Star.
London, England, 1825-10-25 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

Sta—l am induced, from in the cause
of humanity, to send you a most truly distressing case. The father
of these children was an old Officer on the half-pay of the Royal i
Marines, who had once a good estate in Kent, but which. from his
tempest liberality, be mortgaged for 'hove f 20,000. The mon-
Igagees sold the property for less than the mortgage. this hastened
his end,and be died in March, 1823, leaving a widow with seven
children totally destitute. The late Captain James Mackay, of
the 70th Regiment, a brother to the father of these children, im-
mediately took the whole family under his protection, and with the
assistance of a small subscription supported them. The widow
soon after died of a broken heart, leaving these orphans to the care
of their uncle (since which one child has also died). This truly
good mati(who had nothing but his pay to live on) was a father to
them ; but. alas! worn out with disappointment, analety, and grief,
about the future provision of these orphans. he died at Winchester
on the 6th of July last. By his death these six. children (four girls
and two buys) are left without any means of support. With a view
to save these poor orphans from a worse fate. Sir J.Cockburn, Bart.
the Rev. Archdeacon' Cambridge, and myself, have undertaken to do
the best we can for them, and our names have also appeared as
trustees, &c. for any money which may be collected for them.
The father of these children went to balf.pay at his own request,
by which act, be deprived his family of any benefit from the pen-
sion lime The grandfather was a very old OBicer, and served in
the battles in the first American war, and died Fort Major of Til.
bury, and also the father, with his five brothers, all died holding
commissions in his late and present Majesty's service, two of whom
were kill -.d in action, and a third died of fatigue. These roar
orphans are left to the charity of the humane and affluent. Messrs.
Greenwood, Cox, and Hammenley. of Crails-court,Charing.croas,
have most kindly cooseuted to receive subscriptions, as have also
Messrs. Hatchard and Son, 167, Piceadilly,and Messrs. Rivingtons,
Waterloo-place. I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
THOMAS VALIANT, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Bath, October 20, 1825.

Some French, Italian, and Flemish Artists visited
Greenwich Hospital last week, and were very much
struck with the paintings lately put up in the hall of
that building, Some of them are well worthy of at-
tention. It is not one of the least curious circumstances
of our times that this country possesses not only the
greatest collection of fine pictures, bat the only school'
of painting, worth mentioning, in the present age.
Things have much changed since Winckelman declared
that the arts could not thrive in so northern a regions
GAME CZETIFICATES.—An article has appeared in
most of the Irish rewspapets, copied, we apprehend,
from some English paper, stating, that by the Act of
the 54th Gen. 111. cap 141, any person may aid or assist
in killing game, provided it be done in the presence or
company of a person who shall duly have obtained a
certificate in his own right. This article has caused a
great deal of misunderstanding amongst the sporting
classes in Ireland. 'We are therefore authorized officially
to set the public right upon this subject. The Act al-
luded to is one made
-to alter the English Excise Act, of
the 52d Geo. 111. cap. 93, which had subjected every
person aiding and assisting in killing same to the ne-
cessity of obtaining a game certificate. The 54th Geo.l
111. cap. 141, merely repeals the duty upon persons
aiding and assisting, provided it be done in the company
and for the use of a person who has obtained a certifi-
cate, and uses his own dog and gun. But neither of
the Acts mentioned relate to Ireland. 1 hey are exclu-
sively British Excise Acts. In Ireland, under the 56th l,
Geo. 111. cap. 100, every person using a dog or gun for
killing game—no matter whether in the company of a
licensed person or not, or for his use or not—is subject
to a penalty of £2O, if he has not obtained a game
certificate.—Dublin Evening Mail.
Inquests were held in this county on the bodies of no
less than seven persons who terished in one day from'
excessive heat, on Tuesday, the 22d of last July. This,
circumstance became known at passing the Coroner's ac-
counts at the Sessions on Tuesday.—Shrewsbury Chron.
At a dinner given by the MaTon of Lynn, on the
29th ult. Mr. COKE said, that advanced as he was in
years, and being decidedly a domestic man, he should b:
happy to retire from the turmoil of public life; and if
any Gentleman of staunch Whig principles would offer,
himself as a candidate to the elect-rs of the county of
Nor folk, he should h 'ye his decided support; but ra-
ther than a Tory should be brought in, he wculd remain
till death At his post.
Tuesday, Mr. C. GREEN made his promised ascent
from Richmond Castle, in YoiksLire, about half-past
one o'clock in the afternoon ; a vast concourse of spec-
tators was collected. A brisk gale from the westward
drove the balloon with great rapidity in the direction
of Cleveland. He effected his descent the same day,
about two, P.m near Trafford Hill, four miles west of
Yarrn, and 16 from Richmond; but owing to the vio-
lence of the wind, the balloon escaped from him. A
little beyond the turnpike-gate between Yarm and
Stockton, it came nearly to the earth, but afterwards
rose again, and entered a dark cloud, where it was lost
,sight of: it was again seen for a short time, at a great
elevation, and going rapidly towards the German Ocean.
AMERICA N OFFICIAL COSTUME.—Governor DESNA;
of Kentucky, does not walk out unarmed, and has re.
cently given much offence, by appearing at Church with
a huge pair of horse pistols stuck in his belt, after the
manner rf Paul Jones in battle.—American Paper.
A CA ullost —Wee men have lately been travelling
in different parts of the country, offering for sale shawls
and handkerchiefs, Eating them to be manufactured
from camel's hair. They re:l them from 15s. to 20s.
each, though not worth more than three shillings.
A PLUKA usr.—A Limerick Paper records the death
of a Rev. Gentleman who was Rector of Kilcely, Kilu-
rane, Kilcoury, Kilnec, Kiifenaghty, Tomfealogh,
Clonloghar, Bunratty, Fenogli, and Kilmurynegaul !
No wonder that among so many kils he should come
by his death; but it is rather extraordinary that each of
them should have afforded hint a living I
immure sy Ma. CAINIS, OF LANGFORT....Satur•
day sennight, on the body of James Gibbs, of Bishop's Lydeard,
aged 56, who was found drowned in a pool opposite the Garden of
the King's dribs Inn, at North-town, Taunton. Deceased kft a
party, with which he had been spending a social evening in this
town, at a little after twelve, and the bone, in his impatience to
drink, it is supposed, rushed into the water, and, unseating his rider,
occasioned him to fall into the water, where he was suffocated.
Verdict, " Accidentally Drowned."—on Thursday, at Bdington
Heath, en a child, named Jane Trott, aged two years, who, having
strayed from her parents was found dirt/wind in a ditch. Verdict,
" Accidental Death."—(hi Friday, at Ham, on Thomas Farrow,
aged 42, who, while in a cider-house (being subject to fits) fell into
a vat of apple-juice and was found drowned. Verdict," Acciden-
tal Death."—On the, same slay, on the body of Susan Pavey, a
child about three years of age, the daughter of a widow merlon*,
St. Nicholas, near Chard, who, on the preceding Monday, having
been left alone by her mother for a short time, it is supposed, while
in the act of roasting apples, approat.herl so near the tire as to ignite
her apparel. The little creature was so much burnt. that she ex-
pired in the course of the evening. Verdict," Accidental Death."
—[lt is a singular coincidence, that, on the same day, and about
the same hour, the :Above accident took place, a child, also the
daughter of a widow, should have been burnt to death, almost
under similar circumstances, at Stockland, a village not more than
six miles from Uoome St. Nicholas.]
J. Singleton, who rode Lerd Rockingham's filly by Sampson,
when she won the first Doncaster St. Leger, in 1771. is still alive
—a resident in Chester workhouse, and still adverts with great
glee to his feats ofjockeyship.

ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

On crossing Bailin's flay, the passage of the Hecla and Fury was
so much interrupted by ice, that they were fifty-eight daye in get-
ting through Bee hundred smiles of clo.e packed ice.—On the iltb
of September, last year, they reached Lancaster &unit, and in pass-
ing up Barrow's Straits, a continuance of calm frosty weather al-
lowed the young ice to form, so that at first the progress of the ships
was greatly impeded, and at last stopped. • l'hey kept
struggling until the 21st of September, endeavouring to get on,
when all further progress appeared spas, d for that season, the a, s
pearance of the land and severity of the weather indicating the near
approach of winter,• when Captain Furry deemed it advisable to
look out for some secure spot for the ships th winter in. A small
hay on the South aide of Barrow's Strait promised shelter ; but
soon as the people had commenced cutting a c.trial, the current set
into the Bay and drifted the ships and ice nut again. A succession
of strong easterly gales, with damp weather, cleared the Strait of
ice, and enabled the ships to proceed without interruption to Regent's
Inlet, and on the 27th September they arrived at Port Bowen,
where they passed the winter of 1324. This dreary srason was
passed on smoothly and quietly, the ships' companies hriog amused
by reading., scenic representations, and now and then hunting a
bear. On the return of the son they employed themselves seeking
for minerals, &c.
The spring brought birds and plants, which afforded constant em-
ployment en the Officers in preparing such specimens as had been
collected, for conveyance to Etigland ; and although the place was
barren and dreary in the extreme, still considerable amusement was
afforded thereby, until the ships were enabled to move again. In
the early part of July last the ice cleared away fr.:in the mouth of
the Inlet, and on the 20th the ships got out, all the crew in good
health, except one case of scrofula, which ultimately proved fatal,
and one man (seaman) fell into a hole in the ice and was drowned.
The earliness of the season, the rapid breaking up of the ice, and
the continued good health of the crews of the ships, promised a
favourable summer for their operations, and so raised were the
hopes of all that success would be cemplete, when, unfortunately
within ten days after their departure from the ice, whilst working
down the west shore of Itegent'slnlet, the ice drove the Fury against
the shore and injured her bottom so much that after great exertions
to release her, Captain Parry gave directions that the crew should
move into the Hecla with so much stores, Sec. as could be stowed
away, and finally determined to return to England. The passage
homeward was tedious and rather stormy, and the Hecla met no-
thing but three Greenland ships among the ice.
None of the letters yet received from the ships say that any
human beings were seen, or that much additional information had
been gained.

POLICE IN! ELLIGEA CB.

MANSION-HOUSE-

Yesterday, a Gentleman applied at the Mansion-house for infor-
mation in what manner to proceed against-one of the Companies
which have had their short career in the Stock Market? He had
-purchased a great number of shares in the Company, the prospectus
of which promised wonderful things; and believing it to be a really
good concern, in consequence not only of the written assurances of
its high respectability, but of verbal recommendations given by the
Directors, he intended to make an investment. A considerable
period elapsed, during which he had employed himself in enter-
taining the mast lively hopes of success. Finding, however that
the very name of the Company was matter of doubt end curiosity,
soon after the " rig" in the market bad terminated, and that the
shares were not saleable except at a heavy discount. he thought
proper to make some inquiry at the banking-house where the depo-
sits bad been paid. Ile there received information which induced
him to sand the following ease to an eminent Counsel for his opinion.
" A. B. purchased 100 sl!ares in a Company, established under
the accompanying prospectus. [The prospectus enumerates the
most splendid advantages, and mentions the names of several Di-
rectors]. The Directors state their capital to be 200,0001. in 4,000
shares of 501. each. Only one•half of so many shares have been
taken up. The Company are prosecuting their objects upon such
small deposits as have already been paid (21. per share), their deed
of settlement is preparing, and when approved by the Directors,
will be required to be executed by the shareholders; and a further
call of 21. per share will he immediately made; and if the deed is
not executed and the call paid, the deposit of 21. will be forfeited.
Your opinion is requested, whether, under the above circum-
stances, the Directors are justified by law in prosecuting the ob-
jects of the Company upon SO 'Mail a capital, without the con-
sent of the shareholders ? If not, what course the shareholders
should adopt to obtain a return of the deposits already paid?
Opinion—" I think that the Directors will not be justified in pro-
ceeding
to effect the objects of the Company until all the shares
have been purchased ; and though a bill in equity may in stri.:tness '
be necessary, yet I am inclined to recommend an action of assump-
sit for money had and r, ceived, to recover the money from the
persons who now hold the same."
The following case was then submitted :
_ _

'• Whether, if should be proved that the Company have not
commenced business, the shareholders have not a right to claim
a return of the deposits, by an attachment in the Lord Mayot's
Court?"

Opinion—" I think the shareholders may, if a reasonable time
for disposing of all the shares has elapsed, claim a return of their
deposits ; and supposing the same are in the bands of persons in the
City, they may proceed by attachment."
The Gentleman who submitted those questions for the considera•
tion of Counsel, asked whether there was not a more summary
mode of proceeding by which a man might regain his property
than that recommended by Counsel? and whether the Lord Mayor
would have any objection to summon the bknkers to account for
detaining money to which they bad no claim, and which bad been
obtained under 110 other titan false pretences by the Directors of
the Company?
Alderman Taoist, who sat for the Lord Mayor, said he be-
lieved the Directors might be proceeded against for the amount of
the deposits, if it appeared to be improbable that the Company
could proceed in the speculation upon ts hid) such praises had been
bestowed; but he did not think the case was one in which the
Chief Magistrate could interfere. Ile thought, in fact, that the
case would be likely to meet with a satisfactory arrangement, if left
to the opinion and care of Counsel.
The applicant said he had three prospectuses, each of which con.
tained a efistige of names in the direction, or, that he did not know
upon which to fix as responsible persons. He I.ressed very hard
for a summons to the bankers, but the application was refused, the
Alderman, however, leaving it to the Gentleman's choice to appeal
to the Lord Mayor.
GUILDHALL

J. Engin, a journeyman carpenter, was charged with stealing
fourteen sovereigns. About five months ago he was called in to
repair a cowshed belonging to Mrs. Wallis' a widow, with four
children, in Hill-street, Walworth. From the conversation that ,
passed, he was thereafter received by the widow as an ardent
admirer. Monday se'nnight he fell on his knees before her, and called
Goo to witness the warmth of his passion. He said he wanted
her to go with him to the country to keep a little ale-house,
with a few acres attached;, that be had.,C395 in the Bank, which
he would sell on the following day; that be wanted to borrow
ten pounds to get some papers out of a lawyer's bands in the
Temple, and, taking the ring off her finger, said he would get a
better for her by Wednesday, when they would be merited by
license. She consented to marry him, and to lend hint the ICIO,
and they set off at nine o'clock next morning for the Temple. At
the Prince of Wales. Prospect-place, he called for a box, which, he
said, contained seen worth of clothes • and at the Feathers, in
Temple-lane, he took the money front her pocket, against her will,
saying, that it would look so odd to see a woman pay, but that he
would bring the writings and the Lawyer's Clerk to her. He went
out, and returned not; and, after waiting several hours, she re-
turned home and examined the box, which contained merely an old
frying-pan, the cheek of a grate, old shoes, he. By the aid of a
friend, she discovered that he had a wife and seven children, but
was cohabiting with another woman at Eynsford, where be was
apprehended. The prisoner declared the widow bad given him the
moncy ; but the Alderman committed him for trial.