The Express. — 1866-07-28 (London, England)

THE DOUBLE MURDER IN SOMERS TOWN.  ADJOURNED INQUEST.-(THIS DAY.)  —--- - This morning, Dr. Edwin Lanicester resumed the inquiry relative to the above shocking event at the Rising Sun Tavern, 120, Euston-road, the dammed being Emma , Butcher, aged 3 years and 6 mouths, and Agnee Butcher, aged 12 months, who were supposed to have been drowned in a tub of water by their mother, Meg Butcher, who afterwards attempted to drown herself in the water-butt at 67 Wilatead-street, Somers-town. Inspector Fraser of the Y division of police, said he had seen the mother of the children a short time ago, and she was very feeble and unable to appear before the court. He presented the following certificate from Mr. Butt, the surgeon of St. Pancras Infirmary : 'I hereby certify that Mary Butcher, aged 39, has had a very bad night and is this morning unable to attend the cuurt. tSigned) W. F. Burr, Surgeon, St. Pancras Infirmary." The following additional evidence was then taken : John Brown, of 67, Wilstead-street, stated that he had known the Butchers for about 18 mouths. The last week Mrs. Butcher appeared to be rtrange in her manners. Last Saturday morning he heard some moaning is the yard and went to ascertain the cause. He found Mrs. Butcher in the water-butt crouched up. The water was up to her neck, and her head was lying on one side. He knocked the tap out of the butt to let the water out quickly, and having obtained assistance she was taken out. Witnem then called in the assistance of Mr. Jackson. Margaret Brawn, wife of last witness, said she was intimate with Mrs. Butcher. On Saturday morning she saw her lying on a bench in the yard. She appeared to be insensible. Whensbe recovered she asked for the children. She said she wanted to suckle the baby. The husband said they were at the grandmother's. Witness did not think she knew even at the present time that they were dead. About a quarter to 8 witness, with Mrs. Bradford, were endeavouring to restore Mrs. Butcher, when Mn. Bradford remarked bow toadly the children wen sleeping. The father then went to the bed, and, touching one of them, exclaimed, " Good God, she's dead!" He touched the other, and found her also dead. He took Emma, the youngest, out of the bed, and walked about the room kissing her, and calling her his dear angel, and exclaiming, 'Oh my pretty angel—it's dead, it's dead." There was a tub of water in the room, in which were some children's clothes. One of the deceased had on a bedgown, hut she could not say whether it was wet. There were three other children in the room, when Mrs. Butcher was carried in, the eldest being 10 years of age. The Coroner here made inquiry as to whether any of the surviving children could give any account of the matter. Inspector Frazer said he had questioned the children but neither could say anything about it. The eldest child said they were all asleep. William Butcher (the unhappy father) &leo stated that on questioning the children they stated that they were  eski. Thep Ooroner having referred to the CAM, uked the jury whether at this stage they were prepared to come to *verdict, or whether they would adjourn for the attendance of the woman. The jury preferred an adjournment, u they hesitated to reborn a verdict without having seen the accused. An adjournment was then agreed to.