The Sun. — 1845-10-23 (London, England)

DARING 017TRAGE.--About half-past 6 o'clock on the evening of Saturday last two ruffians attacked and committed a most murderous assault upon the person of Mr. William Bunting, articled clerk to Messrs. Parsons, Benn, and Parsons, solicitors, of Mansfield, whilst returning in a gig from Nottingham to the latter place. At the period of this brutal attack Mr. Bunting was driving at a very steady pace, when he was struck a most severe blow on the back part of his head. The injuries which Mr. Bunting received from this blow were of so dreadful a nature that he was rendered insensible, and his head was severely cut, and laid open in fire different parts, the wounds being two and a half inches long, and extending to the bone. Mr. Bunting was completely covered with blood. Fortunately, before the villains proceeded to other acts of violence and maltreatment, or before they had time to rifle the pockets of their victim, they were alarmed by the appearance of a farmer on horseback, who came up at the moment, and instantly gave the alarm, but the robbers succeeded in making their escape. The spot where this daring outrage tookillace was a complete pool of blood, and is between Thieves and Harlow woods, about 21 miles from Mansfield. The unfortunate gentleman had only a short time previous to the attack passed the man on horse. back, who, hearing the cries of Mr. Bunting, called out, " What's the matter ?'' and on riding up ata quick pace, he observed the two men make off In the wood on each side of the road. The night was dark, the moon not having risen, and it is supposed that one man stopped the horse (the animal stopping very suddenly) while the other attacked Mr. Bunting from behind. It is conjectured that the ruffians had mistaken Mr. Bunting fur Mr. White, stock' broker, who was expected home from Nottingham about the same hour; and what makes the supposition the more probable is, that both Mr. White and Mr. Bunting were driving white horses. 'This daring attempt at murder and robbery has created the greatest cx. citement in the neighbourhood, such a diabolical outrage not having been committed in that part of the country before this period, and a reward of fifty guineas has been offered for the men's apprehension. The full particulars of this outrage has been laid before the county magistrates, who, it is thought, at their next meeting will offer a further reward, so that these villains may be brought to condign punishment. We believe it is also intended to lay the case before Sir James Graham, the Secretary of State, so that a further reward may be offered by the Government for the.apprebension and conviction of these daring offenders. No clue bas as yet been afforded to the perpetrators; but they cannot be strangers to the county, otherwise the person of Mr. White would not have been so well known to them, as there can be no doubt it was Mr- White for whom they were lying in ambush, and who it was expected would have a large u a y ati oau tr rich s bpoeorts3o.n ; Buntingthe robhhciars consequently expected to obtainn e been attended by a medical gentleman ever since the murderous attack, and we rejoice to be enabled to state that he is now con. sidered out of danger, althoui,h very weak from the loss of blood. rof money la,jr,cp;ar,:sesdi g aftan7l,,),c, °rants r i ghteh Cc orunnutryd ecroenusst aztut laaerky, The medical attendant states that very favourable symptoms have a:\rlers.nßaukiiintgingthiies most active inquiries, and by their exertions it is yet hoped the cowardly villains may be discovered.—berLyshire Courier.