npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1845-04-03 (London, England)

THE FRATRICIDE AT STAFFORD. The following is a literal copy of the declaration that has been made by John Brough, who is now in the county prison at Stafford, under sentence of death for the murder of his brother, Thomas Brough, on Friday evening, January 3, 1845 : " From the time that Thomas and me went out of the house at the Whitefield-farm to the time I was in again, lam certain that 10 minutes had not elapsed. It was only two minutes' walk to the spot where Thomas laid after I had struck him. I did not go out of my way to get the hammer I hit him with, but I went close to it as Thomas and me walked to the meadow. When I took up that hammer I had no thought of striking him with it, lam sure. It was in consequence of Thomas's saying at last (after I had begged him again and again to let me have the boxes that night), 4 It is of no use your speaking any more about them, you shall not have them again to-night'--it was this that aggravated and provoked me, and caused me to hit him. Thomas was very angry when I kept asking him for the boxes. If it was the last word I had to speak, I declare that I had no intention to strike him until the moment when I gave him the blow, and why I took up the hammer I am not able to say." The prisoner informed the Rev. Thomas Sedger, the chaplain of the prison, of the reason why he (the prisoner) wanted the two boxes that night. Thomas Brough, it would appear, had promised to consider about them, whether he would let him have them by the morning or noon of the next day. Ihe reason assigned by John Brough for wishing to have them returned immediately is the following : " I wanted," says he, " to go with Thomas, and fetch the boxes from his house that night, because I did not like to be seen by folks carrying them in the day time. I did not wish any other person to know about my brother taking them off. I declare, as a dying man, that if Thomas had allowed me to have them that night, I should not have hurt him. I had never intended to strike him."  Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.  RAILWAY ACCIDENTS —On Saturday last, when justpassenger comingtrain out ts coming the tuunputehl Halifaxa stone fell it onean o das a f third• class carriages, which considerablalaprmaseade,ubguerat .On y without injuring, the unprotectedhgadupfa metnlle liT,hituhrsaduayacumidoernutin morning an teharelysamlueggeaaguseetraAin sctoomnein broke. The carriages,laden with the rail, and with the jerk the engine running against it, the chain connecting the train with fine fat pigs, of course, randown the steep incline, acquiring stopped. such force in the descent that they ran (it is said) nearly to Brighousepassing at the time, or the consequences might havetr b was een awful.—Halifax Guardian.
The Sun. — 1845-10-24 (London, England)

MURDER.—Charlotte M him. ackey, a married woman, Mr: Palfreyman said his client had been apprenticed to about 30 years of age, was brought up for final Mr. Peter Clarke, and had since been employed on the Midexamination, charged with stabbing her husband in the face land for three years. with a knife. • John Mackey, an elderly a an, husband ee the prisoner, Witness recalled—l watched the red lights go out of my eight, and then I saw a white light, and in a very little time appeared in the witness-box with his head bound up, and his left cheek covered with strapping. The poor fellow, afterwards, perhaps a few minutee, I saw the white light. When I heard the shock I ceuld not see any lights. By dayfrom the injuries inflicted, gave his evidence with great difficulty, light I could see the place where the accident happened. I The prisoner was accommodated with a chair in the dock can see a white light further than I can see a red one. We can see by daylight for about two miles. and sobbed aloud during the examination. For the pri oiler : John Mackey, on being sworn, said that he lived at No. Wm. Walker said, lam steker of the pilot engine. I went , 19,New-street, Deptford. He had been married to the pri- with Wheatley. Our engine had a white light in front. We soner five years. She had borne him no children. ,About started from Masborough about half-paet four. I was called half-past ere o'clock on Wednesday, the 15th instant, they up after the news came. We went toff Wath, about 20 were sitting dowerto dimmer, during which a few words en- 'Ales an hour. There was no red light at Wath, and we sued- The prisoner said she should go out. He did not went very carefully towards Barnsley. We saw a light know where she intended -to go. He persuaded her to ree there, and the watchman said the train had just gone. We main at home, and not leave the house. She had been drink- were nearly at a stand, and tee watchman walked by the ing previously to his coming home to dinner. The prisoner side of us. We saw no red light, but we did see a. white made no reply to his request, and immediately afterwards one. Our filet impression was that it was the guard who had jumped up, and seizing hold of a knife which lay on the table, cut him dot: n the cheek with it without a single , got off and was coming towards us. We then went further and saw two red lights, when Wheatley immediately shut off word. The knife passed through his left cheek into his : mouth. Witness said nothing, and put up his hand to stop ; his steam. I put the break on. Wheatley reversed the engine and put the steam back way; then the collision took the effusion of blood, not knowing the extent of the injury , Inflicted. The knife was taken from the prisoner by his land- . place. We were two or three carriages off the train when lord directly afterwards. we first saw the red lights of the train. When we stopped and examined the engine the steam wait not on, Ralph krewby deposed that the prosecutor au4 biz wif 1 Cross-opubsed—d- leaped eff the tinder about 10 or
The Sun. — 1845-12-03 (London, England)

CLIFTON. It appears that a woman named Bridget Barrett cohabited with a man named Mannion, by whom she had a child. It. having lately come to her knowledge that he was about. being married to another woman, she being aware of his mode of living, and some secrets connected, threatened to expose and prosecute him if he did not marry her. In. order to quiet her, he held out some promise of marriage, and induced her to sell a cow she had to pay the marriage expenses. He enjoined on her the most strict secrecy, stating that he had, no money, and that his friends would be enraged with him if they heard it. It was arranged that on a given night they, would be married, and that they should go the mainland on that evening from the island they lived on, Errislannen, a distance of a little more than half a mile, to Roundstone, where the priest lived. Bridget Barrett, however, before going to the mainland, told her sister the particulars, enjoining her to keep the matter secret. The sister, however, did not do so, but told a male acquaintance of her's all she heard, and he being curious to see them off, hid himself behind a rock on the shore, and plainly saw Mannion,, with his brother-in-law, Thomas Cosgrave, and Bridget Bassett, enter a boat together, and push off towards the mainland. He remained there a considerable time awaiting their return, but there were then only two men in the boat. At this very time, on the opposite shore, there were a number of persons playing at cards. The door of the house they were in being open, one of them remarked that he surely had heard the scream of a woman crying out " Oh, my back is broken !" However, Bridget Barrett was nowhere to be heard of. Suspicion having fallen on those parties, one of them, Mannion, was sent to our county gaol a few days ago. After a good deal of search and inquiry had been,made the. body of a woman was washed ashore where the accused and, Bridget Barrett had previously got into the boat. The body was at once recognised as that of Bridget Barrett, although much disfigured, the hands and legs having been literally torn off; it is thought they were tied together, and then tied to an anchor, which is missing from one of the neighbour's, boats. The place about it was dragged, and it is supposed' that the drag came in contact with the body, and tore it away from the anchor. Much praise is due to Mr. Jones,. R.M., for the diligent exertions he made to discover the perpetrators of this murder. On the body being found ha sent for Andrew Hosty, Esq., coroner, Tuam, who held an inquest on the body, on the days of the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th instant. The following is the verdict :—" We find that the said Bridget Barrett was allured into a boat in the harbour of Rosaenule, in the county of Galway, by James Mannion and Thomas Cosgrave (Dominick), both of whom wilfully murdered the said Bridget Barrett on the high seas, in the bay of Roundstone, on the night of the 10th of September last."—Galway Indicator.
The Sun. — 1845-05-15 (London, England)

ALDERSON—If you have no doubt, you ought to swear positively. Witness—l have a strong belief, but I will not swear positively. Examination continued—l knew the prisoner for three or four years before. I did not know where he lived. I never spoke to him. I always took him to be a porter. I had been off and on that beat for four or five years. Cross-examined by Mr. Bausesereme—The- width of the street is about 26 feet. The man was running very fast. Several were apprehended on suspicion of having committed the murder. I gave a description of the man to Inspector Moore. A person about 40 years of age was taken up, but when I saw him I at once said he was not the man. Ellen Napier—l am a woman of the town. I have gone by the name of Scott. About a month before the murder I saw the prisoner and had some conversation with him about Mrs. Tape. lie asked me if I bad seen a stout woman, about 40. He said she had given him a loathsome disease. I asked if he could mention the name. He said he could not. About three days after he asked me the same question, and again about a week after. I mentioned the names of all the women that walked in the neighbourhood. I mentioned the name of Mrs. Tape, and he said " That must be her." He said he should never get rid of the disease, and used a disgusting threat. I saw the prisoner on the night of the murder by the chapel in Charlotte-street, Bloomsbury, a little before nine o'clock. He had on a short jacket and a hat. The jacket was not velveteen. I was walking up and down, and lie spoke to ins. I said, "If you wish to see Mrs. Tape, whom you have asked about so many times,, in a few minutes you'll see her." Mrs. Tape and a woman named Caroline Graham came up. The prisoner said, " There you are ; that's the person I wish to see ; you have given me the —." She said, "I do not know you." He said, she did. She repeated, " that she did not know him, and had never seen him in her life." He said, " You ought to know me; if I put on my velveteen coat you would know me better." A policeman came up, and we walked on. We left the prisoner and Mrs. Tape (the name by which the deceased was known to the wretched creatures with whom she associated) walking away together and talking. She soon after left him, and came towards me. He said lie would not hurt Mrs. Tape. I went away, leaving him talking to " Biddy." In ten minutes I returned—about half-past 10. I saw a man speaking to Mrs. Tape. Soon after I saw the man and Mrs. Tape go into No. 11, George-street. I did not see the man's face. He had on a velvetteen coat and a cap. His height was about the prisoner's. Cross-examined by Mr. BALLANTINEI was not examined at the police-office or by the coroner. I was examined by the grand jury. I heard of the murder the same night. I first communicated what I have stated to the superintendent. • Re-examined by Mr.
The Sun. — 1845-08-04 (London, England)

FANNY. VTR LITTLE MILLINER; or, THE RICE AND 7'HE POOR: By C. Rowcroft. Of this little tale the interest does not at all flag in the present number. There is abundant observation evidenced in 'chapter 44, from which we can only find space for extracting a part of the homily delivered by some paupers whom a traveller encounters at their mid-day meal, at a road-side country ale-house. " That any one should talk to them of their hearts being glad, was to them altogether as unaccountable as the thing was inconceivable ! and as to the sun shining—whether the sun shone or not, what was it to them ? The sun might shine, but the sunshine of the heart was a thing they never felt. Did the shining of the sun make 'Their labour less, or their enjoyment mere ? If it ripened more plentifully the fruits of the earth, it was not for them that the fruits of the earth were ripened. It was for them to toil and sow and exhaust their animal energies in constant labour, but it was for others to reap and to revel in its produce. What were they ? Labourerers. What are labourers? Human machines for the production of wealth; to be used like other machines, animate or inanimate, at the minimum of cost : to be worked while they last, and to be flung aside like rusty iron and useless logs when they are fit to work no longer. Their hearts feel glad l Glad for what ? That they produced more wealth for the rich ? What was it to them that the rich got richer while the- poor got poorer? Did they share in the prosperity of the nation which they had heard the squires talk of ? What were all the arts and improvements of civilization to them ? They could not reason, but they felt that as eivilizatiqn increased their condition got worse. The wonderful inventions of machinery, which they beheld but could not prize, what was it to them? Did it cause them to labour less ? They hated it, because they felt that, instead of being made the means of lightening their labour, it was used in com•• petition against their labour, pitting wood and iron against muscle and bone • and that it was held out to them in the way of defiance when they complained of the insufficiency of their wages. They would have welcomed it as an auxiliary they abhorred it as a rival. As to the education of which their lupeperiors made a parade—wi.st was the use of it to them ? To teach them new wants; to wake their pre sort miseries more miserable, their galling burthetis snore intolerable !"  We under3t and that no 'I43Y has yet been apointed for the execution of the seven pn'ates convicted at the Exeter assizes of the murder of Mr. Palmer ,on the-high seas. A legal the prisoner's objection, taken to their conviction bycounsel, has been forwarded to the home-office, .and which, we • Judge who presume,prewill be referred thence to the Learners . sided at the trial of these monsters. This re., Irene° mustotime no necessarily cause some little delay, but in the meb- as no " respite will be required for stay of execution, inasmuch . .re precise day had been named for it when the convictiCyiy, sentenced.— Obs rver . .. „ . . .
The Sun. — 1845-08-04 (London, England)

FANNY, THE LITTLE .1111LL1NER; 0,, THE  --RICH AND THE POOR. By C. Howc,oft. Of this little tale the interest does not at all flag in the present number. There is abundant observation evidenced in ehaptr 44, from which we can only find space for extracting a part of the homily delivered by some paupers whom a traveller encounters at their mid-day meal, at a road-side country ale-house. " That any one should talk to them of their hearts being glad, was to them altogether as unaccountable as the thing was inconceivable I and as to the sun shining—whether the sun shone or not, what was it to them ? The sun might shine, but the sunshine of the Iteart was a thing they never felt. Did the shining of the sun make their labour less, or their enjoyment mere ? If it ripened more plentifully the fruits of the earth, it was not for them that the fruits of the earth were ripened. It was for them to toil and sow and exhaust their animal energies in constant labour, but it was for others to reap and to revel in its produce. What were they ? Labourerers. What are labourers? Human machines for the production of wealth ; to be used like other machines, animate or inanimate, at the minimum of cost : to be worked while they last, and to be flung aside like rusty iron and useless logs when they are fit to work no longer. Their hearts feel glad I Glad for what? That they produced more wealth for the rich ? What was it to them that the rich got richer while the poor got poorer? Did they share in the prosperity of the nation which they had heard the squires talk of ? What were all the arts and improvements of civilization to them ? They could not reason, but they felt that as civilization increased their condition got worse. The wonderful inventions of machinery, which they beheld but could not prize, what vvas,it to them? Did it cause them to labour less ? They hated it, because they felt that, instead of being Made the means of lightening their labour, it was used in competition against their labour, pitting wood and iron against muscle and bone • and that it was held out to them in the way of defiance when they complained of the insufficiency of their wages. They would have welcomed it as an auxiliary ; they abhorred it as a rival. As to the education of which their copeperiors made a parade—what was the use of it to them ? To teach them new wants; to make their.prtsmt miseries more miserable, their galling burthens more intolerable !"  We understand that no day has yet been apointed for the execution of the seven pirates convicted at the Exeter assizes of the murder of Mr. Palmer on the high seas. A legal objection, taken to their conviction by the prisoner's counsel, has been forwarded to the Home-office, and which, we presume, will be referred thence to the Learned Judge who presided at the trial of these monsters. This reference must necessarily cause some little delay, but in the meantime no respite will be required for stay of execution, inasmuch as no precise day had been named for it when the convicts were sentenced.— Ms rver  THE_
The Sun. — 1845-07-10 (London, England)

WILLIAMS.)  Gorge haler, was indicted for feloniously forging and uttering an acquittance or receipt fir the payment of ii, 145., with intent to defraud Abraham Wild:ly Roberts. Mr. CLARKSON said he had just communicated with his client, and as he could not hope to struggle successfully against the facts that were to be deposed to by the witnesses for the prosecution, he would, with the permission of the Ceurt, retract his plea of not guilty. The plea having been recorded, . _  Mr. CLAnKsoN-- said he belieVed he should be in a position to show the Court by respectable testimony that the prisoner, up to the time of the transaction, had borne a most unimpeachable character. He believed he had been led away by other parties.  111 r. B(.DKIN reminded the Court that there were three ocher indictments against the prisoner.  Mr. CLARKSON said he believed that the extent of the defalcations of the prisoner was not more than 131. altogether. Mr. Roberts said the amount was much larger than that stated by the Learned Counsel, but this was not so much the consideration, as the feeling that his duty to the public required him to prosecute in a case which he considered one of great breach of confidence. The prisoner was entrusted with cheques to pay the tradespeople, and his j ractice was to keep the amount and forge the receipts of the parties. The prisoner received a most exceW nt character when he came into his service, and he believed he hasi been induced by parties to bet upon horses and horse-races, and this had led him into difficulties. Mr. Justice WILLIAMS said he should consider what sentence ought to be passed upon the prisoner. Chades Chalk, 38, was indicted for feloniously killing and slaying his son, George Chalk. There was not the least evidence in support of the charge, and  Mfr. Justice WILLIAMS directed the jury to return a verdict of Not Guilty. William Warren, 26, shoemaker, was indicted for feloniously cutting and wounding Sarah Warren, with intent to murder her.  The facts of this case have already appeared in our police reports. Mr. Justice WILLIAMS baying summed up, the jury found the prisoner guilty of a cowmen assault. The Learned Judge, after some appropriate observations, sentenced the prisoner to three months' imprisonment.  Ai,thony Aldred was indicted for forging a receipt for the rum of 20'3., with intent to defraud Edward Cooper. It appeared that in June last the father of the prosecutor received a letter which purported to be written by his son, and in which he was requested to send hire a poit-office. order for 205., to No. 93, Tower-street, Blackfriars-road. The order was sent, and was proved to have been received by the prisoner, who signed the name of the prosecutor to it, and received the money. The jury found the prisoner Guilty, and a previous conviction for felony having been proved against him, he was sentenced to be transported for fifteen years. (Before Mr. Baron
The Sun. — 1845-07-10 (London, England)

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT. OLD COURT. (Before Mr. Justice Winnums.) George Hickmott, 20, butler, was indicted for felo• niously forging and uttering an acquittance or receipt for the payment of IL 145., with intent to defraud Abraham Wilday Roberts. Mr. CLARKSON said he had just communicated with his client, and as he could not hope to struggle successfully against the facts that were to be deposed to by the witnesses for the prosecution, he would, with the permission of the Court, retract his plea of not guilty. The plea having been recorded, Mr. CLARKSON said he believed he should be in a position to show the Court by respectable testimony that the prisoner, up to the time of the transaction, had borne a most unimpeachable character. He believed he had been led away by other parties. Mr. BODKIN reminded the Court that there were three other indictments against the prisoner. Mr. CLARKSON said he believed that the extent of the defalcations of the prisoner was not more than 131. altogether. _ _ _  Mr. Roberts said the amount was much larger than that stated by the Learned Counsel, but this was not so much the consideration, as the feeling that his duty to the public required him to prosecute in a case which he considered one of great breach of confidence. The prisoner was entrusted with cheques to pay the tradespeople, and his practice was to keep the amount and forge the receipts of the parties. The prisoner received a most excellent character when he came into his service, and he believed he had been induced by parties to bet upon horses and horse-races, and this had led him into difficulties.  Mr. Justice WILLIAMS said he should consider what sentence ought to be passed upon the prisoner. Chailes Chalk, 38, was indicted for feloniously killing and slaying his son, George Chalk. There as not the least evidence in support of the charge, and Mr. Justice WILLIAMS directed the jury to return a verdict of Not Guilty. William Warren, 26, shoemaker, was indicted for feloniously cutting and wounding Sarah Warren, with intent to murder her.  The facts of this case have already appeared in our police reports. . .  Mr. Justice WILLIAMS having summed up, the jury found the prisoner guilty of a common assault. The Learned Judge, after some appropriate obsorvadons, sentenced the prisoner to three months' imprisonment.  Anthony Aldred was indicted for forging a receipt for the sum of 205., with intent to defraud Edward Cooper. It appeared that in June last the father of the prosecutor received a letter which purported to be written by his son, and in which he was requested to send him a poet office order for 205., to N.,. 93, Tower-street, Blackfriars-road. The order was sent. and was preyed to have been received by the prisoner, who signed the name of the prosecutor to it, and received the money. The jury found the prisoner Guilty, and a previous conviction for felony having been proved against him, he was sentenced to be transported for fifteen years. (Before Mr. Baron