The Sun. — 1840-09-23 (London, England)

LATE ATTEMPT AT MURDER IN  LUDLOW.  TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.  SIR,—As I have been, by the mercy of Providence and the high professional skill of the medical gentlemen who have attended me, restored from the very brink of the grave to my usual health and strength, I trust you will allow space in your columns for the following remarks I shall make in reference to the Angel Inn at Ludlow, where a most diabolical attempt was made to destroy my life with the intcntion of afterwards robbing me of whatever property I may have had in my possession.  'rho great attention paid to my every want and corn. fort by the kind host and hostess of the Angel Inn, and their sincere sympathy for my sufferings, are deserving of my warmest thanks and commendation. And it is with sorrow I have heard it rumoured, that in consequence of the late melancholy occurrence having happened at their inn, a prejudice exists in the minds of some commercial gentlemen against it on the plea that they had neglected that caution which every innkeeper ought to exercise. A sense of justice towards Mr. and Mrs. Cooke, the duty I owe them, and my gratitude for their past kindness, induce me, to appeal most strongly to those commercial gentlemen and others. who, have been in the, habit ,of staying at the Angel Inn, and to entreat them that they will not- allow the late unfortunate eircumistanee to be, any cause to make them forsake their usual -abode while at Ludlow, for I most distinctly as-' sect that Icannot attach the least blame either to the landlord (Mr. Cooke) or his servant, for any want of caution in admitting Josiah Misters into their house.  It was apparent Co myself and to the waiter (as his evidence before the Magistrates will show) that the pri, sonar entered the house to all appearance as the friend and companion of Mr. Ludlow, was in close conversation with him, and took tea with him at the same board, and for the sake of the person whose companionship he had thus sought, that precaution was not considered ne-' cessary which, under other circumstances would have been adopted. It is lunch to be deprecated, the too indiscriminate admission to the Commercial-room, at nearly all inns, of all persons in decent dress, without reference to their business or calling ; and it may be hoped that my unfortunate calamity will be the means of greater caution being used for the protection of the lives and property of commercial gentlemen than has hitherto been practised. In this case, had the prisoner been in any other room than that appropriated to commercial men, the same event would; without doubt, hare happeaed to me, for it is the general opinion that I was only the mistaken substitute for the intended victim. If I sincerely acquit Mr. Cooke of all fault in this business, I do hope that other commercial men will not differ in opinion from me, or attach blame where I am fully satisfied none exists.  The deep interest I shall ever feel in the welfare of the kind-hearted and worthy landlord of the Angel induces me to appeal thus strongly through your columns to the commercial world, and I do hope that his hitherto past prosperity wi l never be lessened 'by a cir-, cumstance which it was decreed by Providence should happen, and that likely no human power could have averted.  I am, Sir, your's most respectfully, W. M. MACKRETIL Lead Smcltiag Works, Bristol, Sept. 19.