Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1848-02-26
VARIETY.
London Amusements.

Killers and Bouncers are not entirely un-
4 known even in London. That bonnet
ting" must be pretty kind of pastime for
aLord Mayors Day:
Yesterday ain unusual num-
Der Of pickpockets were brought before Mr..
Alderman Lucas, charged with committing,
or attempting 10 commit, depredations in
the crowd assembled to see the Lord May
or's show.
George Morden, Thomas Sheers, and
Thomas Cummings, were charged WIN
stealing silver watch and silver waichguard
in King street, Cheapside, about half-past
q II in the forenoon.
.b Mr.. Hibbs, of Bere Regis, Dorsetshre,
butter factor and draper, stated that, being
in London on business, he went TO see the
procession, and having walked down King
street nearly 10 the Guildhall Colfee-houss,
his hat was knocked over his eyes by the
prisoner Morden, and he was jostled by
some of his comrades. He kept them off
with his walking-stick, but they renewed
the attack with greater strength, and Sheers
led the attack by butting at him with his
head. The rest followed, and he was buff
feted down. lie got up again, and was
driven back and pinned against the WALL
Bo felt his watch 20 Immediately after
Sheers had bntted at him. He was dragged
into house to protect him from further VIZ
olence. He had purchased new butter
lasting knife, and used il IN defending him
self, by which he slightly wounded Sheers
in the face and on the back. Sheers came
in with a constable 10 the house where he
had taken refuge, and complainant immedi-
ately gave him in charge. They went 10
the station-nouse IN Mo0r.laae, and IN the
crowd that followed them he noticed anoth-
err Of his assnlants, and gave him into chs
toby. This was the prisoner Cummings
On reaching the station house be found Nor
den, who had committed the attack, already
in custody for another robbery. lie identi-
fled him Immediately. The watch was not
found.
Several witnesses identified the prisoners
as being the persons who were engaged N
the attack They bad previously Knocked
off and destroyed the hats of many respect
able persons, az IL by the way of diversion
only. There was gang of about 20 young
fellows
Mr.. Bestow, an artist, residing In Vernon
place, Pentonyille, stated that he was stand
ing near Mr.. flibbs, when the rush was
made by Sheers. Witness was knocked
down as well rs Mr. tlibbs, and Nlorden
tore witnesses coat-pocket out, and carried
II off with the contents. lie saw the peck
ct in Morden's hand, and kept his eve on
him ill he had an opportunity Of giving him
into custody. Witness lost his purse, con
tanning a.. Cd, knife, aud handkerchief
The prisoners all protested they had Moth
ing to do with robbing the two complain
ants.
Mr.. Alderman Lucas said the evidence 20
the contrary was so strong that he should
send them all TO trial.
They were committed 10 Newgate.
John Stevens, a tiugleader OF gang of
so young dcspcradoes, who were Insulting
or assaulting every respectable person who
passed near them, was committed for three
months al rogue and vagabond. About
90 Of the gang were known % be- thieves,
and they amuse themselves with " bonnet
ting" men and women, that is, knocking OF
or spelling their hats or bounels Their
numbers made il difficult for the police to
cope with them, hut Hayden, the officer,
secured Stevens as the ringleader.
The prisoner stated himself to be labor
err at the docks. London Ere. Mail.