The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — 1822-09-14 (London, England)

AFFRAY AT CHIPPENHAM.  TWO MEN KILLED! THIRTY-ONE MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN WOUNDED! [Frees the "Devizes Gazette]   Scenes Noel is atrocity to the ono we ore about to describe may have taken place during the late commenting in Ireland, hut we believe it to be nearly unparalleled in English record. At the last KingtonsLangley revel, which took place several weeks ago, some offence, it appears, was taken by • few individuals at Langley at the conduct of some young men of Chipperrharm ; since which time a desire for revenge has been brooding, and during many a Saturday night there has been slight skirmishes at Chippenham between a few of the parties. It was resolved, however. by the Langley people, that the grand attempt should be made on Saturday evening last, when a snort barbarous and blood-thirsty conflict took place. For this purpose, it is supposed that thirty or forty men must have assembled during the evening—many, it is conjectured, even hired for the occasion! At about trine o'clock • poor fellow fell down in • fit near the Bear lon ; several of the wretches here endeavoured to excite confusion, but• uo collision took place ; they did not go far enough to provoke a quarrel ; it was too early perhaps fur their diabolical scheme. At about half-past ten, however, they commenced in an obscure part of the town, called Timber-street, where. armed with bludgeons, they spared neither man, woman, nor child ! but indiscriminately attacked all who came in their way. The cry of Murder! ' called y from their beds, who, 011 coming out and inquiring what was the matter, were immediately knocked down, beaten with sticks. and trampled upon. The alarm becoming extended, and larger numbers arriving, the assailants retreated to the lower part of the town. By this time, Mr. Moore, of the Duke of Cumberland (the respectable high constable), arrived, with a view to appease the strife, but. belore he could well speak, he was felled to the ground, must unmercifully beat, and soon after Wiled home senseless ; one eye was nearly knocked out, and his body dreadfully cut and bruised. He now lies iu • very distressing state, though free from danger. His brother was also I times knocked down, but received tin serious injury.. Mr. Hull, saddler, was called from his bed by the horrid cries of murder ! which now pioceeded Irons all parts; and, without waiting to put on his stockings or his hat, he hastened almost naked, to render, as he thought, • fellow-creature assistance; but, poor matt, little dud he expect to what lie was doomed ! Within an hour and a half after he went out, lie was found near the Ivy-house in a most deplorable state, bleeding to death ! scarcely aq inch of his head free from cut or bruise. He was taken home, and expired wilillll four hours. His remains were yesterday inteired in the chinch-yard at Chippertham. Miss Wastefield, who keeps • lathes' boarding school near the bridge, hearing a great noise. opened her bedroom window to ascertain the cause, when • large stone was immediately thrown at her, and she was knocked backwards. Mr. Reynolds, u brazier, was earned home soon slier twelve, bruised front head to foot. He was heard praying most piteously for his life. " Don't kill me! don't kill me, Mountjoy ! (he said) rod I'll give thee • guiuea ;" but no mercy wits shown him—he died ou Tuesday evening. Unfortunately he was insensible from the tunic lie was wounded to the moment of his death, so that his deposttiou, which might have been importaut, could not be takes. The wife of Pound, use carrier iu Tauber-street, where the heads com