The Sun. — 1845-10-24 (London, England)

DARING OUTRAGE.—About half-past 6 o'clock on the evening of Saturday last Stew ruffians attacked and committed a most murderous assault upon the person of Mr. William Bunting. articled clerk to Messrs. Papions, Benn, and Parsons, solicitors, or 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 five 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 Lad 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 took place was a complete pool of blood, and is between Thieves and Harlow woods, about "i miles from Mansfield. The unfortunate gentleman haci only a short time previous to the attack passed the man on horseback, who, hearing the cries of Mr. Bunting, called out, " What's the matter I'' and on riding up at:a quick pace, he observed the two men make off in the wood on each side of the road. The n7glit Iwas dark, the moon not having risen, and it is supposed that one 1 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 for Mr. White, stockbroker, 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 ex. citement in the neighbourhood, such a diabolical outrage not hay. ing been committed in that pert of the country before this period, and a reward of fifty guineas has been offered fur the men's apprehension. The full particulars of this outrage has been i laid before the county magistrates, who, it is thought, at their next meeting will offer si further reward, sc that these villains may be brought to condign punishment. We believe it is also intended to ley the case before Ste James Graham, the Secretary of State, so that a further reward may be offered by the Government for the apprehension and conviction of these daring offenders. No clue has 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 wet, 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 worthl have a large sum of money about his person; and the robbers consequently expected to obtain a rich booty. Mr. Bunting has 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, although very weak from the loss of blood. The medical attendant states that very favourable symptoms have appeared ; anti, considering the murderous attack, Mr. Bunting ie progressing favourably. The county constabulary are making the moat active inquiries, and by their exertions it is yet hoped tits cowardly villains may be discovered.—Derbyshire Courier. Our accounts from various parts of the surround• ing district represent the weather during the past week as generally unfavourable for harvest operations—frequent heavy rains, genera!! y Iceompanied with bo is terc us winds.—Cumberland Pacquet.  At a meeting of the inhabitants of Battersea (qk Monday evening, it was resolved to raise the sum of 500/. for lighting that village with gas during the ensuing winter.