Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-14

petition Of WILLIAM TURNER, for a bill ofdi-
vorce of the marriage between his daughter
and i. G. Wakefield. The House was crowd
ed 10 cxccss.
At half past ten o'clock Counsel were called
in, and Wakefield, who had been brought from
Newgate in the custody Of the Deputy Warden
OF the prison, made his appearance, and took
his station near Mr. Adams. Mr.. Sergeant
Cross and Mr. William Brougham were the
Counsel IN support OF the Bill. Wakefield was
dressed in blue irock coat, black trowsers,
and wore black silk neck cloth. He appear
cd IN excellent spirits, and was taking copious
notes during the address Of Mr.. Adams.
The number of Peers present was unusually
great. The Dukes CT Sussex, Gloucester, and
Dovonshre, were seated close to the Bar, and
paid particular atlcnt on 10 the whole proceed
ngs The Lord Chancellor having minated
to Co nsel that their Lordships were prepared
to hear them, Mr.. Adams advanced 20 the Bar
and addressed Their Lordships in n speech Of
considerable length, recaptulatng the whole
! history OF i,iisS Turner abduction, which
| however II is not worth while 10 republish, az
il corresponds in all the material facts with
! previous statements.
| The first witness called, was the father OF
Miss Turner, who testified to The age Of his
| daughter, and her disposition, which he said
was remarkably confding. His testimony
was detail of the facts relative TO his daugh-
tears leaving the school at Liverpool sc. in
subttance the same as was given on trial, al
the Lancaster Assizcs, which We published
some weeks sincc.1
Mr.. WAKEFIELD was called by the Lord
Chancellor, asked If he had any questions TO
put to the witness (Turner) TO which lie re-
plied:-
am prepared, my Lord, 70 disprovc the
allegations in the Is j now before your Lord
ships, a copy of which has been furnished to
me; but OIL coming here this morning, | did
| not know that any evidence was TO be gone
into, ] am, therefore, completely unprepared.
Lord Chancellor-You will by and bye have
an opportunity Of entering upon your case.
T.. G. Wakefield My witnesses are in
Scotland and in various other places, and l
cannot produce them at moments warning.
Lord Chancellor.-E. G. Wakefield, it is
my duty TO inform you, that merely want to
know whether you have any questions TO put to
| the witness' =
r. q. Wakefield. I am anxious, my Lords,
i
Gus Of retiring, as do not wish 20 be compell-
ed TO listen 10 an ex-parte statement.
The Lord Chancellor. If you are dcsrous
Of retiring you may withdraw.
Mr.. Wakefield upon this retired. During his
| absence, which was only for minute or two,
the Lord Chancellor and Lord Eldon were in
earliest communication.
The Lord Chancellor then desired that L G.
Wakefield might be brought to the Bar immcd-
lately Upon his re-appearance,
The Lord Chancellor addressing him, said,
Il am desired to inform you, that thar Lord
| ships will proceed with this investigation
whether you are here or not"
+. G. Wakefeld.--Am at liberty to address
your Lordshps.
Lord Chancellor.-W When all the evidence
| ment OH it, and 10 make such remarks Oh IT
| as you may deem expcdient; and you will also
be allowed to produce whatever evidence you
! may please.
r.. g. Wakeield.-Mv witnesses are in France,
Scotland, and in various parts Of England. l
| cannot proceed without having time to pro-
| duce them.
| The Lord Chancellor Edward Gibbon
| Wakefield, have to inform you that at present
the House proceeds withtbe investigation.
Miss Turner was then called, and she made
her appearance, accompanied by her mother
and other female friends. She was attred in
| a black silk dress and plain straw bonnet
She did not appear in the slightest degree en-
barrasscd, and during her examination, she
| answered the questions put 10 her, in very
distinct, though rather low tone of voice, and
| upon several occasions, when the questions
! respected dates, she exhibited such an anx-
| ety to be accurate, as to delay her answers.
During her progress from the door to the Bar,
the pcrsons Immediately near her were per-
haps not so decorous the circumstances of
her peculiar situation required. They very un-
| tremendously endeavourod 10 look under her
bonnet, which concealed face, the view of
which would have, in some measure, compen-
sated them for their efforts TO behold it,
Miss Turner gave n detailed account Of her
journey from Liverpool to Gretna Green, Lon
don, Manchester, &c. in nearly the same
words as at the former trial.
After Miss Turner had concluded her tcsti-
mony, the Counsel stated that they had got
through with the examination of witnesses on
their part.
Mr.. Sergeant Cross then proceeded to re-
capitulato the evidence.
Mr.. f. C. Wakefield rc-appcarcd at the Bar.
He again complained Of being unpreparod for
the course which, he found, was pursued. lie
had only expected to be heard against the fur
thcr progress of the Bill now. He submitted
that the case had only been heard in part on
ono side. lie had much evidence 10 adducc,
but he must have time. He denied that he
bad been convicted of force towards his wife !;
he denied the correctness of the allegations Of
the Bill In consequence of the language of
the Judge, his Counsel had not called witness
es TO rcbut the charge offraud and force upon
his wife. '.' iuh