The Express. — 1868-06-27 (London, England)

DEATH AND ROBBERY OP A GENTLEMAN IN BOTITN-ROW.  Yesterday Mr. Bedford held an inquiry in St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park-corner, respecting the circumstances attending the death of an independent gentleman named Samuel Burchild, aged 61. The inquiry excited more than usual interest, and Mr. Inspector Fraser, of the A division, attended to watch the cue for the Commissioner of Police. Mr. Charles Camp, a coachmaker' of No. 20, Prince'smews, Kensington, said that on Wednesday night last about a quarter-past 10 o'clock, his attention was called to the deceased, who was leaning over the railings opposite Rutland-gato, in Rotten-row, Hyde-park. There was a woman near him, who said the gentleman was very ill, and she asked him to go and fetch a policeman. When witness came up to him he pointed to his throat, and said that he thought he should be suffocated. He walked with him about 200 yards, when he fell, being unable to walk any further. He then appmred red in the face. He was put in a cab, and removed to the hospital. John Hook, a police constable, No. 214 A, said that on Wednesday night he was on duty near Knightsbridge barracks, when he was called to a gentleman who was lying on the grass, and who appeared very ill ; he was foaming at the mouth. Ile sent the last witness for a cab, and he was removed to the hospital; but he thought he died before he reached it. He searched and found a notebook and a pocketbook in his posse lion, three 61. Bank of England- notes, and a bank bill for 4001. and another for 1001., some memoranda and three half-pence. When be reached him, his shirt and his trousers were undone. The woman who called his attention to the deceased ran away, and a soldier who was present also ran away. He had no watch about him. Mrs. Lucy Snow, of 48, Frith-street, Prins-street, Soho, said that she knew the deceased, who had lodged with her for ten years. She last saw him alive on ednesday night about nine o'clock, at which time he went out. He bad not slept much for the last few days. He was a man of very eccentric habits, but bad not been attended by any medical man. He frequently complained otpains in the throat. He never threatened in her presence to commit suicide. The Coroner—Are you aware whether he was in the habit of carrying a watch ? Witness—He was. He always carried a very valuable one in his side waistcoat pocket. That being missing, she believed it had been stolen. She did not know what loose money be had in his possession when he left home. The Coroner—Had he any relatives ? Witness—Yes. He had a nephew and a step-brother, but he told me if anything happened to him that I was never to communicate with them. . .  The Coroner—You had better do so, and that imme diately. Witness—But I don't know where to find them—they are not in this country. The Coroner—You are sure that he was in the habit of carrying a watch P Witness—l never saw him without one, it was a large gold one, and of peculiar make. James Nash, of 7, Church-court. Kensington, said that on Wednesday night he was in Hyde-park, and he saw the deceased walking along with a woman at his side. Ilia attention was called to him by his throwing his arms about and making a noise. The woman asked him to fetch a policeman. He asked the woman and a soldier to unbutton his waistcoat and collar, which being done, the man said, " Oh, go and fetch a doctor." He said that he lived near Soho-equare. Mr. Edward liable, of No. 19, Frith-street, said that he had known the deceased for many years. Ile was not a feeble man ; he was a very quick walker. Mr. George Parr, resident house physician, said death had reaulteti from Disease of the heart. There was no doubt from the examinatioa he had made that the deceased had been the subject of great excitement in the park, and that had accelerated his death. There were no marks of violence on the body. The Coroner asked what was to be done with the proPerty? Inspector Fraser said that it remained in the hands of the hospital authorities. Mrs. Snow said that she wanted the hospital authorities to allow her sufficient to bury the body The jury returned a verdict of "Natural death from disease of the heart," and the proceedings terminated.