Star.
London, England, 1822-08-13 00:00:00

SUMMER ASSIZES.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, AUGUST 8.
CIVIL SWF..
SLANDER.—TELL V. HILL.
This case cached so much interest, that long before
the outer doors were opened the Court was com-
pletely crowded, and it was not until after repeated
orders and threats that a passage could be opened for
the Counsel or witnesses in the cause.
Mr. Serjeant HULLOCK—It falls to my lot to lay
before you one of the most cruel and .serious injuries
that was ever inflicted on a virtuous female character.
Miss Bell has had her best prospects destroyed, and
her health permanently injured, by a libelous letter,
written anonymously, but which I shall clearly bring
home to the defendant. I have only to explain to
you the circumstances of the parties, and the letter
for which this action is brought. Miss Jane Bell is
a young woman about 30 years of age, who lives
with her brotiter,with whom she has been in partner-
ship, as venders of china, in North Shields. Her
father died about two years since. About three years
ago she became acquainted with a Mr. Sissison, of
Hull, who was in every respect her equal; and who
afterwards paid her'every attention which generally
precedes a more intimate relation. He will tell you
'that a time was fixed for their marriage before her
father's death, which took place in 1820, and that
July last year was again appointed, and that the
marriage would then have taken place but for the
anonymous letter now to be proved toifaVe been sent
by the defendant. Early in July Mr. Sissison wrote
a letter to Miss Bell,which indicated a change in his
opinion. She wrote for explanatiea, • and he stated
that the change in his mind arose from information
reflecting on her character and virtue. She naturally
inquired what information had been received, and
from what quarter it had come. Her brother went
to Hull, and Mr. Sissison stated that he had received
two anonymous letters. An arrangement was made,
'• by which he gave up the letter this day produced
before you. It is written in obscure language, and
the imputations are conveyed its ambiguous terms;
but it contains imputations which rendered it impru-
dent in Mr. Sissison's view to have any further con-
nexion with a female of such character. The defend-
ant, you will be surprised to hear, is a Minister of'
Methodists, and has been in that character in North
Shields for about a year and a half. Surely, if the
case is made out to your satisfaction, no damages can
be thought too large- for such a libel. I understand
the defence to be set up is, that Mr. Hill is not the
author of this letter. I cannot help wishing, for the
credit of human nature, that it could be proved that
he is nut the author. The effect of his being proved
the author must be to make him infamous all his life.
I will read to you the letter; itis dated the Bth June,
1821 ; it is addressed to John Sissison, evidently by
mistake for his brother, and runs thus:
" Sir, excuse haste, brevity, and obscurity ; you are engaged in
an affair in this place which will prove your ruin, except Pao-
vtemies prevent. As a friend I warn you of your danger. May
Goo help you, you are cruelly deceived ; instantly break off the
connexion; better spend your days in a prison than continue it.
' The prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth Ask
any respectable person in North ur South Shields for the truth
of this letter, except ler. o—. Oh, my friend, be advised; I'
could end this with a name that would easily convince you, but
I forbear. Pray make further inquiry."
The same quotation—" The prudent man foreseetb
the evil, and hideth himself." is found in a letter ad-
mitted to be written by Mr. Hill. The expression
I 0, my fries d, be advised," was also found in a letter
of his writing. This Gentleman seems to have consi-
dered himself Providence, and was therefore to pre-
vent the marriage. If this letter be proved to have
been written by the defendant, I need say nothing
with respect to damages. As fathers and brothers,
you can consider no damages too much for such an
irreparable injury.
John Bell—l ant the brother of Jane Bell. I know William
Sissison of Hull. There was an engagement between them. The
marriage was delayed by the death of my father. Early in July,
1821, it was afterwards fixed to take place. That time was
not kept. I went to IlulL I received the paper produced from
Sissison.
By Mr. ScAaerrr.—l ant 40. My sister may be 38. She is
nut 59. She lived with me since my father's death. We al-
ways lived together. My father was a shipbuilder. I am a ship
surveyor. The property was to be divided between us. I can't
say what property she has. I can't swear what property. As
far as I can tell, my father left £BO in money, and the furniture
of the house. I have three sisters, but one of them was unfor-
tunately married, and received her share before my father's
death. 1 had the £BO in stock as a glass and china-merchant.
1 am new declining business. I ant selling off at prime cost.
sister has got part of the £BO in valuables, clothes, and
furniture. I can't tell how much, our interests have been so
interwoven together. I borrowed no money, and she bor-
rowed none for her clothes. I cannot state exactly what my
sister did. I believe that she has borrowed money for clothes,
with an idea to leave this country when our business is wound
up. There was about ,Cleo left in furniture. My eldest sister
may have received 1'.20 or £3O. I don't know how she is to
pay the expenses of this action. She has many wea:thy friends.
I believe she has borrowed money, I don't know that It was
with the express view of paying the expenses of this action. I
gave no security to the attorney. I believe I may give my oath
that I ant not security for money borrowed with the expreu
view of paying this action. I am joint stein ity with her for £3O,
which I received from Ale. Spence, and gave to her. I believe
I cannot answer what she did with it. That that money has
net been paid to the attorney I do net know positively. I don't
know into whose hands the money has got. I ;an sweat I un-
derstood it was a delicate business, and spoke little about it.
The attorney told my sister he could not go on without money.
I cannot say that I believe he got the money. My father died
in Oetober, 18W.
By Mr. Serjeant Meetoce.—Her health is very bad. Her
mind is considerably deranged at times. -
John Carr.—l believe that letter to be in the handwriting et
Mr. Hill, the defendant. I have seen the defendant write se-
veral times. •
By Mr. Cooxsoe.—l swear I saw him write four times.--
twice in writing quarterly tickets, once with a vine (pencil) in
the pulpit, when I sat below. I saw him writing in a persoa's
house at Nigh. I was at the same table. 1 got one ticket for
myself. The person's name was written on every.tietet. I have
my own name in my pocket. I know a Mr. Beek I do not
know whether I had any conversation with him respecting Mr.
min handwriting. I am sure I did not tell him that I knew
nothing about Mr. Hill's band-writing. I told him that I did
not see M. Hill write a letter. If I had any conversation with
Sir. Ikel, it was that. I do not know whether I had any con-
versation with Beel. I swear that I did not say to Beel that I
ceuld not swear to the hand-writing. I was at Mr. Beers house
a fortnight ago. I do not recollect having any conversation about
liars hand writing. I am a Methodist.
By Mr. Serjrant Iluetocc.—Mr. Beet is a trustee for the
C'hapel. I went expressly on business respecting the Chapel.
The number of tickets signed in my presenee.was thirteen. I
have seen several letters from Mr. WU to us official men in the
Society.. I am one of the Steward*.
By Air. Seeseara--There an six stewards. I ate a class.
leader. The dam-leader give& lectures, and receives from them
the sentiments of their minds, whatever they be. I am nut a
Daisy to receive confessions. I too sot presend to give absolu-
tion ; that belongs to slasher power, you know.
wiliiam Little.—l have known Mr. Hill terLyears. He has
been two years Methodist Minister at North Melds. I have

wen him writs fregnendyl and I reeetwe4 one letter from him.' I
lam Circuit Steward. I have often sat beside him when hi
wrote at Circuit Meetings. Tito fait time. ha took care. not to ! ,
write. Ile sometimes forgot himself, and took 1p the pen
threw it down, as if he was scalded. It was after this business
began. I belieVe that letter to be in the hand-writ* of Mr. I
Thomas lIW. I know his hand perfectly. I bad two much ,
reason to know it.
By Mr. Bsouonass.—l am a draper. Not more active In this
cue than I ought to be. I have tint paid money for it. I talked
about it. I was not equally for both sides. My conscience would
not allow me.---To be impartial ?—t have been one of four, not
a Committee. I went about thawing the letter to six or seven
people in vindication of my character.—You have been charged ?
—No. Stop. now. It is my, time now, that is our way here
though not yours. You have been charged with taking part
against Mr. Hill, and you sheaved the letter to six in your vin-
dication 2—Yes. Precious Mr. Owen was one at the consulta-
don ; accepted Mr. Potter was another. An arbitration was
proposed. They would object to me. I swear I never said I
thought the hand-writing was Mr. Beers. I did not say it was
like a woman's hand, it was so omill. I won't swear that I did
not, a month after I saw it, and at a public leaders' meeting,
say it was a woman's hand. I never said it after discovering it
was his hand. I mean by discovering, perceiving it to be his
writing. Ido not recollect saying before twenty persons that I
believed it to be a woman's hand. There have been differences
upon this occasion among us. The congregation have been di-
vided in opinion respecting Mr. Hill. He and I never had any
disputes before this. On thee:ley question?—on the Oxley con-
troversy—l think we did nut sake opposite sides. There was
some conversation about Mr. Oxley nut attending to rule as a
leader, by not attending meetings and laying money.
By Mr. Serjeane HULLOCLI had a conversation about a
disagreeable business at Bligh. The friends there had a misun-
derstanding with Mr. Hill. I blamed him, but 1 had no dispute.
He apologised for expressions in letters he wrote. We had a
Meeting, and thought we settled it, but it yeas not fully settled.
I must confess it was by comparing I discovered the letter to be
Mr. Hill's writing. I arrived at belief by comparison. •
The witness wished to go Into comparisons of expressions In
the letter, but he *as not allowed.
Michael Cook.—l have seen Mr. Hill with the pen in his.
band writing, more than once—Aye than twice, I cannot say
mere than thrice. I had no letter or note from him. I did In
the'order of writing, but not bound up. I have seen a letter of
his confesdon, that is admitted to be his handwriting. That
letter is Thomas Hill's handwriting.
By Mr. Scauxre.—l am a bricklayer. I have seen that letter
three times before. Jane Bell abewed it first, and I said I thought
it was Mr. Hill's. Not long after I said 1 thought I might be
mistaken. I racer I did not say I did not believe it to be his
handwriting. I did not write it—Ah—l did sign my name that
it was not his handwriting. Mr. Hill came to me and said,
" Friend Cook, you used to be my friend, but you have said the
letter was my handwriting. Perhaps you have changed your
mind—others have ;" and I signed the paper, for the sake of
peace among the congregation. I did not sign that it was cruel
and unjust to say that it was Mr. Hill's writing. I did not see
those words. Mr. Hill said Thomas Boddam wrote the paper
I signed, and I said if he did, then Boddam wrote the anony-
mous letter. Mr. Hill said he himself wrote that part at the top.
By Mr. Loan.—l did not read the paper.! signed. It was not
read to me. I did not know what it contained. I signed it to
keep down tumult in the country and for peace. Thomas Ilill
told me there would be tumult.

William Oxley.—l know the defendant. I saw him write,
perhaps litre or six times. I saw him write when I visited pro-
fessionaUy. lam a Doctor of Physic. I saw him writing at
Quarterly Meetings. I received letters from him. That letter
I believe to be Thomas Hill's, the defendant's. I know Miss
Bell. She has been for the last twelve months in a very ill state
of health. She is now better, after a sea voyage. Her health
had been previously very good. Her mind has been very bad,
under great nervous irritability, bordering on derangement,
owing to anxiety and want of rest.
By Mr. TIXDALL.—I never had doubts about the hand-writing
I never thought it was Mr. Moss's. I charged Mr. Moss with
writing the anonymous letter before I saw it. I never, to my re-
collection, said it was like Mr. Moss's hand-writing. To the
best of my knowledge I never said I did not believe it to be Mr.
Hill's. I have practised in North Shields for twenty years. Be-
fore this I was on good terms with Mr. Hill. I said to Mr.
Wingrave If this action will not do, something else will."—
I had beard the plaintiff say she should bring an action unless the
whole correspondence between &mum and Bill was laid before
her. My proposal to Mr. Wingrave was to bring Mr. lIIU to
be tried before the District Meeting of Preachers. I have not
been very active in getting witnesses. I was in Hull, going to
see my children in Lincolnshire. I brought letters to shew Mr.
Sissison and Mr. Cookman.; but as to collecting evidence, it was
none of my business. It was in December.
Lionel Heppie.—That letter addressed to me I received from
Mr. HiL I believe it to be his hand-writing as signed by him.
Wm. Little was recalled to prove the last letter and the ano-
nymous one to have the same water-mark ; but his Lordship
thought it quite irrelevant, and it was not given in evidence. The
sameness of expressions in that letter and the anonymous letter
was also refused as evidence.

Wm. Sissison.—l am a currier at Hull. My brother John is
married, and has a family. My acquaintance with Miss Bell
commenced in 1819. I paid my addresses to her, and she re-
ceived them in the character of one that was to be her husband.
I knew her father. The time was fixed generally for the mar-
riage, but not particularly, before his death ; and again for July,
1821. It has not taken place. The real cause was the receipt
of two anonymous letters. That letter I believe to be one of
them. I refused to marry her. The contents of- that letter
formed some part of my reason. The two letters came by suc-
cessive posts. I have not the other letter. In North Shields I
had some acquaintances, besides the plaintiff's family. I knew
Mr. Hill and Dr. Oxley before I received the letter. I have seen
Mr. Hill since. My recollection does not serve me with any pre.
cise conversation withhim on this subject. I had conversation
with him on the subject: There was an action brought against
me. I was present at a conversation between Mr. Hill and a
third party, at HulL He sent me a note from York, intimating
that he would beat Hull. We met at Mr. Highbeld's. He never
did state his object in coming. I don't recollect any part of the
conversation. I think no letters were produced. I can't tell the
month. I recollect that Mr. Hill asserted that he never wrote
the anonymous letter. It was delivered up before that.
By Mr. SCARLITTe-.4 am thirty-three. I saw Miss Bell first
at Hu II in 1819. She had made a long visit there. I went in
October to see her in Shields. I caused inquiries to be made in
consequence of the letter. 1 applied to two friends who were
going to Shields. The reports I received from them was partly
the cause of breaking off the engagement. I have got a release
from Miss Bell this morning. That anonymous letter was the
cause of inquiries; and the result of the letter and inquiries and
subsequent conduct of Miss Bell, was the breaking off of the
connection. I did not see her, but I heard from her frequently.
Her letters were partly the cause of breaking off. I had no large
expectations of property ; I did not expect that she was entirely
without property. By Dr. 0. I certainly understand 1)r. Oxley.
Mrs. Wawn was called, but represented to be unable to come,
being lame, in consequence of being thrown last night out of a
gig. The letter was then read in evidence.
Mr. Sluison was recalled, and in answer to Mr. Scat aterr, said
he would not have broken of the marriage if the result of the
bad bees highly hossoarable to Miss Bell.
Inthe cousr.—!t produced nb other effect than to make me
inquire, and suspend my resolution till*, result was known. If
the result had been different, I believe the connection would not
have been broken off.
By Mr. Serjeant did not make inquiry of Mr.
Hill in the first instance.

The.LOED CHIEF JUSTICE said the letter did not
say a word of character, but only caution ; though
he did not approve of the terms.—Nonsuit.

CROWN SIDF.
W. Ferrage was indicted for setting fire to a stack
of corn, on the 15th of December, the property of
Benjamin Perry, of Rothbury.
The prosecutor stated that he was a constable, and
employed by the Duke of Northumberland to prOtect
the fish in the river Coquet, against the depredations
of idle persons in his neighbourhood. Nearly half a
mile distant from his house at Rothbury, he had a
stack of corn, consisting of barley and oats, and on
'Saturday, the 15th of December, about eight o'clock
in the evening, he was informed ;hat it was in flames,
and, before he could' reach the place, it was entirely
cousumcd. Iu the village of Rothbury the prisoner

Ferrate lived, and had been known to the prosecutor
many years; there was also a man nan3ed,Huggins,
who resided in the same place, and oho was a party
to the same felony. This man was apprehended, and
convicted capitally at the last Assizes for the same!
offence; bat his punishment was afterwards.ensn-
muted to two years' imprisoement, in consequence of
information which he gave, directly implicating the
present prisoner With the villainous transaction. This
confession determined Ferrage to abandon his home,
which he did, and notwithstanding a large reward
was offered for his apprehension, no traces of him
could be discovered till within the last two months,
when he was found at Kelso, having there assumed a
Ealse name.
The evidence of Thomas Reclhawd, a husbandman,
was, that he was standing against some of his out-
buildings on the night of the fire, when he saw a largt
body of smoke issuing from what he at first con-
ceived was a neighbour's house ; but, on approach-
ing the spot, he found it to be Perry'storn-stacks It
instantly occurred to him that it had been maliciously
fired, and thinking that the act had been committed
by some tinkers, whoni he presumed were lying in
ambush, he hesitated before he gave the alarm ; but,
finding his fears were groundless, he hastened to
Rothbut y and procured assistance. There was no
daelling-house near the 'spot.
The next person examined was John Scott, a ma-
son, who was at the house of John Selby, at Roth-
bury, a day or two before the fire, and there saw
Ferrage and Huggins making matches for lights to
go fishing. Those two persons, in the course of con-
versation,
appeared extremely revengeful against
Peri y, for his activity in preventing the destruction
of the fish in the Coquet. Ferrage, with an oath,
said, " that the prosecutor deserved to have his stacks
upset." To this Huggins said, " they had hearts like
bul:s -" and Selby joined in saying, " Have patience,
the flames will fall upon Ben at last." Huggins
and Ferrage were together on the night the stack
was destroyed, and left Selby's house about seven in
the evening, saying they were going to see what had
become of a young man who had been taken before
a Magistrate for stealing fish from the river.
The account which John Selby (who was tins
much connected with the guilty parties to appear be-
fore the Court as a willing witness) gave of the fire,
corroborated Scott, as to the prisoner's being at his
house at the time beforementioned; but he denied all
remembrance of the threatening language which had
been used. On the Monday night following the fire
old Huggins (the foster:father of William Huggins),
in a field near Rothbury, begged, in the presence of
Ferrage, that he (Selby) would not divulge any of
the conversation he had heard between Ferrage and
W. Huggins, respecting the burning of Perry's stack.'
On the next day (Tuesday) Ferrage called on Selby,
and said, " I hope you won't tell what passed last
night ;" and on Selby's promising he would not, Fer-
rage still seemed doubtful of him, and said, " I fear
you will; if I thought you would I would cut my
stick" (meaning he would run away). Scott, the
man before spoken of, was at the time accused of
being the perpetrator of the deed, in consequence of
footsteps being traced, which corresponded v ith the
impressions made by his shoes; but, after being in
confinement several days, he was liberated, it being
satisfactorily proved that his shoes had been soled on
the same last on which Huggins's had been repaired:
John Huggins, the father-in-law of the convicted
felon, was also examined, but he evidently gave his
testimuny with great reluctance. He stated, that on
the day after the fire, William Huggins confessed that
it was himself and Ferrage who burnt the corn-stack.
On the Monday evening, this man was in a field with
Selby, the prisoner, and Huggins, the convict, and
said to Selby, " that it was a bad job the two young
men had committed concerning the stack-burning;'
and also said, that " he hoped that he (Selby) would
be merciful, as he had a family of his own, and he
hoped he would not put them out ;" Selby promised
that he would not hurt them.

Robert Aimere, a constable, of Kelso, North Bri-
tain, apprehended the prisoner on the 23d of June,
on the information of a lad named Mordue, who had
known the prisoner at Rothbury. On she prisoner's
being taken, he denied all know•'edge of the offence,
but offered £lO to be suffered to escape. Before the
Baillie, the prisoner's declaration was taken in writing,
which he afterwards recanted ; but on Mordue, who
knew him, being introduced, he made a confession,
" that he was one of the persons concerned in burn-
ing a corn-stack belonging to Mr. Perry, wear Roth-
bury, along with William Huggins; and that it was
useless to deny it." While the prisoner was in con-
finement at Kelso, he attempted to make his escape
by breaking away a part of the wall of his cell.
After Mr. Baron WOOD had summed up the evi-
dence, the Jury, without retiring, found the prisoner
Guilty— Death.

Woasnie-rrairr.—ln consequence of a complaint alleged at
this Office on a former day, atrium Twv roan, Esq. the pre-
siding Magistrate, issued his warrant for the apprehension of
the Rev. WilhantEyre, a clergyman, residing at Wing, in Buck-
inghamshire. Mr. Eyre was yesterday brought before the same
Magistrate, and charged with having feloniously assaulted Jo-
hanna Quinlan, a child nine years of age, and with having car-
nally known and abused her.
It appeared front the testimony of Mr. Howard, one of the
overseers of St. Luke's parish, and of William Monk,, another
parish officer, that the prisoner made application to the parisu
for a female child out of the workhouse. lie represented him-
self to be the Rev. William Eyre, of Buckinghamshire; that he
was curate for two parishes there, and that he did the duty of
both. He said he was weU known to the Rev. Mr. Towers,
formerly curate of St. Luke's, and also to the Rev. Mr. Crosby,
of Shoreditch. Ile wished to have a little girl from the work-
' house, to be a companion for a little boy, whom he had adopted
as his own, and having a little property, It was his Inteiftion to
divide it between them. He was particularly anxious that the
child should be an orphan, in order that it might be solely de-
pendent on himself. He would delight in Its education, aad
therefore, whether the child's morals or its future prospects in
life were to be regarded, it was impos tart that the parish should
accede to his proposition. The Parish Board readily assented
to an offer front a person of such apparent respectability. The
Clergyman was introduced to look at the children, and he se-
lected Johanna Quinlan, who was nearly nine years of age. This ,
child lisped, and could not speak very intaligibly, but the °illy
objection he started was her having a mother in Ntwgate for
shoplifting. He expressed great pleasure that she could say her
prayers. lie then intimated his intention of leaving Loudon
early the next morning, and he should wirkh to take the child
with him that night. There was no objection, and he accord-
ingly took the child with him. It appeared that they slept the
first night at a public-house in the city of Loudon, where he
teas seen in the bed-room of the children in the morning. It was
further stated by Johanna Quinlan, that he weut by the coach
the nest day to Buckinghamshire, and on their way that she
slept in the same bed with Mr. Eyre and the little boy, and that
he committed his vile purposes upon her that night. Afterwards
they proceeded to Wing, where he, the little boy, awl this little

girl had slitrantiess tit In the eallitrllvaUl and Whet* he was in the
nightly corn of' this abo conduct. At length sordi
intelltgenceirrached the parish offietwaef It. Luke, that the pri-
soner, though a clergyman, was an-immoral awl base characeer.
A young woman; aged 41, inforiited the.% Ow was the mother
of the little boy wleem the prisoner said be bed adopted, ma
that the prisoner Was Use father, and that site bad been abused
by him In the same way whet' she was eleven years dap. le
consequence of this information, Monk, the °Seer, was net
down to Win for the child, and While there the prisoner dueled
the little girl not to tell Mrs. Edwards, the matron of St. Luke',
of what be had done. When Monk brought the child an tie
first inn on the road, she related to him the same story dieted
the Magistrate this day.
Attield, the police4scer, stated, he went down whiff Me*
to execute the warrant, which they did on Saturday
Upon the prisoner hying taken into custody, he deehred to Aso-
income Gon he was innocent; but be admitted he sonsellnurs
had been out late, and when he came home he had lain wham
on the bed, and he might have tickled her, but, he oho...reek •
there was'ae harm in that. fie said he could not have dame
Whist was stated in the warrant with so young a child; if its
bad done so, her linen would thew it, and he brought the office,
a shift to inspect.
Ann Abted, the unfortunate young wnmstn who bad been fat--
merty rained by the prisoner, was brought into the parlour where
this examination took place. She appeared an intetellingrAing
Woman, dressed in black, and could scarcely support herself -
while the prisoner was present. She proved the little boy tote-
bees by the Owner, when she was sixteen years old.
The poisoner was committed to the New Prison, Clerkea. -
well, fir re.examhsation.
He is a tall fine-Melting man, about 50 years of age, with at
the exterior manners of a gentleman. He was permitted to sit
during the examination, and fie requested something :treat, as
he said he had fasted for two days, and the indulgence was
granted. He represented he had been tutor to the children of
Mr. Dyer, the Magistrate.
Tows-Ham, Somnwriee.—Yesterday a ease Came on WNW
Alderman J. J. SMITH, the presiding Magistrate. Mrs. Ann
Chick, the hostess of the Britannia Tavern, near the King's
Bench, llamas, her soa and head-waiter, and Jane Mil, the
bar-maid of the tavern, were the defendant;; and Mrs. Hannah
Nathan, the wife of a master-tailor in 'Temple-plate, Black.
ft iar's-road was the complainant.
Thursday last, Mrs. Nathan had a beautiful live goose. Her
husband, the tailor, wished to have the goose killed ; but be was
a Jew, and it Is a strict rule with that sect not to spill the
of the feathered tribe. llowever, Mr. Nathan determisted to
have the goose for his diaper oa the following Sabbath-day, and.
off he went to the Britannia, where there was a person who•
performed this job for the Jews, leaving, his goose in the safe
care of the people of the house. On Friday morning Mrs. Nathan
went to the tavern to get the dead goose ; sbe saw Thomas
Chick, and he told her that the goose was lost; but he after-
wards admitted that he had eaten part of-it, and that it was the
" fattest" he ever saw. Mrs. Nathan not liking to be jilted in
this way, began to insist upon getting her goose, but all to no
' purpose—Chick only laughed at her, and he eventually turned
her out of the house by force. According to her own account,
she then proceeded towards the house of a friend in Iklvidere-
place ; but before she had proceeded IGO yards, she was rudeir
seized by Jane Hill, who exclaimed, " Mistress, I've guther;"
and in a few moments Mrs. Chick came up and assaulted her
with great fury ; she buffetted her, scratched her ttee,and pulled
her to the ground, whilst the bar-maid was striking her in the
side with her knees. A person, however, at length gave her
shelter in a house, or she believed they would have killed her,
as they did the goose.
On her cross-examination by Mr. Harmer, she denied that
she had called the male defendant a thief, or had made any
dons to the fate of his brother ; she was only anxious to net tire
goose, dead or alive, and she might have said that it was a tram-
portable offence to make away with it in so suspicious a manner.
Several witnesses confirmed Mrs. Nathan's statement.

Mr. Minna then addressed the worthy Alderman for the
defendants. He would net call any witnesses, as he was nut
such a goose as to let out his defence until the Sessions. He :ben
advised his clients to bail the matter till the Sessions.
Mrs. Nathan said her husband would certainly prosecute, for
such another goose could nowhere be found.
01/11LACIZ IN A GAMNG Hotsz—The other evening a party of
Gentlemen who had been driven to need in consequence of ;heir
imprudence at the table of a Gambling House, in Pall Mall, is
moment of desperation proceeded to the house, determinedto be
revenged on the owner, and if possible to recover (if not by fair—
by foul means), part of their lost store. For this purpose they
armed themselves with sticks, and repaired to the hotte t alma
ten o'clock at night, where they found some persons playing; their
first object was to make an attack on the individual who had
the care of the box holding the stakes. Ore of the party attacked
him desperately with a stick, while the ethers put out the lights
and broke the lamps, and then succeed d in carrying off the
stakes. The parties were recognised, and warrants it as'aut
were issued against them, and yesterday they appeared before
Mr. Hoe, the Sitting Magistrate, at Queen-squarr, when the
charge was mule out by the person assaulted. A young gentle-
man of fashionable appearance was spokesman—he re rebated
the existence of Gaining Houses, as being instrumental to the
ruin of young gentlemen. He had 'seen Ird into the emve
house, where in the course of three weeks he had lost .4.'500.
The owner had been charged only the other day. at Bew-street,
and now he had the unblushing effrontery to appear in Court
again, against a person whom his house had ruined. Mr. Ros:
told him he had his remedy against the house by indictment if
he felt aggrieved, but he Iliad no right to exercise the law in his
own hands. He was ordered to find bail. _ -

' I.scArs.—Brow*, convicted at the last Essex As,izes of robEr;
the Colchester coach, made his escape from Chelmsford Howe
of Correction, during the time of Divine Service in the Chapd,
from which he had absented himself under the pretence of a
bowel complaint.

SEDUCTION.—In the Record, Court, at D6wnpa-
trick, a case of seduction excite.l some attention.—
The action was brought by Thomas Daly, ct Kil-
lough, for loss of service and compensation, to: the
seduction of his daughter, by George Henry Scratt,
an Officer of the Water Guard. A verdict wasgiven
for the plaintiff, £lOO damages, and 6d. costs.
Friday se'nnight, an explosion took place in Croft
coal-pit, Whitehaven, in consequence of one of the
workmen, Henry Fitzsimons, having unscrewed the
top of one Sir Humphry Davy's safety lamps, is
order to seek for his beer bottle. Five persons were se-
verely scorched, and the author of the mischief