Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1861-08-30 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

BARNARD CASTLE.  A TRIP TO THE FLOWER SHOW.-A cheap trip to this ancient place for is 6d took place on Tuesday last, when a .large concourse of people assenibled at the different railway stations to avail themselves of the favourable opportunity of visiting the Horticultural Show and Musical Gala, announced to be held in the old Castle &id. The day was all that could have been desired, and the arrangements good with the exception of the detaininent so long at the railway stations. The floral fete was not of an extensive scale, but what was exhibited was worthy of attention, and especially the variegated plants, dahlias, and cut flowers. The musical part of the proceedings appeared attractive ; the Ist Newcastle Artillery band under the leadership of Mr A. Clinton, played some excellent pieces of music; and the far-famed Swiss female singers, from S. James's Hall and the Royal Cremone Gardens, London. Arrangements were also made for Mr C. G. Green's ascent in his magnificent balloon, which required 30,000 feet of gas for inflation but at six o'clock in the evening it had not ascended, which caused some disappointment to the visitors, who were eagerly watching it. We understand that the gasworks were so small that a sufficient supply could not be obtained; whether it ascended or not we cannot say as our informant had to leave with the train, but are informed it did not. In the locality of Barnard Castle are found various objects of beauty and attrtiction, to mention which, would occupy more space than can be allowed at present.  Mum:mit or A SERGEANT OF POLTCE AT LITTLE DEAN --A few days ago, a terrible affray took place near Speech House, Little Dean, between Sergeant Samuel Beard and four sheep•stealers. Four suspicious characters had been drinking in a neighbouring public-house, and a farmer and Beard suspected something wrong. Beard secreted himself in one position, and the 'farmer in another. It appears that the fellows had set their gins and laid their nets. When these preliminary operations were completed they drove some sheep into an angle of the ground, for the evident purpose of killing some of the flock. Beard at this crisis rushed upon the scoundrels, when they commenced a savage and brutal attack upon him. They beat him with bludgeons, and kicked him most furiously when on the ground It seemed to be their intention to murder him, and they did not cease to illtreat him until they thought they had completed their diabolical purpose. The ruffians then fled, leaving him, as they thought, for a dead man who could tell no tales. The poor fellow was found next morning about four o'clock, in a state of insensibility. He presented a most deplorable spectacle. The farmer states that when he was in his hiding place he heard some blows, but he thought it was some one beating a "donkey." He says that when some considerable time had elapsed he left his hiding-place, and went to look for Beard, but could not see him. He, however, found his great coat hung up in a tree, and he thought he was gone home. The affray must have been a very sanguinary one, for four of Beard's teeth were knocked out, and the ground was covered with clots of coagulated blood. On Tuesday he became conscious, and immediately mentioned the names of the four ruffians. The fellows were shortly afterwards apprehended. Their names are Williams, Roberts, and two brothers named Coopey. most determined-looking characters. On Wednesday they were taken before the magistrates, and afterwards to the bedside of Beard, who at once recognised the whole of them. They were then remanded, and the dying deposition of the officer taken. Poor Beard lingered in great agony until Saturday evening, when death put an end to his sufferings. The prisoners, who are charged with wilful murder, will be brought up before the Little Dean magistrates.— Birmingham Post.