npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1827-01-30 (London, England)

VII., which has been purchased by AI. Firman Didot for 10,000 francs for every thousand copies sold by subscription. We hope the public will, on this occasion, give 111. Villemain a mark of their esteem. For him a greater number of subscriptions would be a recompence for the sacrifice he has made to his conscience, and would he a proof that France knows how to defend the defender of her Jibe' ties.—CorWitutionnel.  IRISH MURDERERS,—They had, during these worde, been, perhaps, speaking to each other at some little distance; for their whispers, now that Peggy supposed them to have come close together, were lost on her aching ear, though she still heard the hissing sounds in which the conversation was carried on. A considerable time elapsed while they thus stood motionless outside her don•; at length they moved, seemed about to part, and at parting a few more sentences became audible. " Go, then," said the woman, " an' let us lose no time : nothing else can be done ; poor Mnggy is to be saved from the treachery of the Lonnon sneak, if there was no one else concerned in the case ; speed, Phil ; make sure o' the horn hafted Lamprey that you'll find on the dresser : I'll meet you at his doer with a light and a vessel. Are you sure he sleeps sound enough ?" " There is only the one sleep more that can he sounder," replied Phil ; and Peggy heard them going off. In panting terror she listened for their steps again passing her door : nor had she to listen long.. Slowly and stealthily, and with heavy breathings, or a suppressed curse at the creaking boards, they separately came up. In a moment after, she heard 'them undo the fastenings of the inside room, and fascinated to the coming horror, as the bird is to the reptile's glanee, her eye was fixed to a chink, ere the light they carried afforded her a renewed view of the victim's chamber. The woman first entered, bearing the candle in one hand, and in the other a basin which held a cloth. bier face was now set in . the depth of the bad expression Peggy had seen it momentarily wear below stairs ; and she was paler than usual, though not shaking or trembling. The lad followed, taking long and silent strides across the floor, while his knife gleamed in his hand and his look was ghastly. They made signs to each other. The woman laid down the candle and the basin, and tucked up the sleeves of her gown beyond her elbows. She again took up the basin, laid the cloth on the floor, stole close to the straw couch, knelt by it, and held the vessel near the wretch's head. Her companion followed her, and knelt also. He nu_ knotted and took off, with his left hand, the man's neckcloth. As it was finally snatched rather briskly away, the wearer growled and moved. He never uttered a sound more. Peggy kept her e” to the chink during the whole of this scene. She could not withdraw it. Even when the murder was done, she durst not remove her eye until the woman and lad had left the chamber; so that she was compelled to observe the revolting circumstance of washing the blankets and the floor, and other things ' which again must not be noticed.— Tales of the O'Hara Family.
The Sun. — 1827-01-12 (London, England)

RECORDER.)  Charles Pearce, aged 22 years, and Henry ilitchman, aged 23 years, stood indicted for stealing a trunk and other articles, on the 20th of December, the propel ty of Henry Sansom, Esq., a gentleman residing i❑ Bryanstone-square.  By the statement of the witnesses, it appeared that on the day named in the indictment, the trunk with its contents, which were of a valuable nature, were stolen from out of the prosecutor's house, by means of some persons descending the area steps, into the house. The trunk was in a passage on the basement, and the thieves effectually made their escape without creating any alarm in the house. The prisoner, Pearce, on the same morning, was seen carrying the trunk along Oxford-street, and the other prisoner was following him. Ilitchmau accosted Webster, one of the day patrol, and asked him how he did? Webster seeing the other prisoner carrying the trunk, thought they had not come properly by it, and took both the prisoners into custody. The prisoner Pearce, on being called for his defence, appeared unusually agitated ; he protested his innocence in an address to the Jury, which occupied the Court nearly twenty minutes, and observed, that his father had been most respectably connected, but, through unfortunate speculations, had been greatly reduced in circumstances. In consequence of this the prisoner felt himself called on to go out in the world ; accordingly he left home, and had since filled several respectable situations. He observed, moreover, that many of his employers were present, and would give him an excellent character. The trunk which he was charged with stealing, was entrusted to him by a gentleman, in whose employ he had formerly been, for the purpose of conveying it to his house. His father, he added, was now dead, and he had not one friend left in the world.  The Jury found him Guilty, but acquitted the other prisoner. On this verdict being announced, Pearce was about to address the Court a second time, when the Recorder informed him, that he could not be heard then; but that if he had any thing to urge in arrest of judgment he might do so previous to his being sentenced. On this Pearce emphatically exclaimed—" Two months ago I was happy and comfortable !" and on turning from the dock, drew forth a cobbler's knife (which he had concealed in his sleeve) and stabbed himself. Ile dropped instantly senseless, and was removed for surgical attendance to the prison. A medical gentle. man, on being sent for, pronounced the wound dangerous, but not mortal. The whole Court was inexpressibly shocked at this catastrophe. Michael Sullivan, the prisoner who was remanded last session, on the ground of his not being able to plead, in consequence of being deaf, and nearly speechless, was this morning put to the bar, on the charge of cutting and stabbing-Thomas Evans, with intent to murder him.  The Lord Chief Baron, on a point of law, directed the Jury to return a verdict of Not Guilty.
The Sun. — 1827-12-31 (London, England)

STOCKHOLM, DEC. 14.  Letters from Abo say, that the remainder of that unfortunate town has been destroyed by fire. The exportation of iron from Gothenburg, up to the sth, amounted to 141,000 ship pounds,. being 30,000 more than last year.  A private letter has been received this morning from Trieste, dated the 15th inst., which does not mention a word upon the subject of the destruction of Clic Greek Fleet, and coming from the first establishment in that City, gives reason to doubt the truth of the account altogether.  By the Faith, Captain DELOITTE, Sydney Papers to the 4th of August have been received at the North and South American Coffee-house : It is reported in the Colony that Australia and Tarmania are to be erected into a See, and further stated that the Venerable the Archdeacon Scott is to be the first Bishop ; it is also understood that the Attorney-General is to take a seat in our Colonial Councils. A Quarterly Magazine is on the eve of being published under the superintendance of the Rev. Mr. Wilton; the Rev. Dr. Lang and the Rev. Mr. M'Garvie contemplate the publication of a periodical. The Australian Magazine is only suspended in its operaration for a time ; the Chamber of Commerce has held their first Annual Meeting, and made their first report. Many persons had died in the Colony from a catarrh, particularly in the country, some with the second or third attack. It is stated in these papers that the new gaol will occupy six or seven years in building, and cost the Colony from 25 to 40,0001. A meeting of the Court of Proprietors of the Bank of New South Wales had been held, R. Jones, Esq. in the chair, a half yearly dividend of seven per cent. declared, and a new director elected, in W. Redfern, Esq. in the room of the late lamented D'Arcy Wentworth, who died at Paramatta on the 6th of July. The natives are again ravaging certain parts of the country in • Tarmania, carrying slaughter and devastation before them ; a tribe had appeared at Quamby's Bluff, robbed a Mr. Widowrson, and destroyed all they could not take away. Several murders had been committed by the natives. In an extract of a letter from Launceston, it states, the people over the Second Western Tier had killed a great number of the blacks in consequence of the murder of Mr. Simpson's stock-keeper ; it is reported there were about 60 in number killed, and it is remarked there will never be an end to such transactions till the natives are removed.— The -Hobart Town Gazette mentions, on the 30th of June, the names of 19 prisoners under sentence of death, 15 of whom were executed, four were pardoned. A settlement had been made by Captain Logan of the 57th regiment, to which plan the Governor-in-Chief had paid a visit, and expressed himself highly gratified at the state of the new settlement. The Governor proceeded on his tour in his Majesty's ship Rainbow, Captain Rous, accompanied by Archdeacon Scott. Dr. Transon died at his residence Varro Ville, Bunbury Curran, he was a very old and respectable colonist; he left a lenge property to his 'brother in Van Dieman's Land, a nephew, and two nieces in England.  PAWS or Paovislows AT
The Sun. — 1827-09-19 (London, England)

RAPE.  Jazzes Const, aged 24, stood capitally indicted for committing a rape on the body of Susannah Poole, in the parish of Stepney, on the 26th July, and Josh. Coltman, an elderly man, stood also indicted for standing by and aiding and abetting Const. Mr. PHILLIPS stated the ease for the prosecution. Const was a toll-keeper, Coltman was a watchman, and the prosecutrix was the daughter of a respectable tradesman, from 19 to 23 ; and, on the night in question, the deed was perpetrated in the toll-gate-house. Susannah Poole, a delicate-looking girl—l am 23 years of age ; on the 26th July last I lived with my brother and sister, at No. 3, Carolinestreet, Commercial-road. I spent the evening with my sister, who is married, and lives there. My father and mother are alive. I left my sister's at about ten o'clock on the night in question. I was going to my mother's that night for some things. My mother lives in North-street, Stepney. In going through the turnpike-gate I saw Const. I think it was then a quarter to ten. Ile called me by some name, and I walked on without taking any notice of him. He then came up to me, and took hold of me. I said he was mistaken in the person. He took hold of me round the waist, and took me in the gate-house, and locked the door. I saw no other man when I was taken in there. When he locked the door, I screamed out murder, as loud as I could. When I began to scream he put his hand before my mouth. He used me very ill. He forced my clothes up. I felt very ill and faint, and then he threw me on the ground. I resisted as much as I could. He let me alone a little, and I screamed out murder. He was very desperate. I screamed murder. I heard a voice outside of the door. I screamed murder three times. It was the watchman outside. The voice said, after I screamed murder—" for God's sake let the female out, we shall get ourselves into trouble." This was after Const had me on the ground. To the best of my recollection I was on the ground for half an hour. He accomplished his purpose then. He got up in consequence of the knock at the door. I got very faint then, and he put me on a chair. He gave me something to drink, but what it was Ido not know. I refused to drink it ; I closed my teeth, and believe most of it went on the floor and my clothes. It was in a wine glass. When the knocking was at the door he opened your rounds, it is all right." it, andAtthi said " go stimelcould not see any one outside. When he got up he raised me up. The door was then closed and locked. After the man outside went away, he began to get me on the ground again.  The case was proceeding:when we left the Court.
The Sun. — 1827-07-16 (London, England)

FURTHER PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO THE MURDER OF  THE REV. J. WATERHOUSE, AND SURRENDER OF ziEDDINGs,  " Late on Thursday night Heddings, whom the officers have been searching for during the whole of the week, surrendered himself to the Keeper of the House of Correction. It seems he had concealed himself in a hovel, near New Pasture Common, near this town, since Monday last, anfl seeing no chance of escape, and most likely tired of his retreat, discovered himself to the shepherd of the common, and wished him to fetch the Keeper of the House of Correction, to whom he would surrender himself.— He then made a statement of what he knew of the horrid murder; and there now remains no doubt whatever but the man committed upon suspicion, Joshua Slade, is the murderer. No public examination has yet taken place, but the following is the statement of Heddings, who said that Slade communicated to him, about three o'clock in the afternoon of the murder, the manner in which the murder was committed. Slade told him : I got into the old fellow's house a little after nine o'clock in the morning, when the old man had stepped out, and secreted myself. I thought the old man was out, but the old man saw me, and said, What, are you here again ?' He seized me by the collar; I got away, and he ran after me to the garden door, where he caught me by the jacket, and pulled me back, and seized me by the neckerchief and throat, when we had a desperate struggle, and I thought at one time he (Waterhouse) would have choaked me; but I kept jobbing at him with the bill in the throat, hacking and striking him about the head and face, and at last I became too powerful for him. The old fellow at last dropped, and I threw him in the tub; at this time I heard the dog barking, and I went to see if any one was coming. I thought it was all up with me, and somebody there; but finding no one coming, I went back to the old man in the tub, and found him groaning, and heaving himself on his side. I thought he was getting the better of it, so pulled out my knife, and quite despatched him. Heddings, on surrendering himself, was in a very exhausted state, not having taken any refreshment since Monday, nor ventured from his place of concealment. The whole of this unparalleled transaction has been investigated with the greatest despatch, and the country is deeply indebted to J. Torkington, Esq., our worthy Magistrate. A few days ago application was made to the Secretary of State for a police officer, to assist in the discovery of the murderer, when Mr. Sturges Bourne, with the greatest promptitude, sent. down Ellis, of Bowstreet; but, before Ellis could enter into prompt exertion, the disclosure narrated above had taken place. We have not given so full a statement of this affair as we could have wished, but sufficiently so for general information. Had we proceeded into more minute details, and related every circumstance, we might, probably, by the publicity given to it, defeat the ends of justice. Heddings will be confronted with Slade before the Magistrates this day (Saturday.)
The Sun. — 1827-05-30 (London, England)

NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS.—In one of our southern counties, where there is a larger supply of honour than cash, a gentleman, who was rather hard in paying his debts, was applied to for a sum very little short of 5001. The usual answer was given ; but the creditor declared, that, from his own engagements, he would not wait any longer. This elicited an answer, which caused the applicant to apply a horse-whip to the shoulders of his debtor. A hostile message was sent ; but the gentleman, not wishing to run the chance of being paid his debt by shooting his antagonist, declined the honour until they were on an equality. This obstacle being overcome by the money being paid, the parties met, and the creditor having received his adversary's fire, the business terminated satisfactorily to both—one having preserved his credit, the other his honour.—Dublin Patriot.  MIDDLESEX SESSIONS, INFAv 29.  The Grand Jury found a true bill against Wm. Sheen for murder.  Daniel Carr was indicted for assaulting the wife of a soldier at Hounslow, who swore that the defendant, taking advantage of the absence of her husband, who was in his (defendant's) employment, took liberties with her person, and throwing her on the bed was about to accomplish his purpose, when her husband came to the door outside. She had screamed out at first, but she made no noise when her husband was heard outside the door, because she was fainting. She admitted that she made no complaint of this outrage until her husband left the employment of the defendant, in about ten days after it had occurred, because, she said "she was not able to go about." She drank tea, however, with the defendant on the very next evening.— Verdict, Not Guilty.  An officer of Worship-street, named Fitzpatrick, was convicted of imprisoning a respectable man in the watchhouse all night, because, having a bundle of linen in hand, which he was carrying from his washerwoman's late at night, he was unable to say whether or not the articles had say marks on them, and was also unable to tell the number of his watch, which the defendant took from him. It was in rain that the prosecutor referred him to a house where he might inform himself satisfactorily as to who ar.d what he was; the defendant refused to call there, and consequently the prosecutor was compelled to spend t:e night in the watch-house ; and so much did he suffer from the cold, that the watch-house-keeper was actually compelled to take him out to another place several times to warm himself.  The CHAIRMAN expressed Lis regret to see the son of an old and respected servant of the public conduct himself so improperly. He deferred pronouncing judgment upon him at present.  George Greir was indicted for feloniously receiving a quantity of human hair, the property of Thomas Christian Manley, a hair manufacturer, in Staples-inn, Holborn, well knowing it to have been stolen. It was found in the possession of the defendant, three days after the property was stolen. He was found Guilty, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment.
The Sun. — 1827-01-23 (London, England)

SOUTH AMERICAN TOILETTE.—WhiIe I was sitting on a horse's head, writing by the blaze of the fire, I saw two girls dressing for the ball. They were standing near a stream of water, which was running at the hack of the hut. After washing their faces, they put on their gowns, and then twisting up their hair in a very pretty simple way, they picked, by the light of the moon, some yellow flowers which were growing near them. These they put fresh into their hair, and when this simple toilette was completed, they looked as interesting, and as nicely dressed, as if "the carriage was to have called for them at eleven o'clock ;" and in a few minutes, when I returned to the hall, I was happy to see them each with a partner.......l-Acurs Rough Notrs  SOMNAMBULIs correspondent, of undoubted veracity, informs us, " that the sudden disappearance of the son of Mr. Pearce, of Fisherwick, near Lichfield, created great alarm in the faMily on Thursday night the. 28th December, but it subsided on his return after about an hour's absence. It appears that the boy rose in his sleep, having nothing on but his shirt and night-cap, and leaped from his chamber window, 15 feet from the ground, after which be took his course through an extensive garden, and- by the help of a ladder, ascended a wall fourteen feet high ; after walking a considerable distance upon it, he descended by a tree into a thick plantation, through which he passed upwards of half a mile, crossing a current of water by a narrow plank. his mother, on discovering his absence and his room window open, went out in pursuit of him, when, to her great surprise, she found him returning home without having received any injury excepting a few scratches."—Staffordshire Advertiser. Some days ago, an account appeared in some of the Morning Papers, detailing the circumstances of a highway robbery that was committed near Guildford, and describing that Cobbler Will and another man were apprehended in that town soon afterwards, on suspicion of having been concerned in the outrage. On that occasion, upon searching the tinnier, a silver watch was found in his possession, which he alleged was the identical one taken from him by the Chief Constable of Union-hall, when he was apprehended on suspicion of having committed the murders at Fetcham. Subsequently, however, upon the watch being shown to Mr. Hall, he at once discovered the falsehood that had been told by Cobbler Will respecting it. Since then' a person named Mann, attended 'at ITnion-hall, and having stated that he had observed a paragraph in the Newspapers, describing that a watch, taken from the person of Page, was deposited in the hands of the Chief Constable, requested to see it, when he at once identified it as his property, and stated that be had been robbed of it in the neighbourhood of EpsOnl about three weeks ago. The applicant was referred to the Magistrates presiding at that place, before whom he might make application for a warrant again,* Page,
The Sun. — 1827-06-08 (London, England)

ALBANY, MAY 9..—HORRIBLE ASSASSINATION•One of the most horrible instances of deliberate assassination that we have ever been called upon to record, was committed in this vicinity on Monday evening. The particulars of this transaction, as they have been communicated to us, are as follows. Mr. John Whipple, of this city, whilst writing in a back room in the second story of his dwelling house on Cherry Hill, a mile below this City, between 9 and 10 o'clock at night, was fired at through the sash, with a pistol. The ball passed through and shattered a pane of glass, entered the body of Mr. Whipple through the blade bone of his left shoulder, cut one of the principle arteries of the heart, and lodged in the right lobe of the lungs ; he barely exclaimed, " My God !" rose and walked a few steps to the head of the stairs, and there fell and immediately expired. The murderer approached his victim by clambering on the roof of a back stoop, and firing from it diagonally at the distance of 10 feet. At the time of the shot, a young gentleman was sitting in the room with the deceased ; but in the confusion of the moment no pursuit could be made ; nor were any steps taken until information was conveyed to the police of the city.—The steps of the villain are plainly visible on the roof of the porch, as is also the flash of the powder on the frame of the sash. Mr. Whipple was in the prime of life, industrious, enterprising, and fair in all his transactions. He was respected as a vcluable and intelligent citizen. He has been cut off in the midst of his usefulness leaving a bereaved widow and an interesting young son to lament his untimely fate. Mr. W. returned from New-York, on Sunday night, where he had completed an advantageous contract connected with the Hudson and Delaware canal, in the construction of which he had participated largely ; and was at the moment of his death arranging his papers for a departure from the city , yesterday morning. As it may well be conceived, an affair so atrocious and so unusual amongst us, has excited great feeling and indignation ; and no effort will be spared to detect the assassin. The corporation of the city, it will be perceived, has offered a reward of 250 dollars for that purpose. No cause except upon conjecture has been assigned for the commission of this deed. The circumstances under which it was perpetrated,.—in the most populous of the environs of the city, in a dwelling where were several individuals and particularly in the face of a person sitting by the side of the deceased, after clambering also with much difficulty to an elevation equal with the second story,—mark it as one of the boldest, as it is one of the blackest in the annals of crime. Two witnesses were under examination yesterday, before J. 0. Cole, Esq. at the police office, the result of which is not known, only as far as they disclose nothing definite. The Mayor of Albany has offered a reward of 250 dollars for the apprehension of the murderer of Mr. Whipple. Argu s. (From the New York Statesman, May 15.)