The Sun. — 1844-02-08 (London, England)

CRESSWELL.) Charles Edwards, a young man of respectable appearance, was charged with having feloniously attempted to discharge a loaded pistol at Matilda Potter, with intent to murder her. In another count, the prisoner's intent was laid to be to maim and disable the prosecutrix, or to do her some grievous bodily harm. Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Payne conducted the prosecution ; Mr. Wilkins defended the prisoner. It appeared from the evidence, that the prosecutrix is a widow, and lives with her mother, who keeps a coffeehouse in Bridge-house-place Southwark. The prisoner had lodged in the house, and paid attentions to the prosecutrix, which it appeared were discouraged by her and her mother, and in October he quitted the house. He continued to come there, however, and continued his attention to the prosecutrix, although he was repeatedly requested to desist from so doing, and also not to come to the house. On Sunday, the 14th January, the prisoner went to the prosecutrix in the coffee-room, and told her that he was come to wish her good-bye, and that she would not see him any more, and he then went away. About five o'clock the next evening, the prisoner again went to the house, and, after some conversation with the prosecutrix, he drew a pistol from his pocket, pointed it close to her neck, and pulled the trigger, but fortunately without effect, as the pistol did not explode. The prosecutrix 's mother laid hold of the prisoner, upon which he said that he would serve her the same. The prisoner was then secured by a policeman, and, on the pistol being examined, it was found to be charged with gunpowder and a ball. The prosecutrix on being cross-examined said that the prisoner had paid her attentions for three or four months, and always expressed the greatest affection for her. Upon one occasion he took a ring from her finger and wore it until the next day, when he returned it to her. She denied that she had ever expressed any affection for him, but said that he had often told her that he would die for her. Some letters were produced by Mr. Wilkins which she admitted were in her handwriting. The evidence of the prosecutrix was corroborated by her mother and other witnesses, one of whom said, that, after the prisoner had made the first attempt to discharge the pistol, he pulled back the hammer of the pistol, apparently for the purpose of making a second attempt, and when he was secured he said that he intended to shoot the prosecutrix, and afterwards shoot himself.  The constable, upon being cross-examined by Mr. WILKINs, said that the nipple of the pistol was so clogged up that it was not likely to have exploded. Mr. WiLiaNs, on behalf of the prisoner, contended that the evidence only showed the prisoner to have been guilty of a silly, foolish act, merely with the intention of frightening the prosecutrix, and that he had no intention either to kill or to injure her in any manner. Mr. Justice CRESSWELL having summed up the case, the jury, aftera very short deliberation, returned a verdict of Guilty. The prisoner was sentenced to be transported fc.r fifteen years.  A asom.—A young man, named Edward Jones, was indicted for having wilfully set fire to his house, and was acquitted.