Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1847-03-19
From Chambers Edinburgh Miscellany.
Cases of CirCamSlantial Evidence.
BRUTELL's CASE.

BRUEELL's CASE.
In the year l742 a case of a very remarka-
bic nature occurred near Hull. A gentleman
travelling to that place was stopped late in
the evening, about seven miles from the town,
by a single highwayman with a mask OH his
face, who robbed the traveller Of a purse
containing twenty %guineas. The highway
man rode off by a different path full speed,
and the gentleman, frightened, but not injur-
ed, except in purse, pursued his journey. 1t
was growing late, however, and being natu-
rally much agitated by what had passed. he
rode only two miles farther, and stopped at
the Bell Inn, kept by Mr.. James Brunell.-
He went into the kitchen 10 give directions
for his supper, where he related TO several
persons present the fact of his having been
robbed to which he added this peculiar cir
cumstance, that when he travelled he always
gave his gold a peculiar mark, and that eve
ry guinea in the purse taken from him was
thus marked. Hence he hoped that the rob-
Der would yet be detected. Supper being
ready he retired.
The gentleman had not long finished his
| supper, when Mr.. Brunell came into the par
Tor where he was, and after the usual inqui-
ries of landlords as TO the guests satisfaction
with his meal, observed, ''Sir, | understand
you nave been robbed not far hence this eve
ning?" 81 have, sir" was the reply. "And
your money was marked :" continued the
landlord. alt was" said the traveller. "a
circumstance has ~arisen," resumed Mr.. Bru-
nell, (which leads me to think that | can
point out the robber. Pray at what time in
the evening were you stopped" at was
just setting in to be dark" replied the trav-
eler. The time confirms my suspicious"
said the landlord and he then informed the
gentleman that he had a waiter, one John
Jennings, who had of late been so very full
f Of money, and so very extravaganza, that he
(the landlord) had been surprised at it, and
had determined to part with him, his conduct
being every way suspicious thatlong before
dark that day he had sent out Jennings to
change a guinea for him that the man had
only come back since the arrival of the. trav.
eler, saying he could not get change and
e that, seeing Jennings 10 be in liquor, he had
sent him off to bed, determining 10 discharge
t him in the morning. Mr.. Brunell c%ontinu.
ed to say, that when the guinea was brough
back to him, it struck him that it was no
the same which he had sent out for change
p there being on the returned one a mark
which he was very sure was not upon tn,
other; but that he should probably hav,
| thought no more of the matter, Jennings hav
y ing frequently had gold in his pocket Of late
had not the people in the kitchen told hin
| what the traveller had related respecting tn
h robbery, and the circumstance of the guin
d cas- being marked. He (AIr. Brunell) ha,
not been present when this relation wa
l. made, and unluckily, before he heard of
lie from the people in the kitchen, he had pal
away the guinea to a nan who lived at som
lie distance, and who had now gone home. 9Th
of circumstance however," said the landlord i
ID conclusion, " struck me so very strongly
TO that | could not refrain, as an honest ma
I'd from coming and giving you information {
it,"
h, Mr.. Brunell was duly thanked for his cal
ch did disclosure. There appeared from it III
IT. strongest reasons for suspecting Jennings
re and if, on searching him, any other of ii
ny marked guineas should be found, and Il
lot gentleman could identify them, there the
US would remain no doubt in the matter. II W;
Tor now agreed to go up TO his room. JenninG
IL was fast asleep; his pockets were searchel
pit and from one OF them was drawn forth
purse, containing exactly nineteen guinea
Suspicion now became certainty; for the gel
all tleman declared the purse and guineas to /
ir, identically those Of which he had been ror
Or bed. Assistance was called Jennings WI
I'd awakened, dragged out of bed and charge
on with the robbery. He denied it firmly; b
circumstances were too strong to gain hi
belief. lie was secured that night and ne
We day taken before 4 justice of the peace. II