npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1854-05-11 (London, England)

CRIMINAL COURT.-(THIS DAY).  OLD COURT. (Before Mr. Justice Creswell.)  Henry Fricks, 24, a German, described as a tobacconist, was indicted for uttering a forged 10?. Bank of England note, with intent to defraud.  Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Bayley prosecuted. The prisoner had no counsel.  By the request of the prisoner, this trial took place before a jury composed one-half of foreigners. It appeared that, on the 19th April, the prisoner went to the Abbey Arms Tavern, St. John's Wood, and had some refreshment, for which he tendered in payment a forged 10/. note. The fraudulent character of the instrument was discovered, and a policeman was sent for, who asked the prisoner where he got the note from, and he at first said he had received it at the hotel where he was staying, but he afterwards altered his tale, and asserted that he had received the forged note in payment for cigars from a person who was a stranger. There was no proof of any other utterint, of forged notes, as is usual in cases of this description, but in addition to the contradictory statements made by the prisoner, was it proved that while the officer was conveying him to the police station, he jerked himself from him and ran off and attempted to make his escape. The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty. Mr. Justice Cresswell said he quite concurred in the verdict, and there was no doubt from what had occurred on the previous day, that the prisoner had not only been guilty of this offence himself, but that he had induced an innocent young woman to leave her friends in the first place to associate with him as his mistress, and that he had afterwards made use of her for the purpose of carrying on this nefarious traffic. He then sentenced the prisoner to be transported for fifteen years. Eleanor Baker, who was convicted yesterday of a similar offence was brought up for judgment, and sentenced to be imprisoned for twelve months. IVilliarn, Turner, who had pleaded guilty to the indictment of the same ind was also brought up, and he was sentenced to one months' imprisonment for the first offence, and to be transported for 15 years for the second. RebeccaTurtan, 32, was placed at the bar to plead to an indictment, charginc, her with the wilful murder of her husband, Thomas Turton.  Mr. Sleigh, who appeared for the prisoner, suggested that the prisoner was not in a condition of mind to take her trial, or to understand what was going on, and he called Mr. MMurdo, the surgeon of Newgate, and his assistant, Mr. Wilders, both of whom stated that the prisoner was now insane, and laboured under various delusions.  The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the prisoner was not in a fit state of mind to take her trial, and she was ordered to be detained in safe custody during her Majesty's pleasure.
The Sun. — 1854-05-11 (London, England)

PIRACY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.  The following report, which leads to the impression that the crew of the Harriet, of London, has been murdered by Pirates, may be relied on. It is dated Athens, the 25th of April : "On the 21st inst. her Majesty's steamship Triton, hearing that an English merchant vessel was in distress, sailed from this place and anchored in the harbour of Gavrios, island of Andros, where she found the English schooner Harriet, of London, in charge of the Greek authorities. Upon making inquiries it was ascertained that the peasants on the heights of Andros discovered a vessel with sails set on the 12th and 13th of April. Her movements were so peculiar, as she kept going round and round the compass, the sails at times full and at others aback, that on the second day the peasants sent to Gavrois and reported the circumstance to the head man of the place, who de• spatched boats, and found the vessel on a rock near Thelo, island of Andros, totally abandoned, a dog being the only living creature on board. On the 15th she was navigated to Gavrios. On the examination of her papers, &c., it became known that she had discharged a cargo of coke at Valentia, and was bound to Constantinople for cargo. Her log at noon of the 11th of April placed the ship with Cape Doro bearing, by compass, north-east by north 12 miles, and here that document ceases, stating the weather to be calm and sultry. Large pools of blood appeared on the deck and bulwarks ; the captain's cabin was ransacked and in great confusion, also that part of the ship appropriated to the ship's company. " Her books state her complement to be seven souls-(alI told). Two boats were on board. And now comes the question, where are the crew? Some people suggest mutiny, but, if so, how did the perpetrators leave the ship ! Two boats were surely sufficient for so small a crew, and the boats are on board. The position of the Harriet at noon of the 11th was about equi-distant from the Negropont and the islands:Lea and Andros, and she was an easy victim for the lawless gangs who are well known to infest the former place; they use the large row boat, and a calm is well suited for a dash alongside small vessels of commerce. The Harriet was towed into this port on the 23rd inst. by the Triton, and given in charge of Mr. Neale, her Britannic Majesty's Consul." Another act of piracy is also reported, The-English sehooner Sarah, Cole master, which arrived at Alatzatta on the 25th ult., from Trieste, had scarcely been at anchor two hours when she was assailed and boarded by 40 Greeks in two boats, who stripped her of her chronometer, watches, provisions, spyglass, clothes o. f the master and crew, and, in fact, every g The master was then menaced if he did not give themthin.va yluckily of fruitckily escaped for furthermone but,annoyahvnaceing none.Shewasto give,toload h a caerg London.
The Sun. — 1854-06-27 (London, England)

LEFT SITTING.]  ROYAL PPINCASS'S THEATRE.  Mr. C: Kean took his annual benefit last evening, and for the first time alone, unassisted by his accomplished lady, who, although materially recovered from her pro- 21 tracted illness, is still unable to resume her professional 1 duties, and to return to the position in which she has so long delighted the public. The house was crowded in S every corner soon after the opening of the doors, and Mr. 5 Kean was greeted with a simultaneous and enthusiastic burst of applause. On this occasion a new melodrama, 2 The Courier of Lyons, was produced, of a very extraor- 2 dinary and original character, adapted from the French, S and founded on a melancholy judicial fact which occurred 8/ in Paris at the early period of the revolution, during the S rule of the Directory. A. robbery and murder of the most atrocious nature was committed by three accomplices ; two 5 were taken, but the third and principal contriver escaped. 2 A person of respectable rank in society, totally innocent, 10 was arrested on strong suspicion, arising from his extra- S ordinary resemblance to the real criminal. The most convincing evidence was produced against him ; he was tried, 2 condemned, and executed with the -other two. Shortly after the true culprit was discovered, and the fatal mistake 2 became palpably evident. The family of the unfortunate • victim, under the early consulship of Napoleon, instituted a suit for the restoration of his property, which had been confiscated, and succeeded in obtaining a reversal of the sentence with the full acknowledgment of their rights. 1 The subject, with altered names and locality, was drama- l tised nearly 30 years ago, but has never been produced on the London boards. The version from which the present English adaptation is taken was first acted at the Theatre 'de la Unite on the llith March, 1850, and is the joint pro- I duction of Moreau, Siraudin, and De la Cour. By per- I mission of his living representatives, the real name of Lesurgues is restored to the principal character. The entire drama is greatly condensed, the parts heightened, and the interest concentrated, to bring it more in accord- l ance with the peculiar taste of an English audience. ] Mr. .Keau plays two parts—and most admirably doei he play them—that of Dubuse, the leader of a gang of robhers, and Joseph Lestirge, the son 'of Jerome Lesurge. In personating Dubuse, the actor appears as a ruffian ; in personating Joseph Lesurge, as a benevolent and excellent gentleman, who is on the point of marrying his daughter Julie to M. Didier. All through the play this series-of transformations of character and dress are kept ap with singular dexterity by Mr. Kean. The rapidity of the changes, both of character and costume, could only be effected by a most accomplished artist. All the other parts were well played, and the success of the drama was unequivocal. Mr. Kean was twice called before the curtain. Her Majesty and Prince A'bert occupied the Royal box, and appeared to be wrapt in deep attention by the extraordinary interest of the Courier of Lyons.
The Sun. — 1854-05-05 (London, England)

LETTERS FROM THE FLEET. Off Hango Point in the Gulf of Finland, April 24.—We have been on a pioneering expedition up the Gulf some miles above this point. It is quite clear of ice as far as we have been—Sweaborg, and as far as the eye can see to the eastward. The rumour about Russian men-of-war having been seen in Revel or Port Baltic, as stated in several English papers, is quite false. None have been seen in these waters (outside the forts) since our ships made their appearance. Seven or eight were perceptible within the Castle of Sweaborg. I fear they will not come out to meet us. However, we must see. Our ships have taken several prizes. The Tribune took four the other day fir her own share. The main squadron was lying off the mouth of the Gulf ; and Admiral Corry near the Stockholm Skjcegeord. The weather, which at first was severely cold, has now become considerably warmer,. and the days are getting perceptibly longer. The night 2 watches are still cod. The batteries on Haugo Point fired at us, as we passed close in taking soundings. The shot, however, fell short, and the orders from Sir Charles being strict, we did not return the fire. A boat landed from the Hecla at Oortto, and left some of our cards under the lighthouse for the Emperor's inspection. 'We found a village of 40 houses quite deserted on our approach ; one alone was tenanted by an old man, bed-ridden, evidently in his last stage. His friends had actually left his coffin outside in readiness for him. Instead of murdering him, as he evidently expected we should do, we left him a bottle of port and an orange, and requested him to explain to his friends on their return that the English are not such barbarians as it appears the Emperor's agents make the poor ignorant islanders believe. Had it been Russia Proper instead of Finland, her province, we might have helped ourselves to some fresh provisions; but in the present case it would be impolitic to Make the Fins our enemies.  From another sfource we learn that the party found fifty sheep and some goats on the island. Food appeared scanty, and the land barren. The only trophy carried away was a sprig of furze, which was blossoming in beautiful contrast to the snow with which it was surrounded. The result of the survey has been an assurance that with determination and caution the ships may go into any of the harbours except those strongly fortified ; in attacking these strongly fortified places, great caution would be necessary. The fleet was in excellent spirits. The Finlanders are very lukewarm in the cause of the Emperor, and will evidently only do that which may be forced upon them. It was expected the fleet would proceed again northward. The coal depots are in the Faro of Gothland. An extract of another letter from the Duke of Wellington, hearing date 27th April, states : " We are about to attack Han4;o Hinch Harbour, which wiil be the opening of the ball, and of which I hope to render you a good account."
The Sun. — 1854-05-05 (London, England)

LETTERS FROM THE FLEET. Off Hango Point in the Gulf of Finland, April 24.—We have been on a pioneering expedition up the Gulf some miles above this point. It is quite clear of ice as far as we have been—Sweaborg, and as far as the eye can see to the eastward. The rumour aboub- Russian men-of-war having been seen in Revel or Port Baltic, as stated in several English papers, is quite false. None have been seen in these waters (outside the forts) since our ships made• their appearance. Seven or eight were perceptible within the Castle of Sweaborg. I much fear they will not come out to meet us. However, we must see. Our ships have taken several prizes. The Tribune took four the other day for her own share. The main squadron was lying off the mouth of the Gulf ; and Admiral Corry near the Stockholm Skjcegoord. The weather, which at first was severely cold, has now become considerably warmer, and the days are getting perceptibly longer. The night watches are still cold. The batteries on Hango Point fired at us, as we passed close in taking soundings. The shot, however, fell short, and the orders from Sir Charles being strict, we did not return the fire. A boat landed from the Hecla at Ourtto, and left some of our cards under the lighthouse for the Emperor's inspection. We found a village of 40 houses quite deserted on our approach ; one alone was tenanted by an old man, bed-ridden, evidently in his last stage. His friends had actually left his coffin outside in readiness for him. Instead of murdering him, as he evidently expected we should do, we left .him a bottle of. port and an orange, and requested him to explain to his friends on their return that the English are not such barbarians as it appears the Emperor's agents make the poor ignorant islanders believe. Had it been Russia Proper instead of Finland, her province, we might have helped ourselves to some fresh provisions ; but in. the present case it would be impolitic to make the Fins our enemies.  From another source we learn that the party found fifty sheep and some goats on the island. Food appeared scanty, and the land barren. The only trophy carried away was a sprig of furze, which Was blossoming hi beautiful contrast to the snow with which it was surrounded. The result of the survey has been an assurance that with determination and caution the ships may go into any of the harbours except those strongly fortified ; in attacking these strongly fortified places, great caution would be necessary. The fleet was in excellent spirits. The Finlanders are very lukewarm in the cause of the Emperor, and will evidently only do that which may be forced upon them. It was expected the fleet would proceed again northward. The coal depots are in "the Faro of Gothland. An extract of another letter from the Duke of Wellington, bearing date 27th April, states : " We are about to attack Han4o Hinch Harbour, which wiil be the opening of the ball, and of which I hope to render you a good account."
The Sun. — 1854-03-15 (London, England)

GUILDHALL.—James Tucker, the young man who was remanded from Wednesday last upon the charge of shooting at Mr. Umpleby, his late master, with intent to kill him, was again brought up for further examination.  Thomas Pryor, a cab driver, said—l drove the prisoner on Tuesday last from the cab rank opposite the Eastern Counties Railway to the Smithfield police station. The officer who had the prisoner in custody was the only other person who rode in the cab with him. In the morning, while searching my cab, I found under the seat this Spanish clasp knife, two pairs of bullet moulds, and a tin canister containing some bullets and pistol nipples. Richard Davis, of 2, Henrietta-street, Manchestersquare, said—l am a locksmith. On Tuesday last I sold the pistol produced to the prisoner. He asked me if I had any more pistols and some bullets, and on my replying in the negative he said he wanted them because he thought of going to Austritlia. The pistol has had a nipple put on it since I sold it.  John Stevens said—l am a gun-maker, carrying on business at No. 11, Hackney-road-crescent. I know the prisoner. He brought this pistol to be repaired on Tuesday afternoon last. It had a new percussion nipple put to it, and when he came again for it he bought a pair of bullet-moulds marked No. 54. The other pair produced I know nothing of. The bullet produced by Inspector Teague fits the pair of moulds No. 54. When I returned the pistol to the prisoner, there was a bullet lying about, and as I was removing it the prisoner said, "You need not put that away—just give me a load." I accordingly loaded the pistol with powder and ball, and having put a percussion cap on it, I delivered it in that state to the prisoner, and he then went away. Inspector Teague said the bullet spoken of by the last witness, as fitting No. 54 moulds, is the same that was discharged from the pistol by the prisoner while in the police-station. Evidence was then given with reference to the embezzlement of several sums of money. After which, a previous conviction was proved against the prisoner, by which it appeared that he was imprisoned for eight months for embezzlement, and on his being released from prison, Mr. Umpleby, knowing that fact, took him into his service at a salary of 30s. per week, with the view of giving him an opportunity of reforming and retrieving his lost character. The depositions being completed, they were then read over to the prisoner, who, in answer to the charge of attempting to murder his master, said, " It was quite an accident, and not at all a premeditated thing. In taking the pistol from my pocket to lay it down on the bench it went off quite unawares. I never told the inspector that I meant to shoot Mr. Umpleby." What I said was that I did not mean it for the inspector, neither did I intend it for Mr. Umpleby." The prisoner was then fully committed for trial upon all the charges. George Pike was fined 305., and Michael Villis 405., for treating a horse with cruelty of a most revolting character.
The Sun. — 1861-12-05 (London, England)

DOUBLE MURDER ON AN AMERICAN  SHIP AT SEA.  From information received by the American consul at Cardiff, the superintendent, with an effective staff of constables, repaired to the West Bute Dock at an early hour on Tuesday morning to await the arrival of an American ship, Pleiades, on which a horrible murder had been reported. Thousands were present to wait the arrival of the ship, and the police had no easy task to accomplish to keep the people at bay. At about 10 o'clock the longlooked for came at last, and eight foreigners (Italians, Americans, Germans, and Austrians) who comprised the crew, were immediately arrested on the charge. Their names were Peter Storey, Peter Murrier, Irach Jocynine, Martin Sando, Perfeto Salas, Joseph Mansel, John Mansel, and Peter Sanga. From the captain of the ship the following particulars were afforded :—lt appears that for some considerable time the crew had manifested very bitter feelings against the mate of the ship for his repeated hard conduct towards the men, and accordingly it had at length been decided in council to murder him on a favourable opportunity presenting itself. The 12th of last month proved the fatal day not only for him, but for another poor fellow, who is supposed to be an unwilling accomplice. The mate (whose name we have as yet been unable to ascertain) went, as usual, at an early hour in the morning to call the men from their sleeping apartments, when he was immediately attacked with staves, knives, and other dangerous weapons. The captain, hearing the noise, rushed on deck and fired on the men, and then, by persuasion and force combined, succeeded in rescuing the victim, but the injuries were of too severe a character to give the rescuer any faith in entertaining the slightest hopes of his recovery. His body presented a frightfully mangled appearance, and the wounds caused him the greatest agony. He lingered, by aid of stimulants, not many hours, after which he was, according to the custom, thrown overboard. The other poor fellow, whose name also we have not learnt, was the interpreter, and was despatched in the ocean with little or no ceremony, at least so is supposed by the captain, for he missed him without seeing any struggle or hearing any disturbance. The villains, however, were not content to stop in the execution of their deadly work after causing the death of two, but they afterwards attacked the second mate, upon whom, fortunately, they determined to exercise a little mercy, and he was subject to no further molestation, after having received severe wounds on his left arm. The captain appears to have enjoyed the general confidence of the crew, and was not hurt.  The prisoners are at present confined in Cardiff gaol, awaiting the arrangements of the American Consul to transfer them to the American police authorities for the administration of the laws of that country. The greatest excitement is manifested in the case at Cardiff, and the vicinity of the police station has been crowded throughout the day with people anxious to glean every particular.
The Sun. — 1861-03-19 (London, England)

ANOTHER BRUTAL MURDER IN LIVERPOOL.  Yt. ,e...  The Liverpool Stipendiary Magistrate was occupied yesterday in the investigation of a charge of murder, preferred against Joaquin Fransisco, a Brazilian sailor, belonging to the Spanish vesse Antonio. The deceased's name was also Fransisco, a Spaniard. In the course of Sunday evening the prisoner went to the boarding-house kept by Florentine, in Carpenter's-row, where several other Spanish sailors lived. On arriving at Florentine's, the prisoner passed at once into the inner kitchen, where there were several of the boarders at the time, and as he went in, he in some way pushed against the servant girl, who made some complaint, on which the deceased called out not to make a noise there as the master would not allow it. On this the prisoner said it was none of his (deceased's) business; to which deceased replied that he would make it his business. The prisoner then challenged the deceased to fight, and the latter saying, " Very well," went out into the street. Two or three others followed, and soon afterwards the prisoner came out. Without saying a word, he rushed through those who were standing by, and made a cut at deceased's neck with something having a white blade, which was in his hand. Neither the prisoner nor the deceased had said a word outside of the house up to this time. Immediately on being struck, blood gushed out of the neck of the deceased in a copious stream, and the prisoner ran off. The deceased died in less than ten minutes. It appeared that the prisoner had boarded in the house of a man named Philip Joseph, and that this man Joseph was at Florentine's at the time of the dispute. Suspicion at first fell on him, and he was seized as the murderer, his wife being also present. She proceeded home, and in a short time after her arrival there the prisoner came in, apparently quite cool and collected, and went up stairs and changed his shirt, putting the one he had taken off into the box and locking it. When he had done this Mrs. Joseph accused him of having committed the murder of which her husband was accused, and insisted on his being detained till her husband was exonerated. The prisoner did not say anything, and while Mrs. Joseph was endeavouring to detain him, a police=officer arrived and took him into custody. So soon as he say the officer the prisoner made a violent effort to get away, and finding that he could not do so, he drew a knife, and made several attempts to cut the officer across the abdomen. He was at length overpowered and secured, but not before he had succeeded in throwing a razor into the fire. It is with this instrument that he is supposed to have committed the murder. The prisoner was remanded till to-day, when he will be committed for trial at the assizes on the charge of wilful murder.  Wine, called Valerie, two thousand years old, has been dug out of the ruins of Pompeii. MR.