The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-06-21 00:00:00

'IBE STATOSM tN•

thought they must forget their emperletee If they belieied
an ionocent giriewouldso set. It was used inactions of the I
present nature to have them brought immediately when the
injury was discovered ; but this bed been suffered to rest 3
years. The Learned Judge concluded with telling the Jury
that the case was one particularly for their decision ; if they
believed the girl's story, they would Lind a verdict for the
plaintiff. The next question would be, as to the damages ;
they would estimate them in such a manner as she deserted,
who bad se surrendered herself to the wishes of the de-
fendant.
The Jury consulted a short time, and inquired of the Court
if a farthing damages would carry costs ? To which they
received en answer in the affirmative. They then conferred
about a quarter of an hour longer, and returned a verdict for
the plaintiff—Damages 40s.—Costs 40s.
The Court was crowded to excess during the trial. Con-
siderable interest having been excited, partly from the peen•
lisrity of the case, and partly from a desire to hear the
Counsel who were engaged.
WESTMINSTER SESSIONS—FaiI:Wt.
DEPRANITV.—Jokes Purcell, aged 40 years, was put to the
bar, on a charge of assaulting Sarah Onions, a child 10 years
of age.
The child, who is a very prepossessing little girl, after be-
ing Interrogated by the worthy Chairman as to the nature of
an oath, detailed, in a very feeble tone, the depraved circum>
stance.
The Jury merely turned round, and found the prisoner—
The Cover sentenced him to hard labour in thellouse of
Correction for one yeir.

---- -----
MR. RUNT AND MR.
11 N-ROWCROFT AT TIIE bIAN.
SIOOUSE.

VARTICULARS.)
YeStfirdily Mr. Hunt attended before the Lord Mayor. to
prefer a charge against Mr. Roweroft. arising out of n trues-
action at the Spanish Meeting. and respecting which Mr.
Rowcroft complained a few days since. The latter, though
not summoned, attended to meet the charge.
Mr. flue, after complaining that he had been obliged to
lose so much time before he could get a sight of the Ciija
Magistrate, stated that he attended to prefer a charge agaiastl
a person named Rowcroft, of having Committed au assault
upon, and threatened to assassinate him. The assault was
committed in the London Tavern, and the threat of assassl-1
nation uat only took place there, but yes repeated before
his Lordship, whilst sitting to decide upon the merits of Mr.
Rowcroft's complaint. Of this fact, he, Mr. Hunt. had the
most unquestionable evidence. The statement of Mr. Row-
croft, as it appeared in the public papers, respecting the
transaction, was grossly incorrect. Instead of being, as
was stated in the paprs, a detail of offences on his part,
the provocation was wholly on the part of Mr. Rowcroft,
who, withoat any assignable cause, approached him, gave
hint a heavy slap on the shoulder, and threatened to throw
him out of the window. Now to use such a threat to a
man, whose hands, Mr. Rowcroft, and all the country well
knew, were tied down by a penalty of WOOL, and the ure-
ttes of two friends in WE•
was far from being manlys,and
gave an unanswerable argument that, notwithstanding his
menaces, he would not, under a different state of things, have
dared to lift his finger in an hostile attitude. Bat his conduct
was aggravated by what had occurred before his Lordship,
to whom Mr. Roweroft mentioned that he would have struck
him (Mr. Hunt), if he had had a knife. Was a man, who was
capable of using such language, to be at liberty? Was
it language likely to be endured in the public streets
from one of the very lowest orders, and could the indi.
vidual who disgraced himself by the use of it, calculate
upon being dealt with as a gentleman? Mr. Roweroft's
resentment bad (seen, no doubt, excited by the mention of
the loss of the MK cbecque, which, it was said, belong•
ed to the Irish subscription, and was to aid the wretch-
ed condition of the Irish people. Knowing that Mr.
Rowcroft, the ei-decant Alderman, was one of those
who prowled about when the money of the public was
escaping from their pockets, lie merely asked that gen-
tleman whether he knew any thing of the cheque that
had been lost.
The Loan MAYOR here requested Mr. Hunt to make
his complaint, if possible, in terms of a less personal or
aggravating nature.
Mr. Hunt resumed, and said that in asking the question,
he had no intention of Impaling any thing to the Com-
mittee, whose honour of Mr. Rowcroft felt so much for.
lii
directed his words to the worthy gentleman as the most
proper period to be questioned.—Lend laughter, hi
which Mr. Rowcroß joined.) The public had no reams
to be dissatisfied with the liberty which he took with Me.
Rowcroft. for though they had all heard of the loss off
the 100Q1. long ago, they had not heard until lately that
the WOOL had been found.—{ langh.) Mr. Rowcroft
notwithstanding his • knowledge, that even should his
attempt to take away life have failed, he must have'been
indicted under Lord Elleaborough's Act, had be taken
hold of a knife, and used it as he had threatened, still
persevered in his first intention, and It certainly became
accessaryto use at least, the ordinary mode of prevention.
The circumstance which was most surprising, and sbow-
ed more strotigly the necessity for the interference of the
law was, 014 he tame in cold blood before a Magistrate,
sad repeated his threat of anassination, by saying that
he would use the knife. Mr. Rowcroft had charged him
(Mi. Hugo) with being in the habit of insulting people,
and asserted that he had oo the Westminster hustings lic-
ensed a person of being one of the Vette-Street gang.
This way a foal misrepresentation. It was well known
what sort of a thing an election was. Upon the occasion
alluded to, there were some persons opposite, to him who
directed towares him the most obscene and abominable
language, and be told them that fellows who were capa-
ble of using, such words, were the most likely to be con-
anted with those vile reptiles. He never, pointed at any
gentleman of the press at the thee, but he assured his
i,,oulship that one of the very fellows who were exerfinf
theniselveitsq.the occasion had been bangid since 'et the
Asa fkiiimffar the very offence belied' described. suell
.
were the nuseeprnahoim untie theingequooa kept
flew who had nowtodifitidhititself;" and tathongl'the

w.. _Wi
water closet, and there found theta itiveireli lla a rag-, least to hp dreaded openly, he was an object whose pri.
Red shirt. The basil (the riog that gal round the au- sate indignity was formidable in the extreme. In fact,
kle) of one was filed in two, and the rivet of the other Mr. Rowcroft, when he applied to the Lord Mayor, must
wasipunched half-way, so as to allow the basil to open. have meant to have him bound beer in order that he
I lost no time in pursuing the fugitive, but to no par- might do no mischief--,(a laugh); and it was to be hoped
pe. I then gave information to all the Police Officers that he would be obliged to find securities.
ino the metropolis of the escape, and a description of his The LORD MAYOR—As to the assault, Mr.ltunt, that
person. I had not the least idea he premeditated his is now all over, and you may proceed against Mr. Row-
escape, croft at the Sessions, if you please. As for the alleged
Aldermln—Mr. Law, you say that one of the rivets of threat, it merely referred to a past transaction, described
one of the beans was partly knocked out ; now we all what might have been done, not what might occur here-
know that that could not be done without being placed after. The difference was very wide, and wholly altered.
on a block, sod a punch struck with a heavy batutner, the character of the observation.
which process must hams made a great noise. Now bow Mr. Hunt—But he went further, for he said that a r...-
do yott account for you, nor any other persons connect- petition of the offensive
threatlea bey.
Mr. Law—l cannot ecconnt for it. There untst have Mr. Rowcroft asked the Lord Mayor whether he
been a noise occasioned by it, and the prisoner must thought a public answer was requited, or worth tnakin4 t
have had assistance. The Luau Mama intimated that he thought such a
John Fisher, examined—l em one of the turnkeys of this course advisable.
prison, and my station is at the felons' gate. I never Mr. Rowcroft then said, that as this matter had Woe--
moved from my post from nine o'clock in the morning till innately been made public, he should accurately state
the escape of Mason was known. I saw him about three- the factsio answer to the charges of assault and menace.
quarters of RD hour before that in the yard, talking to lie lead at the meeting, before the business eomnwnef d,
Walsh. I had not the least knowledge that he intended bis
gone ‘up to Mr. Hunt,
.anti laying his hand upon that
told him that in se large aa
escape. There has been several Melt brought Into the pri-
soners, Walsh and Mason, and the implements to facilitate genifelnac b sn...—ilder, civilly
assembly he could not expect to have it all his own way,
his escape might have been in them:
William Tiplock, examined—l am one of the prisoners and not to give the meeting any disturbance. Ile had
in the felons' side. Since the prisoner, Mason, attetu pted used a familiarity which lie Certa
inrtinly was oot justitied its
to escape, he has frequently did;inqred If I knew much of the using, but he had given no slap" on the shendiler,
coast of France. *I told him I di that I bed worked in nor endeavoured to exeite Mr. Hunt to a breach of the
,re-
toe packets. About three days after this, lie gave a letter peace. lie was not responsible for newspaper t•ports
to Jackson to put Into the post, that he bad written to a porting was like miniature painting, which, according
young lady In Fenchureli-street, to whom he hid paid his
to the
. skill of the artist, sometimes heightened beatify,
[ addresses, which letter I understood was shown to lire. Law.
end sometimes aggravate.d.deforuely. He hail no idea. f
(We should state, that Jackson was formerly one of the
his acuser, eituer null a knife or anty other i
turnkeys, but had been discharged since Mason's first at- assaulting
tempt to escape.) weapon. He had carried a sword for twenty-live year •,
Alderman—Mr. Law, why you told me nothing about this and he had often used a knife, but it was at table be nset
letter in your evidence. How is that ? it. Ile had certaiuly. upou receiving the insult from Mr.
Mr. Law—l had forgotten It, Sir. Hunt, wished to repair to a private neon with him. l'h •
What became of the letter I—l took the direction, and story of the 1,0001. was this. A clerk of SI r. Troy dropped
a eftecque in the batik, and another clerk foetid k, at, l
ipve ill° Kinsey to make inquiries since the escape of Mason.
' Witness continued.—About four o'clock on the afternoon upon seeing the advertisement, returned it. " When Mr.
of Wednesday I was asleep on a bench in the felons' ward,
Hunt intimated that I knew something ;demi it, I re-
when I was awoke by an unusual noise made by th p
e rion-
taitily," said Mr. Roweruft, "told him that it was a
ere. Mason was then sitting near me with his irons on.s Ile
' got up and and walked into the yard. and I never saw any d—d
, lie."
more of him. When Mr. Law epme into the yard. I heard Ihe Lone MAYOR requested Mr. Min-croft would depart
the prisoner Walsh tell him that the irons were in the privy, as much as possible from the course he was pursuing.
and then he fell on his knees, elapsed his hands togather. and Mr. Rowcroft admitted that the languaee was intent-
exclaimed, " thank Goo I have saved his life, for he would perate and improper. He also called Mr. Hunt a big iota.
as surely have been hanged as he was born."
The LORD MAYOR again interrupted Mr. 11.0%YerOU.
Cross-examined.—hlason was in the habit of giving the
. Mr. Rosecroft said the expression stepped f h.
rOUP IM
prisoners porter to drink. Had seen him with a handiol of
sovereigns two or three times. Had seen some gin drank in Ile declared that under the irritation from wh'cli he was
the prison once. Mason and two friends of his drank two suffering, if be and Mr. Hunt ball gone into a Private
bottles of wine. Had seen Mason aud Walsh piny at cards room and found knives, or pokers, or tongs, or other im-
for sovereigns. Did not know how the cards came into the pimiento, dangerous cons-quenees might have enseed.—
Pri' The Loan only knew whether it woold he life or death,
prison. The winnings were spent in beer amongst the
had the weapons
.presented themselves. The businesa
setters. Since Mason made the first attempt, he heard him
hail terminated without any fatal occurrence, but whorl
tell Walsh that he would be d—d aim would not get out, for
he would have something brought in in a pie. Since lie has
an insult of this kind was flung at him again, the insulter
escaped, Walsh told him that Mason would dine with two
should have his answer upon the nail, aid lie (Mr. It )
gentlemen at New Town, in Havre de Girace, on Sunday
should be indifferent as to the weapon lie should use,
next.
Alderman—Are the prisoners allowed as much beer to whether a knife or poker, a cudgel, a hammer, or a pi.-
drink as they please'? tot —([.out laughter amongst the auditory below thebar.) ,
Witness—No; Mr. Law prohibits them from havingmore The LORD MAYOR expressed Isis sHourprise ae
croftt
toronsidir
this extry-
than lie thinks sufficient. ordinary rhapsody, and begged Mr.
Tile alderman here adjourned the investigation, and a list that he was before a Magistrate.
;
of persons was handed to Mr. Law. who knew something of
Mr. Rowcroft—Why.tny Lord, I admit it is improper
the transactions, in order that their attendance might be pro- but we all know what is meant--duelliog. it is n bat -
cured ou the next inquiry. must happen. • di
The Luna MAYOR—It is what ought ant to happen.
Really, Mr. Roweroft, you are acting very improperly..
Mr. Itoweroft-1 know it is improper, bat the thing ts
well known in England.
Mr. Hunt—What ! to stick a man with &knife ? A
botcher would nut do so.
Mr. Rowcroft—You are right. The butchers would
act do so. It is singular ; lint the butchers are the ben-
behaved of all the lower orders.—(lf latteli.)
The Loau NAyoa-..—Well, Mr. Hunt; if you make
affidavit, that you are in fear of Mr. Rowcroft, I shad
bind him over to keep the peace.
Mr. Hunt—l certainly shall; lam afraid of hi'n in
thif dark.—(A laugh.)
Mr. Rowcroft—There! he first called me a thief, awl
now he calls me an assassin.
The LORD MAYOR—L' on I my word you are pretty
even with each other. There is nothinglest on either
side.—(A laugh.)
Mr. Hunt—l am not afraid of him publicly, nor of
any man, but lam privately. I ant afraid 'of him be-
hind my back.
The LORDMAYOR-4 shallbe satisfied with Mr.liowcrufee
own security for eOOl.
Mr. Hunt-1 hope your Lordship will join some batty
with him in security. lam under sureties myself iu I aeoul.,
and two friends are bound with me for 5001. each, and ail I
did was the taking the chair at the Manchester Meeting.—
'Loud laughter.)
The LORD itlAroa—Yours was a very different case, Mr.

luny.
Mr. Ilunt—lndeed it was, although the knives were used

there.
Mr. Rowcroft was then board over to keep the peace.
The LORD MAYOR—NOW, Mr. ROWerOtto will you give
me your word and honour that you will not pro.. ed fur-
ther in this business ? •
Mr. Hunt—No, No! the 5001. is somewhat more eli-
gible security.
I The LORD MOR—My object is o
t make you friends.
Mr. Rowcroft AY—That can never be.
Mr. Hunt—From such friends, " Good LORD deliver
us !" —(Laughing )
Mr. Rowcruft—What I said at the tavern was, that eye
or the other of us must go ant.
Mr. Hunt—What I said in reply was, that if I was
such a fellow as you are, I'd throw myself nut.
Mr. Rowcroft—lt's a lie! My Lord, be lies.
Mr. Hunt—Now I think proper to say, that if he at-
tacks me again, I'll defend myself.
The LORD MAYOR—Mr. Hunt, consider that you are
bound over already in a serious sum.
Mr. Hunt—l only intend to defend myself, and I shall
do so certainly if be makes another attack.
Loan MAYOR—Nov, Mr. Hunt, give use your word that
you will not break the peace.
Mr. Hunt—Except I ant first attacked, I shall Refer
meddle with him.
Mr. Rowcroft—You need not bind him over, "'Lori.
to any thing. As for me, I shall do no more in it. It
shall be all fresh and fresh with him.:
The LORD MAYOR then recommended the two gentle-
men to go out of the room at different doors, and desire!'
the Marshals to see them safely out, when this ex traordo
nary scene, which much amused a great number of per-
sons assembled, ended.

tRRIED—At Bury St. Edn.onds, Mr. Tans.Tabratoe.
of London, to Miss E. Robinson, only daughter of Mr.
Robinson, of Bagahot, Surrey.
Thursday, at Streatham, George Chilton, of the laser
Temple,Esq Barrister at Caw,toM ist Poore. grand &liner
of George Wolff, of Balham 11111, and eldest bitter at Sir
Edward Poore, Bart.

DIED.—On Weduesday, at his lodgtnri is the Lambe*"
road. la Use Sid year of his age, Win. Combe, Es+ widow
Of " The Devil upon two Sticks it, Rngland," " The Disbo,
had." a siegalar work, professing to be " Letters of*,
late (the snood) Lord Ly ttleton," and " The Tuar of Pf•
Syntex."
Oa the 17th lastagt. at his howls in Rwri- treat, wok
Friari, Mary, the wife of Mr. P. C. J. Bristol:

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