Star.
London, England, 1824-07-24 00:00:00

R. FLETCHER V. A. FLETCHER AND KNIGHT.

The plaintiff, Mr. R. Fletcher, kept a seminary for
forty pupils. The defendant, Mr. A. Fletcher, was the
Minister of the Albion Chapel, in Moorfields. They
had an uncle residing in Scotland, named G:ltillan,
who died, leaving a property, in which both brothers
had an interest. The plaintiff complained that his
brother had unjustly deprived him of his share of the
property. The defendant invariably avoided any settle-
ment. On one occasion, the plaintiff proposed to refer
the matters in dispute, but the defendant refused. On
the 20th of July, 1823, the plaintiff, not having seen
.his brother for two years, tried to gain admission to
the Albion Chapel, during the evening service, with a
view of obtaining an interview with him. The door-
keepers, however, resisted his admission; and on his
persisting. twe constables were sent for, who lodged
aim in Moorgate watch-house. There the defendant
(Mr. Knight) came and wrote the following certificate:
" This is to certify, that l'consider Mr. Robert Fletcher
to be an insane person, fit to be placed under your care."
This was addressed to Mr. P. Fax, the keeper of an asy-
lum at Cambridge Heath, for the reception of insane
persons. A coach was brought, and Mr. Fletcher was
at once taken off to this asylum. The keeper of that in-
stitution did not, however, consider him to be in that
state in which he was described, and in the course of the
following week discharged him. It would be proved,
that during the plaintiff's confinement, his brother pro-
posed to obtain him the situation of a Missionary toVan
Dieman's Land, and to allow him a pension, if he would
consent to leave this country. The Learned Counsel
commented on the inconsistency of this offer with the al-
legation that he was insane, or subject to demoralised
habits, as had been charged against him. The Learned
Counsel stated his conviction that the Jtiry would con-
sider this a case calling for exemplary damage;.
Markwell, senior, a constable, stated, that on Sunday,
the 20th of July, last year, in the evening,the plaintiff was
brought to the watch-house in the custody of two con-
stables. He was in a state of agitation, and appeared
intoxicated. In about half an hour Mr. Knight came,
and examined the plaintiff. He said he was insane, and
that he (Mr. Knight) would give a certificate of that
fact, and have him sent to a proper place. Witness ob-
jected to the plaintiff's being taken away, and said his
duty was to lodge him in the Compter. Mr. Knight
said he would exonerate all parties. A coach was sent
for, and the plaintiff was taken ofE Three or four per-
sons went with him. Mr. Knight wrote a certificate in
the watch-house. He did not feel the plaintiff's pulse.
Mr. Fox—l am a surgeon, and have two asylums for
lunatics under my care, the one at Hackney and the
other at Edmonton. On the 29th of July I was ac-
quainted with the arrival of the plaintiff, and about
eleven o'clock in the morninc I saw him. He talked in-
coherently, and was labouring under debility of mind,
but was not a lunatic. He gave me a long account of
his being deprived of his property by his brother. Or-
ders, which came from the defendant, A. Fletcher, were
given that he should not see his wife, as he considered
that she was extremely injurious to his health. Witness
discharged the plaintiff on the Monday, considering him
not to be a lunatic, but in a state of temporary insanity,
from the effect of liquor. Witness's daughters were
classical scholars, and read the classics with the plain-
tiff. About three days after Mr. Fletcher told him that
his brother was subject to violent fits of insanity, during
which time be was highly dangerous. He said that his
wife contributed to the malady; she drank herself, and
ought to be kept away. He afterwards said that it
would be the best thing if he could be sent abroad, as
he would then be kept from bad company, and would
perhaps be weaned from drink. If the plaintiff could
be prevailed upon to go abroad, he would be willing to
allow him a pension—witness did permit Mrs. Fletcher
to see her husband.

Mr. Blackburn, a frienJ of the parties, was the bearer
of an offer from Mr. H. to Mr. A. Fletcher, to refer
matters to the decision of mutual friends. The defen-
dant replied, that the plaintiff's claims were of a vision-
ary nature, and he would not refer them until his brother
had returned to a sense of religious propriety.
Some other evidence was gone into at length ; but,
on the cross-examination, circumstances were proved
which manifested the plaintiff's insanity in an irresistible
manner on the day before his apprehension.
At the suggestion of the CHIEF JUSTICE, a Juror was
withdrawn, and the case terminated.

Mr.Setjeant VAUGHAN declared, that if he had been
allowed to call evidence, he should have shew•n that
Mr. A. Fletcher acted in a manner becoming his station.
Mr. Serjeant Pala. declared Mr. Knight had done
nothing to stain his character.
The LORD CHIEF Jurrics was convinced that it would
have been impossible that a verdict could have been
given for the plaintiff, towards whom this was the most
humane course, as it saved him from ruinous costs.

The harvest is commenced at Laing, and tke appear-
ances promise an abundant crop. Grain of all kinds looks remark-
ably well, particularly barley, which from the late genial weather,
will fall a very heavy swathe.
Tue FIGHT/ Ox blormay.—Of the two battles, the first is between
O'Neil and Whiteheaded Bob (Baldwin), and the second between
a fine young one, nephew of lien Burns, and who promises much,
and O'Neill, the second of Langan, who backs him for tt 5 sovereigns!
Thursday evening, a grand display of archery took place on the
beautiful lawn at the house of the Rev. Chancellor Law, in litchi-
field, under the patronsge of Lady Charlotte Law. The evening
was remarkably fine, and a large assemblage of spectators were
eresent. The winucts wets the Ltcv, U. white g:obi.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
NOVINGHAM RACBS-,—WsavemAy,Jety 20.

The Sherwood Stakes of ItSO each, feerhWes yrs oid.
Mr. Houldsworth's The Butler, beat _Sir W. Wynn's Richert-a
and Sir J. llyng's eb. c. Antadis-6 to 4 on the winner.
The Macaroni Stakes of 20gs. each.
Mr. Charlton's b. f. Fair Rosamond, in three heat*, beat Mr.
Platers Glumdelditch, who won the second hear.
The County Members' Plate of £6O.
Mr. Houldsworth's br. f. Mks Maltby, in two heats, beat Lord
Anson‘s br. f. Cheshire Lass—a to lon the winner.

RSDA T.
A Handicap Race of lOgs. with 20 soy. added for horses, &c. of
all ages, wrs won by Mr. Houldsworth's br. c. The Butler, beating
Mr. Heathcote's Reindeer' and the Honourable Mr. Nue.' b. 1.
by Interpreter.
Sweepstakes of 29gs each, 10gs ft. for 9 yrs old, colts est. 21b.
fillies fist. was won by Mr. Platers ch. f. Conviction, beating Mr.
llouldsworth's bliss Crackmici and the Honourable Mr. rem%
b. f. by Interpreter.
Mr. Wigfulrs br. g. Little Driver, walked over for the Sweep-
stakes of 25gs each, Hogs ft. Four Subscribers.
No Race for the Plato of £5O for all ages.
BECCI.RS RACES--Tuasorr, JUL T 20.

The Cdp Stakes of Eighty Sovereigns, with twenty added. Tan

mile heats.

1 1
- '2. 2

Mr. Wilson's b. tit. tubeßa, 4yra
Col. Wilson's M. m. by Juniper, 4 yrs
Lord Dunwich's b. C. Furbisher, 3 yrs - - 3 3
The Gentlemen's Purse of £3O, for all ages. Heats about 2 miles.
Mr. T. 1.. Gooch's ch. Lby Quiz - - 1 1
Mr. Robinson's br. m. Apparition • . 2 2
WEI/NM:lit.
The Town Plate of Fifty Sovereigns, for all ages.
Mr. Wilson's b. m. Isabella, 4 yrs - - 0 1 1
Cul. Wilson's bl, m. by Juniper, 4yn - . 0 2dr
Match for Fifty Sovereigns.
Capt. Kay's br. m. Apparition, 4 yrs, beat Mr. T. L. Gooch's
cb. f. by Quiz. A good race.
EAST MA LOON RACES--.-Ttreasnav, Jews* 29.
The Maldon Stake of £.50 for all ages. Heats, two miles.
Mr. Wilding's Nlercutio - - 3 1 1
Capt. C. Udney's gr. g. - - 1 2 2
Mr. Howard's Master Philip - • 4 3 3
Mr. Payne's Miss Jane - • 2 dr
Good racing after the beat—even on the grey, and after the second

heat, C to 4 on Mercutio.
Hunters' Sweepstakes of sgs. each, to carry 12st. Heats, one
mile. (15 added).
Mr. B. Coodisan's Frolic
Mr. Sudbury's Phelix
Capt. Ilernshaw's Juliet
Mr. Howard's Greyskin
Mr. Arnold's Brush
Mr. Jebb's Fortunlo

1 1

4 2

2 3
- 3 4
- 5 dr
- 6 dr

'Three were dktarced. The winner the favourite.

Mr. Owen's Pilot beat Mr. Miles's Stretch, two miles. 50z.s.

WELLS RACES.--"Atoonsr, FIRST DAT.
The City Afernbere Plate of £5O, was won by Mr. West's b. f.
beating Lord Aylesbury's Ferdinand, and four others.
The original Five Guineas Stakes was wnn by Mr. King's br. f.
beating Mr. Canning's Gleaner, and two others.
The Wells Silver Cup was won by Mr. Gardener's br. c. beating
six others.

111 MIA T.
The Sweepstakes of Ten Guineas each, with Fifty Sovereigns
added, was won in good style by Mr. Ward's Prosody, btAtias Mr.
Shard's Codicil, and others.
The Sweepstakes of Ave Guineas each, Twenty-See added, was
won by Mr. Canning's b. c. beating four others.
The Ladies' Plate of A'so, won by Mr. Lane's Sir Hildebrand.

DOWN (COUNTY) RACES.—Mosovr, JULY 19.
Sweepstakes of 25gs each, p.p. was won by Mr. Joyce's Friday,
beating Ave others—won easy.
Farmers' Stakes, sgs each, .p. for horses, &e. two miles heat,
was won by Mr. Watson's JtEls-o%Luitern, beating Mr. Martin's
b. g. and Mr. Brown's Ampbelia.

Toni)Ay.

Royal Corporation Sweepstake a, Sgs each, with SOgs added by
the Corporation to the winner, was won by Mr. Watson's ch. g.
Jack.e-Lantern, beating the Marquis of Donegal's Sir George, and
Mr. Maxwell's Riectioss.—won by half a neck.

The Hunters' Cup was won by Mr. Oliver'. Rat-Tail, beating
several others.

CRAVEN MEETING, FRIDAY, tare.
Sweepstakes of 100 sov. each, h ..ft. colts, est. 71t>. fillies, est. 4Lb.

1). 3r.

Mr. Tbornhill's Sophist, by Scud.
Mr. Howard's b. e. Swiss Guide, by Tramp.
Mr. Rush's e. by Pioneer.
Colonel IVilson's ch. e. by &ad.
Lord Stradbrooke's br. c. by Manfred.
NEWMARKET JULY MEETING ISM
_ _ _

July Stakes of So sov. each. T. Y. C.
Mr. Rogers's Brother to Scratchb and a b. c. by Wald.
Mr. Wilson's c. by Magistrate.
Lord Exeter's c. by Comus, and f. by Comus.
Duke of Grafton' s ch. e. by Merlin, and ch. I. Cremona, by
Partisan.
Lord G. H. Cavendish 's ch. c. by Comm.
General Grosvenor 's ro. f. by Abjer.
Mr. Wyndham's F. by Whalebone, dam by Stamford.
Mr. Wyndham's f. by Whalebone, dam by Octavius.
Mr. Grevilk's br. f. by Smolensko.
Lord Orford's f. by Corns's.
Mr. Wortley's c. by Cervantes.
Lord Verulam's f. by Phantom.
Mr. Rush's b. f. by Pioneer.
Mr. Rush F. by Pioneer.
Mr. Huntei's ch. F. by Comas.
Mr. Lee's br. f. by Smolensk°.
Lord Jersey's eb. f. by Magistrate.
GRAND SAILING MATCH.

Thursday, a Sailing Match took place for a superb Silver Cap
and Cover, given by the Members of his Majesty's Coronation
Fleet. The Favourite, Capt. Reid, left the Tower about pipe,
having on board the Members of the Fleet, and the Prize Cap,
which weighed nearly seventy ounces, and was moat beautifully
chased. Sir F. ONNIAMILY, Bart. M. P. President of the Corona..
don Fleet, joined them at Greenwich, and was received with a sa-
lute of guns and three cheers. The competitors were only four,
viz. Comet, Antelope, lien Giovanni, and Deception. At seven
minutes past eteven the signal gun was fired, and the vessels imme-
diately got under weigh ; and after much scientific manoeuvring for
nearly five hours, the lion Giovanni went round the Favourite is
grand style, and was received with a salute and three cheers. 03
the return of the Favourite to Greenwich, the windows at the
Ship Tavern were crowded, and on the appearance of the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty, the Commodore ordered a sa-
lute, which was immediately given, and returned front the win-
dows of the Ship, by the President and the whole of the party.
The several Captains went on board the Favourite, and the con.
viviality of the evening was kept up until a late hour. In the course
of the day several songs and glees were rung by some of the com-
pany. The Cup will be presented to the winner in a few days.

MONTHLY CRITICAL GAZETTE.
THE THIRD NUMBER of this Work is in forwardness at
press, and will be published with the other Periodicals on the rims
or Amass, and may be had of all the Booksellers in the United
Kingdom.
It will contain full and interesting Analyses of every New Pub-
lication which appeared in the month of June, just as No. i and 2
contained the 180 New Works of April and May.
The Conductors deeply lament, that owing to circumstances
which cannot be stated at convenient length in a public advertise.-
nient, many Country Booksellers and their friends have been die.
appointed in the receipt of the two first Numbers of this Work.
Those cittumstances will be detailed at length in the taltd Number,
not for purposes of elimination, but of self-justification.
The plan of this Work is altogether new and original, and ht.
execution has so powerfully elicited poblle attentions, as In great
measure to have created those obstructions, and eventnatitations,
of which the Literary World and the Proprietors have so ouch
reason to compbin.—Lendon, July £O.
The Court of King's Bench has decided, that a
Bishop is not invested with power to apportion the salary given by
a Clergyman to his curate.
A letter from Gibraltar notices the sailing of the
several bomb and mortar vessels, which had been lying there foe
some time for Algiers; frora which circumstance it was isseirreii
that an immediate attach would take place, the wboti fethe'Britialt
vessels being now assembled.
Tug Anus.—Tuesday, two Troops of ibe Queen's
Bays passed through Stamford, on their route from Birmingham w
No:w.:b.