National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-04-11
RREAoH OF PROMISE.
A WARNING TO TRlELERS WITH
EATn 2EX

A WARNING TO TRlELERS WITH THE
FAIR SEX.
court was held by the under sheriff for War
wiekshire at the Great Western hotel, Birming-
ham, for the purpose OF assessing damages IN 9
Coventry breach Of promise Of marriage. The
case had been entered for trial in the Court Of
Exoheqrsr, but the defendant having admitted
the breach BY not putting In an appearance in
answer 70 the claim, It was arranged for the
damages to be assessed by 9 jury before the un-
der sheriff.
The plaintiff was Annie Hickman, daughter Of
John Hickman, watch manufacturer, OF Oovon-
try, and the defendant was John Ldnnett, the son
Of milliner and draper Of High street, Coventry.
Plaintiff was 70 years and defendant was % years
OF age. They FIRST met ct party, at the house Of
Mr.. Mason, chemist and druggist, Of Coventry,
I'm December, ISL. Having danced with plaintiff
In the evening, defendant asked and obtained per-
mission to escort her home. He afterward Joined
private dancing class st Mr.. Mason's, and there
met plaintiff from time to time.
In January, 1sI2, he formally offered his sffec-
tiens to the plaintiff, and was accepted. He took
her 10 various places Of amusement, and when
the 18th Of February came sent her valentine
containing the following lines, presumably Of his
own composition:
Maiden I wherefore thus complainIngi
It's unjustl love not paining
Inee, nor any other beauty.
To each and all do my duty,
To praise or blame I'm always ready;
Fearless, faithful, honest, steady;
To tell the truth to every creature
Ispart my transparent nature.
Defendant presented plaintiff with an engage
ment ring, and the oeurtship continued until
November Of that year, when defendant, thinking
that the courtship had lasted long enough, pro-
posed marriage. It was arranged that the mar
riage should take place at Christmas. Defendant
took q house, had It completely furnished, and q
load OF coal sent in. Every possible preparation
was made for the wedding; the bans were pub
lished on the sth Of December; plaintiffs wedding
dress was prepared, and the bridesmaids provided,
defendant having previously, on the 4th, when
writing TO Miss Hickman in reference to the bans,
told her that he felt lawfully queer" that morn.
Ing, for he said, 81 know now that am yours
most decidedly and atfectionately, John"
On the 18th Of December defendant for the first
limo asked PLAINTIFF ir her father intended to give
her any money, and she referred him for an
answer to her father. On the 14th Of the same
month Miss Hickman, accompanied by her sister,
went to Mr.. Linnett's shop, and while there the
defendants father made an objection to the. mar
rage. which was accordingly put of until March
in the following year. In the following February
the defendant obtained the engagement ring from
the plaintiff, which he did not return.
The goods, which had been sent to the house
they were to occupy, were removed, and when
March came defendant said that the wedding
must be put of again. In June he entirely dis
continued his attentions to plaintiff without tell
ing her the reason. The matter was ultimately
put into the hands Of Mr.. Powell, who wrote to
defendant In reference to his breach of promise
Defendant again saw plaintiff, and again prom
issd to marry her, but he did not fulhIl the en-
papcment and I'm August plaintIH saw him In