No " He said. "If
those are your ideas, a man has no chalice." 1 r monstrat,ot
with him, and told him he was a married mad. He said, " I
don't care about her eon she about me, we built me.ise our.
selves." I forget whether Mr. Hawkey came in at that time. I
did not relate the conversation to my husband at +hat time. 1
told Mr. Pym. I said, "If he continutil to annoy me, I should
go home to my mother's, at Rocoester." He said he wishes; I
would, it was all on his road to Maidstone. My hushand is very
tenacious, and therefore I did oot tell him. I afterwards saw Mr.
Setoo, when Mrs. Seton was gone to London. He told me he
had just seen her off. There was a soiree on that evening. I
went to it. Mr. Seton was there He said to me he w. 1,6 very
unhappy, and that if nothing else would make me like him, sym-
pathy ought. I saw Mr. Seton two days after. He called with
Mrs. Seton. I recollect going to the rooms with Mr. and Mrs.
Seton. Mr. Pym and Mr. Hasikey joined us then'. My husband
said he was much displeased at seeing me with him. I did i,ot
know my husband was aware of Seton's attentions to me until the
Sunday before the duel. Mr. Hawkey, on that day, said he
had something to say to me. I went to Anglesey with him
in the afternoon, when he told me he was angry at my not
telling him what I told Mr. Pym, and that if I told him
all he would not take any notice of it. I then told him
several things about Mr. Seton's conduct to me. He did
not say much, but aid not seem at all pleased. I met Mr.
Scion on Monday, the 10th of May. I bowed to him, but Mr.
Hawkey would not let me stop. I afterwards saw him at the
soiree the same evening. I had promised a week before to dance
with him. When he asked me to do so I said I could not. He
said if I did not dance with him it must be Hawkey's fault, and
that he would ask an explanation. I told him to do so, and that
most likely he would give him one. I asked Mr. Hawkey what
1 should do ? He said " You may dance a quadrille." That was
all I danced with him. He asked why I passed Mrs. Seton, and
said, "If you do not know her you do not know me." He said,
on the same evening, " Whatever your husband says to me, I
shall not go out with him; it is impossible for a cavalry man to
mix himself up with an infantry man." My husband wished to
sit down by me, but Mr. Seton would not move. My husband
said to him " May I have a private word with you ?" Mr. Seton
said "An explanation I have long wished." They went into a
private room. On coming out, Mr. Seton asked me to take his
arm, and said " For God's sake, settle this matter, or there will be
such an exposure !" I went away with Mr. Pym. On an occasion
of a review of the 59th, Colonel Jones offered me his arm. Mr.
Seton said " This lady is under my protection," I said it was no
such thing, and left the common and went home. Mr. Seton said
he should like to drive me in a cab in London, and asked if there
was a chance. My only object in not telling my husband was for
fear of the consequences. Mrs. Pym and Mr. Hawkey both re-
quested that I would not dance the polka. Mr. Pym was a par.
titular friend of my husband.
William Ellis, master of the royal yacht, living at Stoke-cottage,
was next examined. The Coroner having cautioned him as to any
evidence he should give that was likely to criminate himself, he
proceeded to state : I had no knowledge of the duel until it had
taken place. I can say nothing about it. I had rio reason to be-
lieve a duel had taken place. Mr. Hawkey and Mr. Pym came to
my house on the 28th of May, between seven and eight o'clock in
the evening. Mr. Pym wished me to see him in my private par-
lour. Mr. Hawkey was in my drawing-room, and came in with-
out my knowing he was there. Mr. Pym told me an unfortunate
affair had taken place between Mr. Hawkey and Mr. Seton, and that
a gentleman was wounded, naming the place where he lay in Stokes
Bay Mr. Pym requested me to give arty assistance I could. They
had left persons with him. I had known Mr. Pym from a child;
that was the reason he came to my house. Mr. Pym said he had
been the friend. I understood him to mean a second. He told me
nothing of the circumstances.
Three more witnesses were examined. but the only additional
evidence was that the place where the duel was fought was in the
parish of Tichfield, and not in the parish of Alverstoke, as alleged.
When the examination of these witnesses had closed, the Coroner
summed up the evidence, and the jury retired into another room to
consider their verdict.
The jury, after having been absent about haif an hour, re tuned
into the Guildhall, and, by their chairman, Sir. Grant, re. urued
the following verdict:—
" We find that the immediate cause of Mr. Seton's death was
the result of a surgical operation, rendered imperatively necessary
by the imminent danger in which he was placed y the infliction
of a gunshot wound he received on the *2otli of May last, in a duel
with Henry Charles Morehead Hawkey, of the Royal Marines
We, therefore, find the said Lieutenant Hawkey and Lieutenant
Edward Pym, as well as all the parties concerned in the said duel,
Guilty of Wilful Murder.
" The jury would further express their unanimous conviction
that everything which tt.e best professional skill, the greatest atten-
tioo, and the utmost kindness could suggest, was rendered to Mr.
Seton by his respective medical attendants."

The Committee would not allow the witness to enter into these
calculations.

The witness was familiar with the general traffic of the country,
as well as with the traffic on the canal. The tables of traffic put
forth by the promoters of the line were grossly exaggerated. 114c1
heard no complaints from any one but Mr. Williams with respect
to the general management of the canal, but has received the
approbation of the principal people who used the canal for the trans-
mission of their goods. There were two very gross instances
of misstatement in the printed tables of traffic put forth by the
promoters. With respect to the amount of corn, grain, &c., for
the fourteen d lys during which the observations wore made, it was
stated that 2,338 tons passed between Edenderry and Philips-
town. When this statement appeared enumerators were placed
along the line by the Canal Company, and during the
fortnight they were taking observations, only 10 tons of grain
passed along the road. He had every reason to believe that this
was a correct statement. Between Galway and Tullamore, the
largest mileage traffic would yield a return of 2021. 10s. per mile.
Cross-examined by Mr. MURPHY—The Canal Company were
possessed of the land by their Act of Incorporation. The

GROUP P.
THE ABERDARE RAILWAY.
The Committee re assembled this morning at twelve o'clock, and
proceeded to the consideration of the scheme that had been sub..
mated to them. _ _ .

This was a Bill for making a railway from the Taff Vale Railway
near a place called Yuys Meyrick to the Aberdare canal, with a
branch therefrom, to be called the Aberdare branch.
Mr. Wittiasts opened the case for the promoters, and stated that
the capital was 50,0001., and the entire length of the line, ineuding
the branch, was 81 miles. The valley of Aberdare was very rich
in coal and other minerals and was well adapted for steaming pur.
poses. The only present means of co:rmunication in the valley
consisted of the Aberdare canal, which was connected with the
Glamorganshire canal. The quality of the coal to be obtained was
of a very valuable nature, and new works were constantly being
established, so that in two or three years the canal would not be
sufficient to accommodate more than one-fourth of the traffic. This
was the case. He would now proceed to call witnesses to prove
the preamble.
Mr. Wayle and Mr. Davis tendered general evidence as to the
practicability of constructing the line and the general benefits that
would result.
.Mr. Barber, engineer, stated that he had prepared the plan of
the Aberdare Railway. The present traffic along the line of the
proposed railway amounted to 79,000 tons annually. The average
charge per ton for conveyance was lid. per mile.
After the examination of the last witness, no opposition having
been offered to the preamble, it was declared to have been proved.
Some opposition having been offered to the toll clauses, they were
after some discussion made part of the Bill. The alterations con.
slated in assimtlating the tolls to be demanded on the proposed rail-
way to those received on the Pontypool Railway.
A new clause respecting the provisions for future general rail-
way Acts was inserted.
Other clauses concerning the particular power of the railway and
Its working were proposed, but the consideration of them was post-
poned till to-morrow.
The Committee then adjourned till twelve to-morrow.

lands were for the purposes of the canal. Could not
say by what authority the Company let out any portion
of their land for agricultural purposes. The land re-
ferred to was six miles east of Tullanaore. The Canal
Company were not landholders in any other capacity than for the
purposes of the canal. The turnpike.road was along the bank of
the canal. He heard Mr. Pym's evidence. It was not a
fair representation to say that a great portion of the
traffic which ought to go by the canal (if it were
properly managed) went now by the high road. Did nut hear
Lord Clancarty say so in his evidence. It was no misrepresenta.
tion to say that 120,0001. due by the Canal Company to the Co.
vernment had been compromised for 10,0001. Did not know that
Mr. Williams was the first person who/ put a steam-boat on the
Shannon. His calculation was male from E•tenderry to Philipstown.

Re-examined by Mr. Rowe—The 120,0001. alluded to was put
in the hands of the Canal Company by trustees for the poor, and
they merely acted in that capacity in reference to that money.
Mr. C. Bagot, examined by Mr. Rowe—His father was for many
years superintendent of the traffic on the Grand Canal. He as-
sisted him for several years, and during that period he had a good
opportnnity of becoming acquainted with the traffic by the canal.
He had no hesitation in saying that the statements in the printed
paper that had been put forth by the promoters of the proposed line
weregrossly exaggerated. When his attention had been called to these
gross mis-statements, he caused, at the instance of the Grand
Canal Company, enumerators to be placed along the line on which
the estimates of the promoters were taken, and instead of 2,338
tons of grain, which had been assumed as the traffic along that por-
tion of the line, only ten cart loads of grain passed. The average
of a cart load was rather lees than a ton. The estimates for the
whole line of railway, of all kinds of merchandise, were calculated
by the promoters at 1,0091. per mile. According to the esti-
mates of tha Canal Company, it appeared that it was only 605/.
per mile. He thought that the amount set down by
the promoters 'for the traffic of private carriages and
dogs was a very enormous charge. The total number of passengers
by all conveyances, if full, only amounted by their calculation to
67,000, and in the traffic table of passengers by the promoters
it was set down at 102,269.
Mr. Rowe here intimated to the Committee that the solicitor
for the Board of Ordnance was in attendance to make a commu-
nication.

GROUP SS.

COVENTRY, BEDWORTH, AND NUN EATON

RAILWAY.

The Select Committee on this group re-assembled at the usual
hour this morning, and proceeded with their investigation into the
merits of the Coventry, Bedworth, and Nuneaton Railway.
Mr. DANIEL said he presumed his Learned Friend was in a
position to comply with the request of the Committee made yes.
terday, to produce the agreement the promoters had entered into
with the London and Birmingham Company.

Mr. CALTERT said he was quite prepared to produce the agree-
ment, but he must observe that it contained clauses which did not
effect the inquiry, and which were of no public interest.
' '

Mr. Higgins, solicitor for the Board of Ordnance, stated that he
was instructed by that Board to state to the Committee that they had
no objection to the proposed line as far as Tullamore; but he was
desired to request the Committee to stop that part of the line which
passed through Athlone and Philipstown, both of which were the
most important military depots which they had in Ireland.
The CHAIRMAN inquired whether the promoters were willing to
insert a clause to provide for the rights of the Board of Ordnance ?
Mr. Muaeur, on the part of the pror.:oters, engaged that a
clause should be inserted that no land would be taken at those
places without previously obtaining the sanction of the Board of
Ordnance. A draft of such clause would be submitted to Mr.

. ~
The agreement having been put in, the CHAIRMAN ordered the
room to be cleared.

After the Committee had remained in consultation for some time
the public were again admitted, when the CHAIRMAN read the fol.
lowing resolution :
" The Committee are unanimously of opinion that the opponents
of the Bill should proceed with their evidence against the preamble.
The Committee reserve to themselves any considerations arising
from the agreement between the proprietors and the London and
Birmingham Company laid before them for after deliberation, should
it be necessary."
4r. DANIEL then applied to the Committee to direct the agree-
ment which the London and Birmingham Company had entered
into with Mr. Newdegate, M.P., whereby that gentleman's public
objection to the line had been removed, to be produced.
The CHAIRMAN replied that the Committee preferred adhering
to their first resolution, which was that the Learned Counsel should
put engineering evidence against the proposed line and in favour of
a line running to the westward of the Coventry station of the
London and Birmingham Company. The Committee reserved
to themselves the power of calling upon the parties to produce this
agreement, and he might further state that it was the opinion of
the Committee that the agreement must necessarily be produced,
for were it not produced, the Committee would not consent, under
any circumstances, to pass the preamble.
Mr. Vignolles, one of the engineers to the London and Birming-
ham Company, was then called to prove that he had been sent
down by his own Company to chalk out, and see if a better line
could not be obtained between Coventry and Bedworth. He had
done so, and the result was, that he had discovered a better
junction and a better line, coming in an opposite direction to the
proposed line. It would give a more direct connexion between
Coventry and Bedworth. and afford more accommodation to
the population and coal-fields of the district. The line and
junction went to the westward, pointing towards London and
Leamington. The line would form no junction with the Trent
Valley, but would run directly to Bedworth. In some instances
he had marked out alternative lines. The lines he chalked
out on the Ordnance map, and had deposited with the
resident engineer of the London and Birmingham Company, w:th
directions to have sections prepared, upon his own data, by Satur.
day last.
The CHAIRMAN said it now became necessary that the Committee
should see the agreement entered into by the London and Bir-
mingham Company. They would be glad, therefore, if Mr. Calvert
would produce it.
Mr. Calvert protested that he knew nothing of the agreement.
It was not in his possession, nor had he seen it. Mr. Newdegate
ought to have been called upon to produce it when he was under
examination yesterday.

Higgins to-morrow.
Mr. Ctisrles Bagot's examination was then continued. He
gave similar evidence on the traffic along the canal as the last wit.
nest, and after being subjected to a long cross- examination by Mr.
Talbot,
Mr. Gavin, an Alderman of Dublin, was called. He was a car-
rier, and though he sent a large quantity of corn, meal, cattle,
and sheep by the canal, he never had cause for complaint, either as
to the rate of charge or delay in the carriage
Mr. Hannington, engineer, was then examined by Mr. JAMES—
He had been examined before the Committee on Stat.dnig
Orders relative to the proposed line. There were a great
many errors in the levels as laid down upon the
sections made out by the promoters. In some places
there was an error of 35 feet in the levels. At 20 7.8 of
the line the error was 20 feet, The sections showed embankment
where it should be cutting. In North-place the surface of the ground
was 22 feet higher than what it was described on the section. In
North place there was an error of ten feet of cutting ; in other
places there were errors of nine, twelve, seven, eighteen, and
twenty feet, the ground being either so much higher or lower,
either a cutting or an embankment, from the sections as described
in the datum line.

Considerable time was occupied by this witness in giving his
answers. He gave each answer from a section he had t efure him,
which he previously required to measure with rule and compasses
When he had got so tar as forty miles on the line, the Speaker was
announced to be at prayers, and the Committee adjourned till twelve
o'clock to morrow.

ACCIDENT ON THE GREAT
WESTERN RAILWAY.

It was currently reported in the City and in the various Com-
mittee-rooms of the House of Comnons on Tuesday afternoon that a
most serious and fatal accident had happened on the line of the
Great Western Railway. The rumour was that the down lar,
train to Exeter had swerved from the line between the station at
West Drayton and Slough ; and that some carriages had run vio.
lently down a lofty embankment, being overturned in their descent,
inflicting the most serious injuries on the passengers generally, and
causing the death of several of them.
It may be easily imagined that a statement of this nature created
considerable excitement. We are happy to say that the ac-
cident was not so serious as thus described; although it was of
an alarming nature, and the escape of the passengers from
an instantaneous and cruel death may be considered as almost
miraculous.

The CHAIRMAN remarked that the agent of the London and Bir-
mingham Company was present, and the Committee could not
understand why he could not produce the required document.
Mr. SPA RKES said the fact was, Mr. Newdegate had the original
agreement in his possession, and the London and Birmingham
Company had failed to receive a copy.

The room was again cleared, and the Committee having remained
in consultation for nearly an hour, the parties were re.admitted,
when
The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee had received a
communication from Mr. Newdegate, stating that he had no per.
sonal objection to producing the agreement, but he was anxious that
the Committee should apply to the Birmingham Company, or Mr.
Glynn, to consent to its production. The Committee wished, there-
fore, to know whether the agent far the Birmingham Company
would produce the agreement. _

The Exeter express train, which has but recently commenced
running from the metropolis to that city, performing the whole dis-
tance, about 200 miles, in the incredibly short space of four hours
and a half, left the station at Paddington yesterday morning at the
usual hour, and proceeded safely enough until within a short dis-
tance of the station at Slough. The train, which was but a short
one, consisting only of four carriages, two of the first and two of the
second class, on arriving near the dog kennels bridge, which is about
21 miles on this side of Slough, began to increase in the oscillation
which had for some minutes before rendered it difficult for the
passengers comfortably to retain their seats to such a violent degree
that they became much alarmed, but had scarcely time to give
expression to their feelings before they were enveloped in clouds of
(lust, and found themselves hurled with frightful force in all direc-
tions against each other and the walls and internal abutments of
the carriages. The engine, which had hurried forwards with
extraordinary rapidity, by some means or other had broken away
with its tender from the carriages it had in tow, which immediately
swung round, and across the .whole breadth of the line. That
breadth, however, was not sufficient to prevent two of the first-
class and one of the second.class carriages from falling over, the
former on one, and the latter on the other side of an embankment,
about 12 feet in depth. The perilous position of the passengers,
who were knocked about without mercy or possibility of escape
within their close locked prisons, may be more easily imagined than
described. The atteaants who are privileged to have freedom of
action on such occasions, in consequence of riding outside, are lucky
and living witnesses of that advantage. As far as we were able to
learn, not one of them received any injury ; but the catastrophe to
the passengers, though not fatal as far as its effects have yet been
ascertained, were far otherwise, making them severe sufferers both
from terror and personal injury. One lady was so dreadfully alarmed
that for some time her life was considered in jeopardy ; and even
at a late hour it was doubtful whether she would ever be restored
to the condition of a rational being. Sir R. Vyv) an, by the jerk,
was thrown against the lamp in the roof of the carriage, by which
his head was severely cut, and he received such other injuries,
that it was found necessary to remove him, with other sufferers,
to the Royal Hotel, at Slough, where some of them still remain.
A gentleman who had his arm in the carriage straps for e..se, pro-
bably for safety too, had it nearly torn from the shoulder socket,
by the violence with which he was thrown from his seat, as the
vehicle fell. But, without going into further particulars, when it
is considered that there were in the four carriages upwards of 150
passengers helplessly enclosed, we can only repeat that it was
miraculous that so little injury to life and limb was sustained upon
this occasion.

Mr.. AUSTIN, after consulting with Mr. Calvert, who disclaimed
all participation in the agreement, said he had no objection to pro-
duce the document, now that Mr. Newdegate had given his con-
sent, but the Committee, after reading it, would see that it was of
a private nature, and it would be unnecessary to put it upon
the minutes.

The document was here handed in, and the Committee having
perused it,
The CHAIRMAN said it blre out the evidence oC Mr. Newdegate,
and the Committee could see no reason why it should not be
entered amongst the minutes of their proceedings.
Mr. AUSTIN still objected to this course, and eventually it was
arranged that a note should be placed on the Ininutes that the
Committee had seen and read the agreement.

DEATH OF COLONEL RUSIJIIROoK&—It with
deep regret we have to announce the demise of Colonel Rush.
bta oke, M.P. for the western division of Suffolk, who expired on
Tuesday night at 20 minutes past six, after an illness of ()toy a few
days. C lone) Rushbrooke was first elt wed for West Suffolk in
1835, in conjunction with Mr. H. Watson, and has from that
period successively been returned for that county to the House of
Commons. He was a zealous supporter of Conservative principles.
SHERIFFS' FUND SOCIETY --Tio .3rst oiiitter tit rft~
Sheriffs' Fund Society was held on Tuesday at the London Tavern,
Bishopsgate.street, when upwards of 200 gentlemen assembled,
presided over by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cam-
bridge. To show that the institution is a valuable one, and,
therefore, deserving of public suoport, it is, perhaps, need-
less to do more than give the subjoined extract from the
Sheriffs' statement of its objects and capabilities:—" The
temporary relief of the distressed families and dependents of
persons in confinement. A temporary provision for persons who,
on being discharged from confinement, have no means of present
subsistence or habitation. The purchase of such tools, implements,
and materials as may be conducive to habits of industry in debtors
and criminals. The pecuniary aid of other objects of distress, who
come under the official cognizance of the Sheriffs of London and
Middlesex. The establishment of an asylum for the reception of
offenders on their discharge from prison, where those who are will-
ing to reform may have a home and shelter afforded to them,
with suitable instruction and employment until they can be
restored to their friends, or otherwise provided for.
The prisoners in Newgate, in ailtspur-street, and in White-
cross.street prisons, are all under the care of the Sheriffs; and in
Newgate alone there were confined upwards of three thousand
persons during the last year. It would be impossible to recount
all the claims made upon them, so numerous are they, and so
varied in character." After the usual routine toasts, the secretary
read the report, from which it appeared that the fund rested on an in.
vestment amounting to nearly 18,0001., besides the support of yearly
contributions anddonations. The chairman having warmly eulogised
the charity, the meeting responded to his proposal of " Prosperity
to the Sheriffs' Fund," and the secretary read a long list of sub-
scriptions which amounted in the whole to nearly 1,0001.
FATAL ACCIDENT AT DONCASTEIL—On Sunday
last nine young men got into a "float" and crossed the river Dun
for the purpose of walking about the fields. Here they continued
for some time, and again got into the " float " for the purpose of
returning home. When about half-way across, one of the party,
in a joking manner, gave his brother a slight push, the effect of
which was to swamp the float, when the whole were precipitated
into the water. Assistance was promptly rendered by those on
shore, but, notwithstanding, three of the young men sunk, and it
was some time before they could be got out, Every means were
taken to rotor, animation, but without 'Oct.