Star.
London, England, 1830-08-18 00:00:00

COMMISSION OF LUNACY.

Monday a Jury assembled at the Gray's Inn Coffee-house, for
the purpose of inquiring into the state of mind of John Brand, Esq.
lately residing at Sutton, in the county of Suffolk, but now in Par-
liament-street, Westminster. The Commissioners were Mr. Philll-
- Mr. Whitmarsh, and Mr. Blunt.
When Mr. Phillimore entered the room, he informed the Jury
that he had received a letter from Mr. Brand, requesting permission
to attend while the witnesses were under examination, in order that
he may hear their testimony, and have the opportunity of cross.
examining them. Mr. Brand also urged in the note, that he was
unprovided with professional assistance, and therefore wished to
have time to consult attorney and counsel, and to have the advice of
some medical gentlemen, whom he should wish to have an interview
with. The first request, Mr. Phillimore said, could not be refused,
because Mr. Brand, being a party interested, had a right to remain
in the room during the inquiry, and to put such questions as he
might think proper to the witnesses. It would also be proper to
give him the opportunity of consulting his friends, and procuring
any assistance that he might deem proper. He proposed, therefore,
that Mr. Brand be immediately sent for.
Dr. Sutherland then left the room, and shortly after returned with
Mr. Brand, in the custody of two keepers. He is a person of very
mild and gentlemanly appearance. He had on a strait jacket under
his coat, and a sort of cloth gloves covered his hands. The jacket
alai gloves, however, did not prevent him having the free use of his
body. He said that he wished to have the opportunity of sending
tor professional assistance ; and he wished to ask if the Commis-
sioners would allow him to defend himself, and to have a solicitor
by his side ?
Mr. Purruxont said, that no objection would be made to his
procuring any assistance that he might wish to have.
Mr. Serjeant TADDY, who appeared in support of the Commis-
sion, observed that a caveat to the commission had been taken out
by Mr. Young, an attorney.
Mr. Brand. —Yes, Sir, I am aware of that; but Mr. Young is
Mrs. Brand's solicitor ; she has occasion for his advice, for it is
said that she also is mad !—lt was stated that Mr. Young was out
of town. Mr. Brand then stated that he had employed several so-
baton, but had been obliged to change them often. The last one
visited him once when in prison, but not since. He had written to
Mr. Brougham, but that gentleman had informed him he could not
leave the Northern Circuit. He then stated that he wished to write
to the Honourable Mr. Law, but was apprehensive that his letter
would not be delivered.
The COMMISSIONERS said they would take care that the letter
should be delivered, and every facility should be afforded to Mr.
Brand to make his defence.
Mr. Putruxona recommended that the Jury should then be
sworn, and adjourn to a future day. The Learned Gentleman ex-
plained to Mr. Brand that the names of the Jury would be called
over ; that he could object to any of them ; that only fifteen were
in attendance ; and that, if he pleased, he might desire the attend.
ance of twenty-three.
Mr. Brand said it was not his wish to prolong the pro.
efredings ; but, as the matter was one of very great importance
to himself, he should wish the opinion of twenty-three gen-
tlemen.
Mr. WHITMARSH then inquired who had taken out the Com-
mission, and was informed that it had been obtained upon the ap-
plication of Mr. Fitz-Brand, the helr.at.law.
Mr. Brand (addressing the Solicitor)--To save trouble, I should
wish that the next time you come here you will bring proof that Mr.
Fitz-Brand is the heir-at-law, that his parents were married, and
that he was born in wedlock.
Mr. PIIILLIMORE—It is-'not necessary that the heir at-law,
or any other near relative, Mould commence a proceeding of
this description. Any person may apply for a Commission of
Lunacy, and if there are grounds for it, it will be granted.
The names of the Jury were then called over, and Mr. Brand
objected to two of them, because he said these names were similar
to some of his relations. Other gentlemen were also sent for to make
up the twenty-three. Mr. Brand then wrote a note to Mr. Law,
which was taken to his Chambers, but that gentleman being out of
town, Mr. Brand forwarded a letter to Mr. Brundett, a respect-
able Solicitor, of the Temple, who shortly arrived, and took in-
structions from Mr. Brand for his defence. The inquiry was then
adjourned to Thursday morning at ten o'clock.
Mr. Brand, we understand, has a fortune of 1,2001. a year. He
is a nephew of Mr. Alderman Wood, and is connected with other
highly respectable families.