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the best they could for their employers." At length, upon reaching a hill, where there is an easy and gradual descent of more than a mile, the coach set off at a quick pace, which increased rapidly as it neared the level or termination of the hill. When within about a quarter of a mile of the latter place, the coach commenced running at a most furious rate; the vehicle itself rolled and rocked from side to side, many of the passengers screamed for fear, and others, at the hazard of their lives, jumped off. In this alarming state, the coachman attempted to pull in the horses, when the wheel horse fell down upon his haunches,-the leaders were pulled back upon the wheelers, and the coach suddenly overturned. By this accident the plaintiff was thrown beneath the coach, and had his leg broken. Amputation was the consequence. Damages for the plaintiff£200.

10.-Explosion of a Steam Boat. One of those unfortunate accidents, (says the Norwich paper) which attend even the best arranged establishments, that carry with them a certain though remote danger, occurred on the 4th instant, and the horrible spectacle of eight mangled carcasses is yet before our eyes. These are the miserable victims of the bursting of the steam-boiler in the packet which sails from Norwich to Yarmouth. Just after the boat had started, it had not gone twenty yards, when the tremendous explosion took place. The vessel was rent to atoms, so that little remains entire from the stern to the engine-room, except the keel and the flooring. Twenty-two passengers appear to have been on board. The bodies of eight are found-five men and three women: one child yet missing, and six have been sent to the hospital in a wounded state; six escaped unhurt. Of these last, one man was standing over the boiler when the explosion happened. It is said Major Mason was another, whose clothes were torn by the shock, but who was otherwise uninjured. The third was an infant two months old, and the little innocent was discovered at the bottom of the vessel in a profound sleep, after the removal of the dreadful wreck.

11.-Fall of Snow.-Yesterday morning, between four and five o'clock, a considerable fall of snow took place, which whitened the streets of London for twenty minutes. Tuesday was remarkably warm and fine for the season, the preceding ten days were of a similar description, and the whole winter has been mild.

12.-The Honourable the Barons of his Majesty's Exchequer in Scotland, have made a grant of the extensive sand bank, which lies off the harbour of Greenock, to the magistrates; infeoffment was, on Thursday se'ennight, at low water, regularly taken of the property.

Civic Entertainments. The official report states the costs of the civic entertainments given to the Prince Regent, the Em VOL. I.

which, having been washed by the people of the village for the poor fellows, had been hung up to dry. In pillaging the ship, they set the watch at defiance, by threatening to cut them down with their dags or hatchets. Almost the whole of the vessel and cargo belonged to the captain, and, we are sorry to state, was not insured, so that he is totally ruined. We are happy to inform our readers, however, that three of the wreckers, having been identified, were apprehended on Saturday night by the Rev. William Hockin, and by him committed to take their trials at the present assizes, on charges of capital felonies. We trust that the magistrates of the maritime districts, on all similar occasions, by putting the existing laws (which are sufficiently strong) in force against such miscreants, will put an end to the lawless and abominable system of wrecking, which has so long been a disgrace to Cornwall and other maritime counties.

Blasphemous Publications.-Circular.Whitehall, March 27, 1817. MY LORD,As it is of the greatest importance to prevent, as far as possible, the circulation of blasphemous and seditious pamphlets and writings, of which, for a considerable time past, great numbers have been sold and distributed throughout the country, I have thought it my duty to consult the law officers of the Crown, whether an individual found selling, or in any way publishing, such pamphlets or writings, might be brought immediately before a justice of the peace, under a warrant issued for the purpose, to answer for his conduct. The law officers having accordingly taken this matter into their consideration, have notified to me their opinion, that a justice of the peace may issue a warrant to apprehend a person charged before him, upon oath, with the publication of libels of the nature in question, and compel him to give bail to answer the charge. Under these circumstances, I beg leave to call your Lordship's attention very particularly to this subject; and I have to request, that if your Lordship should not propose to attend in person at the next general quarter sessions of the peace, to be holden in and for the county under your Lordship's charge, you would make known to the chairman of such sessions the substance of this communication, in order that he may recommend to the several magistrates to act thereupon in all cases where any person should be found offending against the law in the manner above-mentioned. I beg leave to add, that persons vending pamphlets or other publications in the manner alluded to, should be considered as coming under the provisions of the hawkers' and pedlars' act, and be dealt with accordingly, unless they show that they are furnished with a license, as required by the said act. I am, &c.

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14.-Air Bed. A very curious piece of furniture has just been introduced at Oakley's, the upholstery branch of the Western Exchange. It is an air bed. Half a dozen large pipes, made of gold-beaters' skin, are covered with a ticking, and quilted together in knotted rows between each pipe. They are then blown full, the bed becomes distended, and is sufficiently soft. By turning a cock, the air can be let out, and the bed tied up in a pocket handkerchief!

Destitute Poor.-Some gentlemen deputed from Liverpool to apply to Government for a loan of £100,000, for the pur pose of providing employment for the destitute poor of that place, have returned, without succeeding in the object of their mission. Unquestionable security, it is said, was offered.

Conjuring.-At the Shrewsbury assizes, Thomas Evans, of Todley, was charged with obtaining money by conjuration, &c. and was found Not guilty. The following is a copy of one of the charms, produced by a witness!

"A Charm for low Spirits and overlooking Neighbours with an evil Eye.

In nomine Patris up and down + Spiritus Sancti may lo 4558 + Crux Christi 4224 in 660602197 +9555227 L. I. D. 698527 L. 26210202720897.

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To be sewed in the shirt collar." The Luddites.-The following is an accurate account of the fate of the Luddites:

John Clarke, Thomas Savage, Joshua Mitchell, William Towle, John Amos, William Withers, James Watson, and John Crowther, were capitally convicted, and seven of them left for execution; John Clarke and James Watson having been reprieved.

John Blackburn and George Shipman, two of the Luddites, were admitted evidence for the Crown.

John Slater, also a Luddite, was ordered to be transported for life.

Samuel Caldwell, a Luddite, being ill, his trial was postponed.

These, with Towle, who was hanged last year, and one who has left the kingdom, are supposed to be all who were concerned in the Loughborough job the word used by

the Luddites.

17. Election of a Scottish Peer.-This day came on, at Holyroodhouse, the election of one of the sixteen Peers, in room of the Earl of Rothes, deceased. The candidates were, the Marquisses of Tweeddale and

Lothian.

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PROXY.

Lord Belhaven to the Earl of Wemyss and
March.

There were also 37 signed lists from peers. A signed list was sent by Lord Saltoun, but was rejected by the returning clerks, as not being properly sealed.

After the votes were called, the Marquis of Lothian was declared duly elected; there being for

The Marquis of Lothian,........33
Marquis of Tweeddale,....18

Majority,............15

The Marquis of Lothian, after the election, rose and addressed the peers in nearly the following words:" My Lords, I rise to thank you for the honour you have done me, and I trust I shall always be found to act worthy of that honour. Had it been otherwise, I should have had the satisfaction to strike my colours to a noble hero, who had bravely fought and bled in the cause of his country.",

The votes of the Earls of Findlater and Marchmont were taken by the clerks, although neither of these titles have been allowed by the House of Lords.

The proceedings were opened by a most appropriate and impressive prayer, by the Rev. Dr John Inglis, one of the ministers of the Old Greyfriars' Church, and one of the deans of the Chapel Royal.

Their Lordships were attended by Colin Mackenzie and David Hume, Esqrs. two of the principal clerks of Session, in virtue of a commission from the Lord Clerk Register, the Magistrates of Edinburgh, Mr Halkerston, bailie of the Abbey, and other officers. The election was attended by the most numerous assemblage of ladies and gentlemen we ever witnessed on a similar occasion.

Nero Chapel.-On Sunday the 13th inst. the new Episcopal chapel at Dumfries was consecrated by the Right Reverend Bishop Sandford, from Edinburgh; after which he delivered a most excellent sermon to a crowded and select audience.

19.-Silk Gauze. In the present depressed state of weavers' wages, it is gratifying to learn, that the beautiful manufacture of silk gauze has, after a suspension of thirty years, been revived, with every prospect of success, in Paisley. Many looms are already employed, and there is little doubt that the number will rapidly increase. It forms a splendid dress; and, as it can be brought forward at a cheap price, the use of it promises to be general, in spite of the injury which it sustains by washing.

21.-Provisions for Ireland. We have known, for sometime past, that government were anxious to procure supplies of wheat, and other articles of provision, for the consumption and use of Ireland; but lest the dealers should avail themselves of the knowledge of the fact to raise the price of grain, &c. we remained silent on the sub

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ject. We now feel ourselves at liberty to state, that Ireland was destitute of wheat for singular, also of a sufficient quantity of pothe purposes of seed; and what may appear supplies have been procured from the Baltic, tatoes. Of the former article, abundant from this stock, Ireland has been supplied and from various quarters in Germany; and with all she required. Shipments of wheat and potatoes have also been made up from England for the sister kingdom.

Saving Banks.--We find these institutions gaining ground everywhere, and that during a period in which such an effect was one among many-the Hertfordshire bank. not perhaps to be expected. We instance The annual meeting was holden at the Shirehall, Hertford, on Tuesday, the 8th instant, when the following statement of its accounts mittee:was laid before them by the managing com

L. 3994 3 3

Total amount of deposits received
between the 30th March 1816, and
Belonging to Labourers, L.1053 9 0
30th March 1817,
Servants,
Tradesmen,
Children,

995 6 0

327 2 0

251 3 6

0 0

In trust for children & others313
Belonging to various persons860 13 6
Returned to depositors

Stock purchased
Returned to depositors

Balance

193 9 3

3994 3 3

6223 15 3

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278 00

L. 5945 15 3

The merit of these banks is, that their meanest capacity; that they require no lause may be understood at one glance by the borious calculations, no nice arguments, to prove their advantage. They are institurate, provide for the wants of families, for tions by which industry may, at an easy furnishing cottages, for stocking small gainst unexpected distress, against bad seafarms, for providing against sickness, asons, for furnishing resources to prevent age from being burdensome to relations, to enable all persons to pass the last period of their lives in quiet, and to have that pause, and the grave. which all should have, between active labour

ler, late paymaster and agent to the Stafford Horrible Event.-Murder of Captain Milmilitia, and suicide of Lieutenant Fleming :

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Extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr Gale,

dated April 13, 1817.

Captain Miller, and inform them of the Pray call immediately on the friends of fatal accident here-under related;" Captain Miller, it seems, arrived yesterday Poor Arms, near the Madhouse at Fivehead, by the subscription coach, at the Heathfield where

ing he visited his old friend, Lieutenant visit as a magistrate. This mornFleming, at Fivehead-house, where they dined together in the most friendly manner, retired soon after to Mr Fleming's bedroom, and in less than a quarter of an hour the explosion of pistols was heard, and

those two old friends were immediately poor unfortunate plaintiff in this case." found lifeless.

This is a brief relation of this horrid business. I have seen the bodies, the place, &c. this afternoon, and, after every exami. nation of the circumstances, have no doubt Lieutenant Fleming first murdered his friend, partly by a sword, and lastly by a pistol-shot, and then murdered himself.

(Signed) J. GALE. Captain Miller received, on the 9th inst. a very pressing letter from Lieutenant Fleming, entreating him to go down, stating, he could not live long, and wished much to see his old friend before he died. Captain Miller therefore left town on Friday, to perform the last act of humanity, as he thought, to one whose views through life he had always promoted.

21 Mr Waithman.-On Tuesday, 15th, a most respectable meeting took place at the New London Tavern, consisting of the friends and admirers of the political principles and conduct of Mr Waithman (among whom were the Hon. Mr Bennet, Mr Brougham, and several other distinguished characters), for the purpose of presenting to that gentleman a piece of plate, purchased by public subscription, as a mark of the respect in which he was held for his conduct as a public man. An elegant dinner was prepared, Mr Favell in the chair.

Spring Guns-Among the causes tried at the Warwick Assizes, was one to recover a compensation in damages for injury sustained by a little boy, of the name of Jay, who was, in August last, severely wounded by the discharge of a spring-gun, set in a garden near Birmingham, belonging to a Mr Whitefield. The facts, as they appear ed in evidence, were briefly these :-On the 7th August, between six and seven in the evening, the boy in question, who is about 13 years of age, accompanied by a younger brother, went into a field adjoining the garden of the defendant, in search of a stick, for the purpose of making a standard for a kite. With this intention they went to the hedge which skirted the defendant's garden, and while one of the lads was in the act of cutting a stick, he received the contents of a spring-gun in the lower part of his body. He was taken to the hospital, where he remained for many weeks in a most dangerous state, but afterwards recovered. The gun had been loaded with small pebbles, seventeen of which had been extracted, and seven yet remained within him. The learned Judge, in addressing the jury, observed, that the right to defend property in this way was questioned by the most eminent lawyers of the present day. He was, however, of opinion in this case, that the plaintiff had a right to recover; and farther, that if the plaintiff had even broken into the defendant's garden, the action would lie. Surely," said the Judge," the law never intended to give any man the right of shooting another for so trivial a trespass as that alleged to have been committed by the

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Verdict for plaintiff, damages £120.

Sentences at Lancashire Assizes.-Death, 48.-Fourteen years transportation, S.Seven years ditto, 2.-Imprisoned two years, 6.-Ditto one year, 3.-Ditto six months, 1.-Ditto three months, 1.Ditto one month, 1.-Ditto one week, 1.-Admitted evidence, 5-Acquitted, 28.-No bills as gainst 13.-Indictinents removed, 9. Total, 126.-The number of prisoners condemned is more than ever remembered at one Assize; and, what is very remarkable, the convictions for minor offences do not amount to half the number, viz. 23.

24-Mr Wright.-Last week Mr John Wright, who has of late delivered lectures, and held meetings for worship on Unitarian principles, in the Long Room, Marble Street, Liverpool (a place which has been frequently occupied by different denomina tions of Christians during the last twenty years), was summoned, on three informa, tions, to appear before the magistrates, on the charge of holding meetings for worship in a place not duly registered. Mr Wright attended at the town-hall on Saturday last, at the appointed time, when the Mayor (John Wright, Esq.) and Alderman Nicholson took their places as the city magis trates; they were afterwards joined by Alderman Sir W. Barton. After much dis cussion, Mr Wright was liberated on bail.!

We understand the Literary and Philo sophical Society of New York have elected Drs Brewster and Home, and Professor Jameson, of this city, honorary members of their society. Their diplomas were delivered by E. D. Allison, surgeon, Leith, who likewise has brought a fine copy of Profes sors Hossack and Francis' Medical and t Philosophical Register from these gentlemen for the Wernerian Society of Edin burgh.-Edin. Paper.

Strawberries sold in Covent-Garden market, on Saturday the 19th, at half-a-crown the " Alderman's Thumb" pottle; middle sized asparagus at 20s. the hundred ; and pea gooseberries at 5s. the pint pottle.

26.-On Friday the 18th, two gentlemen appeared, by appointment, before the Magis trates of London, in General Quarter Sessions, at the Sessions' Hall, in the Old Bailey, as members and officers of the Academical Society held in Chancery Lane, and pro duced the books of regulations, list of members, &c. together with a petition for a li cense. The Magistrates present were, the Lord Mayor, with Aldermen Sir John Perring. Sir William Domville, and Joshua Jonathan Smith. Their petition, which was duly presented and read, prayed for a li cense for the investigation and discussion of philosophical, literary, historical, and political subjects, as heretofore," at the rooms of the society. Some question aris// ing upon the word "political, a long discus sion took place, which terminated in the license being refused.

28-Col. G. Harris.The superb sword,

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value 150 guineas, which had been voted to Colonel the Honourable George Harris, by the officers who had served under him in the 2d battalion of the 73d regiment, on the occasion of his retiring from the command of that corps, in testimony of the high regard they entertain of his character and conduct, has been recently finished, and was, a few days ago, presented by Captain Henry Coane.

Iceland Fishery.The Society of Fishermen's Friends, at Deal, have succeeded in procuring a bounty from Government of £3 per ton, for the Iceland Fishery, and two vessels, of about 100 tons each, will shortly proceed under the superintendence of an old and experienced Dutch skipper. The crews are chiefly composed of boatmen belonging to Deal. Another vessel of about 100 tons is also intended to be sent. It is hoped that this enterprise will form a new era in the history of Deal, and, if successful, will in all probability be followed up next summer with a more extensive outfit.

28.Gaelic Society. We learn with pleasure that a branch of the Gaelic Society of Perth has recently been esta blished in this city. This society, like those of London and Edinburgh, has for its object the preservation of the martial spirit, language, dress, music, and antiquities of the ancient Caledonians. It has established a Gaelic school in Perth, and will extend its benefits in this way as its funds increase. Its efforts in this view may be considered as closely allied to those of that most excellent society lately instituted here for the support of circulating Gaelic Schools" in the Highlands of Scotland, which have been already productive of incalculable advantage to thousands of old and young, formerly incapable of reading the Scriptures even in their native tongue. For the accommodation of members resident in this city, a commission from the parent society, appointing the Rev. Mr Simon Fraser and Mr John M'Gregor presidents of the Edinburgh branch, with certain powers, has been granted; and at a meeting held here on the 9th current, which was well and respectably attended, the commission was read, and suitable addresses delivered from both these gentlemen, explanatory of the nature and objects of the institution, and expressive of their confidence that these would be promoted by all who wish well to their country. We with pleasure anticipate a considerable accession to the numbers and respectability of this patriotic and useful institution, in consequence of the establishment of a branch in the metropolis.

Escape of Young Watson. Some light has at length been thrown on the mysterious concealment and ultimate escape of young Watson from this country to America. It now appears, that on the night of the 2d December, the young conspirator accompanied his father and Thistlewood towards Highgate. On his father being captured,

he returned by a circuitous route to London. He proceeded to the house of Pendrill, a bootmaker in Newgate Street, who was one of their party, and who, it will be recollected, was one of Preston's bail accepted by the Lord Mayor. Pendrill received him with the welcome of a partizan, and it was determined that he should wait till the probable fate of the elder Watson was known. This delay produced the necessity of immediate concealment, in consequence of the reward offered for his apprehension the next day, and a room for his accommodation in the back part of the house was prepared ;. Pendrill, from his own close connexion with the party, feeling a more than common interest in the fate of his friend. He continu-` ed Pendrill's tenant for upwards of a month, and in fact, till the vigour of pursuit had abated. During all this time, however, he did not remain a close prisoner, for his host having procured him the costume of a Frenchwoman, he frequently wandered forth in the dusk of the evening. During these excursions, he frequently encountered perilous adventures; but at last, at a convenient opportunity, still attired in his female dress, he repaired to Liverpool, in the care of a female friend, and there, after due precaution, he took his passage on board an American vessel across the Atlantic. Soon after his departure, Pendrill, apprehensive of some disclosures affecting his own safety, sold off his property, and followed the course of his friend, and set sail for America also. Within the last fortnight, a letter has been received by a publican in the neighbourhood of Moorfields, from young Watson, announcing his safe landing in the "Land of Liberty," and expressing his gratitude for the generous protection which had been af forded him by his friends in London, and by whom a subscription was entered into to defray his expenses.

Scottish Corporation.-On the 26th, the Spring Dinner of this admirable charity was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in the Strand, and was numerously attended. We reckon that the company amounted to nearly three hundred persons, who were of the most respectable classes of society; the Marquis of Huntly was in the chair, the Duke of Clarence being prevented from attending by indisposition. A very liberal subscription was inade in support of the charity.

Burnt Fen.-The Board of Agriculture have received the satisfactory information, that the extensive tract of land in the Isle of Ely, called Burnt Fen (nearly 16,000 acres), which was deluged early in the winter, from a breach in the banks of the river, has been so well drained by the constant working of the windmills, that the whole of it is now in a proper state to be sowed with oats.

Obelisk.The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Obelisk at Cheltenham, dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Wellington, took place at one o'clock, 26th instant, attended by Lord Hill, and all

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