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    YOB . KSHISE SPBJNG ASSIZES . CROWN COURT—Satukdat , Mabch 18 , ( Before Mr . Justice Coliman . ) Thomas Btnmam pleaded guilty to & charge ot riot , and "was Ofrderedto enter into his own recognizances of £ 100 to appear at the next assizas to receive jndgcent Soldrfe Suictf&e . aged £ 7 , was indicted for attempting to set fire to the cotton-mill of Abraham TJttley and others , at langfielil , in the West Biding , on Bib 24 th of September last Sir Gbegobt Lewis and Mr . PaSHLET conducted the prosecution ; Mr . WilKiNS defended tbe

    It appeared tiat the prisoner had been in the employment of the Messrs- JTttley for some years as a spinner , bniln t >« latter part of 1 m * year , in eonseqnence of soo improvements having been introduced into Hie machiiiery -which rendered necessary a smaller Bomber of hands , he , -with eight others , -was dismissed . There "was , however , no quarrel between Ma and Mb Easter on that account . Mi . "DKley gave a -dinner to the dismissed workmen on the occasion of parting with , them , and to the prisoner , at least , had erpxssed h ' js -willingness to assist him in getting another- « tuatio n . ! Tbe prisoner , it appeared , however , had , onnore thsa one occssion iised staroog language xespecianic'Sie Mew jrs . TJttley mkL their mill , » d expressed a wish , tbat it ¦ na Inunt Bang out of employment , feowever , -and * an . old

    servant , he "was frequently in and . about tba mill , and had many ^ ipporUmitieB of making iamself acquainted -with its internal arrangements . It appears that one-part ef the « U 1 is called the"" willow" room , in -which the cotton undergoes one of ihe first operations to -which it is snbjected . Ibis is -on the fjround floor . The " -willow" machine stands in the centre of theroom , and on tiB 24 th of September last , there waa at one side , nexttbe -wall , a-feeap o £ «* otton , -which had undergone this operatisn , and was , therefore , d a light consistence , -and wy iaflmnniable . In another corner , near the door , there iad jjeen left on "that evening , -when tho workmen csme away , a skip of coiton ¦ waste . About ten o ' clock Mr . TJttley ¦ was standing at £ he door of his own house , \ rMch commands a ^ ie"w -of the "wiilffw-room , when he perceived a light . He was wondering whence it could

    prowed . ' wiien his overlooker , who Bad ieen atTodmon ? en , ^ caine up at tbo moment on Ms -way home . Mr . Tftfley pointed the light out to him , and he immediately hastened-down to the-wiDow-rooKi , Mr . UtUey following . Be fonnd tne wiBow-room ^ ocr a jar , the waste in tfceskipinablM 3 , an £ 3 nBtcomnwnicating ^ with attain of cotton about a fbet wide , whish was laid from the skip to the heap at 4 be other -side of the room . The overlooker , with grest presence of mind , cnt off the comHnmicat : o 2 , and thrusting the skip out of the door threw it into the dam which was just opposite . Mr . TTtUey succeeded in * xtinguisbiBg other portions of the burning cotton in the room . . It was stated that had the fire communicated with the heap of " willowed" cotton , nothing could have prevented the total destrncBon of the mOL This was worth about j £ 3 , 000 , and was insnred for = £ 2 . 510 .

    To connect the prisoner with this transaction , a great deal of circumstandal evidence wes gone into as to con-Tersations -which the prisoner had had "with , several individuals s short time before tMB occurrence . He had teen seen , too , about "the mill , and coming put of the ¦ wfflow-rdom at a late hocr on that evening , without there being apparently any reason for . his being there . About the time tbe fire broke out he was met on the Ugh road at a distance of a few hundred yards com ' ng apparently from the mill , and those who met Mm described certain peculiarities in his demeanour and tke expressions which fell from Mm , which seemed to show that he was at that time in a state of considerable _ « pninaon and al ^ im . *^ Mr . Wilkixs addressed the Jury for the defence , snd , sftsr a short eonsnlEstion , tbe prisoner -was found 2 fot

    Gaflfcy-WUliam Rogersm , IS , and Joseph Smith , 21 , were charged with having , on the 5 th of December last , at Xeeds , assaulted Benjamin "Barker , and stolen from Ms person a hat , an umbrella , and paper parcel . Mr . Hcqh Hiii -was for the prosecution . The prosecutor is a cloth manufacturer , residing at Bramley , and on Friday , the -9 ih of I > ecember , he was proceeding to ins home from Xeetls , -when lie came up frith three men ,-oiie of-whom seized him and attempted to stop his mouth , but he straggled and called out , and tbe aen made off , taking with them the things mentioned in the " indictment , which had been dropped by the prosecutor in the struggle , which , however , he after--wai ds recovered . Information was given to the police , and from ~ the description given of the men , the pri-Beners -were apprehended .

    This case depended on a question of identity , which was fuflym&de out against Smith , and he was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment to bard labour . The prisoner Hogenon was * cgnitted . Samnel Foihe / yill , -21 , was charged with having on tie 20 ih of December last , at Leeds , assaulted Israel Holgate , and stolen from Ms person 15 s ., ten sixpences , a silver pendl case , - a silver watch , a silver snuff-box , and other articles , Ms property . Mr . Hili TPas for ttie prosecution . The prosecutor is a Weslejan minister , and resides at Bramley , near Xeeds . On the evening of "Hie day to question , he was

    proceeding to- ^ ards tfeat place from leeSs , -when he -was stopped by three men , who knocked him down , and rflsd bis pockets of the articles mentioned in the indictment , and ran cS . Information was given of the Tobbery , and six days after , some of the property was found in the possession of the prisoner ' s wife * who . said that her husband had . given her the things about a -Week before , which statement Fothergill confirmed , and added that he had found them . He was taken into custody , and upon the evidence of recent possession , committed to York for trisl The Jury found the prisoner Kot -Guilty .

    Jama WHsva , 24 , was charged with having , on the 27 th Dec last , at Dc&caster , assaulted Jcbn Smith , and stolen from bis person three sovereigns , and five ghrTKngiij his property . Mr . VTJXX . ISS and Mt AsPUtiTJ . -were for the prosecution ; Mr . OTsrend-defended the prisoner . The pressentor is inthe employ of Mr . John "Wright , cf Doncaster , miller , and on the evening of tbe day in question he was proceeding to Carr House with some flour , waen ha was attacked by three mea who knocked Mm down , and rifled his pockets of the property above

    mentiind . Having * me this they abused' Mm , kicked Mm-severely , and threw Mm into a poad , -where titty left Em . He was found there a store tame after by some oOjet persons , "Who ^ got Mm out , and he was conveyed home . Medical aid was called , and the prosecutor was confined to ^ the house for a week in consequence , of the injuries he received . On the same evening , Etches , superintendent of police at Pancastar , received intonration of the robbery , and he very shortly caused three men to be appreheded , - one of whom the prosesutor positively identified , but he could sot speak with certainty to the others , and th " ey were

    discharged . Tbe defence was that the question for the Jury tFss as to identity , -wliicli Mz . Oteeesd contended hid not been stifiitiBnUy mad « oul io wazrant them in giving a verdict against the prisoner . Tne 1 / earned Counsel called a witness , who gave the prisoner an excellent character . —Not Guilty . John Wheailey was charged with having , at Leeds , on the 21 st © f May , 1842 / forged and put eff a certain promissory note , purporting to be the note of the Xeeds Union Banking Company , with intent to defraud one William Rosa .

    Mr . Ellis was for thejiroseeution . It appears that in the month of April , 1842 , 12 ie prisoner had " by misrepresentation induced a respectable engraver in Leeds , of the name of TTicholson , to engrave Wm a blank form , Bomewhat resembling an unfilled up note of tbe above company ; and on the day charged he attempted to disposeggf one "which he had filled up to 2 tLr . Base , of Xeeda ^ gicwex . The counterfeit was immediately detected byrtfiafc gpptleman , and he gave the prisoner into custody . Guilty ^ To be transported for ten years . George . Green . , -was charged "with laving , on the 2 nd of January last , at Heslington , kroken and-entered an ont-house adjoining the dwelling bouse of William Slilner , and stolen therefrom a quantity of linen .

    Mr . Cckreb was for the prostration . The prosecutor resides as Heslington , and Ms wife takes in linen to wash . On Monday the 2 nd January , she washed a number of things belonging to Mr . Newstead , of York , and the friends ' -Seho * l , wMch were left sale in the wash , house at right Ifert morning the door- was found open , and the things gone . A search was instituted , and very shortly the prisoner and the linen were wnud concealed in a hay-shed belonging to Major Tarburgh . 33 i 9 C 9 un 3 el for the prosecution failed in proving spat the wash-house -was within the curtilage of tbe dwelling-house , and under the direction of the Learned Judge , lound the prisoner Guilty of larceny . To be imprisoned and kept at hard labour for nine calendar months . Tne Conn was fcen adjourned .

    Hoxbat , Maech 20 . " ~ ®?? ?* J ledin 2 % 27 ' TAwn « Corfu * , 30 , and Wtjl Gorttcfc , 22 , were indicted for having , on the- 30 th of January last , at Hudderaaeld . feloniously and violently assaulted WauBattje , on Qa Mghway , and stolen from his person sixpence in silver and one penny in copper Jhe property ef the said Wm . Battye . ^^ yi ^' Mr . Isghax and Mi . Mosteith ts&q for the prosecntionv Mr . Wrnxixs defended the two Garlicks . Sleding "was undefended . Tlie prosecutor is a young aian aboufc-ikteen years of age , « id on the 36 th of January last he west to visit Ilia parents , " -who reside at Birkenshaw . He-was retarding io -HillhOBM , near Hudderafield . at which

    place he worked , and on ma road he had to passw ins eaUed the ; Woodman . When he had got a short distanoe past this inn Jie tame op with three mea , one ot Srtiom ( Sleding ) after coveriBg the prosecator 1 * xaoaa , ¦ with Ms haodj knocked Mm down , and tbe three- men gave Mm several kieks irMle he was down . His pockets were then rifled / and tiia meney mentioned in the indictment was abstracted , they also took Ms hat , and U « rxlnade . offi He called out several times during the period tiat-W -was struggling with the men , and a person on eamlBg- out of the WoodEian , found Mm laid an the Toad-bleeding j and b ^ lnm he mu conveyed to tha Woodman . Theprosecato ? coold notidentfy any Ct ftfr prisons except Sledinj , but witnesses were

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    called-who deposed to having seen them to gether " larking" near the place where the robbery w : & committed » short ti / uo before its taking place , a nd . they were tafcen into custody on the turnpike road . & short distance from tt ^ place , and bad been seen for some distance in comply . The night was dark , and Vje question of identity-w- '^ s strongly put to the jury by tne Learned Judge in bis summing up , as well as by M ' f . "WUkiiis in bis address un behalf of Ms clients . The jury , without retiring , and after a moment ' s deliberation found all tbe prison'irs Gnilty ; The prisoner Sleding was sentenced ta be transported for life ; and the two Garlicks for the . term of twenty years .

    Thorax Cfredoes , U 8 , ) Wmliam J 3 owlixg , ( 27 ^ and Jame& Sdte ^ eJd , { 27 . ) were indicted for having , on tbe 3 Oth « T September last , on the Mghway , at Leeds , assaulted Richard Tickers , and stolen from his person tw . mty sovereigns , fifteen ~ hiAt sovereigns , a £ 5 note , arid e £ her property . Mr-lNGH ^ w and Mr . "Price were for tbe prosecution ; the prisoners were undefended . Tbe prosecutor ib a dealer in calves , and resides at Attomgham , -near "Sktpton . On Friday , the 34 th of September ltst , he hed been at Leeds , disposing of some calves , for wMch'he received the sums of £ 32 10 s . and £ 4 10 s ; the mosey was in geld , and a £ 5 bank of England note , which money all but two sovereigns , be put in a purse , or in an inside waistcoat pocket

    He left Vicar ' s Crott , Leeds , labout eight o ' clock at ¦ si ght , along-with-EH Delves ; and , after crossing "Woodhouse Moor , he called at a butcher's shop , where he stopped about half an hour , Delves leaving him there . He ( the prosecutor ) proceeded on the retod home alone , and about half a mile beyond Headincley , he was suddenly-seizad , dragged off Ms poney , and thrown en to the ground . He was then attacked by four or five men ,-one of whom placed his hand over his mouth , t * prevent his crying out , and during this time a finger got into his mouth , which he bit most severely . He struggled bard wita them , and one of them said " 3 )—n Mm , if he does not lay still , stick Mm , " They used great violence , and , in order to get possession of Ms money , cut bis waLtcoat , and tore his pocket eut . They robbed him of £ 32 10 s . He supposed it must

    have been a little after nine o ' clock ; it was dark ; but he could swear to the prisoner Greaves , who was the man he fell upon the first . He also lost a memorandum book , a key , and Ms hat . He found a hat on the read after tbe prisoners had run away , which be gave to Mr . Read , cMef -constable of Leeds , and which was sworn to by several witnesses as having belonged to tbe prisoner Greaves ; and when the prisoner Howling was apprehended his finger was found to be severely wounded , which he first said had been cut by a knife , and then by a piece of glass ; but a surgeon who examined his hand gave it as Ms opinion that the wound had been caubed by a bite . Tbe prisoners had been seen together on Woodhouse Moor the same afternoon ; theywera praved to have been very shoit of money before the robbery , and were shown to have been spending it very freely after the robbery .

    Several witnesses were called , each of whom clearly brought tbe crime home to the prisoners ; and tbe Learned Judge having summed up , the Jury , without hesitation , returned a verdict of guilty against all three . They were sentenced to be transported to fifteen years each . Henry Slorey , 32 , -was indicted for having , on the Jth of M&rch , 1842 , at the borough of Hnll , feloniously uttered , disposed of , and pnt off a certain promissory note for tbe payment of £ 22 3 a 6 d ., with intent to defraud one William Irvin , well knowing the same to be forged .

    Mr . AncHBOLD and Mr . Liddell were for the prosecution ; Mr . Wilkixs defended the prisoner . The prosecutor in this case is one of the firm of Win . Irving & Co ., ilax-dre&sers and dealers in hemp at Hull , and the prosecutor is a rope-maker residing at Filey , near Scarborough . The note was given U the prosecutor as security for half a ton of hemp , and purported to be signed by -Use prisoner ' s brother , and Mr . Felliskirk , also ot Filey . On tbe note becoming doe , tbe -Signatures were discovered to be forgeries . —Guilty , but recommended to mercy . Sentence deferred .

    E&vard TeUy , 28 , was charged with having on the 7 th of February last , at Barnoldswick , robbed Joseph Windle of a sovereign , and £ 3 103 . in silver . Mr . WA 8 KET was for the proiecution , and Mr . Heatom for tbe prisoner . The prosecutor is a carter at Barnoldswicb , and on the evening of the 7 tb of February he was returning h » me from Burnley , In Lancashire , a distance of about twelve miles . He was sitting up in the corner of his cart half a sleep , and when ha had get to Tubber Hill his attention was attrasted by his horse stopping , and on looking up he aaw tbe prisoner near tbe end of the cart . It was a moonlight nigh *> , and the prosecutor had knows ihe prisoner for several years before He said " Hollo , Ted , is that thee ?' The prisoner replied " May I ride with thee down to

    Barnoldswick , Jos , " prosecutor said "Aye , jump in lad ,- " and be did so . Another man also got into the cart from the shafts , and the men said to Win . Ue " Now , thou must deliver up thy brass , or we'll kill thee in a minute . " The prosecutor was struck several times with a stick , and robbed of the money mentioned in the indictment . The prisoner then said " This is not all , thou has some in thy shoon ( shoes . }" Prosecutor said he had not , prisoner called him a liar , and the men then cut the laces of his boots and took them away . Tbe prosecutor was rather stunned by the blows , -went to the nearest farm-house and obtained a

    pair of shoes , and then went to BarnoldBWtcE and gave information to King , the constable . He , however , was lame , and could not render any assistance , but Windle went into the Cross K-.-ys publie-bouse , and asked Un . Robinson , the son of tbe landlady , to assist him . He did so , and fonnd tbe prisoner sitting by tbe fire in bis mother ' s hou 3 e , in his shirt sleeves . He went to get further assistance , bnt when iie and others returned , it was discovered that Petty had made Ms escape , and be was not apprehended for a week or ten days after that lime . Witnesses were called to prove an atibi , bnt ibis failed , and the Jury returned a verdict of Guilty . —Fifteen years transportation .

    SUBSIDIARY COURT—Saturday , March 18 . ( Before the Hon . J . S . Wortley , Q . CJ ThomasOledhaR , 18 , and Abraham Farrar , 20 , pkaded guilty t « stealing at SwiUington , on the 14 th of Nov . last , one ewe , and with killing one other ewe , with intent to steal the carcass . —To be imprisoned four calender months to bard labour . J ohn Burton , 38 , was charged with stealing a great coat , the property or James Diron , at Sedbergh- Mr . BLA 5 SHAKD conducted the presecution , and Mr . DkaSLEV dtfendfed the prisoner , who was found guilty , and sentenced to be imprisoned for three calender months to hard labour in Wakefield House ot Correction .

    William Stortr and Thomas Rtibinton were charged with breaking into the dwelling-house of Wm . Roukley , at Cr ^ okes near Sheffield , and with stealing various articles therefrom . Mr . Pashley and Mr . Smith were for the prosecution ; tbe prisoners were undefended . The Jury found Storer guilty , and the constable proved two previous convictions against tbe prisoner , -who was sentenced to be transported for ten years . Robinson was acquitted . Samuel Moriiaer , 40 was charged with killing a sheep at Hatfield , the property of Francis Siinciiffis , with intent to steal the carcass . Mr . Roebuck and Mr . Aspihall were for the prosecution ; Mr . Wilkiks

    defended tbe prisoner . Tne prosecutor is a small farmer living near Thorne , and in February last he had three sheep pasturing in a field , which he saw sale on the evening of the 11 th of thai month , and on the following morning it -was discovered that one of them ¦ was slaughtered , and the carcass taken away . The priBoner ' 8 house was searched , and several parts cf a sheep were found in it and in an adjoining rush stack , one of wMch corresponded with the skin left in the field . In cross-examination it appeared that there was only & very small piece of mutton found in the prisoner ' s house , and that the stack in which the greater part of the meat was found was a distance of 100 yards from the prisoner ' s house . —Not Guilty .

    MODAT , MAKCH 20 . Before 21 . T . Baines , Esq ., Q . C . Joseph Pollard , 37 , was charged with baving burglariously entered the dwelling bouse of John Patehett , and stolen therefrom l € 0 lbs . weight ' of bacon , one gallon of gin , and other articles . Mr . Pashley was for the prosecution ; Sir Gregory Lewin defended the prisoner . Jt came out in the course of the trial that there was no case against Pollard , and that tke guilty party wu a man named Wilkinson , who bad been committed for trial , but the Grand Jury had ignored the bill- The Jury , therefore , under direction of tbe Judge , acquitted the prisoner . William Myers . 32 , was charged with having feloniously assaulted William Myers , and with baving stolen from Ms person one gun , the property of Wm . Rhodes , £ sq . at Arthington . Mr . Oteresd was for the prosecution . Sis Q . Lewis defended the prisoner .

    The prosecutor is a- farmer at Arthmgton , and ou toe night of the 19 th of October , he went out with the gamekeeper of Mr . Rhodes , of Kirkstall Hall , to preserve the game on that estate The prosecutor had a gun in Hs hand , and they encountered a gang of poachers , of whom the prisoner was one ; on coming op , the priwner and the prosecutor had a scuffle , in which the prisoner wrenched the gun from the prosecutor , who was also much ill-used by tbs other poachers , and but for thj interference of the prosecutor would probably have last Ms life . The prisoner carried away the prosecutor ' s gun ; but the lodge doubted that there was any proof that tbe prisoner had taken away the gus feloniously , with an intention , to convert it to Ms o wb use ; it rattier appeared that he had taken it from the prosecutor for the purpose of disarming him . If that were the case , then , however guilty the prisoner might be of another offence—that of night poaching—he was not guilty of the felony .

    TJoe Jury retamed a verdict of Not Guilty , an * tbe prisoner was discharged , after so admonition w to Ms future conduct . Thomas Baumsley was charged with stealing from the dwelling-house ef John 3 > ziefitley , of Bradford , a quantity of wearing apparel . Mr . Charles Hardy conducted the prosecution . Tie priseqer was undefended . Xbe proseeator and Mb wife were from borne on the 17 Ui of February laet , and on their return tbey found that the house h&a been entered , ana & BttU of men *

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    clothes , a handkercMef , and other articles stolen . These thing ; the prisoner was proved to have pledged at Halifax , on the 20 th of February . Gallty . —Tobb imprisoned eighteen calendar months to hard labour * William Tessyman , 52 , was charged -with having , on the 18 th of Oct . last , at Stouebcck-down , feloniously stolen ten wether sheep , the .. property of William Forster . The sheep were seen in the field three days preosding the robbery , and on being missed , were traced to Leeds , where it was ascertained they bad been sold on the I 9 tb of October . Tbe sheep were marked " R . W . " on the horns . The Jury found the prisoner Guilty . —To be trans-Bported ten years . Jeremiah Barlow , 22 , was charged with having on the 23 rd of October , at Doncaster stolen a gelding , the property of Joseph Maehio Axe . Mr . Blansiiard and Mr . WaxkeR were for the prosecution ; Mr . Wil-Kins defended the prisoBer .

    The prisoner was found Guilty , and was sentenced to be transported for ten years . James Scop , 26 , was charged with having uttered and put off a certain forged promissory note for the payment of five pounds , purporting to be a note of the Halifax and Huddersfield Banking Company , with intent to defraud Richard Varley Mr . Bliss and Mr . Pickering conducted the prosecution ; and Mt . Overend defended the

    prlsoner . The prosecutor keeps a Bmall shop at Stainland , in the parish of Halifax , at which place the prisoner , who is a delver , also resides . On tbe 1 st of December , Scott went to prosecutor's shop , and asked him for some blasting powder , In payment for which be tendered the note in question , saying he had received it from a stranger . Tbe prosecutor at once detected the counterfeit , and requested the prisoner to wait till he put on his coat , and he would go with him to the party . They sought : for about two hours for the person from whom the prisoner alleged he had received tb 9 note , but did not succeed in finding Mm , and the prisoner

    was in consequence given into custody . On the 26 Vh of November , the prisoner was at a public house at Rastrick , in company with a man named John Clegg , to whom he gave a £ 5 note to get changed ; Clegg took the note t » the landlady , for which she gave him five sovereigns , which were by Mm transferred to the prisoner . The note subsequently went through the hands of Beveral persons , and was ultimately returned to Clegg , who went to the prisoner ' s house , when the father of the latter received the note , and gave Clegg five sovereigns . ; The learned Counsel for the prosecution baring failed in proving the guilty knowledge of the prisoner at tke time of the transaction , he was acquitted .

    Henry Turner , 31 , was charged with stealing a mare , the property of John Maugham . Mr . Walker and Mr . Aspinall were for the prosecution ; the prisoner was undefended . Tha prosecutor resides at Thorpe , in the parish of Kiinbeiwortb , a short distance from Doncaster , and on the afternoon of the 29 th August last , between one and two o ' clock , the mare in question was turned into a field , from which place it was missed on the following morning . On the afternoon of tbe 29 th , tbe prisoner was seen riding on on ass from Doncatter in tbe

    direction of the field out of which the mare bad been taken , an 4 the next day the asa was found in that neighbourhood . About two o ' clock on the morning of the 30 th the prisoner was seen riding upon a burse resembling tbe one stolen towards Doncaster . Information of these circumstances were forwarded to the police , and in constquence the prisoner's premises were searched and the prosecutor's mare was found in tbe stable , fire prisoner , in defence , eaid that he bought the mare of a man named John Smith fer six guineas . — Guilty . To be transported for fifteen years .

    William Smilh , 28 , was charged with having burglariously entered tbe dwelling-house of Pamuel Hall , with intent to steal therefrom . Mr . Bai ^ e appeared for tbe prosecution ; and Mr . Overend was for the prisoner . The prosecutor resides in Marsh , Sonthowram , and on tbe night of the 26 th of November , tbo family retired to rest about ten o'clock , at which time tbe doors and windows were secure . Between three and four o ' clock the next morning , tbe servant was awoke by a loud noise in tbe warehouse , over which he sleeps . He raised himself up in bed , and immediately afterwards a man forced his bed-room door , with a candle in his hand , and said he would shoot him . The servant answered he thought he would not , and the man turned round and went away . Nothing was taken from tbe premises ; and the Jury being of opinion that no felonious intention had been proved , acquitted the prisoner .

    John Sicaine , 21 , and Benjamin Hartley were charged with breaking into the press shop of Messrs . Hirst and Co ., and stealing therefrom fourteen worsted pieces . Mr . Thompson conducted tbe prosecution ; the prisoners were undefended . The prosecutors are cloth and stuff dyers and finishers at Halifax , and about six o'clock in the evening of the 11 th December last , one of the firm was in the press shop , and on leaving the place he left all safe ; be returned again between nine and ten , when he found the press shop door broken open . About half-past eleven the same night , the prisoner Swaine and another person were seen not far from tbe warehouse with a socle each ' on their backs ; that upon being called to they threw tho sacks npon

    the ground , but Swaine took his up and walked away . He , however , appeared to have again dropped the sack , for upoa seach being made , they were found within a few yards of each other ; these sacks , upon examination , were fonnd to contain tbe articles named in the indictment . The prisoners were several times seen in company together on tbe night of the robbery , wMcb catued their apprehension . Guilty . Swaine having been previously convicted of felony at Leeds , was sentenced to fifteen years' transportation . Hartley had been convicted during the present assizes under the name of Mason , for Mghway robbery near Bradford , and -was not sentenced upon tbe present conviction .

    Daniel Barker , 57 , was charged with breaking into tbe dwellipg-boose of Samuel Norman , with intent to steal therein . Mr . appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr . Overend defended the prisoner . The proiecutor resides at Welbury , and on the morning of the 17 th of January last , about a quarter past two o ' clock , his son was awoke by a noise in the house , upon which he got up , and on looking through the window , saw the prisoner in the shop . About an hour afterwards they went to the prisoner's bonse , a distance of about three miles , when the ; found the prisoner in bed . The only witness examined were the prosecutor and Mb son , and in their cross-examination it was elicited that some ill feeling had existed between the parties respecting an ass , which the son charged the prisoner with baving stolen from him . The depositions taken before the committing magistrates differed materially from the evidence now adduced , and the Jury acquitted the prisoner .

    John Blacker , 21 , pleaded guilty to having , on the 21 st February last , at Swintfieet , feloniously stolen six silver spoons , and five plated spoons , the property of Joseph Patkin , To be transported Ten Years . John Slather , 26 , was charged with burglariously entering the dwelling house of Nathan Holmes , and stealing therefrom one hundred yards of woollen cloth , one silver watch , one pair of black cloth trowers , and other articles ; and also twelve silver tea-spoons , six german silver table-spoons , and two gold broaches , the property of Mary Ann Holmes . Mr . Pickering and Mr . Thompson were counsel for tbe prosecution ; the prisoner was undefended .

    The prosecutor is a tailor and draper , at Keighley , and on the 28 th of December he and his wife and daughter went to bed about half-past ten o clock , when the house was examined , and found to be secured in the usual way . The daughter was the first down stairs on the following morning , about seven o'clock , when 8 he discovered that the house had been entered by the kitchen-door , aud the articles named in the indictment were missing . Part of the stolen property was subsequently traced to the possession of the prisoner In Bolton , and some of the articles were pawned in Bradford by a woman , at the request of the pxit-oner . Guilty—To be transported fifteen years .

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    NISI PR 1 TJS COURT , Friday , March 17 . CLOUGH v . JAllES . —{ Special Jury . ) ( Before Mr . Baron Parke . J Mr . Wilkins and Mr . H . Hill were Counsel for the Plaintiff ; Mr . Knotyles and Mr . Hall for the Defendant . The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury : — W . Platt Bradshaw , of Ackworth , Esq . John Ridsdale , of Headipgley , merchant . J . L . Hartley , of Middloton-Tyaa , Esq . Robert Ramsay , of Middlesborough , merchant . Francis Hobson , of EcclesaU Bieriow , merchant . James Stock , of Fieher-Green , in Honley , merchant . Joseph Harrison , of Ormsby , merchant . Henry Cholmley , of Bransby-cum-Stearsby , Esq .

    John Mason , of Ormsby , merchant Thomas Btty , of St . Michael ' s , New Malton , merchant . Robert John Ellersbaw , \ -. _ . „ Willliam Pass , / laleam 6 n - At the rpquest of tbe defendant ' s Counsel , the wit ' nesses on both Bides were ordered out of Court Mr . H . Hill opened the pleadings . In this action Thomas dough was tbe plaintiff , and William James the defendant The plaintiff complains that tbe defendant assaulted . and seized and laid hold of him , and forced the plaintiff to go along divers streets , and imprisoned him in a cell for several hours , andaf terwardB imprisoned him in a yard till be was released . The defendant pleaded Not Guilty by statute .

    Mr . Wilkiks said that if a judgment was to be formed , from the note of preparation on the ather side , of the nature of the fight in which they were about to engage , his opponents were in earnest , for they bad adopted a proceeding which was somewhat unusual in casei of this description , that of ordering all the witnesses out of Couit ; thereby implying that the witnesses were unworthy of credit The plaintiff in this case , Mr . Clongh , -was a man in decent circumstances in the borough of ; EeedB , who was formerly in trade iuthat town , and whilst bo he became pretty well known to the defendant . The defendant was Mr . James , who WEB the Superintendent of the Police Force of the Borough of Leeds . Of couraa , if his Learned Friend could make that out on bis trial , it wonlft make tbe

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    assault complained of all the more serious ; because it could not redound , to the . credit of any peace-officer ; nor did it say much fo * the security , and psace , and tranquillity , and comfort of the people of . Leeds . The plaintiff on the 3 l 8 t of December , in last year , was emp loyed in soliciting orders , he being the agent for the sale of ale and porter , and an article called black beer , of which the people of Leeds were very fond . He had called at the Union Ion ; in Ludgate Hill , to solicit orders ; and whilst engaged there- in the chit-chat of the day , a gentleman named James made bis appearance ; upon which the plaintiff happened to say to a man : named Richardson , who was sitting with him in the anug , "There is a man who is no friend of mine "; and being asked , who it was , he said it was " Jemmy

    James , alias William James . " The Superintendent at once pronounced this an insult upon him ; it was , as an oracle of the night immortalized by Shakspeare had said , " flat burglary . " He , therefore , walked up to the plaintiff , put his fist into his face ; and made use of some expressions which he would not repeat He asked Mm what he had to aay about Jemmy James ; but the plaintiff kept his temper , and laughed in his face . Aud he said , making a low bow to atone for Mb former error , « Mr . James , the next time yon approach roe , I will thank you to do bo without very nearly knocking down my daughter . " Upon which Mr . James

    waxed wroth , called him a scoundrel , and said he would have him taken , up , under the Borough Police Act ; and would floe him £ 5 . Out of dootahe went , and in a short time be returned with two police officers , whom he directed to take the plaintiff to the station house , and he told Mr . Ingham , the constable ef the night on duty at the office as Inspector , not to take bail on any account whatever . The officers obeyed , and the plaintiff was taken away to the prison ; and there he was kept till the afternoon of the next day , when he was discharged . Aud it was for this violent proceeding that the plaintiff now sought compensation at the hands of the Jury . :

    David Laking—I am a mason , and live near Richmond , in tbe North-Riding of this county . I bad occasion to attend the Leeds Borough Sessions last December ; I remember being on the 31 st of December lost , in tbe Snug at the Union Inn , at Leads , between halfpast ten and eleven o ' clock . Thos . Clough , the plaintiff , his wife and daughter , and a person of the name » f Richardson , were present All the parties were entire strangers to me . I remember Mr . James , the defendant , coming into the room . On coming into the room he said he would not be offended by such a d d rogue , rascal , and villain . He would have him taken up to Park-row . He said that to Clough . He said he would

    have him locked up till Monday ; and he should have no bail ; and he would fine him five pounds as a rogue and a rascal . When be used those words he bad Mb fist doubled in Mr . dough ' s face all the time . James then went out of the Snua , and returned in a short time with two policemen . He told them to take away that man Clough and lock him up , and he was to have no bail till Monday morning . The policemen took him ; Clough had done nothing that I saw . I was there half an hour before James came in , aud I beard nothing said nor done , except that Richardson asked who that was , and Clough said , " It is Jemmy James , alias William James . " That was before James spoke to Clougb in tbe first Instance .

    Cross-examined—I was stopping at the Union Inn during the bcsbjoiis . This occurrence was on Saturday night . I drank wine and water . I bad had tea in another room before I went into the . snug , about ten o ' clock . I was eubjeened by Mr . Naylor , about tha settlement of my son . I had seen Clough two or three times before that night , at Mr . Sadler ' s , the Union Inn ; and once or twice in the market-place . I do not know who Richardson is . James was in tho bar speaking to Mrs . Sadler , when Richardson asked who tbat was , and Clough gave the answer I have stated . He

    answered so loud that James might hear . Clough did not say " Aye , d—n that James . " I did not hear James say that ho would not be "insulted in the execution of his duty by Clough . He said he would not be insulted by him . I did not hear the words " In bis office . " I did not see Clough take a mouthful of beer and spit it out at James ; be did not , because bis wife drank it off . I did not see anything of the kind . I did not see him spit at James at all . I am sure that I waa wide awake at the time . I was sitting at the far end of the snug , looking towards the bar . Clougb sat facing the fire-place , on my right hand .

    He-examined . —I had got my tea in the kitchen . I was in the seat under the window in the snag . I did not see James in the bar . He came into the snug in a passion . It was before he came in that Clough had used the the woxda 1 have said . No spitting or spirting of ale could have taken place without my seeing it . Thomas Richardson—I am a pawnbroker at Leeds . I have n « t contributed towards the costs of this action , or to paying the Attorney . I do not know that any of the Plaintiff ' s neighbours and friends have contributed towards defraying the costs of thia action . On tbe last day of the year , I was at the Union Inn , at Leeds . I met tbe plaintiff there by accident Whilst I was there Mr . Jam « s came into tbe house . I went about eight , and he came In about half-past ten . Ckugh was

    talking about the last night of the year , and be said , " A . person has come in who is no friend of mine . " Tbe person of whom he was speaking waa in the bar adjoining the bnut , where we were . I 4 » ked who the person was , and be said " Mi " . James , " alias Jemmy James . " Mr . James attempted to get into tbe room , and Mr . dough ' s daughter was standing In the way , and he gave her a push to got past Mr , Clough said " I wish you would not push ray daughter ; " and he said , " I will ; 1 will , you d—d thief , liar , and vagabond . " He waa very much excited . Whilst he was making use of this language ho clenched his fiat , and held it close to Mr . Clough ' s face . He said he would not be insulted by Mr . Clougb when be was on his tint ? . He said he would have him fined £ 5 under the Improvement Aot He would have him taken to tho lock up . Mr . Clough said he begged pardon if be had offended him . He said he would have nothing of

    the sort ; he would have htm token directly . He went out , and in a few momenta be returned with two policemen . He said to them , " take Mr . Clough to the lock-up ; and if any person comes to give ball , it is not to be taken at all . " The policemen went on each side of Mr . Clough , and aa Boon as they touched him he rose spontaneously . Mr . James did not at that time say one word about spirting ale or spitting . He used notbfng to wipe his face . When the police took Mr . Clough away they went past the House of Recovery . Mrs . Clough and I went to Mr . Beaumont's , and Mr . Beaumont and I went to the Couit-House together . Mr . Buauraont offered bail for Mr . Clough in my presence . He offered to depoait a sum of money as security for his appearance . He did not tender the money , but said he had it iu Ms pocket Bail was refused . Tke Defendant was not there . Mr . Clough was sober .

    Cross-examined . —My pawnbroking establishment is in Dyer-street . I have known Clough about two years ; but did not know him when he kept the public-house . I have heard him say that be once kept a public-bouse in Kirkgate . He did not tell me that his license was taken away for keeping a disorderly house . Some discussion arose between the Counsel aa to the propriety of pursuing this line of examination . Mr . KoowIps said he wanted to show ill-will to the police , and to Mr . James in particular . The proposed course of examination waa permitted .

    Examination continued—Mr . Clough did not tell me , and I don't know why he lost Ma license . I know Mr . James very welt He is Superintendent of the Police at Leeds . He has gone through the different gradations of policeman , set jeant , inspector , and superintendent When James came into the room , I did not hear him stvy to the plaintiff , " Clough , what is tbe reason that you insult me whenever you see me ? " He said something tantamount to saying that he would not be insulted when be waa in the execution of his duty . I do not know what James ' s business was in tbe house that night ; I only heard after that be was inquiring for some man . I did not hear the name of Broughton

    mentioned at all . I afterwards went with Clougb , at hli request , before the Watob . Committee . It was the Friday following or Priday week following ; I won't be certain as to tho day . Our object in going waa to lay the conduct of Mr . James before the Committee . Mr . James was there . I think I was in the room when Clough was examined . The Town Clerk , Mr . Eddison , was there . James said that Clough had insulted him many a time , and he could not pass quietly on the street . He said that Clough had spit in his face that night . Clough did say that he had spit in the direction of Mr . James , but not at him . The Watch Committee dismissed the charge .

    Cross-examined—The Watch Committee asked if he would waive the legal proceedings tbat he had commenced if they would interfere ; and he said " No . " They accordingly refused to interfere in it . I have been a pawnbroker ten or eleven years in tie same place . I knew James about a year or two before he got into the police : he was a plasterer , and kept a cook-sbop . I did not kuow him in any other occupation . William Wilkinson—I am a gunmaker at Leeds . I was at the Union public-house on this night . I waa in

    the bar when jMr . James came in . Mr . James went into tbe snug , and was not there above two minutes . Whenhe came out he said to Gtough , " I will put you where I can find you . " He went out and brought in two of tha police . He then said , " Take this man to the toek-up , and tell Ingham that I allow no bail whoever eomea . " The policemen took Clough away ; he was sober . Mr . James gave no charge to the policemen , and did not say why he took him away . I heard nothing said about any spitting till two or three weeks after . I did not see James use bis pocket

    faandkerchiet ....,., CfOBs-examuieu—I saw Jmnea speak to the landlady when he went in , but I did not heaj the nam * of Broughton mentioned . John Swift—I am a dye » at Leedi . I was at the Union inA on the last day of last year , about half-past ten . > I remember James , tbe Btrperintendent of tbe ffatcb , coming into the bar and speaking to Mm . Sadler . Jamea went into the snagrafld came out , and went out aod brought in two policemen , and he gave Mr . Clougb in charge to the policemen , to take Mm to tbe gaol , and to tell Ingham that no bail waa to be taken . I heard no complaint from Mr . James about apiittog or spitting . I did not see him wipe fcis face . He did not toll tho policemer what they were to take tbe man away tor . He seemed to be rather in a j passion .

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    Croas-examined-J-I did not hear any name mentioned when James was speaking to Mrs . Sadler . I bad never seen Mr . Clough before that night . George Beaumont—1 am a tailor and draper at Leeds . I have known dough , the plaintiff , better than three years . Inconsequence of a communication to me on the night of the 31 st December last , I went to tbe lock-up-house in Park Row . I offered to become bail tot Mr . Clougb . I offered a sum of money . Cross-examined—When I first knew Mr . Clough he was living at the ! Grove Inn ; I believe his landlord was Mr . Singleton : ; bat will not be positive . I don't know that be lost ] bis license . I can't say whether or

    not be waa obliged to leave . I have heard Mm say that tbe police tormented him , by going Into his house when he had company , and annoying Ms company . I suppose the police } went to see what sort of company he bad . I don't know that since he left the house Clough has been brought'before tbe magistrates for insulting the police . I have hoard say that he was fined once . He waa gving on the street on Sunday night , and the police were doing something at a boy . He said it was a shame he should ] do so , and the policeman threatened to take Mm , and be said he would go along with Mm . I don't positively know that he was fined . I was not with Mm before the magistrates .

    Thomas Weare—I am a wood turner at Leeds .. On the night of thejlast day of the year , I was taken into custody for assaulting a person in the street . When I was taken to the police office , Mrs . Clough and Mr . Beaumont were there . I heard them offisr bail ; it was refused ; Ijwas put down stairs into the prison . Mr . Clough was there , and a man named Broughton . That was about half-past eleven . We all three staid in that place till the ! morning . They did not furnish us with a bed ; we had nothing to lie upon but the forms . About nine o ' clock in the morning , we were turned out into the yard . There were fifteen or sixteen persons : some of them were under sentence of transportation . I think there were not any respectable people there . Mr . Clough was kept till between one and two o ' clock on Sunday . Cross-examined—I hid not bear what passed before the magistrates . \

    Mr . KNOWLESjthen addiessed tbe Jury for the defendant , and said ] that be should show them that tbe plaintiff spit at Mr . James , that his mouth was full of liquor , and tbat be spirted it at him . He should also show tbat when he was before tbe magistrate he was charged with spitting at the defendant , and In his o * &n defence Clougb said he did spit in the direction-of Mr . James , but not atjhim . At this time Clough apologised for the offence he had given , and promised never to repeat it . Tho defendant withdrew the charge in consequence of that ] apology . Therefore , if the Jury believed that what took place before the magistrate was Sntendeed to 'j put an end to the whole affair , then the defendant on that ground was entitled to thtir verdict He also noticed the fact , that the . Watch Committee of the Leeds Council had dismissed the case on a charge being made by Mr . Clough .

    Christopher Harland—I live at Leeds , I was at Mr . Sadler's public-house on the last day of last year . I had been up stairs , and was comiug down when 1 heard a row between Mi . Clough and Mr . James . I heard M > . Clougb ! call Mr . James a bully and and a bawdy ' bouse keeper : and Mr . James said he was upon his b usihess ; and if he insulted him in that manner he would take him to tbe Iocfe-up . I heard him say tbat he would not allow him no bail whatever . I heard James talking to Mrs . Sadler , but I did not hear what he said . He wasj inquiring for some person or other . I heard Mr . James say that Mr . Clough bad spit , in bis face , but I never saw any such thing . He said that when theyj were taking Clough away to the lock-up . ¦

    Cross-examined—Mr . j James did not seem much out of temper . I was asked to become a witness on Sunday week . I had spoken to one of the police about it ; and Mrs . James sent for me to go see Mr . North , a clerk to Mr . Eddison . J am a joiner : I have been separated from my wife these five years ; I saw her this afternoon . I have served as a javelin-man ( witness produced bis recommendation . ) The Judge—He has goi bis commission as a javelinman—( Laughter . )' Joseph Robert Atkinson , Esq . was called and examined on the voirdire . He said that he occupied rateable property in Leeds , but be did not know that tbe expeucea of defending this action were to be paid out of the Borough Fund . The Judge said that the objection to the witness on account of bis being a ratepayer was cured by a recent act I The witness was then sworn and examined . —I am a

    magistrate of tbe Borough of Leeds . I remember on Sunday , the 1 st ; day of the present year , Mr . James bringing a person of the name of Clough before me . I happened to be at the Court House on tbat day . James made a charge against him . What he said was not taken down in writing . He charged Mr . Clough with having , under the excitement of liquor , used violent language and Spit at him ; which he called an assault James did not say what he was doing when Clough did this . Cloush said he was not spirting at him , but

    spitting towards him , ' and he did not intend to spit at him He said he was ! spitting at a man of the name of Richardson , I think . I am clear upon it . James replied tbat be could not be spitting at any one else but him , and that from tbe language he used be intended to insult him . Clongh said he was very sorry , and be hoped Mr . James would overlook it ; that it should noc occur again . James replied " I only want him to conduct himself qnietly towards me . " Clough promised that he would do ao in future ; and then James said he would not press the case any further , and it was dismissed .

    Cross-examined—I understood Cleugh to say tbat he would not do bo in future . I don't think he said that he was very sorry , that Mr . James took it as an offence , and he would not do it again . He said he was not spitting at , but towards him . Mr Edward Read—I am tbe Chief Constable of Leeds Mr . Jjmes is the ] Superintendent , and next in rank to me . We are appointed by the Watch Committee under the Municipal Act I remember on the 31 st of December last ; giving James a warrant to execute ngainat a man named Broughton . The warrant produced is the same . The warrant was read . It Teas signed by Richard Bramley , Esq ., anil was to apprehend Thomas Broughton for breakibc windows . i

    Cross-examined 4-1 was present at the bearing of James ' s complaint against Clough . Tbe expression that Clough used when James said he had been spictine at him , was . as nearly as I can recollect , that he would take care it should not occur again . Mr . E twin Eddison—I am tho Town Clerk ef Leeds . I occasiunally attend the meeting of the Watch Committee . I was there on the 6 th of January , and recollect seeing Clough there . Clough charged James with having brought him to prison without sufficient cause , and refusing to take bail . Mr . James said that he bad assulted him in the execution of his duty and spit at him . Clough said he did not spit at him , but he Spit towards him or in that direction , I won't ba certain as to the words . He said he was spitting to wards a man named Richardson . The charge was dismissed . As Town-Clerk , I know that James wu appointed Superintendent un-. ' or the Municipal Act ..

    Cross-examined- —I told the Watch Committee that if they were to enter into the charge tbey must have a distinct understanding from Clough that he would proceed no further in tbe proceedings be bad commenced before they gave their decision . He refused . Mr . Wilkins said that he had once read a passage in an old play— " flourish of trumpets ; enter Tom Thumb "—and be [ really thought tbat this was applicable to the conduct of his Learned Friend , when he had talked of the irreproachable and spotless conduct of . clients , the man i who had gained the applause and eBteem of the public , far and wide . He had no doubt that Mr . James bad been a very vigilant , active , mafritorious , and in some respects a very useful officer ; and he was not at all surprised that his Learned Friend should vaunt his proceedings in the Borough of Leeds ; but he had shewn that this Defendant , with all his knowledge and experience , had acted ia a manner which would be a disgrace to the lowest police-officer

    In Leeds . On the , other hand bis Learned Friend had asked them to believe tbat Mr . James bad been made the object of one of the most outrageous attacks that ever was witnessed , and that bad rendered his conduct venial ; but it would be for the Jury to judge upon the facts of the case as they had been laid before them ; and after having done so be bad no doubt that their verdict would be in favour of his client , the plaintiff If Mr . James had been acquainted with the provisions of the New Leeds Improvement Act , he would have known that under the 330 th section of that Act be had his remedy against the plaintiff by summons , when he might have been fined to the extent of £ 40 . But his friend had said that shaking Ms fist was an assault Why then Mr . James , had committed an assault , because it was proved that he bad not only used tbe words which he would not repeat , but had held up his clenched fist to Mr . Clougb . He contended that none of the 'witnesses tot tbe defence had contradicted those which he had called for the plaintiff .

    Mr . Baron Parke summed up the case . He said there was no doubt that the plaintiff was takes away by the order of the defendant , in custody of two policemen , and imprisoned in the lock-up through the whole of the night and part of the next day ; and therefore he was entitled to such a fair compensation as they should think fit for the loss of bis liberty , unless they should be of opinion that a satisfactory defence was made out Every constable afecommon law , as well aa under this act of Parliament , jwas perfectly justified in taking up and earring before ] a magistrate any person whom he sees committing a ibreach of the peace ; and if he waB tbe person against whom the assault was committed , he

    might take the party into custody Mmself , because in tbat case a ] constable was the same as a third person . The first question that he should ask them to decide was whether there had been an assault committed before | the apprehension ot the plaintiff ; and upon that question he might observe tbat U they were . Bstiafied tbat there had bean a spitting against the plaintiff that would amount to a breach of the peace . The second question w : ould be whether the defendant believed at the time he was acting under the authority of the Municipal Act ; because , if so , he was entitled to certain notice of action , wMch would afford time to make accord and satisfaction before the action commenced . !

    The Jury retired ] about three quarters of an hour , and on their return said , in answer to the flrsfc question , tbat they found for the plaintiff .

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    With respect to the second question , more difficulty arose , and the Judge explained it at considerable length ; but still the Jury did not seem to comprehend its real bearing . ^ After some consultation , the Foreman said—We believe that he was acting under excited feelings and in the belief that he would be supported , and have the man fined ; bnt we are unable to say under whatact The Judge—I am afraid you must say . There are so many points iri this case that I don't wonder at your difficulty . ! ' ; The Juryman said , after a pause , we believe that he was acting under the impulse of excitement , and vin dictively . The Judge read over tbe evidence on tbat point The Jury , after a further consultation , said—We believe that he acted witti great impropriety , but tbat he considered that be was acting under the authority of the Municipal Act , Then the Plaintiff must be Non-suited , as he has not given the notice of action required by that act . The Plaintiff was Non-suited accordingly .

    Mondat March 20 . ( Before Mr . Baron Parke . ) Felix Booth , 36 , was charged with having , on the 15 th of December last , at Hull , feloniously written and sent a certain letter to Sir Felix Booth , Barb , threatening to accuse Mm of an infamous crime , with intent to extort money . The Hon . J . S . Wortley , and Mr . Wiikins were for the prosecution ; and Mr . Bliss defended , the prisoner . Mr . Wortley stated the case , observing that it was one of a most serious and painful nature ; serious in ita character , and painful from the connexion between the prisoner and the prosecutor . The case which he had to bring before the jury , was that the prisoner bad

    addtessed . to Sir Felix Booth , his relation , a letter in which he charges and accuses Sir Felix Booth of the most filthy , and the most abominable crime which waa known to tbe English law , and that he addressed that letter and used that threat and that accusation for the purpose of extorting from Sir Felix Booth , money for bis own purposes . By an act passed in the 7 ih and 8 th of George IV ., that offence was made a felony , and if a party be convicted of it he must undergo the punishment Which all would feel was well deserved and most due for such an offence . The prosecutor was a gentleman whose name might be well knows to some of tho jury ; he was a gentleman advanced in life , who up to this time had liv « d respected and honoured by all who have known him . He had served the office of Sheriff

    of London in 1838-9 , by tbe election of- bis fellow citizens ; has ranked in high society , and has been honoured by persons of high distinction , and has won for himself a name as a distinguished friend of science , having been in fact the individual who furnished the monies for the expedition to the North Pole , which resulted in the discoveries of Capt Ross , and to the giving of his name to newly discovered land . Sir Felix is also a distiller , being one of those persons wha have raised themselves to high stations in society by their own exertions . He had a distillery in London , and one in Scotland . He also bad a large brewing concern in London . The prisoner was a relation of Sir Felix Booth—he believed a cousin . His father kept a grocer ' s . shop at Caistor , in Lincolnshire , and at

    the time of the prisoner ' s birth , application was made to Sir Felix to honour the father by becoming the prisoner ' s god-father . In an unhappy moment Sir Felix consented to do that , and accordingly the prisoner at the bar was na . med after him . For some reason or other the prisoner was living away from home , and not under his father's roof . He had contracted a marriage , be knew not and cared not iu what class of life . In the year 1835 he applied to Sir Felix Booth to give him some employment , representing himself at the time to be in a state of abject distress . He waa in the metropolitan police , and expressed great anxiety to leave it and get some employment from Sir Felix . After some time Sir Felix consented to give him employment in one of tbe distilleries with which be was

    connected ; and a partner of Sir Felix , Mr . Grimble , undertook to give the prisoner employment , and to let him have such wages and such allowances as he ( Mr ; Grimble ) thought proper . According to the instructions given to him by Sir Felix , Mr . Grimble provided for the prisoner , gave him employment , and found lodgings and accommodation for him and his wife . He was provided for a length of time , but afterwards the prisoner ' s conduct had become so bad , being addicted to intemperance , that he was discharged . Subsequently the prisoner again threw himself on the mercy of Sir Felix Booth , and entreated him to give him another trial , and to put him in a situation where the temptation would not be so great as at tbe distillery . Accordingly , Sir Felix Booth did consent to place him in a

    farm house which he had purchased , at a place called Cat worth , in Huntingdonshire . A person named Sadler had the management of this farm , and there was a house there at which Sir F . Booth occasionally resided when he had occasion to be in that part of the * country . The arrangement as to the prisoner ' s going to this farm was this—that he should live rent free , have board and lodgings , and the profits of the poultry , amounting to between £ 40 and £ 50 a year . The only thing , he was to do for thia was to write a statement weekly of the work done upon ihe farm . He and bis wife lived on the farm from 1835 up to the spring ot 1830 , and during that time be , from time to time , wrote letters expressing the deepest gratitude to Sir Felix for his kindness . In the early part of the

    year 1839 , tbe prisoner bad got into some disputes with the neighbouring farmers , and others at Catworth , which led to some correspondence between them and Sir Felix Booth , in the course of which Sir Felix found great fault with the prisoner , and the result was that the prisoner and his family had to leave Catworth . Afterwards letters passed to Sir FeUx from tbe prisoner , who entreated Sir Felix to give him something els © to do , and in these letters there was' not the slightest insinuation of the crime to which he ( the Learned Counsel ) should have to call their attention . The prisoner went up to London and applied personally to Sir Felix for some employment , and Sir Felix aotu * ally advanced to him somewhere between £ 200 and £ 300 for the , purpose of purchasing for him a stock

    of groceries , with which ha set him np in a shop in Chorlton-street , Somers Town . He went to that shop , and shortly after applied to Sir Felix Booth for a further advance . Sir Felix then . refused to give him further assistance unless be would make eut for him a statement of his accounts to show that he bad been acting properly . The prisoner then made out a statement of * aecounta , and after a perusal of that statement , Sit Felix advanced him £ 105 . The prisoner carried on business , and applications were made from time to time of the most pressing character fot further pecuniary assistance . But still no hint was given by the prisoner of the accusation which he afterwards made against Sir Felix . On May 15 th , in the ensuing year , the first letter atiived which had the smallest allusion

    to that topic , and that was after the application for pecuniary assistance had been made by the prisoner to Sir Felix Booth . But even in that letter , although it contained some dark insinuations against Sir Falls , it was not until later tbat the letter arrived on which this prosecution was founded . This letter was received on the 23 rd of December last , at the house of Sir Felix Booth in London . Before he read that letter , he would tell the jury that they would find in that letter mention of a person ef the name of Marr . Sir Felix was extensively engaged in business , and this young man ( Man ) was a person whom he employed as a confidential clerk . That young man had very early in life left his parents , who . resided at Edinburgh . He had run away from home , and had enlisted in " T&e Yortaaire Greys . " Sir Felix Booth had a very , high respect for the mother of Man , and paid for his discharge out of the regiment , and employed him in--the capacity to which he had referred . That fact was known by the

    prisoner , and it no doubt was the fact of Sir Felix Booth ' s kindness to this young man , of whom the prisoner had entertained a strong feeling of dislike , which had suggested the infamous accusation which he afterwards mode against Sir Felix , On the 23 rd of Deo ., Sir Felix Booth received a letter dated " Hull , 15 » h December , 1842 . " This letter charged that Sir Felix Booth had been guilty of an unnatural crime with the young man , Marr , and pressing for payment for alleged services of the prisoner and his wife at the farm The letter also stated that the prisoner had written to the Commissioners of Police , the Secretary of State , Sir R . Peel , and oth « f influential persons upon the subject , and that he would continue to do ao until one or the other was taken up . The letter dealt in accusations which were entirely groundless , and upon the mere incentives of his own bad passions . Taa prisoner had admitted in former letters that he had no claim for wages or services upon Sir Felix .

    Sir Felix Booth was examined at great length in support of the opening of the learned Counsel . In hia cross-examination he stated that the prisoner bad shown him a book , which the prisoner said would expose Sir F = lix , and which he said he would publish unless he ( Sir Felix ) purchased it , and then it would be destroyed . In his re-examination he stated that be bad reason to believe the young man , Marr , was his own son . Other witnesses were called in support of tbe prosecution , and tho prisoner was found Guilty—Sentence deferred . The Court then broke up .

    Untitled Article

    Melrose .-Fatal AcciDENT .-On Saturday se * nnighfc the miller of Newtown Mill , near Melrose , baving observed the supply of water in tbe dam suddenly diminish , went to a large and nnolofled pond , situate by the road side , where the-sluice is placed , to ascertain the cause . For this purpose be thrust in a dung-fork when to his astonishment and horror , he drew np the body of a little girl , the daughter of ft person named Jane Mein , who resides in the Tillage *

    Another girl , the daughter of Adam Thompson labourer , being missing , the motker , on hearing of the occurrence , came to the spot and expressed her apprehension that her child had shared the same fate . Unfortunately her fears were too well founded , fot tbe next moment tho lifeless body of her offspring was dragged to tbe side . The two little girls , who were inseparable oompanioiw , had , while playing together , fallen unobserved into the pond , which'W of considerable dep&b , and wera drowned . —Calede ' donian Afcrcury .

    Untitled Article

    f > THE NORTHERN STAB .

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 25, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct474/page/6/