npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1848-08-07 (London, England)

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.  NORTHERN ClRCUlT.—Newcastle, Aug. 4. Mr. Justice Cresswell and Mr. Justice Erie arrived here yesterday from Durham. They were met by the High Sheriff in a carriage and four, at Gateshead Fell. Their Lordships proceeded to open the commissions, and afterwards attended divine service at St. Nicholas Church.  This morning business commenced at 10 o'clock, Mr. Justice Cresswell presiding in the Moot Hall, and taking. till one o'clock, the town cases, where there are 16 prisoners for trial, one charged with murder. There are 13 causes in the county, nine of them being proceedings in scire facias, arising out of the failing of the North ut England Bank. James M-IVichol, an Irish navvy, aged 21, was indicted for an assault on George Chaytor, and with wounding him, intending to do hint grievous bodily harm, on the 22d of April, in this town. The prosecutor said that in the evening of the day named in the indictment, as he was pas,ing through an entry out of St. Nicholas-square, he saw four or five men quarrelling. As he tried to push past, the prisoner struck prosecutor. He ran away, shouting murder and police, but the prisoner and another overtook him. He entreated the prisoner not to murder him, but the prisoner struck him a violent blow, and knocked him down, and then kicked him so violently on the left temple that he became insensible. Mr. Rayne, a surgeon, said he found a large triangular wound on the prosecutor's left temple. It was a dangerous wound, and even now he was not restored. His memory was still impaired and very confused. M. GRANGER addressed the Jury tor the prisoner, and contended he had not the intention alleged. The Jury, „after considerable hesitation, found the prisoner Guilty. Imprisoned eighteen months with hard labour.  In the county calender there are eight prisoners only; one charged with murder, and one with an attempt to suffocate.  (Before Mr. Justice Elam) George Shelley, a farm labourer, aged 21, was indicted for wilful perjury, committed in the following poaching case, on an information before Dixon Dixon, Esq.:— It appeared that a person of the name of Harvey was charged, on the sth of February, for shooting, at Alnwick, in some preserves of the Duke of Northumberland, on new year's day last. A witness of the name of Thompson then swore that Harvey and three others were out at half-past two o'clock, and that they were seen near the place whence the report of a gun was heard.  In answer to this evidence, the prisoner stated that he was at a public-house about 1,500 yards distant from the place where Harvey was alleged to have been seen, in company with Harvey from two till eight o'clock, and that he could not therefore be absent from it at the time alleged by Thompson. Witnesses were called to prove that Harvey was out with a gun at the time and place mentioned by Thompson. Mr. OVEREND, for the prisoner, contended that the prisoner's statement might merely be a mistake on his part. Mr. Ingham and Mr. Manisty for the prosecution. The jury found the prisoner Guilty. Sentence deferred.  August 5.
The Sun. — 1848-12-01 (London, England)

CORONER'S INQUEST.  At twelve o'clock at noon this day (Thursday) Mr. Edward Press, one of the coroners for the county of Norfolk, held au inquest upon the bodies of Mr. Isaac Jermy and his son. The jury was composed of the yeomanry and other respectable inhabitants of the district. It was stated that in the early part of the day th* coroner forwarded to the accTusheedli(stli:,slais)reatulirsnteodfwtibeth jury summoned to attend, with a view of ascertaining if he objected to any of them, fouri hneamea decease erads gentleman, scribed as G 9 years of age, and his son, Mr. Isaac Jermy, u jury having n. , as 30. The been sworn, proceeded to view the remains of the unfortunate deceased,' which lay in the drawing-room of Stanfield-ball, and presented a melancholy sight. Both bodies were stretched on the carpet in the apartment' and death apparently with both of them bad been instantaneous. Mr. Jermy, sen., hd passing through h shot by hbaaldl assassin in the left side,. the the ee heart. 0 Thehen it passed son ed h r receivedouh the ball in his right side, son received the ball in his right side, when it passed t his body. The coroner and jury were shown by the domestics the mode and place in which the murders had been committed. The murderer, there is no doubt, intended to assassinate the whole family, and he succeeded in ehootsng at them all except a daughter of the younger Mr. Jermy, a beautiful child, three years of age, who escaped. It is supposed the murderer had been for some time past watching an opportunity to effect his murderous design, and that he had seen the entire family, with the exception of Mr. Jermy, senior, in the drawingroom, the windows of which fronted, and were almost on a level with the lawn. We have already stated that the elder Mr. Jermy was shot in the grounds. His son was met by the assassin at the porch of the principal entrance, and ran round to another entrance adjacent to the servants' office, which was generally open, and by which he entered into the body of the house, when, meeting with the villain again, he was shot dead. The murderer then proceeded into the drawing-room, expecting to meet with Mrs. Jermy and her daughtell but they had for some minutes previously retired into the dining-. roots. Hearing the second report of fire-arms, Mrs. Jermy ran out and saw her husband lying on the floor. The assassin fired at both mother and child, but providentially with little effect. The terrified lady ran to the corpie of her husband, and was in the act of kneeling to ascertain his real condition, when the wretch fired another pistol or gun, which ' wounded the lady's maid. Mrs. Jermy was then hasten, ing to take r< fuge up stairs, when she was shot at and wounded. The ruffian then left the house, first throwing down a paper, on which was written—" There are seven of us, all armed, two inside and five out. You servants keep in the servants'-hall. ;If any of you attempt to follow, you will be shot dead. We are come to take possession of the estate. Signed, THOMAS PRESTON, the rightful owner."
The Sun. — 1848-03-25 (London, England)

CHIEF JUSTICE WILDE.)  THE QUEEN V. STAUGUTON. This was an indictment for a rape upon a female child of the age of l2i years. Mr. MACAULAY conducted the prosecution, and at the request of the Learned Judge watched the case for the prisoner. The prosecutrix, a very intelligent and modest-looking girl, of the ago above stated, had been sent on the 7th of January last from Barrowden to Uppingham, a distance of six miles, to carry a letter to Mr. Hope, a chemist there. When near Glaston, a village one mile and a half from Uppingham, she was passed by three men, with whom was a dog of rather remarkable colour and appearance, which in the event served as a material piece of evidence to establish the identity of the prisoner. The three mon and the idog passed her on the road going towards Uppingham, and she lost sight of them. When within about ono mile of Uppingham the prosecutrix was accosted by a man, whom she positively swore to be the prisoner, and who was accompanied by a dog exactly resembling the one she had previously seen. She thou described the details of the offence perpetrated upon her, which was not effected until he had inflicted some blows upon her face and used frightful threats to intimidate her. When released she made the best of her way to Upping. ham, and presented herself to Mrs. Hope in a state of the utmost distress and suffering. From the description given of the man the police set off in quest of the prisoner who was well known as a railway navigator in the neighbouihood, and atter a protracted search he was found concealed under a bed in the house of a friend, where he was denied when inquired for, but the dog being in the house the search was persevered in. All doubt as to the accuracy of the prosecution in speaking to his identity was removed by the evidence of two witnesses, who proved that he was one of the three men seen, as above stated, by her near Glaston, and that the dog was the same dog, and had been recently stolen by the prisoner. The jury returned a verdict of Guilty; and the prisoner was sentenced to be transported for the term of his natural life. In the case of murder the grand jury ignored the bill. The prisoner was a young girl employed nursing a baby. The prosecutrix, the mother of the infant, on coming into the room, found the baby in a dying state, and on smelling at the mouth detected the smell of Landmn's. Shortly afterwards she saw the prisoner shut an oven, and, on going to look into it, discovered a bottle containinr, laudanum. There was no evidence, however, of the administeringe by the Prisoner, or of her having purchased, acquired, or been herself in the possession of any laudanum. We believe that nearly all the evidence against the prisoner was that above mentioned, but the facts did not transpire in court, the bill having, as before stated, been ignored by the grand jury.
The Sun. — 1848-02-14 (London, England)

THE CONVICT PARKER.  The following letter appears in the Sunday papers. It is said to be from the wretched woman who now lies under sentence of death for the murder of the two children of Robert Blake, to whom it is addressed : " Dear Robert,—This is the last time you will ever receive advice from me. My days are numbered; this day fortnight I shall be silent in the grave. Take, therefore these few lines into consideration; never again trifle with a woman as you have with me. Promise to forsake all others, and cling once again to her who ought to hold the only place in 3ieur heart—the wifer4 your bozo ..,:`"this, Robert, ivtilat I sincerely wish. n have deep .• ed her, ana so have you. Let her, then, .eve yokir best and purest affections. Ohl rrt, .aLwe parted long since, as I requested, my and t of those who were near and dear to you, lion give Ille.ni,Leutp,u .3 , dear .n,obort, pray that when the bitter cup has passed I may be received by Him who drank a more bitter one than mine to save us all. God in mercy forgive us 1 I freely forgive you all your wrongs to me. I have prayed that He will fit you for the heavy trial I have brought upon you ; and, oh, may we yet meat in that land in which sorrow and misery will flee away ! I only ask that you will sometimes shed the tear of pity and forgiveness over my unfortunate lot. You may yet be happy in this world with Esther. Your innocent children are, I trust, in Heaven. This is to me great comfort, and I pray that it may be to you. Awful as my fate is, I would rather die than live again the wretched life I have done for the last twelve months. Be assured, Robert, and remember that those who break the sacred tie pledged at the altar of God will never prosper; more than one within these walls can testify to the truth of this by bitter experience. It has brought us to misery, shame, and sorrow. The heart of man can hardly pity us: only one shed a tear of sorrow on my misery at my trial—that was Mrs. Moore. I wish you to pay some little debts for me. I shall die much happier if you will. I owe the milkwoman eightpence. Bridget did one half day's wo*k for me, and likewise Mrs. Washington a trifle, and the greengrocer for coals, I think 2s. 6d. Be sure and answer this directly, and tell me you will comply with my last request. Likewise get my marriage lines from Mrs. Mears; you can enclose it in the letter; it will be a satisfaction to all. Now, Robert, I must conclude, and that God in mercy may forgive, bless, and prosper you and yours, is the sincere prayer of the heart that dictated these lines.—From the unfortunate "
The Sun. — 1848-02-14 (London, England)

THE CONVICT PARKER.  The following letter appears in the Sunday papers. It is said to be from the wretched woman who now lies under sentence of death for the murder of the two children of Robert Blake, to whom it is addressed:—  " Dear Robert,—This is the last time you will ever receive advice from me. My days are numbered; this day fortnight I shall be silent in the grave. Take, therefore these few lines into consideration; never again trifle with a woma❑ as you have with me. Promise to forsake all others, and cling once again to her who ought to hold the only place in your heart—the wife of your bosom. 7 his, Robert, is what I sincerely wish. I have deeply injured her, and so have you. Let her, then, after this, hare your best and purest affections. Ola! Robert, had we parted long since, as I requested, my life, and that of those who were near and (tear to you, would have been spared. I deserve my awful fate, and God give me strength to go through all ; and, dear Robert, pray that when the bitter cup has passed I may be received by Him who drank a more bitter one than mine to save us all. God in mercy forgive us! I freely forgive you all your wrongs to me. I have prayed that Ile will fit you for the heavy trial I hare brought upon you ; and, oh, may „e yet meet in that land in which sorrow and misery will flee away! I only ask that you will sometimes shed the tear of pity and forgiveness over my unfortunate lot. You may yet be happy in this world with Esther. Your innocent children are, I trust, in Heaven. This is to nie great comfort, and I pray that it may be to you. Awful as my fate is, I would rather die than live again the wretched life I have done for the last twelve months. Be assured, Robert, and remember that those who break the sacred tie pledged at the altar of God Will never prosper; more than one within these walls can testify to the truth of this by bitter experience. It has brought us to misery, shame, and sorrow. The heart of man can hardly pity us: only one shed a tear of sorrow on ray misery at my trial—that was Mrs. Moore. I wish you to pay some little debts for me. I shall die much happier if you will. I owe the milkwoman eightpenco. Bridget did one half day's work for me, and likewise Mrs. Washington a trifle, and the greengrocer for coals, I think 2s. 6d. Be sure and answer this directly, and tell me you will comply with my last request. Likewise get my issarria,qe lines from Mrs. Mears; you can enclose it in the letter; it will be a satisfaction to all. Now, Robert, I must conclude, and that God in mercy may forgive, bless, and prosper you and yours, is the sincere prayer of the heart that dictated these lines.—From the unfortunate "
The Sun. — 1848-07-06 (London, England)

ATTORNEY-GENERAL stated the case against the prisoners. After saying that he was the last mart who would suppress temperate public discussion in the slightest degree, but that he would never countenance acts of violence, which were adopted for the purpose of menacing the Government, he proceeded to say, that the prisoners were charged with being present at an unlawful assembly. The meeting was held by placard, calling the people to assemble at all hazards; it was held late at night, at Clerkenwell-green, in defiance of the warnings of the Government and of the administrators of the law, and at a time when the whole of Europe was in a state of commotion. Iu holding it, no doubt the parties who took an active part in it, the heads of the Chartist body, imagined that they would be enabled, by disturbing the public peace, to obtain their ends by violence. Williams was the chairman of the meeting, and Vernon was in the van, and though he did not take an active part in it, he did in the subsequent proceedings. Williams began by saying "My friends, the bloody aristocracy has done its work," and went on to say " that it they were assailed he hoped they had sufficient energy to defend themselves. He bade them fall into marching order four a breast, and he would take them to a place where they would meet ten times as many, and where they would be ad-' vised what was the best thing to be done." The meeting was principally composed of Irishmen, who suffering from distress, composed an excited assembly. They were spoken too ut a time when John Mitchel bad been recently convicted, and the words that were spoken by Williams were these—" The Gagging Bill had been brought in to murder that honest patriot John Mitchel, by the base, brutal, and bloody Whigs,' who had accomplished their end by means of packed juries and partizan judges." From the speeches made on the occasion (all of which he read), it was obvious that the people were advised to arm. As he said yesterday, all present at meetings of the hind were responsible for the consequences. The people did march four a-breast for some time through the principal arteries of the metropolis, causing the utmost alarm. Williams marched at the head of them, and Vernon took an active part in the proceedings. In Red-crossstreet the mob halted at a coffee-house, from which Vernon addressed them, saying the time had arrived for acting. Some one in the crowd said, " Come down among us, and we will do it to-night." A person named Macarthy said, " No, come again to-morrow night and bring your guns and pikes with you." The mob separated after being told that meetings would be held from night to night, at Stepney-green and other places. The following witnesses were then called Mr. Richard Kemmis, who produced the conviction of John Mitchel, fur felony. It was handed in, and the words in which Mr. Mitchel was convicted were read by the Clerk. Mr. F. 'l'. Fowler examined by Mr.
The Sun. — 1848-07-06 (London, England)

ATTORNEY-GENERAL stated the case against the prisoners. After saying that he was the last man wlio would suppress temperate public discussion in the slightest degree, but that he would never countenance acts of violence, which were adopted for the purpose of menacing the Government, he proceeded to say, that the prisoners were charged with being present at an unlawful assembly. The meeting was held by placard, calling the people to assemble at all hazards; it was held late at night, at Clerkenwell-green, in defiance of the warnings of the Government and of the administrators of the law, and at a time when the whole of Europe was in a state of commotion. In holding it, no doubt the parties who took an active part in it, the heads of the Chartist body, imagined that they would be enabled, by disturbing the public peace, to obtain their ends by violence. Williams was the chairman of the meeting, and Vernon was in the van, and though he did not take an active part in it, he did in the subsequent proceedings. Williams began by saying "My friends, the bloody aristocracy has done its work," and went on to say " that if they were assailed he hoped they had sufficient energy to defend themselves. He bade them fall into marching order four a breast, and he would take them to a place where they would meet ten times as many, and where they would be advised what was the best thing to be done." The meeting was principally composed of Irishmen, who suffering from distress, composed an excited assembly. They were spoken too at a time when John Mitchel had been recently convicted, and the words that were spoken by Williams were these—" The Gagging Bill had been brought in to murder that honest patriot John Mitchel, by the base, brutal, and bloody Whigs,' who had accomplished their end by means of packed juries and partizan judges." From the speeches made on the occasion (all of which ho read), it was obvious that the people were advised to arm. As he said yesterday, all present at meetings of the hind were responsible for the consequences. The peoplo did march four a-breast for some time through the principal arteries of the metropolis, causing the utmost alarm. Williams marched at the head of them, and Vernon took an active part in the proceedings. In Red-crossstreet the mob halted at a coffee-house, from which Vernon addressed them, saying the time had arrived for acting. Some one in the crowd said, " Come down among us, and wo will do it to-night." A person named Macarthy said, " No, come again to-morrow night and bring your guns and pikes with you." The mob separated after being told that meetings would be held from night to night, at Stepney-green and other places. • The following witnesses were then called Mr. Richard ICemmis, who produced the conviction of John Mitchel, fur felony. It was handed in, and the words in which Mr. Mitchel was convicted were read by the Clerk. Mr. F. T. Fowler examined by Mr.
The Sun. — 1848-04-17 (London, England)

THE MURDER IN WESTMINSTER  WESTMINSTER POLICE-COURT.—(THIS DAY.) (Continued from our Afternoon Edition.) Sergeant Wright, 10 B said—About a quarter to one he was walking down Regent-street in company with some other constables. Having been informed that a worsen had been stabbed, I proceeded to the spot, and found a woman lying on the ground. I gave directions to hay, her taken to Mr. Pestle's. She was taken, and I saw that gentleman examine her ; he pronounced her dead. I had her taken to the dead-house of the workhouse. Whilst there a young woman whom I know to be an unfortunate girl came up, and I a-ked her to look at the female on the stretcher. She did so, and said her name was Maria, id gave me her address. Wright and I went to the residence of the prisoner, 7, Vincent street. His father looked out of the window, and we told him we wanted his son. He came down and opened the door, and showed us into the parlour, where we found the prisoner in bed apparently in a sound sleep. Wright called him several times by his name, but he did not answer. I clapped my hand upon bits, and he sprang up in bed, and said to the constable who was with me, " What do you want, Harry ?" The constable told him he had been ill-using " Maria." Ile got out of bed and sat on the side of it. He then asked the question "Is she dead ?" twice. I told him she was. He asked where she was, and I replied in St. Margaret's Workhouse. He then threw himself on the bed in agony and grief, and exclaimed with his hands together, " Oh, my God, I have done for her 1" (The prisoner here asked for water, which was fetched him by toe gaoler.) After a minute or !::?, we induced him to dress. Seeing the "a'te 01 excitement his was in, I took the precaution to search his clothes. In the right hand pocket of the jacket he blade has now on I found a knife, the point of the awaywfinuich was covered with blood. We took him where eta__ and as we passed the end of the street not go %woraan had been found he said he could God! Y that place; he exclaimed, " 0 my stands leekt't go by that place; there she induced him Cc: at me.e After a little persuasion we said, "There, noWhen he had passed the street he that soldier, but pethwzill go with you. It was owing to on the way to the stationbe will be sorry for it now." house he saicl—" The knife bss done it for her, aei. The prisoner did not antt,hte n'pe must do it for me." t, 133 B, corroborated Police-constable Henry \;),,*'ltl, any questions. the evidence of the last witness. Inspector Cumming corroberated the evidence of the hal two witnesses, with this additioisia,dha,t when he met „;_You have got the prisoner in their custody he him. To which the prisoner replied, have done it." I told him not to criminate himself. Mr.