The Sun.
London, England, 1845-09-08 00:00:00

COMMISSION OF LUNACY.

On Friday a Commission de lunatico inguirendo was held
at the Swan Tavern, Stockwell, before Mr. Commissioner
Winslow and a jury, to inquire into the state of mind of Mrs.
Sophia Ann Elizabeth Chissold.
Mr. Foster, the barrister, attended on behalf of the heir-at-
law. Mr. Hatherly.
The Learned Counsel having stated the nature of the evi-
dence which he intended to offer in support of the Commis-
sion, called several witnesses, amongst whom was Mr. Turner,
the uncle to the unfortunate lady ; Mr. Hatherly, surgeon, and
a brother to the petitioner ; Dr. Burroughs, and others; but
whose evidence was a repetition or corroboration of
Elizabeth Roberts, who deposed that she lived as servant
with Mr. Chissold since the year 1836. That her master
was married on the 14th of February, 1837, and she saw
Mrs. Chissold for the first time the day previous to that
event. She appeared to be in good health, but childish in
her manners. Abaut three or four months after the mar-
riage her mistress broke out into violent tits of passion. On
one occasion she refused to get out of bed, and insisted on hav-
ing her dinner brought up, which was done, and she threw it
over the counterpane. She also threw a glass of gin-and-
water over the bed. At times she would not get out of bed
for three months together; that in January, 1838, her master
and mistress went to live in Clarence-place, Pentonville, where
she broke all the glass ; she then went into the kitchen and
burned twelve yards of muslin curtains; she also tore up two
201. notes, and burnt them. She likewise flung all the wine
about the room ; and because Mr. Chissold would not let her
go out, she flung her bonnet and muff on the fire. Upon
another occasion her mistress locked herself in the bed-room,
when she threw out into the street her work-box, which con-
tained two gold watches, several valuable rings, gold chains,
and other articles of jewellery. This continued until Mrs.
Chissold went home to her mother, in 1840.

The unfortunate lady was then introduced, and although
only 28 years of age, appeared to be 40 ; in a low tremulous
voice she replied, to the Learned Commissioner, that she was
now living at Mr. Bush's, at Clapham. She was far from
being comfortable, for she was so teased by four or five females
who were always in her room, and calling out" nappy." She
never spoke to them, nor could she turn them out ; before this
she thought they used to annoy her, but that was fancy ; but
it could not be so now, for she saw them ; her property was
3001. a year. At times there were persons under her bed with
knives and scissors, they wanted to do her an injury.
The jury here said they were perfectly satisfied, when they
found that Mrs. Chissold was a lunatic since the 31st of July,
1840, and incapable of managing her property.

MARKET NE WS.-(SATURDAY .)
COVENT-GARDEN.

We had very extensive supplies of most kinds of fruits
and vegetables, in season, here to-day. Generally speaking,
the demand ruled firm, at our quotations.

WHITECHAPEL.

For most kinds of Meat there was an improved demand, at
very full prices.—Beef, from 2s 8d to 3s 8d ; Mutton, 3s
4d to 4s 8d ; Lamb, 4s 8d to 5s 6d ; Veal, 4s to ss; and
Pork, 2s 10(1 to 4s 2d per Sibs