The Sun. — 1849-12-31 (London, England)

THE MYSTERIOUS DROWNING AT FENCOTT. In last Saturday's Chronicle we gave particulars of the mysterious disappearance of Elisabeth Stanton, of Fencott, and of some suspicious circumstances connected therewith. The magistrates of the Ploughly division, in which the above place is situated, continued, by the officers, efforts in furtherance of an elucidation of the mysterious circumstances. Those efforts have been so far successful as to lead to the finding of the body in the river Ray, about fifty yards below Fencott-bridge. On the subsiding of the overflowed waters dragging was commenced, and on Wednesday last the body was feund by Mr. Beckley, fisherman, of Islip. She was dressed as described by us last week, and had the whole of her scanty clothing on, including her bonnet, which, it appears, had been tied securely on her head. The features were fully distinguishable, and the body was but little decomposed. The sediment of the water adhered so closely to the body as to form a akin-like covering. From the body having been drawn from the water on the Charlton-on- Ottmoor side of the river, it was, after having been placed on a hurdle, carried to that village, where for about an hour it was, in consequence of the peremptory refusal of the Rev. G. Riggs, rector, to allow it to be placed in the church, exposed to view in the road near his mansion. The arguments of the parishioners in favour of, the placing the remains in the church were met with a direct negative, and an intimation that he would take the consequences of the refusal.-Mr. Riggs suggested that the body should be taken back and conveyed to the cottage of the father of the deceased, but this was opposed, for reasons stated, by the bystanders, and the proposer of it then suggested that the remains should be placed in the parish coal-house. Cause was shown against this proposition also, and ultimately the body was placed in the parish schoolroom. On Thursday it was cleaned, and subsequently inspected by Mr. Sydenham, surgeon, of Islip, and Mr. Dawson, surgeon, of Bicester, both of whom intimated that the body was free from bruises or marks of violence, and that it appeared to be in a healthy state. These facts go to remove the impression of murder having been committed. .Information was, on finding the body, forthwith given to Mr. Brunner, the coroner for the district, who appointed teu o'clock on Friday for holding the inquest. The officers continued their exertions in obtaining evidence explanatory of the mysterious case, and relative to which there are a variety of rumours. Of these we do not take cognizance, but shall continue to gives such facts as may transpire. The inquest on the unfortunate young woman was held at the Crown Inn, Charlton-on- Ottmoor. All the evidence obtainable was produced and fully heard. From the late hour at which the inquiry terminated wethiswcek can only give the result. After a patient inquiry, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. In our next we propose giving the copious evidence in Maim —Oxford Chronicle.  Alluding to the long looked-for " Letter to the Queen on a late Court-martial," by Mr. Warren, a document now announced for immediate publication, the United Service Gazette observes :—" Expectation is on tip toe (we need hardly say) in military circles ; and if what we have heard as to the nature of some of the expected revelations, and the distinguished sanction under which the forthcoming manifesto will appear be correct, the subject will prove one of a national importance, and must lead to a sweeping change of system at the Horse Guards. That system we have long thought a rotten one, and hope the blow about to be given it will be a vigorous one—well aimed, and effectual."