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Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1860-1864

Articles taken from the

Western Morning News and Western Daily Mercury

Inquests

Coroner's Inquests were usually held within the space of 48 hours following a death that appeared to be of a suspicious or unexplained nature. They were usually held in a local public-house, ale house, municipal building, or parish workhouse, but sometimes in the building where the death occurred. The Coroner usually came from a legal or medical background and more often than not, appointed for life by the respective County. The Coroner and a Jury of between 12 and 24 persons, usually men of substantial standing, were empanelled to examine the body, hear witnesses, and the Jury then to come to a Verdict as to Cause of Death. The account of the Inquest appearing in local newspapers, included the name of the deceased, where they died, and how they died. Sometimes, age, occupation, parish or address, and other relatives' names can be found. In later years when Hospitals appear, people can be dying away from their parish after having been admitted to that institution, and the Inquest is therefore conducted where the death occurred, rather than where the person was living.

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]

Names Included: Abbott; Abraham; Abrams; Adams(2); Addiscott; Alford; Algar; Alin; Allen(3); Alsop; Anderson; Andrews(3); Angove; Anstey; Antonie; Archer; Auburn; Avent(2); Avery; Axworthy; Ayland; Ayres; Babbage; Bailey; Baker(3); Ball; Barnacott; Barnes; Barrett; Bartlett(2); Basley; Bastow(2); Battershall; Bayly; Beable(2); Beal; Beale; Beaton; Beer(2); Bell; Bennett(5); Bestable; Bickford; Bidgood; Bingham; Bishop; Blacker; Blake(2); Blamey; Blatchford; Blight; Bond(2); Bone; Bootyman; Bordman; Bourke; Bourne; Bovey; Bowden; Bradford(2); Bray; Brewer; Brian; Brice; Bridgeman; Brown(3); Browne; Browning(2); Brownson; Buckley; Bunker; Burge; Burn; Burnett; Burnman; Burns; Butt; Callaway; Cann; Cardell; Carew; Carne; Carnell; Castle; Chamberlain; Champernowne; Channens; Chistle; Chubb(2); Chudleigh; Church; Churchill; Clampet; Clatworthy; Cleave; Clements; Clifford; Clissold; Coad; Cober; Cock(2); Cockram; Codner; Cole(4); Coleman(3); Collings(2); Collins(3); Commings; Coniam; Connibeer; Connors; Cook(4); Cooke; Coombes; Coombs; Cooper; Corber; Cornelius; Cornish; Cory(2); Cotton; Couch; Cowles; Cox(2); Crabb; Crimp; Critchett; Cross; Crump; Cunningham; Curtis; Dacey; Daniel; Darby; Darch; Davey; Davies; Davis(2); Daw(2); Dawe(4); Day; Dayment; Densham; Diggins; Dingle; Doble; Dodd; Doddridge; Dodridge; Doidge; Donovan; Down(5); Downey; Downing; Drake(2); Drew(3); Duke; Dunn; Durham; Dyas; Earl; Easterbrooke; Edgcumbe; Edmonds(2); Edwards(7); Edwin; Elliott(2); Emmett; Endicott; Evans; Evens; Farrant(3); Farrier; Ferris; Fews; Finch; Fishe(2); Fletcher; Floud; Fluellin; Foale; Foot; Ford; Fox(2); Fredrick; French(3); Friend; Frithay; Furze; Gale; Garry; Geach; Gee; Gerry; Gibbs; Gidley; Gill(2); Gillard; Goad; Godfrey; Goffin; Gooding; Goodyear; Goss; Gransdale; Green; Greenslade(2); Grey; Grills; Gulley(2); Haddy; Haggarty; Hains; Hall; Hamlyn; Hancock(2); Harding; Harrill; Harris(3); Harrison; Hartdingle; Harvey(3); Hatherleigh; Hawken; Hawkins(2); Haydon; Hayman(2); Haynes; Head; Heath; Heaton; Hedder; Hele; Hemer; Henderson; Henna; Henwood; Herbert; Hews; Heydon; Hicks; Hill(3); Hillman; Hingston; Hockway; Hodge(2); Hodges; Hole; Holland(3); Holmes; Holsgrove; Honeywill; Hookway(2); Hooper(2); Hopkins; Hore; Horn; Horrell; Horswell(2); Horswill; Horton; Hoskin(2); Howe; Howell; Hoyten; Hulme; Humphrey; Hunt(2); Hurrell(3); Hutchings; Hutchison; Irons; Isaacs; Jacobs; James(3); Jarvis(3); Jeffery; Jenkins; Jerman; Jewell(2); Jillard; Johns; Johnson; Jones(3); Jordan;  Keast; Kelleher; Kelley; Kelly; Kelynack; Kendell; Kendle; Kennard(2); Kent(2); Kerslake; King; Knapman; Knight(2); Knowles; Lacey; Lake; Landry(2); Lane(2); Langford; Langman; Lanschiet; Laskey; Laundry; Lawrence(3); Leach; Ledson; Lee(3); Lemon; Lewarne; Lewis; Lillicrap; Lippet; Lismore(4); Little; Lloyd; Loraine; Lovering; Lowndes; Luke; Luscombe; Mackay; Madge; Magor; Magrow; Mahoney; Manicom; Manning(2); Martin(6); Matthews(2); Mattocks; May(3); McCarthy; McClare; McVay; Mears; Menheniak; Mickle; Miller; Milton; Mitchell(3); Moore(4); Morell; Morgan(2); Morgate; Mortimore; Moses(2); Mowett; Moyle; Mugford; Mugg; Muir; Murphy; Murray(2); Navan; Netherton; Newson; Newton; Niass; Nicholson; Nolan; Norcombe; Norman; Norsworthy; Northey; Oatey; Orchard; Osborn; Osborne; Paddon(2); Palmer(2); Parfit; Parminter; Parratory; Parsons; Passmore; Patchcott; Pates; Payne; Pearce(2); Peardon; Pearse(3); Pellow; Pendle; Penery; Penny; Penwill; Perring; Peters; Phelp; Phillips(3); Pick; Pike; Pill; Pinhorn; Piper; Pitcairn; Pitcher; Pitts; Plymsell; Polack; Pollard; Pomeroy; Pope; Pote; Potter; Powell; Prance; Pratt; Prinn; Prout(2); Prowse; Pullen; Purcell; Pyle; Pyne; Quaintance; Quick; Quint(2); Rackley; Rains; Reay; Redwood; Reeby(2); Reed; Reeves; Repath; Rice; Rich; Richards(4); Rickard; Ridd; Ridge; Ridgeway; Roach; Robertson; Robins(3); Robinson; Rogers; Rolstone; Rook; Rowe(3); Rowland; Rowse; Sanders(2); Sandford; Sargeant; Sargent; Satchell; Saul; Saunders(3); Scheltms; Scott; Seldon; Sheppard(2); Sherman; Shields; Shilstone; Shortland; Simmons; Simons; Simpson; Sincock; Skinner; Sleeman; Sloggett; Smale(3); Smallridge(2); Smeardon; Smeatham; Smillie; Smith(7); Snell; Snodgrass; Snow; Sotheby; Southcombe; Sowden; Sparks; Sprague(2); Spurling; Spurrell; Squires(2); Stanbury; Stancombe; St Aubyn; Steer(2); Stephens(3); Stettiford; Stevens(5); Steward; Stocker; Stokes; Stone(2); Storey; Streeton; Strong(2); Sullivan; Sussex; Sutton; Sweeney; Syms; Tall; Tancock; Tarr; Taylor(5); Theyers; Thomas(4); Thompson; Thorne; Tooze; Topham; Towl; Townsend; Tregelgis; Treliven; Tremellan; Trenaman; Trent; Trew; Trounsell; Truscott; Tucker(2); Turner(2); Turpin; Vicary; Vill; Vosper; Wakeham; Walke; Ward; Warren; Waterman; Way; Webb; Webber; Wedlake; Wedlock; Werrin; Werton; Westcott; Western; Westlake; Wetherall; White(4); Widger(2); Wilcocks(3); Willcocks; Williams(7); Willing; Wilson(2); Wilton; Winn; Winnicott; Winsborough; Winsor; Winter; Woodmass; Wooton; Worth; Wotton; Wreford; Wright; Wyatt(2); Yardley; Young; Ziskofen; 

[NOTE: No newspapers in the Archive from 1855 - 1859]

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 January 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident In Strand Street, Stonehouse. - Mr Allen Bone, the Coroner for the Borough, held an Inquest on Saturday last at the Vine Inn, on the body of MARY JANE PILL, a servant lately in the service of Mrs Rundell, of Strand-street. Mrs Rundell stated that the deceased was about 23 years of age, and a steady, sober girl. On the previous day witness had occasion to go out for half-an-hour, and at about 11 o'clock a.m., she left the unfortunate woman in charge of the house, and it was arranged that the bedroom windows should be cleaned that day. On the witness's return she found several people round her door, and was told that deceased had fallen from her bedroom window into the gutter of the Broadway, a height of about 14 feet. Josiah Gover, a waterman at the Admiral's Hard, deposed that he saw the deceased sitting out of the bedroom window cleaning the glass, and to do so she sat on an iron rod placed outside the window frame (to keep children from falling out.) She had not been there long before one end of the rod became unfastened, and she was thrown out, falling on her head and knees, into the stone gutter of the street. He ran and picked her up and carried her into the kitchen of the house, but she only gave a slight shudder and a Surgeon of the Marines on seeing her declared that she must have died immediately, as her skull was frightfully fractured. Mrs Earl, who resided in the same house as the deceased was employed in, was also examined, but said she did not see the accident. the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 January 1860
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held on Tuesday, at the Crown Inn, Tavistock, before A. B. Bone, Esq., jun., on the body of the young man ANGOVE, whose death we have already noticed. Evidence was given by Captain W. Godden, and two of the miners employed at North Robert Mine, to prove that the deceased was killed by a mass of rock about a ton weight, falling on him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 January 1860
PLYMOUTH - Inquests On Infants. - Two Inquests were held at the Guildhall, Plymouth, last night, by Mr Edmonds, the Coroner for the Borough, for the purpose of Enquiring into the deaths of COURTNEY CHARLES SOUTHCOMBE, aged three months, and ELIZABETH JANE BARTLETT, aged nine weeks. - The first Enquiry was touching the death of ELIZABETH JANE BARTLETT. From the evidence of the mother, MRS ELIZA BARTLETT, of No. 7 Looe Street, it seemed that the deceased child had been healthy from her birth. Witness went to bed between 12 and one on Saturday night, having previously suckled the child. On getting into bed she took it in her right arm, and did not wake till six o'clock in the morning, when she found the child cold and dead beside her; a neighbour was called in, and a doctor sent for, but the child was quite dead. Mary Crocker said she was called in, and the child seemed to have slept right off. The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Found Dead." The Jury proceeded to investigate into the death of COURTNEY C. SOUTHCOMBE, late of No. 2 East Street. The mother, MRS SOUTHCOMBE, said the child was four months old, and was a seven months' child, he had been healthy, but subject to some rising in his throat. She went to bed on Saturday between 12 and one o'clock, and took the child on her left arm, and he feel to sleep whilst at the breast. Witness did not wake till about seven on Sunday morning, when she rose and went downstairs to let the servant in, and when she returned to bed and took the deceased in her arms, she found him quite dead. She thought he died from the rising in the throat from which he suffered. In this instance also, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 January 1860
PLYMOUTH - Coroner's Inquest. - J. Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, held an Inquest last night at the "No-place Inn," Eldad, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of DAVID EVANS, a first-class Petty Officer, in the Royal Navy, who had been lately invalided, who was found dead in a water-closet on the previous evening. It appeared from the evidence of Mrs Sophia Smee, the first witness examined, that the deceased lodged at her house, in Wyndham Place, East Stonehouse. He had lived at her house, for the first time, two years ago, when he was there four months. He was the captain of the afterguard, on board the Alert, but was invalided, and was to have returned to Her Majesty's ship Impregnable. He was invalided from the Alert in the Pacific. He was about 54 years old and was unmarried. He was invalided for rheumatism, but he had been in apparent health up to the time of his death, only complaining of his stomach when he drank. The last time she saw him alive, was at half-past four, and when he went out into the garden. Witness's husband then went into the garden about seven, when he found deceased in the water-closet, seemingly asleep. Thought deceased was only asleep, and left him, but returned again at nine, when he found deceased was dead. Mr J. C. Snell, the next witness, stated that he found the deceased in the water-closet at about seven, lying down in the corner, and that he had been vomiting. The witness went for a light into the house, and returned to the deceased and spoke to him, but received no answer. He thought that deceased was asleep, and then went back to the house. About ten minutes to nine, witness again went to look to deceased, when he found that he was dead. He attributed the death to former drinking. Richard Opie said he saw the deceased, and thought he was recovering from a drunken fit. Some Jurymen considered that the man should have been removed from the closet into the house. Thomas Jackson, of the Alert, said he was a shipmate of the deceased and that deceased enjoyed good health, with the exception of the rheumatism. He drank grog on every opportunity he could get it. Mr Thomas Pearse, surgeon, stated that he was called in to see the deceased on the previous evening, and found there was a slight smell of drink about his body. In his opinion, he died from some affection of the heart; disease of the heart was in a great many cases owing to rheumatism, drinking habits would aggravate and bring on death. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased's death was almost sudden, and that he died from a disease of the heart, probably accelerated by excessive drinking.

EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. - In our impression of Friday last, we mentioned that a man named CHARLES CUNNINGHAM, a messenger in the Customs, had left his home and had threatened to commit suicide. On Saturday the body was found in the canal about a mile and a half from the Custom House, his hat floating near. The body was brought to Exeter, and on Monday morning an Inquest was held at Pike's Royal George Inn, before W. H. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, when evidence was given, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Monday 23 January 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Devonport Workhouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of the labouring man who was picked up near Milehouse on the previous Wednesday evening, the particulars of which were published in the Western Morning News of Saturday last. It appears that the man was a pensioner, named JAMES RIDGE, residing in Stonehouse; that he had been dismissed from the army owing to being subject to fits, &c. It was supposed that he died while in a fit, and a verdict in accordance with these facts was returned.

TOTNES - The Fire At Totnes. Further Particulars. - The damage done by the fire at Totnes on Friday morning, is estimated by a correspondent at £2,000, which amount is covered, or very nearly, by insurances in the West of England and Norwich offices. The houses of Mr Hayman and Mr Hill were completely gutted, and the wine and spirit stores of Mr W. Bentall and the Freemasons' Lodge destroyed. The home of Dr Derry was thought to be in imminent danger, but fortunately escaped. The furniture and fittings of the Freemasons' Lodge, which were entirely destroyed, are estimated to have been worth about £300. The body of HODGE, who fell from the engine into the Dart, and was drowned, was recovered some distance down the river, and a Coroner's Inquest was held thereon on Saturday, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 January 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Ferry House Inn, Morice Town, on the body of E. B. RICKARD, the man who was found in the canal at Morice Town, on Sunday last, the particulars of which we published in the Western Morning News, on Monday morning. Deceased, it appeared, was about 44 years of age, had a wife and family in Callington. When found, the lower portions of his body were embedded in the mud, and he was standing perfectly erect. Deceased's watch was still ticking when taken out of the water. - Verdict, "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 January 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide In H.M. Dockyard. - An Inquest on the body of GEORGE WETHERALL, was held yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Clowance Inn, Clowance-street, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner. It appeared that the last time the deceased was seen alive was about half-past 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning, by a labourer named Whitfield, but there seemed nothing then remarkable in his conduct so as to attract attention. At about 20 minutes to 12 o'clock a man named George Crocker, in company with Alexander Saunders, had occasion to go to a place where certain apparatus was kept, just between the two rope-houses, when they saw a man's hat and on examining further found deceased hanging to a piece of projecting timber. On being taken down and carried to the surgery, it was the opinion of the medical gentlemen present that he had been dead for an hour; the limbs, however, were not quite rigid. Had it not been for the noticing of the hat, it is said that deceased might have remained in the position in which he was found for several days, as the pile of timber completely hid him from view. Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Painful Enquiry At Exeter. Censure Upon A Medical Man. - We noticed yesterday the sudden death of MRS LANE, the wife of a dairyman residing in Paris-street, Exeter, and stated that there were rumours afloat as to the refusal of two medical gentlemen to attend the deceased when called upon to do so, the facts of which would no doubt come out at the Coroner's Inquest. - The Inquest was held at Burt's Greyhound Inn, Paris-street, yesterday morning, when nineteen gentlemen were sworn on the Jury, Mr W. E. Jackson being Foreman. - The Jury having viewed the body of the deceased, the following evidence was taken:- JOHN LANE, said, deceased was 36 years of age last May, they had been married about twelve years, and had five children living and at home with him, the eldest of whom was about 11 years of age. Deceased used to carry the milk round the town mornings and sometimes evenings, whilst he supplied the barracks. She had had a cough for some few months. At the time of her death she was pregnant. She was last out of doors on Tuesday morning, when she went round with the milk. When she returned, she complained of a pain in the face, and at that time was seated by the fire, he advised her to go up into her mother's room which was warmer, and he did not see her again until he went to bed about half-past nine o'clock, when she said she was easier. She did not appear restless during the night but between four and five o'clock he went to work, but deceased did not come downstairs for that day. He went to bed about a quarter to ten at night, when she said she was about the same, but felt uneasy. She was restless during the night, and about twelve o'clock she asked him to call her mother to get her a cup of tea. He did so, and she had it. He went to sleep, and was awakened by her about four o'clock and again asked for a cup of tea, which she had; but as she continued in pain, she asked him to get out and dress himself and go for the doctor, and her mother suggested Mr Perkins - he understanding that she meant Mr Samuel Perkins, of St. Sidwell's. He had not been spoken to before by anyone to hold himself in readiness to attend upon her. He went to Mr Perkins' house about half-past four o'clock, and having rung the bell, Mr Perkins put his head out of the window, and witness said to him "Is that Mr Perkins?" He replied, "Yes, is that LANE?" and he answered "Yes, sir!" He said, "What's the matter?" Witness replied "My missus is very ill indeed sir, will you please to come directly?" He did not say to Mr Perkins that his wife was in labour, as he did not know it. Mr Perkins said "No, you had Dr Roberts last," and witness said "Sir, it was at your request, because you could not attend." Mr Perkins made no answer to that, but shut the window. Mr Perkins had been her medical man for some years, and he had paid him at least a hundred pounds: this was up to his wife's last confinement, when she was attended by a midwife. Mr Perkins had attended his children, who were ill in the hooping-cough and smallpox, about three or four weeks since; he had not sent in a bill since Christmas, but his wife had paid him for medicine and attendance every day as he came; did not owe Mr Perkins anything that he knew of; he had been insolvent, and at that time he owed Mr Perkins a bill, and he put him in the schedule. When Mr Perkins said he would not come, witness went home and told his mother-in-law and Mrs Bulley so, and the latter said get somebody or other, and he then went for Mr Hunt, of St. Sidwell's. He rang the bell, and very quickly he put his head out of the window and said, "Who's that?" Witness replied, "LANE, sir, of Paris-street." He said "what's the matter?" and he replied "My missus is very ill indeed, and I wish you would come as quick as possible." He said, "I don't attend your missus, and I can't come." He shut the window and witness came away. Mr Hunt had attended his house, it might be a twelvemonth since, but he could not say what for. Did not know whether he had been paid anything, his wife used to pay everything. witness then went for Mr Roberts, and after telling him that his wife was very ill indeed, he replied "I will be there in a few minutes," and he came almost immediately. He went upstairs, and on coming down again, he told witness his wife was dead. This was just after five o'clock. - By a Juror: Mr Hunt called at his house to attend the child of a lodger. It was not for any member of his family. He went to Mr Perkins first because he always looked upon him as his family medical man. - JOANNA COUNTER, the mother of the deceased, who lived in the same house, deposed that deceased was in the family way, and had had a slight cold for some time, and since Tuesday her face and lip had swollen. She advised her not to go round with the milk that day, but she did go as there was no-one else. She continued worse, and on Thursday morning witness got up twice and gave her some tea, the last time, about four o'clock, when she was worse, and witness said, "ELIZABETH, let JOHN rise and go for Mr Perkins," and deceased replied "He won't come." After this, deceased got out of bed, when witness called servant and Mrs Bulley, who lived in the same house. One of the children who slept in another room coughed and deceased said, "SUSEY is crying; she's got the hooping cough." These were the last words deceased uttered, and she died within a second or two afterwards, but could not say whether she died before LANE came back from Mr Perkins. - Louisa Bulley, a widow residing in the same house, deposed to being called to the deceased on Thursday morning about 25 minutes past four o'clock, at the same time she was apparently near death, but breathed once or twice after, and died in witness's presence. She was sitting by the side of the bed then, and a nurse was sent for, upon whose arrival deceased was lifted on to the bed, and it was discovered that she had been delivered of a dead male child. When LANE returned from Mr Hunt's, deceased was dead and had been so about a quarter of an hour and was so before the nurse came. - Mr Lionel Roberts, M.R.C.S. deposed to being called by LANE just before five o'clock on Thursday morning, and on going to the house he found that deceased was dead lying on the bed, and on a table was the body of a newly-born child; could not say if the child had been born alive; considered the deceased must have died from exhaustion, consequent upon premature labour, but not from haemorrhage. - By a Juror: If a medical man had been present half-an-hour before, the woman would not have been removed from the bed, and the blood would have gone back to the heart quicker. He had attended the family about six or seven years ago, at the request of Mr Hunt. - The Coroner, in answer to a Juror, said it was not legally compulsory for a medical man to attend when called; whether he was morally bound was another thing. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said that during the time he had held office a more painful case had never come before him. Mr Perkins had certainly refused to come, why, he (the Coroner) did not know, therefore he had endeavoured to get out from the witness LANE a reason. In his opinion Mr Perkins was morally bound to go. Mr Hunt had also refused to go, and great praise was due to Mr Roberts for the promptitude he exhibited in going to the deceased when called upon. With regard to the two gentlemen who had refused, he wished it had been otherwise. In a legal point of view a medical man was not legally bound to go, although he was morally. Some men stopped to enquire whether they would be paid, but there was the County Court open, and with the cheap law at their disposal they could easily recover. - Mr Roberts thought it due to the other medical men to say; that LANE did not tell him that his wife was very ill. - The Coroner read the evidence of LANE, in which he stated that he had told both Mr Perkins and Mr Hunt so, and then proceeded to read the evidence and remarked that it was a very painful case, and it would have been better if both the medical gentlemen had gone when called upon. - The Jury were then about to return their verdict, when Mr Bird (one of the Jury) suggested that as there had been a serious accusation made against Mr Perkins, that gentleman should be sent for, in order that he might have an opportunity of giving an explanation, if he had any to give. At any rate, before the verdict was returned, the Inquiry should be adjourned, so that Mr Perkins might be present. - The Coroner said that Mr Perkins might have been present, if he had thought proper. It was not his (The coroner's) duty to send for anyone. - The Jury then returned the following verdict: The Jury are of opinion that the deceased died from exhaustion, caused by premature delivery, but they cannot separate, without expressing their approval of the highly praiseworthy conduct of Mr Roberts, in attending directly he was called upon; and their disapprobation of the great and unfeeling neglect exhibited by Mr Samuel Perkins, as the medical man of the family, in refusing to attend the deceased when asked to do so. - The Coroner said it was a very proper verdict, and he quite concurred in it. - Just as the Jury were about to leave the room, Mr Perkins entered, and said he had just been told in the street that the Enquiry was going on, and he thought it right that he should attend and explain to the Jury that he was not the medical man of the deceased's family. He had only attended them once for seven or eight years. The reason of his not attending was, that LANE had not paid him an account which was owing, and also that Mr Roberts had been in attendance on the family. He had been very much engaged during the Wednesday night, and got to bed about one o'clock, and about four in the morning he was aroused by LANE. Upon hearing from him that his wife was ill, he made enquiries as to what was the matter, and on being told by LANE, he told him "to go to Mr Roberts, he's your medical man," and LANE replied "Very well." He (Mr Perkins) wanted to know why he should go without being remunerated. He had not been paid an account which had been owing for seven or eight years, and he only attended the children recently - at a very low charge - upon the earnest solicitation of MRS LANE, who could not get anyone else. In an extraordinary case, or in case of an accident, he would be one of the first to attend; but he would put it to the Jury, as tradesmen, whether they would like to part with the goods from their shops to a person who had not previously paid them their accounts. If LANE had told him that his wife was in danger, he would have gone at once. - Mr Kenshole and several other Jurors after this explanation wished the verdict to be modified, as Mr Perkins had thrown quite a different light on the matter. - Mr Bird informed Mr Perkins that he had endeavoured to obtain for him an opportunity of making an explanation before the verdict was given, but that the Coroner said it was not his duty to send for anyone, and that Mr Perkins might have been present if he had wished it. - The Coroner said that was quite correct, and with reference to the explanation of Mr Perkins, he had endeavoured to get from LANE in his examination a reason for that gentleman's refusal to attend. LANE had admitted that he had been insolvent, and that at that time he owed Mr Perkins an account which had not since been paid. - One of the Jurors having remarked that LANE said he had paid Mr Perkins £10 at different times, that gentleman said he should be glad to take £20 for it; and added that when the Enquiry was about to come on, he thought he should be sent for. - The Coroner said it was not his duty to send for anyone. Before the Enquiry closed he had asked if there was any other person who wished to be examined, and no one came forward. However, Mr Perkins had given his explanation, and in justice to that gentleman, no doubt the reporters would publish it. This terminated the Enquiry.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 February 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the Devonport Workhouse, on the body of HENRY TROUNSELL, 60 years of age, under the following circumstances. Deceased was at Morice Town, on Sunday last, and on being told the way to Devonport, went immediately the contrary way, and walked over the canal. He was taken out alive and conveyed to the Workhouse, where he died on Wednesday last. - Verdict, accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 February 1860
SOUTH BRENT - The Fatal Railway Accident Near Brent. - W. A. Cockey, Esq., the Coroner for the district, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Anchor Inn, South Brent, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES PENNY, whose body was found on the previous day lying on the South Devon Railway, with the head severed from the body. - From the evidence of the first witness, JAMES PENNY, the father of the deceased, a porter in the goods department of the South Devon Railway terminus at Plymouth, it appeared that the deceased was 17 years of age on the 24th of last May. He was an apprentice to his grandfather, a carpenter, of Brent. On Sunday last, the witness went from Plymouth by the first up-train, and was joined by the deceased at Plympton, from whence they went to Totnes. They returned from Totnes and walked back to Rattery, where they had dinner at the house of a friend, and after remaining some time there they walked over to Brent. They there had one glass of brandy and water each at a public-house, and the deceased walked to the station and saw his father into the train for Plymouth, which left at about half-past eight. When he parted from his son, he seemed in excellent spirits and was sober. - The next witness examined was J. Patrick, ganger of packers. He stated that on Sunday he was in company with the deceased after he had seen his father in the train. They remained together till about ten o'clock and deceased went to see him part of the way home, and left him about a mile on the road towards Rattery. That was the last time he saw him alive. - A man named Shapton, of Teignmouth, who was employed as a smith on the line, deposed that on Monday morning he was walking along the line from Brent towards Rattery, where he found the body of the deceased lying on the rails with his head quite severed from the body. He went to Rattery and obtained assistance and the corpse was then removed to Brent. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict, the Inquiry having lasted a considerable time.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 February 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Suffocation From Gas. - On Saturday last a gas-fitter named OSBORNE, employed by the Devonport Gas Company, was engaged at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, in carrying some gas fittings to different parts of the house, and on making a junction with a pipe leading from the meter, the rush of gas was so great that the poor fellow inhaled a large quantity, from the effects of which he became stupefied, fell from the ladder on which he was standing, and shortly afterwards died. An Inquest was holden on the body the same afternoon before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 February 1860
TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. - An Inquest was held on Monday before W. Cockey, Esq., at the Town Hall, Torquay, on the body of NICHOLAS LUSCOMBE, aged 73, who cut his throat last Saturday. The particulars of which appeared in the Western Morning News, of Monday last. - David Pike, on being sworn, said: I know the deceased NICHOLAS LUSCOMBE, I live opposite his house. He was a man of independent means, but rather of penurious habits; I never saw him the worse for drink; the last time I saw him before this happened was about three or four days ago, and he then looked in a wild state. He was not in a passion, but seemed to be in a deranged state. Last Saturday morning, about twelve o'clock, I was called by deceased's daughter; she was agitated, and could only say "come over." I went over, and proceeded up stairs, and in one of the bedrooms, I saw deceased on his knees, with his head over a receptacle, and with both his hands to his head. I tried to pull away one of his arms, thinking he had a fit, but seeing that he had cut his throat, I felt alarmed, and immediately left him, and sent off for some medical men. I think I saw a razor on the table, but was not quite sure. I have seen deceased very melancholy lately, but not so much as I did on the day to which I previously referred. - William Pollard, surgeon, said, on Saturday, about twelve o'clock, I was called to attend deceased. When I reached the house, I found him sitting in a chair, with a cloth round his neck. I was told that his throat had been cut. I examined him, and found that it had been cut very severely; and it appeared such a cut as a man could easily inflict on himself. I did all that was necessary, and dressed the wound. I found the windpipe cut through, but no large blood vessel injured. He died on Tuesday from the effects of the wound. I found that his mind was deranged when I first saw him. - Martha Hoskings, a neighbour, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness, as to deceased's unsoundness of mind. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict that deceased had cut his throat whilst labouring under a Temporary Fit of Insanity.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 February 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on Saturday last at the "Dolphin Inn," Granby-street, Devonport, on the body of GEORGE FOX. It appeared that deceased was in the employ of Mr Knapman, white-ale seller, Granby-street, and on Sunday week deceased was engaged in carrying a musical instrument upstairs into the upper part of the house, and in doing which, either from the weight of his load or other cause the poor man fell back some several steps and very much injured his head and other parts of his body; he was immediately taken up and put to bed, and lingered until Thursday last when he died. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1860
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident On Board The Gilmour. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Guildhall before J. Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM BELL, a seaman belonging to the Gilmour, now lying in Plymouth Sound. It appeared from the evidence that on Saturday the deceased was on the foreyard for the purpose of bearing the sail clear off that yard, when the whip of the hallyards - which so late as Saturday last had borne much heavier strains - broke, and the sail falling he went down, his head striking the cat-tail, thereby killing him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1860
BRIXHAM - An Inquest was held a few days since at Brixham, on the body of a child named EARL, aged four years, who had, according to the evidence, been overlaid by the parents. A verdict in accordance with this was adopted.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 February 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest on the body of JAMES WHITE, a bombardier, belonging to the Fife Militia Artillery, taken from the Stonehouse Pool, on Wednesday, (particulars of whose death we published on Thursday morning), was held at the Military Hospital Inn, yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 March 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Pack Horse Inn, St David's, Exeter, on Saturday, on the body of ESTIN BUCKLE HUTCHISON, a little boy aged 3 years and 8 months, whose death took place under the following circumstances. On the Friday fortnight previously, the deceased was crossing the road at the top of Southernhay, when he was knocked down by a carriage, and the wheel passing over his hand, it was so much injured as to cause amputation of one of the fingers necessary. He recovered considerably under the care of Mr Wilson Caird, surgeon, but a few days since he died of lock jaw, and was buried; but the circumstances coming to the knowledge of Mr H. W. Hooper, the Coroner, he ordered the body to be disinterred, and hence the present Inquest. Evidence having been taken in corroboration of the above facts, the Inquiry was adjourned to Wednesday. The parents of the child are in India, having sent their son to be educated under the care of some relatives in this country.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 March 1860
KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquest was held at the King of Prussia Inn, Kingsbridge, on Tuesday, on the body of RICHARD GILLARD, who hung himself on Sunday morning last. Deceased, who was a bargeman, had been in a low desponding way for some time past, and in consequence of his drinking habits had lived unhappily with his wife. His daughter found him in his bedroom on Sunday hanging by a rope attached to the bedpost. The man must have been thoroughly determined to destroy himself, for the noose was not above four feet from the ground, and he was stretched with his legs on the floor, so that the slightest effort would have enabled him to release himself. Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 30 March 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - An Inquest was held on Wednesday, at Stonehouse, on the body of JOHN TAYLOR, second class boy, belonging to H.M.S Flying Fish, lying in Plymouth Sound, who lost his life on Monday last, under the following circumstances. The officer of the watch directed the boatswain to pipe the boys aloft to slacken the stays; and this having been done, the signal was given for them to descend, when a race commenced as to who should be down first. The deceased, it appeared, when about to descend, told another lad near him that he would be down first, and the challenge having been accepted, the two set off at full speed. The deceased had not gone more than two or three steps before he slipped and fell on the deck, and fractured his bones. The surgeon of the Flying fish was absent; the surgeon of the Trafalgar, however, was immediately in attendance, but could render no assistance. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident to A Coal Porter. - An Inquest was held yesterday evening, at the Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for the Borough, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM MANNING, a coal porter, lately in the employ of Mr Mead, coal merchant, of Sutton Wharf, North Quay, and who met with an accident at about 4 o'clock on the previous afternoon, from the effects of which he died about 6 o'clock. It appeared from the evidence that on the previous afternoon the deceased, with two other coal porters, was engaged in removing the weighing gear of the store, for which purpose he was standing on a ladder that rested against the partition, within which some coals were stored. Suddenly the partition gave way, and the poor fellow was thrown from the ladder against the wall, and a large piece of timber fell on his back. He was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital as soon as possible, but about two hours afterwards died from the injuries he had sustained. He was about 50 years of age, and had been employed by Mr Mead for some time. Mr Mead was called and examined, and said the partition was a strong one, and at times there had been 50 tons more coals in it than when this unfortunate occurrence took place. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held yesterday morning at the Mechanics' Inn, before A. B. Bone, Esq., and a respectable Jury, on the body of DANIEL AVERY, a boy aged 12 years; the particulars of whose death have already appeared in the Western Morning News. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Coroner cautioned the man who had charge of the horse that occasioned the accident to be more careful in future, and prevent boys riding it.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 April 1860
TORQUAY - Last Saturday afternoon the County Coroner, W. A. Cockey, Esq., made an Enquiry into the death of an old man, named WILLIAM DOWNING, who had been found dead the previous afternoon in his potato-garden. As it appears that the deceased was subject to the heart-complaint, the Coroner did not think that the circumstances would justify him in holding the Inquest.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 April 1860
PLYMOUTH - Determined Suicide In Plymouth. - A shoemaker by the name of CAREW, about 60 years of age, residing in Basket-street, was discovered suspended by a rope to his bedstead, about 6 o'clock on Wednesday evening. He was cut down, but life was extinct. The unfortunate man had been for some time in the habit of drinking to excess, having buried his wife a month previously. He had sold some of his clothes to gratify his ruling passion, and about a quarter of an hour prior to the committal of the rash act, had been drinking in the White Horse, Basket-street. On Thursday evening an Inquest was holden at the Guildhall, when a verdict was returned that the deceased had committed Suicide during a fit of Temporary Insanity, brought on by excessive drinking.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 April 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide Of A Soldier Of The 10th Regiment Whilst On Guard. - A determined suicide took place on Friday evening last, committed by the sentry on duty at the Army slaughter-house, near the Admiral's Hard, Stonehouse. It appears that a young man named WM. ARCHER, belonging to the 10th Regiment, was placed on guard at eight o'clock, by Corporal John Barrett, of the same Regiment, who on going the rounds again at nine o'clock, found the poor fellow lying on the ground at a short distance from the sentry-box dead. His rifle with the bayonet fixed was found close by, and it seemed that the deceased had shot himself; the ball passing through the jaw, to the right temple, inflicting a fearful wound, and blowing away part of the shako and its peak. On the cartridge box being searched it was found that one round of ball cartridge was missing, and the empty case of it was found on the ground, near where the fatal occurrence happened. It appears that the deceased effected his purpose by fastening a boot-lace, or piece of leather round the trigger of the rifle, and making it into the form of a loop, into which he had put his foot and thus pulled the trigger whilst at the same time, he kept his head over the muzzle - from which he had not removed the bayonet. The only reason that can be assigned for the fatal step is the fact that for some military offence, he had been confined for 48 hours in the cells, and had had his hair cropped. This, it is stated, had a great effect on his mind, for he had been very desponding ever since and was heard to say that he would make away with himself. He had only been in the service a few months. The body was removed to the dead-house of the Royal Naval Hospital where it now awaits the Inquest, which will be held by A. Bone, Esq., at the Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, this day (Monday).

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 April 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - Coroner's Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Fore-street, before A. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM ARCHER, the private of the 10th, who shot himself whilst on guard, last Friday night. - Corporal John Barrett deposed to posting the deceased as sentry on Friday night a few minutes after eight p.m., at the commissariat store, Strand-street. He was then fully equipped. About an hour afterwards witness went the rounds and found deceased on the ground with his head resting on the wall and his body in front of the sentry-box. He at first thought he was asleep, but on sending for a light found he was dead. - Joseph Moore, a butcher, residing near the Victualling yard, stated that he saw the deceased about half-past eight, standing by the side of his sentry-box looking out on the water, by the Admiral's Hard. - Joseph Nowell, a private in the 10th Regiment said, that during Friday, deceased and himself were together in the guard-room, and in the course of the day deceased told him that he had been punished for a few days' absence - that he had never been confined before, since he had enlisted in the service, and that he thought his punishment was heavy for the offence he committed, and seeing also that other men who had offended time after time, had got off cheaper than he had. The punishment he received was 48 hours in the cells, pay stopped for four days, 10 days drill and 14 days confinement to barracks, and his hair cropped cell fashion. He appeared cheerful during the rest of the day. - Sergeant Hogan, Devon County Constabulary, was examined, and deposed to having had the body in his charge, and its being removed to the hospital. Examined deceased's rifle, and found a piece of leather round the trigger, which seemed to have been a boot lace. He produced a letter found on the body, which was from deceased's parents, informing him his sister was very ill. The letter was dated the 16th inst., and was directed from 9 Sussex-place, Hounslow, Middlesex. - George White, private of the 10th, said he knew the deceased who was his chum; he knew him at Hounslow, where he worked at the powder-mills, and from whence he enlisted in September last. On Friday deceased came on guard and gave witness his tobacco-box, pipe and tobacco, saying he should not want them any more as he was going to save his bit of money and go on furlough, when his time came. He added that he received a note from his parents on the previous morning and seemed in much distress about it, and cried for an hour after going to bed. He always appeared ashamed since he had his hair cropped, and said he could not walk into the town again with pleasure; he only went out once since, and did not seem the same man afterwards. He always seemed to take great care of his hair, and it annoyed him to have it cropped. - James Crook, a seaman on board H.M.S. Donegal, deposed to hearing the report of fire-arms a few minutes before nine, on Friday night. - Sergeant Kelly, 10th, said the deceased was placed in the cells at Mount Wise barracks, where he was put to hard work. It was a practise for all prisoners to rise at six, allowing one hour for washing, &c.; at seven they went to shot exercise, which consisted in removing shot from one place to another, and was generally a useless employment; from nine to 10 they were put in marching order, and from 10 to 11 put to shot practice, from 12 to five stone breaking, &c., from five to six heavy marching order, from six to half-past six supper and from then till eight confined in separate cells till bed time. - Sergeant Hughes, paymaster-sergeant of deceased's company, deposed that he always appeared ready to comply with any commands given him. He was 23 years and six months of age. - The coroner laid down at some length the law relating to homicides, and directed the Jury to return a verdict according to their conscience. After consulting the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 May 1860
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday a fatal accident occurred to MR JOHN GIBBS, mason and sexton of the parish church. The deceased was at work on the stable at Langley College, the residence of the late W. Chanter. He had stepped, it is reported, from the ladder to the roof, when his foot slipped and in falling he struck against a linhay, which precipitated him with such violence on his head as to fracture his skull in a very dreadful manner. Death was instantaneous. The body was taken home in the forenoon to his distressed family in the town. An Inquest was held on the body yesterday. He had been sexton of the church many years. Singular is the state of the official staff at this church just now; the vicar is at Nice for his health, the clerk is confined to his house ill, the organist has become insolvent and is no est, the schoolmaster was buried last Saturday, and the sexton who dug his grave is now a mangled corpse.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 May 1860
KINGSTEIGNTON - Suicide. - Early on Saturday morning last, the body of a man was found suspended to a beam in the Linhay, near Kingsteignton Church. On examination, it was found to be the body of a man named COUCH, of that village. He had been drunk for several days, and was, no doubt, under the influence of drink when he hung himself. An Inquest was held on the body yesterday (Monday) before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 May 1860
PLYMOUTH - Coroner's Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. G. Edmonds, Esq., Deputy Coroner, to Inquire into the death of a man by the name of JOHN BAKER, whose body had been discovered that morning under the Hoe. The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to the dead-house in Westwell-street, where the body of the deceased was identified by his brother. The unfortunate man was about 47 years of age, and resided at No. 22, King-lane. On Monday evening, he was at the house of William Adams, No. 10 Summerland-place, where he drank two pints of porter. While in the house he was heard to wish himself dead, saying he did not like to go home to his lodgings, because he owed 10s.; he also said his three children would be better off in the Workhouse, as they had not sufficient to eat. He left about nine o'clock, apparently in low spirits, and was seen no more alive. About seven o'clock on the following morning, Mr Bennett, superintendent of the West Hoe Baths, was standing by the gentlemen's entrance, and saw something black on the sea-wall, at first he took this to be sea-weed, but on closer examination found it was a waist-belt. He then looked over the wall, and saw the body of a man wedged in between two rocks. It was then removed to the beach, and soon afterwards consigned to the care of Kessel, the Hoe Constable. When found the dress was in a state of disorder, and Mr Bennett stated his impression to be that the man climbed over the wall for a particular purpose, and on being seized with a lightness in the head, missed his footing and fell into the water. These facts having been taken in evidence, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the man was Found Drowned, but how he became drowned was unknown.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 May 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon last at the Swan Inn, Cornwall-street, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of BENJAMIN LAUNDRY, who was found drowned at North Corner on Friday morning last, under circumstances detailed in the Western Morning News of Saturday morning. From the evidence now adduced there was no doubt of the deceased being very much intoxicated on the night of the occurrence, he having been drinking at a beer-shop in Marlborough-street, and at another in Cornwall-street, and had purchased a half gallon of beer at each house. He was seen in Cornwall-street as late as twelve o'clock on the night previous to his body being found in the water at North Corner the following morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 May 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Exposure To Cold And Want Of Food. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a lad named RICHARD ISAAC PAYNE. JOSEPH PAYNE, the father of the deceased, said that his son was about 14 years of age. He had not seen deceased since Thursday week, between six and seven o'clock in the morning, until Friday evening last, he having stopped away from his father's house for eight or nine days. His wife was the mother-in-law to deceased. From the further evidence of witness it appeared deceased had been for some time past in the habit of stopping away from his house several days together. On Friday last, at noon, the deceased was at home leaning his head on the bed. His wife and another woman were in the room at the time. He asked deceased what the matter was; who replied "nothing father." He was afterwards put to bed. When witness left work, shortly after eight o'clock the same evening, he found deceased in bed. Witness asked what the matter was, he said he had a pain in his stomach. He gave deceased a cup of tea, but he vomited it up again about five minutes' afterwards. About 10 o'clock he ate something. About 11 o'clock witness went to bed, and about 20 minutes past one o'clock the next morning he said "Father, will you give me a drink?" Witness then gave him some cold tea, which he drank. Witness again went to bed until between four and five o'clock, when he went to look at deceased and found that he was laying on his back dead. - By a Juror: He did not send for a medical man because he did not think he was in danger. - John Street said that he was going to work on Friday about six o'clock, when he saw deceased in a doorway in Mill-street, urging violently, and he considered that he was dying; his eyes were shut, and writhing as though in considerable pain. Witness took him by the arm and asked him what was the matter? but he was unable to reply; and witness thought that he was dead. With assistance witness led him to the workshop of Mr Marshall, St Aubyn's street. Deceased had not strength enough to walk. His clothes were torn to pieces and he was shivering very much indeed. As they went along deceased asked to be allowed to remain in witness's shop until four o'clock in the afternoon. Witness lighted the fire, gave deceased some coffee, and bread and butter. Deceased sipped the coffee, but ate nothing, and said he was dying. He complained very much of the conduct of his parents towards him. He said his mother-in-law and father ill-used him, which caused him to stop away from home, and if he went home they would again treat him brutally and he should die. Witness proposed to send for Dr Bishop, but deceased wished to lie down, saying he had had no sleep for five weeks. Witness took him to a loft, and laid him on some hay, when he slept almost immediately, and remained there until nine o'clock when he became restless. Witness then, after some time, took him to the station-house, deceased saying he would rather go there than go home to his parents, as they would ill-use him. About 12 o'clock in the day witness went to the station-house to see him, but he had been taken home to his parents. Deceased had also told witness that his mother-in-law beat him very much with a large stick, and on one occasion he had jumped down the water closet to escape a beating, but the neighbours were told that he had fallen into the closet, and also that if he went home he should be dead before the next morning. - Several other witnesses were examined, who deposed to have seen marks and bruises about the head and body of deceased, which were said to have been inflicted by the father and step-mother. Deceased had also been seen to pick up cold potatoes in the streets and eat them. P.C. Bryant deposed to the deceased being in a very exhausted state when brought to the station-house, and that he was suffering from diarrhoea. The step-mother was also examined, and stated that she was not aware that deceased was so ill as he was, or she should have sent for medical assistance. - Mr Delarue said he was the parish surgeon, and was at the police station-house yesterday morning, when he saw deceased resting his head on his hand, and appeared faint. He ordered him to be immediately taken home, and have medical assistance. About twenty minutes past four this morning, MR PAYNE called upon witness and requested him to come to his house to see his child. Witness went to the house in Pembroke-street, and on going into the bedroom upstairs, he saw deceased lying on his back on a bed quite dead, life having been extinct for two or three hours. From inquiries, he considered that deceased had died from diarrhoea. He subsequently examined the body, and found five small bruises about the size of a 4d. piece. If the statement of the witnesses were correct as to the symptoms exhibited by deceased, he should think the cause of death to be diarrhoea, arising from exposure to cold, and the want of food. It was most essential that the boy should have received medical assistance, without delay, when he was taken to his house on Friday morning. Speaking from medical experience, he believed that prompt medical assistance might probably have saved his life, and the absence of such assistance would be likely to accelerate death; he might, however, have died had such assistance been procured. - Wm. King said he kept the Albion Inn, beer-shop, No. 18 Pembroke-street. PAYNE, and his wife, lived in the house with him. Yesterday morning he saw the deceased brought home, when witness remarked to him, "Well, you bad boy, what causes you to go away?" he said, he did not know. He then said that he had some bread to eat the previous day. Witness then saw deceased wash himself in the wash-house. He had never seen the boy ill-used, nor did he ever hear deceased complain of want of food. - This being the whole of the evidence. - Mr Bone summed up the case, remarking that there was no legal evidence of positive ill-treatment, and therefore, notwithstanding all that had been said on that point, that portion of it must be set aside. The only material point for the consideration of the Jury whether there had been any culpable neglect on the part of the father, or step-mother in procuring medical assistance when the deceased was taken home on Friday morning. If they had clear evidence that sufficient notice and information had been given to those having charge of the deceased, of his state, and that he required medical assistance and they neglected to procure it, they would be answerable for his death, if they had not such evidence before them the parents would not be thus liable. The Coroner then minutely went through the evidence, at the conclusion of which the Jury, after a brief consultation, found a verdict:- "That the deceased died from diarrhoea and bilious vomiting, arising from exposure to cold and want of food; death also being accelerated from neglect in calling in medical assistance." - The case occupied about five hours, and great interest was evinced in the proceedings, a large number of persons being present during the whole of the Enquiry.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 May 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide. - CORNELIUS SHEPHERD, a seaman belonging to H.M.S. Albert, having leave of absence, a few days since went to lodge at an eating house kept by Mrs Jenkins, in Cornwall-street, Devonport. About 2 o'clock yesterday morning SHEPHERD told another man in the same room that he wanted some water to drink, and he went downstairs as was supposed for the purpose of getting it. About half-past 4 o'clock when some of the inmates arose from bed they found the deceased suspended to a beam at the foot of the stairs, by his pocket handkerchief. He was at once cut down, but life was extinct. An Inquest will be held on the body this afternoon. Deceased is a married man having wife and family residing in Hampshire.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 May 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide By A Seaman. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Portsmouth Passage-house-Inn on the body of CORNELIUS SHEPPERD, who committed suicide by hanging himself with a pocket handkerchief to a beam at the foot of the stairs of the beer-house in Cornwall-street, Devonport, where he had been lodging; the circumstances in connection with which were stated in the Western Morning News of yesterday. Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 1 June 1860
PLYMOUTH - Death Of MISS LUKE. The Coroner's Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for the Borough, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ANN LUKE, who died on Wednesday evening, from injuries she sustained by jumping out of a window, on the previous afternoon. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- William Radmore, Foreman, Messrs. B. May, Frank Goulding, Charles S. Skardon, G. B. Eyre, John Holmes, Henry Reed, W. Jeffery, E. Polinghorne, Henry Maynard, junr., G. Ryall, George Temple, J. Wills, C. Ellett, W. P. Baker, Robert Long, E. Norrish, John Bovey, Nicholas Barter. - The case having been much talked about during the day, there was a large crowd in and around the Guildhall. The hall itself was completely filled, as were also its approaches, and there were hundreds in the street who could not get in. - The Coroner addressed the Jury, and said they were called together for the purpose of Inquiring into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ANNE LUKE. This investigation was of considerable importance, not only on account of the station of the deceased, but also as to how far the fatal occurrence was attributable to the conduct of the father. By the rule of the law, a parent might chastise his child properly, but that must not be done violently. It seemed from what he had heard - but they would have the evidence by and bye - that this young woman the deceased was violently beaten with a rope and that she fled in consequence from her father, and jumped out of a window. By law, if one person, under a well-grounded apprehension of violence from another, had to resort to such means as that by which this young woman met her death, he who had caused it was held responsible. This portion of the Inquiry would, therefore, require the most careful investigation, as it might be a most serious affair for the father of this young woman if such were proved to be the fact. But he had a most able advocate in Mr Beer, who attended to watch the case for him. The first part of the Jury's duty would be to proceed to the house in Union-street where the body of the deceased was now lying, and on their return they would examine the witnesses. - The Jury then adjourned to the house in question, to which the representatives of the press were refused admission by the policeman. On the re=assembling of the Jury, one of the reporters informed the Coroner that the representatives of the press were denied admittance to a view of the body, and the Coroner said he regretted that such had been the case, and that it had not been done by his directions, but he was always glad when publicity was given to these cases. He had not seen any of the reporters when he gave orders to the policeman that only the Jury should be admitted. - When THOMAS LUKE, the father of the unfortunate girl came into the court, he was received with one of those yells from the assembled crowd, that will unnerve the firmest resolution, and the display of intense feeling against him was with difficulty restrained. He appeared deeply affected, and at the commencement of the examination of his wife said "I can't stand this it is no use," and retired to the quietest corner he could find. - Mary Abbott, the first witness called, was examined, and said - I am a widow, and reside at MR THOS. LUKE'S house, 30 Union-street. MR LUKE and all his family reside there. I am employed by him as housekeeper. The deceased was his daughter and was single; her age was 18 and she was a healthy girl, except during the last few months. Her employment was keeping her father's business and selling boots and shoes. MR LUKE has a wife and five other children, the deceased being the eldest. All the family lived in the house with the exception of MR LUKE and the eldest son, who took their meals at one of the other shops, MR LUKE having four in different parts of the town. All the family slept at the house in Union-street. At two minutes to nine, on Tuesday night last MISS LUKE came home to the shop with her mother, having been at the establishment in Bedford-street, all the afternoon where she went with her father. They appeared to be good friends. She went up to her bedroom which was two stories high to take off her bonnet and shawl. She came down again on her sister calling her, and went out into the kitchen. Her father was there and spoke to her, her mother and her sister were also there - the foreman was not. He asked her the [portion here very blurred and unreadable] - replied that was not the foreman's place, as the shop girl kept the books, and he had no right to do so. He insisted on an explanation, but she said she could not give it, and her father then slapped her face with his hand. He might have given her two or three slaps, but I cannot say. She cried, but said she could not give any explanation. Her father then took a piece of line and struck her [the "line" was handed to the Coroner. It was apparently a piece of clothes line, about the thickness of a small finger; as it was exhibited a roar of execration burst forth from the densely crowded court, which the coroner appeased by requesting the crowd to desist from any exhibition of feeling, whatever their thoughts might be.] Her father went into the yard and cut it from a clothes line. He held it in his right hand when he came in, and the deceased was standing up - no-one had hold of her. I think the line was once doubled, and her father struck her with it on the arm. I do not think more than two or three blows were struck. She held up her arm, receiving the stripes on it, and said "Don't father." He ordered her to her bed, and she went. That was instantly after he struck her the last blow. She was crying then, but not much, and left the room quickly; no-one followed her. The kitchen door was then shut. When MR LUKE ordered his daughter to bed he threw the rope down on the floor; he did not threaten to beat her again, but sat down and she ran upstairs, and I stood at the kitchen table. We heard the deceased's window thrown open, and her sister EMILY screaming that deceased was out of the window. I ran into the court with MR LUKE, and there we found her on the ground quite insensible. She was lying on her back, with her head thrown on one side. She was removed indoors, and I went for a surgeon, Mr Whipple. Deceased died at ten minutes after eight o'clock last night. Deceased spoke yesterday, and she was attended by Mr Whipple and Mr Square. - By the Foreman: I have lived with MR LUKE'S family five years next August. - By a Juryman: Deceased was asked several times for an explanation by her father, but said she could give none. Three years ago deceased's father struck her. Deceased was in the habit of going out for half-an-hour mornings and evenings. The shop girl had several times complained to me of an intimacy between deceased and the foreman, but I told her she should complain to MR LUKE. Had never heard MISS LUKE express a wish that she could live elsewhere than in her father's house, or say that she was unhappy. Her father was too fond of her for that. I am quite sure MR LUKE did not follow deceased upstairs. When I laid deceased out I saw some black marks on her wrist. - By Mr Beer: MR LUKE'S treatment of deceased was that of the best of fathers, and he appeared fonder of her than of any other of the children. The foreman was discharged on the day of the fatal occurrence between twelve and one o'clock. Deceased stood before her father looking steady and before he struck her, she had her hand placed on her hip, and he asked her if that was the way to stand before him. - Mr Whipple surgeon, was the next witness examined. On Tuesday evening, he was called to attend the deceased, and found her in the kitchen lying on a sofa. Deceased was lying on her back, and there were two wounds from which blood was flowing - one in the temple and one in the forehead. Blood was also flowing from both nostrils. He enlarged one of the wounds for the purpose of minutely examining the skull, and then found that a portion of the frontal bone had been separated and driven down on the brain. Being satisfied that the case must terminate fatally he sent for Mr Square, as in case any grave charge should be brought against any individual it would be satisfactory to have evidence of two medical men. He told MR LUKE there was no hope, and he appeared quite distracted and stated that he had chastised her severely - very severely. Witness attended the case, and deceased died the previous evening. She was never sufficiently conscious to be examined by a magistrate, she could answer yes or no, but was not capable of reflection - a person jumping out of a window of 20 or 25 feet high, in case of the head coming to the ground, would be likely to receive such injury as the deceased did. The cause of death was fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. Since the death he had examined the body and then found several contusions produced by the fall; on the left arm near the shoulder there were three or four stripes, similar to what would be produced by blows of a stick or a cord. They were not very severe, and the skin was not broken. - The next witness was the mother of the deceased, MRS MARY LUKE, who was allowed a seat whilst she gave her evidence. She said she was in the kitchen, and heard her husband ask the deceased some questions respecting the shop. The reply of the deceased was "I can give no explanation." Saw her husband slap her once in the face, and she (witness) withdrew upstairs. The deceased cried when her father struck her. Soon after witness left the kitchen, she heard her daughter running up to her bedroom very rapidly. Her husband was very kind to the deceased; he almost adored her. - The mother's countenance was as motionless as a marble statue, and she gave her evidence in a firm though melancholy tone of voice. Not the slightest sign of emotion was perceptible, but the weight of sorrow with which she was overwhelmed appeared too great for tears. - EMILY LUKE said she was sister to the deceased, and was about 14 years of age. She detailed the particulars of the altercation in the kitchen, and said that when her father ordered deceased to her room, he shut the door; and, going back by the fire, sat down. Witness went out into the garden, and before she thought it possible for her sister to have reached her bedroom, she heard the window thrown up. She looked upwards, and saw her sister spring out. The next instant she was lying on the ground, having fallen on her head. The witness also testified to the kind manner in which the deceased was invariably treated by her father. In answer to a question as to how some glass became broken, she said her sister leaned against the window while her father was beating her, and the rope struck one pane of glass and broke it. She could not remember the time when her sister had been punished by her father before Tuesday evening. The words used by deceased to her father in the kitchen were - "I've nothing to say; what can I say?" The Coroner, assuming this witness had concluded her evidence, told her she could withdraw, whereupon she said she had something "particular" to communicate. She was requested to proceed, and made the following extraordinary statement:- About ten days or a fortnight before this happened, my sister showed me a bottle of oxalic acid and a bottle of laudanum, saying, "I shall take it if father is told." I understood her meaning to be that she and the shopman had not been acting as they ought. On Tuesday evening just after she came home, father sent me up to her room to request her to come down to him. She then said "I took a large dose of oxalic acid in the dinner-time, and I am surprised that it has taken no effect." This was before father thrashed her. I saw a bottle of poison taken from her pocket after she jumped from the window. I then told the nurse what my sister had just before told me, and she said that would only make the matter worse. There was such a bustle about then, that I do not think the nurse quite understood my remark. I searched my sister's drawers yesterday, and found a bottle of oxalic acid and a cup of laudanum. The oxalic was about three-quarters gone from when she showed it to me the first time. The witness underwent a lengthened examination from the Jury, but she adhered to this statement. - Mary Ann Avent deposed: - I am a shopwoman with MR LUKE, at 30 Union-street. On Tuesday morning I complained to MR LUKE that I was not comfortable in his shop, and gave him notice to leave. I have seen the foreman and deceased eating together in the shop, and thought it improper. On Tuesday morning I told deceased of it in the presence of her father, and she said nothing. The man came into the shop, and MR LUKE discharged him on the spot, promising him his regular wages if he would call the two following Saturday nights. About a fortnight before, the man had sold a pair of old shoes, value 2s. The money was brought to the shop. They sent for two half-pints of cocoa-nut oil, which they shared between them. I have been in MR LUKE'S employ nearly two years. I understood the foreman to be married. I complained to MR LUKE about the foreman remaining to make up the book with his daughter, as I considered it was taking my place. I thought deceased made too free with the man, her position being superior to his. I told her I should leave, and her reply was, she thought it the best thing I could do. I had frequently told her I should tell her father of her being so friendly with the foreman, and she said I was quite at liberty to do so. It was MISS LUKE'S birthday last Monday; she then completed her eighteenth year. She told her father of it in my presence. He said "Well, dear, what will you have?" She replied "I should like to have a pair of nice kid gloves." He promised her she should have them, and the gloves were bought. My telling her father about her on Tuesday morning was the cause of this unfortunate affair. - Mr W. F. Finemore said: I am a chemist and druggist, residing at No. 28 Union-street. I have known MISS LUKE three years; she was a cheerful, lively girl. On Tuesday evening, in consequence of the information I received, I went into MR LUKE'S kitchen, and saw deceased lying on the floor, with her head supported on her father's knees. I asked MR LUKE how this occurred, and he said "some villain of a fellow kept her in the house after the shop was closed, and I have severely chastised her; she then rushed upstairs and threw herself out of the window." I had her placed on a sofa, and when Mr Whipple came, I saw him take from her pocket a small phial, containing a dram and half, or 90 drops of laudanum. At MR LUKE'S request I went into my house and on making inquiries I found that on Thursday, [Portion unreadable]. When I saw her, there were no symptoms of her having taken oxalic acid or laudanum. If she had taken the acid, it must have shown itself in about half-an-hour. Boot makers use a deal of oxalic acid in the business. - Mrs Long said she lived in the adjoining house, and knew MISS LUKE as a young woman of lively disposition. Heard violent screams and crying as if from a person grown up. On going out to see what was the matter, she saw a window lifted, and instantly afterwards heard someone fall on the court. She inquired what was the cause of the disturbance, and the answer was "Nothing is the matter." MR LUKE appeared very calm for the occasion, and on someone suggesting that a surgeon should be sent for, he said, "a doctor! oh, yes, send for half a dozen of them." - Mr Whipple was recalled. He thought there was no necessity for a post mortem examination, the deceased shewed no symptoms of dying from oxalic acid or any other poison. The cause of her death were the blows on the head, and nothing more. - Sylvester Miners, a sailor, said he was in the house at the time and saw deceased lift up the window, and swing herself out. He entreated her not to jump; she made no answer, held on to the sill as it were but an instant, and then leaped down. - It was now after ten o'clock, and the worthy Coroner, amid breathless silence, briefly summed up. He reviewed the facts of the case, telling the Jury that if the father, instead of sitting down after ordering her to her room, had pursued her upstairs, then it would undoubtedly have been their duty to return a verdict of wilful murder against him, and he would be obliged to answer the charge at the bar of criminal justice. But inasmuch as the evidence distinctly stated that he did not pursue her, it was for the Jury to say how far he was the cause of his daughter destroying herself. But, whatever might be their verdict, it would not remove the odium of the charge against the father of having improperly beaten his child. - At twenty minutes after ten the Jury retired to consider their verdict. - The Court broke up into noisy groups and an excited and eager multitude thronged the various approaches to the Guildhall, in fact, it was some time since Whimple-street presented such an animated appearance, that thoroughfare being crowded almost from end to end. While the Jury were deliberating, the father of the deceased, apparently overwhelmed by his situation, affected as he must have been by the oppressive heat of the Court, essayed to leave the court, but was persuaded to remain inside. After an absence of half-an-hour the Jury returned into Court with the following verdict:- "That on the 27th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1860, the said MARY ANN LUKE, having been severely beaten by her father, THOMAS LUKE, of Plymouth, at No. 30 Union-street, within the Borough, became excited and whilst labouring under Temporary Derangement, jumped from the bedroom window of her father's premises and fell on the ground below, whereby her skull was fractured and brain lacerated. That she languished, therefrom, at 30 Union-street, aforesaid, until the 30th day of the said month of May, and then and there died of the said fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain, and the Jury further say that her said father's conduct towards the deceased was marked by undue severity." - During the time the Foreman was reading the decision of the Jury, LUKE made use of some incoherent expressions, and then sank forward on the desk weeping like a child. - Great Excitement: The crowd around the Guildhall was reinforced as the evening advanced, and when the Inquiry was brought to a close every person leaving the hall was narrowly scrutinized, but in consequence of the excitement THOMAS LUKE was induced to remain in the hall. After a time the crowd clamoured for his appearance, and some of the more excited made their way to his house in Union-street, and there, after sundry calls and the chalking of irritating sentences on the shutters, an attack was made, some of the shutters were removed and several squares of glass broken. The police interfered, and succeeded in somewhat pacifying the mob by telling them LUKE was at the Guildhall, and the shutters were again put up. - The crowd, however, had not dispersed at two o'clock this morning; up to nearly that hour we were informed that LUKE still remained in the Guildhall for safety.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 June 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Death Of MR JOHN LANGMAN. Coroner's Inquest. - At half-past six on Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held before A. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Forester's Arms, Stonehouse, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOHN LANGMAN, photographic artist, of 81, Union-street, who died on Thursday last from being poisoned by laudanum. The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the body, after which the following witnesses were called. - JOANNA LANGMAN: I am the widow of MR JOHN LANGMAN, who was about 48 years of age. He had been ill for about ten weeks before his death on Thursday. Mr Whipple was his surgeon, and he was attended occasionally by Mr Stephens, who assists Mr Whipple. My husband kept his bed for several weeks. I did not stay up with him on Wednesday; he appeared free from pain, and he said it was not necessary for me or anyone else to stay up by him, because if there was a chance of getting a little sleep he should be disturbed perhaps. He was in the habit of taking opiates to procure sleep; and during his severe illness two men regularly remained up by him every night, but for the past fortnight or three weeks no one has stayed up with him. About half-past ten o'clock on Wednesday night, I left him in bed. I slept in an adjoining room. About half-past five on the following morning I heard his bell ring, and I went to him. He asked for a cup of tea, and I directed the servant to get it and take to him, which she did. When he asked for the tea he said he felt sick, and that was the reason why he wished to have it. About a quarter after eight I went up to his bedroom and found him asleep. I was so glad to see him asleep that I would allow no household work to be done that would possibly disturb him. During the forenoon I went at intervals to his room, and on each occasion found him asleep. About half-past 11 I went up, and again found him asleep. I looked upon him a second or two and he did not appear to be living, then I heard a gurgling noise in his throat and I became alarmed. I went to Mr Snell, the chemist, who came and looked upon him, and recommended that he should have medical attendance. I sent for several surgeons, and Mr Stephens was the first who came. I should think that was about an hour after I heard the gurgling in his throat. He died about eight o'clock that evening. About half-past nine on Wednesday morning deceased asked me for 5s., saying he was going to Plymouth to see Mr Whipple. It was nearly twelve o'clock when he returned, saying he had seen Mr Whipple, and had been to the barber's to get himself shaved. It was nearly ten o'clock on Wednesday night when he went to bed. He had not taken any medicine for some days before his death. He had been in the habit of taking an opium pill at night; but on Wednesday night he had none. He said he wished he had. Some time ago he had a bottle of chlorodyne from Mr Pearce, surgeon. For ten weeks he has always been in great agony, not being able to procure sleep. He went to London twelve weeks ago yesterday (Friday). As he was leaving his room to go to bed on Wednesday night, I saw a small bottle on the dressing table like that produced. The small glass graduated measure produced I took from the dressing-table or the mantle piece. He has frequently complained of being in constant and severe pain. On Wednesday morning when he went into Plymouth, he appeared out of pain, and I was glad to see him so. - The witness was deeply affected, and gave her evidence with much emotion. - George Hambly: I am a chemist and druggist, residing at 69 Union-street. On Wednesday morning deceased was passing my door, and I inquired after his health. He said he was very weak and pointed to his head and stomach as the parts in which he suffered pain. He said, "I can get no sleep; it's a wretched thing for me. I have been taking opium pills with two grains in each, and I have taken as many as fourteen of a night - is it not a great quantity?" I said it was. He then said "Which would be the stronger, opium in pills, or laudanum. I mean which would have the quickest effect." He either said quickest or greatest effect. I believe he said quickest. I understood he referred to the alleviating of his pain. I said I can't tell you; under such circumstances you ought to apply to your medical adviser. He then alluded to a remark which Mr Whipple had made to him regarding an internal disease under which he suffered, and said - "But it's all here in my head." I thought there was a peculiar glazed appearance about his eyes; they looked dark and sunken. - By the Jury: This was between 11 and 12 in the forenoon, and deceased was coming from Plymouth towards his house. - William Bray Stephens: I have attended deceased occasionally, for Dr Whipple, for the past five or six weeks. He was suffering from a sub-acute internal disease. About half-past twelve on Thursday last, I was called by his brother and found deceased in a semi-conscious state. He was drowsy, and on shaking him violently he looked vacantly at me. I gave him an emetic, but it did not act, so I endeavoured to apply to stomach-pump tube, but was unable to get it down his throat. I got him out of bed, but still was unable to get the tube down. Mr Bulteel, surgeon, came in; he tried, and also failed, but in our endeavours to pass the tube, moderate vomiting was produced. I had him removed to the adjoining room, where two men walked him up and down. He could not walk without support. I continued with him an hour and a-half, until Mr Whipple arrived. He was then in a half sleepy state, and had vomited once or twice. At Mr Whipple's order, champagne and other stimulants were repeatedly administered and his hands were beaten with pieces of wood, to check drowsiness. Mr Whipple asked deceased where he got the poison - at Mr Snell's or Mr Finemore's? He answered, "At Mr Parrott's." Mr Whipple enquired where that was, and he said, "Next to Mr Mills's; it's a dreadful crime." He continued in a varying state until eight o'clock, when he died. The last time I saw him was about a quarter to seven, when I left him. He was then walking about. Whilst doing so, his sister searched the pockets of the coat he had worn the day before, and found the bottle label - "Laudanum; poison. - T. Parrot, chemist, &c., Buckwell-street, Plymouth." It appeared to have been on the bottle, and taken off again. I am distinctly of opinion that the deceased died from the effect of laudanum, opium, or some other narcotic. - By the Jury: My object in using the stomach-pump was to eliminate the poison, as the messenger gave me to understand that he had taken laudanum. - Harry Beingham Snell: I am a chemist and druggist, residing at 92 Union-street. I have known the deceased many years, and formerly employed him to build my house. He has been a photographic artist about two or three years. About two months ago he sent for me, saying he was suffering from an alarming bleeding at the nose. I attended him, he was bleeding from the nose profusely, and I should say he lost about a quart of blood. When it was stayed, I inquired the cause of it, he said he had caught a cold in London, and had been dreadfully ill ever since. A fortnight afterwards I went to him, he having sent for me; he said he was suffering horrible agony (witness described the disease). He said, "I take opium every night, about four grains each night." I saw him again within a few days, he was in bed, and said "I am dying; I have taken an overdose of opium, I must have taken fourteen pills, my pains were so excruciating." I examined him, and told him he was not under the influence of opium. He was not satisfied, but sent for Mr Stephens, the surgeon. The next time I saw him he said he had been to Mr Pearse, for he was not satisfied as to whether he should not die. He said, "He recommended me to abstain from opium, and to take morphia, or what was better still, as I was very nervous, to try a bottle of chlorodyne, and take it when I felt pain." He visited me almost daily, invariably complaining of excessive pain. On Wednesday morning about eleven o'clock he called at my shop, I congratulated him on his appearance, and told him I thought he was looking better. I advised him to occupy his mind and engage in some business. He said, "I am unable to control my mind, I cannot sit still, I can't read, I can't listen to reading, it drives me nearly frantic." The next time I saw him was on Thursday at noon, he was in bed, lying on his back, sleeping tranquilly, breathing easily, apparently in a profound sleep. It occurred to me that he had taken an overdose of opiate, so I asked him if he had taken anything, and he muttered "laudanum." I lifted his eye-lid; the pupil was insensible to light. I shook him violently, upon which he started up and exclaimed, "Jesus preserve me; I am dying!" I called his wife, and told her he had taken an overdose of narcotic poison. Messengers were despatched for medical men, and Mr Stephens came in about twenty minutes. During that time I kept him awake by such applications as I thought necessary. I saw deceased several times during the evening. I went in about seven o'clock, and he was being walked up and down the room by two men. He was evidently sinking, and I gave him some champagne, and ordered quantities of hot coffee. I remained with him until half-past seven, when I left. About a quarter of an hour afterwards I went into his room again; he was sitting on a chair, faintly gasping. His pulse had nearly ceased, and his heart only beat once or twice. - Elizabeth Callacott, the servant, said she took deceased a cup of tea in the morning, about a quarter after six. He did not speak, but was sitting up in bed. She gave it into his hand, and left the room. - THOMAS LANGMAN: I am son of the deceased, and am about seventeen years of age. On Thursday night, about an hour before my father died, I found this bottle produced, a little way up the chimney of my father's bedroom. The bottle could not have been placed there by my father whilst in bed; he must have got out of bed to put it there. - John Harris Stephens: I am a chemist and druggist, successor to Mr Parrott, residing at 16 Buckwell-street, Plymouth. About 11 o'clock on Wednesday morning deceased came into my shop alone, and said he wanted some laudanum. I asked him how much he wanted, and he replied, "About sixpenny worth." I asked him what it was for. He said it was for himself. I told him it was rather a large quantity, when he said, "I have been taking opium eight or ten weeks." I asked him if he could prescribe for himself? He said he could lately; originally the doctor had ordered it. He wished to have a change of laudanum, as opium had lost its effect upon him. I said, as he had been in the habit of taking opium he had better begin with 25 drops, and told him he ought to get a measure and increase the dose five drops until he arrived at the dose which would do him good. He said he could do without the measure; but I told him to be sure and measure his doses, and not guess them. I put up an ounce phial, and labelled the bottle, "Laudanum - poison." The bottle produced is the one, and the label has been taken off. The label is also from me. He complained of severe pain, and said he should like to take a little at once. I then mixed 25 drops in an ounce of camphor mixture. He drank it. I wrapped up the bottle, and gave it to him and he left the shop. He was perfectly rational, and complained of his great sufferings. - The Coroner asked the witness if he was acquainted with the recent Act of Parliament relative to the restricted sale of poisons by druggists, and he said he was. - In answer to the Coroner, Mr Stephens, surgeon, said, to a person unaccustomed to opium, one-sixth of the quantity which might be contained in that bottle would be sufficient to destroy life. He (Mr Stephens) believed deceased took it in two does - one on the Wednesday night, the other early on Thursday morning, and in that case it would be more dangerous than if taken at once. On finding that 25 or 30 drops were not sufficient to assuage his pain, he went on accumulating until he arrived at what proved the fatal dose. - In answer to Jurors, Mr Stephens, druggist, said that about 21 or 22 does of 25 drops would be contained in that bottle. - Peter Hughen said he was apprentice with Mr Snell, and knew the deceased. Saw him come into the shop on Tuesday last, about two o'clock in the afternoon. He wondered that his dose of pills had not taken a fatal effect. I told him I read from Materia Medica that habit had a great effect, and the greater the pain, the more opium could be taken. He said that was his case. - Mr Snell said, about three weeks ago, deceased was excessively alarmed at having taken an over-dose of opium. He examined him, and assured him he was not under the influence of opium. He said "does opium produce death by throwing one into a sleep?" Mr Snell replied it did. - The Coroner read over the evidence, commenting upon portions of it as he proceeded. - The Jury, after deliberating three quarters of an hour, returned the following verdict:- "That on the 31st of May, the said JOHN LANGMAN died from the effect of taking an excessive dose of poison called laudanum, but with what intention there is not sufficient evidence to show." - Mr Bartlett, the Foreman, said the Jury were surprised to find that the chemist supplied such a large quantity of poison to any person without knowing who he was.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 June 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident In The Hamoaze On Sunday. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the Military Hospital Inn, near Stoke Church, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, on the body of a corporal of the 10th regiment, named ANDERSON, who came by his death on Sunday, by the upsetting of a boat in the Hamoaze, when, after hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - Mysterious Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Barnstaple Inn, last evening (Monday) before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL HOOKWAY, coppersmith, aged 58, who had died the previous day under the following circumstances. - It appeared that on Monday, a neighbour and a member of the Jewish persuasion, named Jacobs, gave to the deceased's daughter, who is ill, a small quantity of dressed gurnet, of which the deceased, his wife, and other members of the family, partook. On the following day his wife complained of illness, and the deceased fetched the surgeon (Mr Webb) to attend her. Mr Webb immediately saw MRS HOOKWAY, and shortly after he had left the deceased also complained of being ill. He did not appear, however, to be seriously affected, for on the same day he proceeded to the North of Devon to work. He remained there until Thursday, when in consequence of having a sore throat, sickness, vomiting, and violent purging he was compelled to return home and take to his bed. These symptoms became so alarming that it was considered necessary to consult Dr Budd, physician, and the deceased was attended by these gentlemen and Mr Webb up to his death, which occurred on Sunday afternoon. MRS HOOKWAY and a grown child, who had also eaten of the fish, and a family named Maunder, living next door, and to whom Mrs Jacobs had given fish, are now ill, apparently from the same cause. It was stated at the Inquest that Mrs Jacobs and her neighbours were on the best of terms. The fish had been fried in olive oil and eggs, with a sprinkling of flour. After the Inquiry had continued three hours, it was adjourned until this day for further evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 June 1860
PLYMOUTH - Woman Drowned At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the death of SUSAN SMITH. Mr Harris, printer, of Bilbury-street, was Foreman of the Jury. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased was the wife of an excavator, and that both husband and wife were hard-working, well-conducted, and in their station in life, respectable persons, residing in Moon-street; that she was 69 years of age. She was seen by her neighbours about 10 o'clock on Monday night, and appeared then to be in her usual cheerful condition. Nothing more was heard or seen of her until one of the sailors belonging to a Jersey vessel, lying off Commercial Wharf, saw the body of a woman floating in the water alongside the wharf. He at once secured the body by a rope alongside the vessel, and brought the police acquainted with the circumstance. The body was shortly afterwards removed to the dead-house in Westwell-street. It bears no marks of violence of any kind, and there was no evidence to show how she came into the water. The Jury having inspected the body, and heard the evidence of several witnesses to the above effect, and the Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 June 1860
EXETER - The Supposed Poisoning Case. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of SAMUEL HOOKWAY, was resumed on Tuesday evening. It appeared from the further evidence adduced that members of several families had been taken seriously ill, in consequence of having eaten small quantities of meat and fish which had been given them by Mrs Jacobs, but that with one exception they had considerably improved. The only testimony which bore directly upon the case of SAMUEL HOOKWAY was given by the medical gentlemen, who attended him shortly before his death, and had since made a post mortem examination. They stated that the symptoms manifested by those who had been suddenly attacked with illness, were like those produced by eating putrid fish or meat, though the inflammation was much more severe. There were also symptoms such as would be produced by an irritant mineral poison; but the witnesses (Dr Budd and Mr Johnson Webb) could say nothing as to the cause of death other than that it arose from some acrid matter taken into the stomach, producing inflammation; but Dr Budd expressed his opinion that death was caused by animal matter in a partial state of decay acting as an irritant poison. After some consideration the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from eating fish in a partial state of decay, and thereby poisonous.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 June 1860
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for the Borough, on the body of MARY ANN BRADFORD, who died suddenly on Wednesday afternoon last, in Bilbury-street. The Jury having viewed the body, which was lying at the dead-house, returned to the Guildhall, and the evidence was proceeded with. - It appears that the deceased was about 34 years of age, and unmarried and went out charring. She had received parochial relief at the rate of 2s. 6d. per week, and subsequently 1s. 6d., and had until some time since been living at her father's. Three weeks ago, however, she went to reside with a Mrs Crocker, in Bilbury-street. She had not wanted for anything while she was there; but for two days before her death had appeared very ill, and had been spitting blood. On Wednesday afternoon, she went out, and on getting into the street was attached with a violent bleeding from the nose and mouth. She was assisted into the shop of Mr Fryer, a chemist in Bilbury-street, by Mr William Moorshead, who was passing at the time, and every care paid to her, but expired almost within a minute after she was taken in, having broken a blood-vessel in the region of the heart. When first seen, she seemed quite calm and collected and there was no appearance of her being excited. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from the rupture of a blood vessel. - Mr Fryer, before leaving the court, begged publicly to express his thanks to Mr Moorshead for the great kindness and attention he showed to the poor woman, as also for the assistance he rendered on the occasion.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 June 1860
OTTERY ST. MARY - Accidental Death. - An Inquest was held at the Greyhound Inn, in this place, to Inquire into the cause of death of EDWARD CARNELL. It appeared that deceased was about thirty-three years of age, and was working on the railway. Mr John Webber stated that on the 2nd of June he saw deceased wade into the river to catch some bars of wood which were floating by. Deceased's wife was looking at him. He cautioned deceased and told him that he would be drowned, but he still persisted in trying to get hold of the wood. On seeing him struggling in the water he obtained a pole, and went up to his knees in water in order to put it out to deceased. Deceased grasped the pole but he (witness) had not strength to hold it and deceased was forced down the stream. He turned the pole, which had a nail at its top, and endeavoured to take hold of the bank with it, but failed to do so. There were several persons present but no one attempted to assist him. Had they done so he believed that the man might have been saved. He followed for some distance but could not see anything of him. The body was found on Monday farther down the river. The water was very high and flooded. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

ASHBURTON - An Inquest was held at Holne on Thursday last, before M. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JACOB PARSONS, aged 16 years. The deceased was in the service of J. H. Williams, Esq., Holne Cot, by whom he was sent on Wednesday last to see if some labourers were at work in one of the drives. Not finding them he crossed the Dart river at New Bridge, and went to a mine in the neighbourhood, and thence, accompanied by a little boy, he proceeded to a place on the river where a plank is laid for the purpose of crossing. He ventured on the plank and jumped on it to show its safety. Unfortunately his foot slipped and he was precipitated into the river and drowned. Verdict, 'Accidental Death.' The Coroner strongly urged the necessity of either making this plank more convenient, or of removing it entirely.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 June 1860
TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. The Inquest. - We have already given the particulars of a case of suicide at Torquay which happened last Saturday, the unfortunate man being P. A. B. SCHELTMS, a servant in the service of his royal Highness the Prince Frederick of the Netherlands. An Inquest on the body was held at the Maritime Inn on Tuesday night, before the Coroner, W. A. Cockey, Esq., when the following evidence was adduced:- Andrea Keline, a courier in the service of the prince, stated that deceased was a lacquey in the suite, and had served as such for the last 15 years. His royal highness and party left Torquay on Saturday for town. It was the duty of witness and the deceased to see the luggage taken to the railway station; deceased, however, endeavoured to lag behind by fumbling about the hat-stand in the vestibule. They left, however, with the two drays at half-past nine o'clock. When he came to Meadfoot Cross, witness suddenly missed the deceased. It was thought that he might save the train; but when the party arrived in London, deceased was found to be still absent. Telegraphic messages were despatched to the housekeeper, who remained in Torquay, and also to the sergeant of police, to institute a search. Witness heard nothing more until Monday night, when he was ordered to return to Torquay and he arrived here on Tuesday afternoon. The two bottles of wine produced and found on deceased, were given to him for the use of four men servants on their journey. The gold watch, rings, snuff-box &c., he recognised as deceased's property. Deceased was on board wages, 5s. per day, and witness did not believe that he could have had more money than was found upon him, £3 7s. The servants were married men, and their wives had an allowance made them at home. The cavalry sword found by him belonged to the aide-de-camp, Capt. Nepvean, and which deceased was ordered to take to the station. A marked difference had been observed in deceased's appearance within the last few weeks; his eyes were hollow, face thin and altogether he had a wild and haggard appearance. On Friday night he got up several times in the night, washed his face and hands, spoke incoherently, and was evidently troubled in his mind. Witness had read the letters found on the body, they were from his wife and sisters, and were written in the most affectionate of terms. He was forty-four years of age. - Richard Tozer, a mason, states that as he was walking along the carriage path to go to work at St Anne's he saw man hanging among the shrubbery bushes. He felt frightened, and called tow fellow workmen, and they then found that the deceased was hung up by a silk handkerchief: he was in a sitting posture, and quite dead and cold. There was a sword by his side. Several parties had passed in and out but had not noticed the body. It was the opinion of witness that deceased had destroyed himself, for there were no marks of struggling on the ground, and he had on his cap. - Mr Superintendent Baird, of the police, enumerated and produced the various articles found on the deceased. He added that from the position in which deceased was found, and from the fact that the handkerchief was passed twice round his neck it was evident that it was his own act. - The Coroner summed up briefly and the Jury, without hesitation returned a verdict that the deceased hung himself while in an Unsound State of Mind.

EXETER - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday, before Mr H. W. Hooper, Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM GOODING, a navvy, who was killed by a quantity of earth falling on him whilst at work on the Exeter and Exmouth line, which is now in course of construction. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 June 1860
NEWTON FERRERS - A Melancholy And Distressing Death At Newton Ferrers. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon last, the 16th inst., at the National School-room, Newton Ferrers, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MRS ELIZABETH PITTS, who was found dead under the very painful circumstances subjoined:- On Wednesday afternoon, the 13th inst., about four o'clock, she left a neighbour's house whom she had been visiting, and retired to her own dwelling. An hour afterwards, her little girl, between seven and eight years of age, coming home from school, discovered her mother lying with her face on the fire, and tried to remove her, but being unable, gave an alarm, when a neighbour went in and lifted her off and found life was quite extinct. There was not much fire in the grate - her face and breast were scarred; but having on a stuff dress, her clothes were not much burnt. On the hob was a tea-kettle of water; the chair was about five feet from the fie-place, and on the table was her needlework. There appeared no signs of struggling, even her fingers were not soiled. The Jury returned a verdict - "Found dead on the fire, occasioned by suffocation," but a strong opinion prevailed, that a fit was the cause of her fall, but as no person saw her living after she retired to her house, the Jury returned an Open Verdict for want of evidence. MRS ELIZABETH PITTS, above alluded to, was about 42 years of age, the widow of the late MR WM. PITTS, formerly a very respectable yeoman of the parish of Newton Ferrers, but at the time of his death, about five years' since, he was filling a responsible situation as clerk, in a Commercial establishment in London. She has been for a great many years subject to fits, but for two years previous to the distressing event, we have stated, she has had no fits by day, but several times has told her friends she thought she had attacks in the night. About 10 or 11 years ago, while residing on a farm with her husband, she had a fit and fell into the fire, when she was so much burnt that her life was despaired of, the effects of which never left her; and from an incurable wound in the head, she suffered much. She has left four children living, one son and three daughters, to lament her loss.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 June 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Saturday before Mr H. W. Hooper, Coroner, on the body of a lad, named DANIEL SAUNDERS, aged five years. The poor little fellow had fallen into the leat, near the river Exe, and was drowned. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 July 1860
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - A man named EDWARD PALMER, aged 71, a resident of St. Thomas's, was killed on Wednesday afternoon, whilst crossing the railway at the Bristol and Exeter station. The poor man was driving a wheelbarrow over the crossing and some trucks were being shunted, which the poor fellow did not appear to see, notwithstanding several persons having shouted to him. The barrow was caught in the end of the truck, and the unfortunate deceased was thrown down, and the wheels of the truck passed over the back part of his head and shoulders, causing instant death. An Inquest was held at the Red Cow Inn, St David's, yesterday, (Thursday) and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 July 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held last evening at Morice Town, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a lad named TRENAMAN. We gave the particulars of this case yesterday to the effect, that the boy, who was 12 years of age, was playing with some other boys in a boat lying in the canal, Morice Town, when he fell overboard and before assistance could be obtained was drowned. His body was, however, shortly afterwards recovered. After hearing the evidence, a verdict in accordance with the facts was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 July 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Papermakers' Arms on Saturday morning, before the Coroner (H. W. Hooper, Esq.) on the body of a little boy named WEBBER, who was drowned in attempting to cross the Head Weir. The poor little fellow, with others, had taken off his stockings and shoes, and had gone some distance over the weir when his foot slipped and he was carried down the stream and drowned. Verdict - "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 July 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Keyham. - An Inquest was held at the Devonport Guildhall yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of JOHN BONE, who came by his death at the Keyham Yard, Morice Town, on Saturday afternoon, under circumstances fully detailed in this paper yesterday. Deceased was a smith, and passing near the place where some condemned boilers were breaking up a piece fell upon his breast and crushed him to death. The Inquiry was adjourned to Friday in order to allow the Jury to inspect the place where the accident occurred.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Late Frightful Suicide In Stonehouse. - We yesterday gave a few particulars of the suicide of a man named ROBERT KEAST, the keeper of a house of no good repute, residing at No. 15 Hobart-place, Stonehouse. The Inquest on the body was held at eleven o'clock yesterday forenoon before A. B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, at St. George's Hall. The Jury having proceeded to view the body, the following evidence was called:- Emily Richard said: I have lived in the house of MR KEAST about three months, and usually slept in a room above that occupied by MR and MRS KEAST. The last time I saw the deceased alive was about twenty minutes to one on Saturday morning last, when he was quite sober. He asked me to turn off the gas, as he wanted to go to sleep. About half-past five the young woman, who slept with me, saying, "Hark, how MR KEAST is groaning," I listened, and heard him groan twice, but not attaching much importance to it, I fell asleep again. About half-past seven I was awoke by the servant, and on going downstairs I saw the body of deceased lying on the floor. A razor stained with blood lay on the table. There was a quantity of blood on the floor. There were blood spots in the passage, and on the door handle. Deceased was given to drink very much, although last week he did not drink so much as his custom was. He told me an action was brought against him for having called Mr Leaman a convict. This appeared to weigh heavily on his mind, and I have heard him say he would rather cut his throat than go to prison. About four o'clock on Wednesday or Thursday morning he came into my bedroom and said he wished to have a doctor, as he was almost going out of his mind. He said he felt his head cracking, and looked very wild. He remained in bed that day until six o'clock, when he went for a walk and was evidently better. I heard him say about a fortnight ago that he had made over all his property to his wife. - MARY KEAST: I am the widow of the late ROBERT KEAST. He was 39 years of age in September last. We have occupied the house about one year and three months. He was addicted to drinking, and on two occasions has suffered from delirium tremens, the first time was two or three years ago, and the last time was in December 1859. He had a dread of an action which had been brought against him by a man named Leaman, a beer-housekeeper in Bath-street. He had called my husband a sponger, who in return called him a convict. He was served with the writ about seven weeks ago, and he then said, rather than Leaman should have anything from him, he would go to prison and destroy himself. For a fortnight after the writ was served, he was in a constant state of agitation, and in the course of the night he would frequently get out of bed, thinking there were persons in the room to carry him away. As he had wished me to go to London for a few days, I left on the 29th June. I came home on Saturday night about twelve o'clock, having been telegraphed for. When I went away I locked up his razors, as he has not shaved himself for six months past. I also used to put away the knife-box every night. When the writ was first served, I have known him sit down and cry for ten minutes at a time. I locked the cupboard where his razors were and took the keys with me. I should not have gone to London if he had not particularly wished me to do so. - Sarah Ann Quint, the servant, said she was 13 years of age, and had lived in the house about four months. For the past few weeks her master had been in a very desponding state. Her testimony was a corroboration of the first witness. - John Bolt, the policeman, produced the razor, which was one with a white handle, and much stained with blood. He described the wound in the neck of the deceased as being on the left side, three to four inches in length, two in breadth, and one in depth. - The witness Quint was re-called and said that on Friday morning she saw him come into the parlour where she was, and he bade her go for the doctor, as he was afraid he should not live long. She saw him burst open the cupboard in which the razors were locked, alleging that he wanted some breakfast. - Another female named Annie Lukey was called, but she added nothing new to the evidence already adduced. - Thomas Step deposed to having been in the Hobart Arms with deceased on Friday afternoon. He looked strange, and said he had got over that d.... rogue, as the action was settled. Rather than go to Exeter he said he would rather cut his b.... throat. The Coroner briefly summed up and the Jury immediately returned a verdict to the effect that he destroyed himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 July 1860
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At Newton. - An accident attended with fatal results, happened at Highweek, Newton Abbot, on Monday evening. MR THOMAS EDWARDS was engaged with his spring waggon in removing the furniture of Captain Charles Wise, R.N., from his residence at Highweek to the railway station, for conveyance to Sheerness, he having recently received the appointment of Superintendent of the dockyard there. The waggon had been loaded by MR EDWARDS and another, and being ready for removal the horse was put in; but as it refused to pull, the drag was taken off the wheel and MR EDWARDS himself took the shafts, intending to move it down the steep hill leading from the lawn to the road. But almost as soon as the waggon was in motion, its weight overcame the resistance MR EDWARDS was able to offer, and ran down the hill with great velocity, which so increased in its descent that at the bottom it passed over the high curb, and knocked down the wall of two feet in thickness, breaking the shafts, and killing poor EDWARDS on the spot. - This sad affair has thrown a feeling of gloom over the town, as the deceased was well known and very generally respected. He has left a widow and five young children. At the Inquest yesterday, before Mr W. A. Cockey, Esq., County Coroner, a verdict in accordance with the above facts was found.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 July 1860
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held at the Royal Hotel, Horsebridge, on Saturday last, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of RICHARD HANCOCK, a child about four and a half years old, the son of a carpenter residing at Sydenham. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased left home with other children in the morning for the purpose of playing and not returning in the evening, a search was made for him, when he was discovered the next day in the river Tamar. The Jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 July 1860
HOLBETON - On Tuesday afternoon, July 10th, an Inquest was held at the George Inn, in the village of Holbeton, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the County Coroner, on the body of THOMAS GEE, a lad between 10 and 11 years of age, who was killed on Saturday last, the 7th inst., under the following distressing circumstances - he was employed on Brownson Farm in carrying hay, and in proceeding from the field to the rick he had to go along a part of the highway. While so employed he was missed, the horse returning to the field without the boy who had been driving. Search was made and he was found lying in the road with his neck broken. A medical man was at once sent for, but on his arrival he said that death must have been instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The employer of the poor lad has shown much kindness and liberality to the friends of the deceased in this distressing event.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 July 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Accident At Keyham. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN BONE, who came by his death at the Keyham yard, on Saturday last, by the breaking up of some boilers, the particulars of which have already been published in this paper, took place at the Guildhall, Devonport, yesterday afternoon. The Jury had since Monday last, visited the place where the accident occurred, and having obtained additional information, they have returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Drowning Of A Soldier. - At half-past 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon, an Inquest was held before A. B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of JOHN CONNORS late Lance-corporal in Her Majesty's 36th Regiment of Foot, now stationed at Raglan Barracks, Devonport. The Inquiry took place at the Royal Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, Devonport, and the following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- Mr Charles Sumpter, Foreman; Messrs. T. P. Warne, J. Tucker, W. Dodridge, R. Rundle, W. T. Arnold, R. Wyer, J. H. Dunn, E. Pawlyn, H. Murray, T. Martin, and W. Rogers. The Coroner and Jury then proceeded to the dead-house of the Military Hospital, there to view the body of the unfortunate man, which from the length of time it was in the water, aided by the great heat which has prevailed during the past few days, was in a very advanced state of decomposition. On returning to the Hospital Inn, the following witnesses were examined:- James William Martin said, he was about 14 years of age, and lived with his parents at No. 25 James-street, Devonport. About half-past ten o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, he was playing at "jump-back" with several of his companions on Mutton Cove Quay, when he saw the body of a man dressed in soldier's clothes floating down the Hamoaze. It was then about six boat's length distant from the shore, and two of the boys put off in a boat and towed the body to Mutton Cove. - John Richard Tobin deposed that he was Assistant-Surgeon to the 36th Regiment. On Wednesday, the 11th of July, about two o'clock in the afternoon, in consequence of information received, he proceeded to Mutton Cove where he saw the body of a man dressed in the uniform of a lance-corporal in the 36th Regiment, floating on the surface of the water and tied by the leg to a waterman's boat. He instantly recognised it as the body of JOHN CONNOR, who was missed from his quarters on the 25th June, and had it placed in a boat and conveyed to the Royal Military Hospital. The body was perfectly dressed with the exception of the cap and belt. Two buttons half way up the jacket, as well as the lowest button were unbuttoned in front. The rest of the clothes was done up in perfect order, and there were no marks of violence on the body. The witness minutely described its appearance, and gave it as his opinion that the deceased came to his death by drowning. - Sergeant-Major Ormond said, on the 25th June he gave deceased a pass, authorising him to remain out that night until 12 o'clock. This was about half-past three in the afternoon in Raglan Barracks, when he appeared quite well, and had on his belt and forage-cap. Witness never saw him afterwards alive. He had been in the service 16 or 17 years; had been a lance-corporal three or four months, and had a good conduct badge. He was a man of good disposition, but when put out of temper, appeared rather disposed to be sullen. Two or three days after he disappeared, his forage-cap, marked with his number, was brought to the barracks by a boy, who stated that it was picked up on Cremyll beach. It was wet, but not otherwise injured. On Sunday last, his belt was brought to the barracks by a waterman, who discovered it at low water in the mud at Mutton Cove. - Elizabeth Penfound stated that she lived with her parents at the "Little Carlton" beer-house, Mount-street, Devonport, and knew the deceased well. He came to the house in the afternoon of Monday, the 25th June, and wished her mother, herself and other members of the family to accompany him to Mount Edgcumbe Park, but they declined. He returned to the house at 10 o'clock the same night, apparently intoxicated. He went into the back parlour with some more company and called for a pint of porter, which her mother at first refused to supply, but complied on his insisting on it. He merely tasted the porter himself and passed it round to the company. He said his pass ran till twelve o'clock, and about ten minutes from that hour he left the house to go away. He appeared perfectly comfortable, and had on his belt, cap, and gloves. When he got outside the door instead of going to the barracks, he went down Mount-street, in a direction towards Mutton Cove. The witness, on seeing this, called out to him, saying - "That's not the way to go to the barracks," to which his reply was, "All right!" and he continued in the same direction. The deceased was a well-conducted man, Miss Penfound stating that she never heard an unbecoming word proceed from him. - FINTON CONNORS, brother of the deceased was called, and said he was in the same regiment, and they had always lived very happily together. His brother's age was about 32. - After a brief review of the facts of the case by the Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was found dead in the water, but how he came by his death there was no evidence to show.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 July 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Paper Makers' Arms, before the Coroner (W. H. Hooper, Esq.) on the bodies of two young men, named PRINN and WILSON, who were drowned whilst bathing at the Head Weir on Saturday last. It appeared that PRINN had taken WILSON across the river on his back, and was returning, when PRINN, who appears to have been seized with cramp, sunk, and the other unfortunate fellow clinging to his neck, they were both drowned. A verdict was given in accordance with the above facts.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident To A Seaman Belonging to H.MS. Emerald. - On the 14th of July inst., as H.M.S. Emerald was coming into port, a sailor, named WILLIAM DAWE, was employed with others in furling sails aloft, when he unfortunately fell a considerable distance, receiving severe injuries. He was removed to the Royal Naval Hospital, and lingered on till about eight o'clock last Saturday night, when he died from the injuries he sustained. An Inquest will be held before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., this day, at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 July 1860
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the First and Last Inn, on the body of the man DOWN, whose death by drowning in the river Tavy on Saturday morning lat has been already noticed. The evidence produced went to prove that death resulted as already stated, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Coroner's Inquest. - An inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, touching the death of WILLIAM DAWE, a seaman belonging to H.M.S. Emerald. The following are the names of the Jurymen:- Mr Henry Hope Chimmo, Foreman; Messrs. W. G. Williams, W. W. Bridgeman, J. Woolf, C. W. E. Randle, W. Henry Stowell, T. Orpheus Rogers, Thomas Seymour, J. Saunders, W. R. Chapple, Joseph Taylor, and T. James Gosden. The Jury having viewed the body, which was lying at the hospital, they returned to the inn, when the following evidence was adduced: - Mr Dennis McCarthay examined: I am assistant-surgeon serving on board H.M.S. Pearl, now lying in dock at Keyham. On the 4th July inst., I was at sea in her, and between the hours of 11 and 12 in the forenoon deceased was brought to the Sick Bay. I examined him, and found him to be suffering from paralysis of the lower extremities, from a difficulty in swallowing, and from nervous depression, and he was unconscious. There were no external injuries excepting a very slight abrasion of the skin just below the shoulders, and which was scarcely perceptible. He was undressed and put to bed, and every attention paid him. At one o'clock I again saw him, and found him still suffering from prostration; but he recovered the power of swallowing. The ship came into the Sound about five o'clock p.m., the same day, and deceased was taken under my charge to the Royal Naval Hospital, where he was delivered to the care of Dr Nettleton. - Mr Richard Carter, 1st Lieutenant of the emerald, deposed, that on the day in question, the deceased, an ordinary seaman of the ship went aloft with other seamen to furl topgallant sails, and royals; his station was on the fore-topgallant yard. When the sails had been furled, witness saw the men coming down to the deck. He was on the port side of the quarter-deck. At the time it was reported to him that a man had fallen from aloft. - John Shawl, leading seaman on board the Emerald, was the next witness called. He said: Deceased was his messmate, and was a fore-topgallant yard man. On the 4th July last, witness was on the foreyard arm, and saw the deceased on the fore-topgallant yard in the act of furling the sails. Did not see anything more of him till the order was given to lay in and come down from aloft, when the captain of the top called to witness to overhaul the topsail sheet. He then saw deceased in the act of falling against the fore-topgallant studsail tack, from there he fell to the hammock netting, and on to the deck, falling on his back. Should say the height deceased fell was 50 feet. - Staff-Surgeon Mackay, of the Royal Naval Hospital, said he saw deceased the day he was brought into the Hospital. He was placed in sick ward No. 2, and was suffering from paralysis of the lower part of the body. Witness attended to him up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 14th inst.; the cause of death was fracture of the spine. - Charles Henry Davis, a man of colour, examined: Was an able seaman on board H.M.S. Emerald, and when the accident occurred was on the royal yards. The deceased was on the quarter of the fore topgallant yard. As witness was going down to the deck, deceased fell past him, touching his shoulder with some part of his body. In his fall he made attempts to save himself by catching at the rigging. - After some further evidence had been given, the Coroner summed up, and the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 July 1860
ERMINGTON - The Accidental Drowning At Ermington. - The Coroner's Inquest on the body of the poor man PENWILL, whose death by drowning was noticed in yesterday's Morning News, was closed with a verdict of Accidentally Drowned. A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, publicly commended the conduct of the mower Gill, for his gallant efforts to rescue PENWILL.

STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of A Soldier. - Yesterday at two o'clock, an Inquiry was opened at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD GRANSDALE who came by his death by shooting himself the previous day. there was a double Jury empanelled, and after viewing the body the first witness called was Henry Bowles Franklin, who deposed: I am the regimental surgeon of the 10th regiment of foot. I saw the deceased yesterday morning about a quarter to 10 o'clock at his house in Canterbury-street, lying on the floor of his apartment on his back dead. The body was dressed in the regimental clothing of a private soldier of the 10th regiment, except that one boot was off; his clothes open exposing a gun-shot wound about three inches below the breast, and a little towards the middle line of the body. I found the action of the heart was stopped, and life quite extinct. The size of the wound was like that made by a conical bullet, such as is now commonly used in the army. I saw no other marks on the body then. On examining the body today I saw a wound in the back, just below the blade-bone of the left side, which leads me to believe the bullet entered the body in front and came out at the shoulder. I have no doubt of deceased having died from the effect of the said gun-shot wound. I should think the deceased must have been in a partially recumbent position. - By the Jury: The ammunition of a soldier is not generally given up when going off duty. The deceased ceased to breathe three minutes after the shot was fired. - ANN GRANSDALE said: I am the widow of RICHARD GRANSDALE (deceased). I have two children living with me by a former husband. I had been married to GRANSDALE since June 1859; we were married at the roman Catholic Chapel at Brompton. Yesterday morning, between two and three o'clock, I awoke and found my husband crying. I asked him what he was crying for; He replied that he did not know, he could not help it. He had gone to bed sober. He told me the night before that he could not do his duty as a soldier, as he had been a groom all the time he had been in the service until about four months ago; he had never done a day's duty until then. On the first day's drill he ever had, about four months ago, he said that should be the last day's drill he would do; and, taking the rifle in his hand, said that it should be his end. When I saw him crying, I said, "Do not fret, for we will get out of it," as I had written to my mother for money to buy him out of the service, and I hoped to hear from her soon. It would cost £21 to do it. I went to sleep, and did not awake again until about eight o'clock. Deceased was then in bed with his trousers on; he said to me, "Will you get out and light the fire?" He should have been at his duty at half-past five. I thought he had been to Barracks. I said if you have been in barracks you have time; will you light the fire? He said there is no wood. I proceeded to light the fire, and asked him if he had not been to drill; he said "No;" there is the b....y guardhouse for me, and there shall be no more b......y drill for me. He then took his regimental clothes and threw them on the fire; I said do not be so silly as to burn your clothes as I shall have to work and get more. I took his clothes from the fire as well as some meerschaum pipes he had thrown there; he then came four times and kissed me and the children. Shortly afterwards he took the rifle in his hands; I thought he was going to clean it. I sat with my back towards him blowing the fire. I then heard the report of the rifle. I turned round and he fell in my arms, and afterwards to the floor. I made an alarm, when someone came to the door. I afterwards saw the sergeant-major and the surgeon. He had five days' extra drill about a fortnight ago for being late as guardsman. He had several times after a field day or other duty came home and thrown his things down, and said he would never go any more for he would blow his brains out. He was a sober man in general. He has often complained of ill health. He went into the hospital about a month since, ill of fever and ague. He had been in the service two years last January, and always in the same regiment. He has often taken his rifle in his hand, apparently with the intention of loading it, saying "I will shoot myself, for a soldier I cannot be." - By the Jury: I have told persons of his strange conduct, but never said anything to his comrades or superior officer. We lived on very good terms, - very comfortable and happy together. He was a labouring man before he enlisted. He worked for my father, who sent me away to London as he did not approve of my marrying the deceased, and I did not see him for several years. - Five or six witnesses were examined, the purport of which was to show that deceased was extremely jealous of his wife. Among the witnesses was a man named Holford, of whom it was alleged that he frequently visited deceased's wife, and went to walk with her, and which he admitted, as did also the widow, who was recalled and cautioned by the Coroner as to what she should say, as her evidence respecting deceased's dislike to the drill was not the sole cause of his committing suicide. In cross-examination, deceased's wife admitted being a few days since at Mr Bazley's public-house, Prospect Row, Devonport, when Holford entered, on which deceased rose and insisted on his wife following him. to which she replied that when he had any claim upon her then he could command her, intimating it was supposed that as they were both Protestants and had been married at a Catholic chapel, the marriage was not valid. Deceased then carried his wife out of the house. Other witnesses proved that Holford and the woman were frequently together, and the belief was expressed that the act was committed through jealousy. - At the conclusion of the evidence the Jury consulted for a few minutes, when they returned a verdict to the effect that the act was committed while in a state of Temporary Insanity. some of the Jury afterwards stated that they wished to have added that insanity was occasioned by jealousy. The Inquiry did not terminate until half-past six o'clock.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Death Of Two Persons By Drowning At Exeter - Two Inquests were held yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at the Plymouth Inn, St. Thomas, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., the Coroner, on the bodies of the boy GEORGE WESTERN and SERGEANT TREW, of the South Devon Militia. It will be remembered by our readers that we gave a short account of the facts on Monday last. - From the evidence of Mary Lang, who resides on the Haven Banks, near the spot where the unfortunate persons were drowned, it appears that on Saturday, about noon, three brothers named WESTERN, were on a piece of timber, endeavouring to catch some small fish, when one of the younger boys fell into the water, upon which she endeavoured to reach him with a stick, but he was too far out, and she did not succeed, upon which she screamed for assistance, and Sergeant WILLIAM TREW, who was crossing the Basin-bridge, ran up and jumped into the water to rescue the boy. He caught hold of him, and the boy clung to him, and got on his back, and from thence reached to the piece of timber, and was taken out of the water by a man named Leonard Garry, who had also run to the spot upon hearing the cries. The two other boys were also in the water. The unfortunate man had then sunk, as well as the other boy who was drowned. The eldest boy, who had also caught hold of the timber, was then taken out of the water. She did not think the poor man could swim. - Leonard Garry, a labourer at the Gas-house, stated that he ran to the spot as soon as he heard the cries with two of his fellow labourers; when they arrived they saw the unfortunate deceased in the water and three boys, they succeeded in getting out two of the boys, and the other sank; they then lost sight of the sergeant and immediately after grappling irons were brought and thrown into the water near the place where deceased was last seen. Presently he saw the body of TREW moving about under the water and caught him by the coat and brought him to land, he then appeared quite dead. Witness endeavoured to open his eye and saw that life was not extinct; he, with the others, then commenced rubbing and rolling the body. He should think the sergeant was in the water, after sinking, about three minutes, and the poor boy was not taken out until three or five minutes afterwards, when life was extinct. Witness then went back to the gas-house, and shortly after Mr Edwards came there and asked Mr Williams permission to bring the Sergeant into the gas-house by the fires, which was done. Dr Marchant then arrived, and ordered the clothes of deceased to be immediately removed, the body to be wrapped in blankets, and proceeded to use every means for restoring animation. Every one rendered as much assistance as possible. The surgeon remained nearly two hours and a half until the poor man expired. He appeared to be recovering about half-past one o'clock. - RICHARD WESTERN, aged 12 years, the eldest of the three boys, stated that they were on the plank named when his younger brother fell into the water and he and his other brother (the deceased) were so frightened that they fell in also. He saw the sergeant run up and jump into the water, and then saw his brother on the sergeant's back. This witness corroborated the evidence of Garry with regard to taking him and his brother out of the water. He was sure his brother was drowned by accident, and not pushed into the water. - Mr W. R. Marchant, the surgeon, then stated that he reached the spot about half-past twelve, when he saw some men carrying TREW to the gas-house, where he was placed near the door; he examined him and found that his breathing was very feeble, as also his pulse. He ordered the immediate removal of his clothes, and blankets were wrapped around him; friction was applied to his les and body, and witness then commenced Dr Marshall Hall's method for re-producing artificial respiration; hot stones were placed to the feet, and an apparatus containing hot water was applied to the surface of the body; mustard poultices were also put on the calves of the legs, chest and back of the neck: witness also dashed cold water on the forehead and ammonia was applied to the throat and under the hose; and improvement in the breathing was perceptible, but never perfectly established. He was quite insensible and struggled very much, which witness considered were efforts to breathe; his groans were loud and he died after he (witness) had been attending him two hours. - The Coroner observed that it must be very satisfactory to the public, as well as to the whole of them, to know that every means were used to restore animation. - P.C. Harris, of the County Constabulary, removed the body of the boy from the banks to the Plymouth Inn. - The Coroner did not wish to make any remarks to the Jury, who returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" in the case of the boy. - It was now necessary for the Jury to view the body of the sergeant at the gas-house, which was done. After an absence of about a quarter of an hour they returned, when the Coroner said that the evidence in the last case was all that could be required, and the Jury at once returned a verdict of "Drowned while Endeavouring to rescue the boys." - Mr Williams, of the Exeter Gas Works, complained of the length of time the body had been kept, but the Coroner stated that he was attending the funeral of his brother's child, near Bridgwater and that only one day had been lost; he appealed to the Jury present as to his willingness to attend immediately in cases of accident, all of whom concurred. - A subscription has been set on foot for the benefit of the widow of the sergeant and his five children, and the Jury have resolved to give their fee of 2s. each for their benefit; the Coroner also gave 5s. - SERGEANT TREW was buried in St. Thomas's churchyard yesterday afternoon at four o'clock, with military honours. The 9th Lancers preceded the band of the First Devon Militia. The Dead March was played; and several of the Militia followed the corps. A Military salute was fired over the grave.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 July 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday evening, shortly before six o'clock, the van belonging to Mr Derry, railway contractor, Plymouth, came down Navy-row, Morice Town, at a rather fast pace, when a little child named WILLIAM HENRY PEARSE, and residing at No. 25 Navy-row, ran in front of the van, and the hill being rather steep the van could not be instantly stopped and it threw down the child and the wheel passed over its head producing instantaneous death. It was immediately taken up and conveyed to its home. The driver's name is Edward Tucker. The father of the child is a labourer in Keyham-yard. It is probable the Inquest on the body will take place today.

EXETER - The Accident On The Railway. An Inquest was held at the Anchor Inn, Paul-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on Wednesday evening, on the body of the little boy named COLEMAN, who was run over by a locomotive on the Exeter and Yeovil line, near the station, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 July 1860
HORRABRIDGE - On Thursday morning Mr A. B. Bone, the Coroner, held an Inquest at the London Inn, respecting the death of MRS JANE AYRES, aged 65 years, who died from injuries which she had sustained by being run over by a horse and cart. The evidence went to prove that the horse was frightened by a fowl flying against his head, and he being a high-spirited horse, ran off at a furious rate, striking the deceased with the wheel of the cart in the back, thereby breaking six of her ribs from the junction of the back-bone, causing almost instant death. The Jury, after a lengthened and careful investigation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - On Friday the deceased was buried; she was very much respected in the village, she and her progenitors having lived there for more than a hundred years.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 August 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Burning. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Clarence Inn, Catherine-street, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child, named FREDERICK BORDMAN, who came by its death under the following circumstances:- It appeared that on Monday last, shortly after twelve o'clock, the child who was about three years of age, was brought home from a walk, and seeing some victuals near the fireplace, it went to reach it when its clothes caught fire, and burnt the child so very severely that it died shortly afterwards. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Haemorrhage. - An Inquest was held at Mr Medland's Prince of Wales Inn, Queen-street, Devonport, on Wednesday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of HENRY HENDERSON, a pensioner. It appeared from the evidence of MRS HENDERSON, that on Saturday night last, between nine and ten o'clock, she saw some blood on the floor, her husband sitting a short distance therefrom preparing to go to bed. Supposing the blood to come from a room above, she went thither to see, but found no blood there, and it was not until she perceived some alteration in the features of her husband, that she perceived that the blood was issuing from deceased's leg. She made an alarm, and a neighbour was despatched for a medical gentleman, who, after calling on five or six surgeons, returned without one; another messenger went for Mr Butcher, surgeon, who fortunately attended, but the deceased died within half an hour afterwards. Death ensued from loss of blood, by the rupture of a blood-vessel in the leg. The surgeon stated, had anyone had the presence of mind to have stopped the blood until some medical gentleman arrived, most probably his life would have been saved. The Jury found a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from the loss of blood as above described, and from the want of proper attendance.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 August 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From A Fractured Leg Caused By Wrestling. - Yesterday morning an Inquest was held in the Guildhall, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of JOSEPH ROBINS. This is the case to which, it will be remembered, reference was made at the Commissioners' meeting on Friday last, when some questions were asked the Governor as to whether he had refused the deceased admission into the Workhouse, for the purpose of undergoing an operation, and to which the Governor answered in the negative. Since the operation the deceased gradually wasted and expired on Tuesday last. - On the first witness being called (William Hollow), the Coroner remarked that he was not bound to say anything to convict himself, the law being that if one man was fighting with another, and death ensued, the man who inflicted the injury would be responsible; but if parties were struggling in a friendly way, without intending to injure each other, and one sustained an injury so that he died, the other would not be responsible. - William Hollow then said: I am a painter's labourer. I live at No. 3, Princes-street, Devonport. The deceased JOSEPH ROBINS lodged with me. He was a married man, but his wife and children are living in Guernsey. Deceased was a boot and shoemaker, and worked at his trade, and slept in a room adjoining my own. He had lodged there between three and four years. Four weeks last Wednesday, I came home from my work about a quarter-past six o'clock in the evening. I got my tea ready, and asked deceased to have some with me. He was alone, and lying on his bed. He said he would not have any tea as yet. He had been drinking. After a few minutes I went to him again. He was then sitting on the stool at which he usually worked ready a newspaper. He again refused to have some tea. I then sat down by his side as usual. I talked with him some time, and he began speaking about Cornish and Devonshire wrestlers and their mode of wrestling. He then asked me to try a round, and he got up and caught me by the collar, and I did the same by him. He tried to throw me, and in doing so he made a slip and fell to the ground, and I with him. He cried out, "My leg is broken." I said, "It can't be." I was perfectly sober, as I do not drink anything. He got up and showed me his leg, and I said that his ankle was turned out of the way. I said I would go and fetch the doctor. He asked me to wait whilst he went into the courtlage, and he went out and came in by himself in a few minutes. I went to fetch Mr Bennett, surgeon. He said he could not come for an hour, or until nine o'clock. I told him that deceased's ankle was turned out of its place. It was then about eight o'clock. When Mr Bennett came he examined deceased's leg and set it, and then told me to come to his surgery for some medicine, which I did. I staid up nearly the whole of that night, and attended upon him. My wife also attended him up to the day of his death, on Thursday last. Last Friday a nurse from the Devonport Workhouse came and attended to him. The room was about 10 or 12 feet square and seven feet or eight feet high, and is situated over a stable. - By the Jury: At the end of the room in question is a pit for the soil of the stable. Mr Bennett was the surgeon of deceased's club. - Mr Bennett, surgeon, was sworn. He deposed: I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London. On the 5th July last, at about eight o'clock in the evening, the last witness came to my house in George-street, Devonport. He reported to me that the deceased had injured his leg, and I understood that the man's ankle was dislocated. It is desirable to reduce the fracture as speedily as possible. I said I would be there as speedily as I could, as I had patients in the surgery whose cases would not admit of delay. About nine o'clock I went to the room of deceased in Princess-street; he was in bed. He complained of great pain in the ankle. I reduced the dislocation and placed the leg in its proper position in about half an hour. I do not think any damage accrued to deceased by the delay in setting the limb. I attended upon him up to Tuesday last, the time of his death. The room of deceased was close and unventilated. I continued my attendance upon him for three weeks, when I found the skin over the inner ankle ulcerated, which laid it bare to the bone to nearly three or four inches, subsequently the inflammation extended into the joint and produced a discharge. Consequent on the discharge of matter, it very much debilitated the system. I am satisfied he had all the nourishment his case required, but the crisis arrived when I proposed to him that his leg should be amputated. He consented, but on one condition that chloroform should be given to him. I told him the room was very unfavourable to the operation, so much so as materially to diminish the probability of his recovery after amputation. I called in Mr Laity to see deceased, and we agreed that it was desirable to remove him to the workhouse. Mr Butcher and myself went to the overseer's office to get an order for his admission there. Mr Chapple, the assistant-overseer, after some hesitation, gave me an order for his admission into the house. He had not at this time received any relief as a pauper. Mr Butcher and myself went to the workhouse and saw Mr Delarne, the surgeon of the house, and also Mr Gruzelier, the Governor, and we represented the circumstances of the case to the Governor, who doubted whether, as a club patient, he should be admitted into the house. I produced the order from the overseers. The Governor enquired who was to perform the operation. I said myself; he then said, he thought this was an unusual case for admission to the house, and the better plan would be to remove the patient to the South Devon Hospital. I told him I did not wish to send him there, but desired to perform the operation in the workhouse, having obtained Mr Delarne's permission so to do. The governor then ordered the ambulance car, but afterwards said, on reflection, he could not admit the man, if he did it would be an illegal act, and contrary to the Poor-law Board Act. I said, if it is so, it is useless for me to say anything further. I stated the result of this interview to the patient, who said he was very sorry. I said the only course then was to perform the operation in the room. Mr Laity and Mr Cutcliffe expressed dissatisfaction at the man's not being admitted into the workhouse, and advised that he should be removed to the house in opposition to the Governor's views. I objected thinking we had kept the patient in sufficient suspense already, it being now five o'clock. I administered chloroform successfully, and I amputated the leg while he was insensible. I completed the operation satisfactorily. The first day after the amputation, the patient appeared remarkably well; subsequently, however, diarrhoea came on, which disturbed him very much, and speedily other injurious symptoms exhibited themselves, and he gradually sunk to the time of his death. On the day of the amputation, the 25th July, I was with the deceased nearly the whole of that day. - Mr Gruzelier, the Governor of the workhouse, was next sworn, and gave a similar statement to that he made before the Commissioners on Friday last, and which has already appeared in this paper. He denied having refused admission to the deceased into the house, but he simply suggested his being removed to the South Devon Hospital. - Other witnesses were examined, at the close of which The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," observing that it was their opinion that the Governor of the workhouse should have admitted the deceased into the house when applied to do so by Mr Bennett. - The Inquiry lasted about four hours.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 August 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident On Board The Himalaya. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon last, at the Military Hospital Inn, Lower Stoke, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of a private of the 12th regiment, named WM. HENRY JAMES. It appeared that shortly before the Himalaya, steam troop-ship, arrived in the Sound on Tuesday last with the 12th regiment on board, a seaman on board the vessel threw the lead, as is usual, to ascertain the speed at which the vessel was going, when it struck deceased across the head, which at once rendered him senseless and he died a few hours afterwards, although the skull did not appear to have been broken. It was said that the lead weighed about fifteen pounds. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 August 1860
EXETER ST SIDWELL - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at the Acland Arms, St. Sidwells, yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, by the Coroner (H. W. Hooper, Esq.), on the body of a poor man named HENRY LANE, aged 63 years, who died suddenly whilst at work in Messrs. Rew and Sons tanyard, on the same morning. It appeared that the poor fellow had been suffering for some time from disease in the chest, and had been in the Dispensary under the care of Dr Drake. He went to work as usual about six o'clock in the morning, and in consequence of his not returning to his breakfast, his wife went and made enquiries for him at the tanyard, when he was found lying on his face and hands quite dead, in a loft where he had been at work. A verdict of "Died from the Visitation of God" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 August 1860
PRINCETOWN - Sudden Death. - An awful event has lately occurred at Princes Town. Two men who had been drinking pretty freely, entered the Albert Hotel, kept by Mr Kissell, and after having some beer, requested permission, as it was time to close, to remain for the night in the tap-room. This was granted, and in the morning it was discovered that one of the men, whose name was JOHN WILLIAMS, of Rundlestone, was dead. He was supposed to have been suffocated while sleeping. An Inquest was held on the following day, and a verdict in accordance with the facts.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 August 1860
BUCKFASTLEIGH - On Friday the remains of the young man WILLIAM COLE, who met his death by being thrown from a horse (the property of P. Yates, Esq.), on Monday last, on the Totnes-road, were conveyed to their final resting place. The 9th Devon Volunteers of which he was a member, attended the funeral, and the officers desired in accordance with the general wishes of the Corps, this respect should be shown. At the Inquest on the body a much to be regretted unpleasantness arose from the fact that a gentleman who took a great interest in the unfortunate accident, desired the medical attendant to call in the assistance of a second professional man, this however was strongly objected to by the Doctor on the simple ground that he refused to meet in consultation his brother professional. The gentleman having stated these facts to the Coroner at the Inquest, severe recriminations were exchanged totally unwarranted, especially at such a time. There is not the least doubt that all the medical skill in the world would have been unavailing, and we should not have given publicity to the above, were it an isolated occurrence with the medical profession, in this neighbourhood to refuse meeting each other.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 August 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest On The Bodies Of Two Artillerymen. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was commenced at the Military Hospital Inn, Lower Stoke, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the bodies of BENJAMIN LLOYD and JAMES PAUL CHISTLE, who fell overboard on the 6th inst., as they were proceeding in a boat to Cremyll Beach, the boat having come into collision with a barge called the Two Sisters. - Samuel Cotton said, I am mate of H.M. Steam-tug Zephyr. On Saturday afternoon last I was coming down the Hamoaze on board the said steamer, and when abreast of the Bacchus, coal vessel, I saw the body of a man dressed as an artilleryman. I and two others picked up the body and it was taken to North Corner, and subsequently to the Military Hospital. The body appeared to have been in the water for several days, it being much deformed and the face almost entirely gone. I did not observe the clothes torn; the deceased had his boots on. - George Atkins said, I am a private in the Royal Marines, serving on board H.M.S. Impregnable. About half-past five on Sunday morning last I saw the body of a man dressed like an artilleryman floating at the stern of the Impregnable in Hamoaze. The body was made fast to the accommodation ladder. - Wm. Ferris, seaman on board H.M.S. Impregnable, deposed: I took charge of the body in question from the last witness and gave information thereof to the police. - Robert Indar said, I am battery Sergeant Major of the Royal Artillery now stationed at the Plymouth Citadel. I know the bodies in question as being BENJAMIN LLOYD and JAMES PAUL CHISTLE, who were gunners in the Royal Artillery. On the 6th of August inst., about half-past eight in the morning, I started in a boat with the deceased and other artillerymen, amounting to 41, seven of them being the boat's crew. We embarked at the Admirals' Hard, at Stonehouse, in a dockyard boat; we were crossing to go to Cremyll Ferry, and were about half way across the river, when we saw a barge coming down upon us at the rate of 10 or 12 knots an hour, she having a three-quarter wind; she was coming into the harbour. When we first saw the barge she was from 150 to 200 cloth yards from our boat; the wind was blowing strong at the time. When she came within about 50 yards I hailed her, shouting "barge a-hoy, luff." I should think and believe they could hear me. I saw a man at the helm, and another man in the bow. When I shouted they did not alter their course. When the barge arrived within about five yards of our boat, several voices shouted to her and begged the bargemen to "luff". The helm was then put hard to leeward, by which means the barge came into our bows, the shock being so great that the two deceased men were knocked overboard. Bombardier James Campbell also fell overboard, but he was pulled into the boat again. A fourth artilleryman got on board the barge. I saw both of the deceased sink in the water, one of them almost immediately, and the other made some effort to swim, and a boat hook was thrown to him, but he was drowned. The sea was rough at the time. A boat belonging to the barge was cast afloat to endeavour to save the men, but the barge proceeded on her course and never halted at all. We turned our boat and came back again. The boat was about 45 feet long; the same number of men had often gone to Cremyll in the same boat. The target we had with us was taken to pieces, and formed seats lengthways just under the gunwale of our boat; the men were all quiet and steady at the time. The concussion of the boat was so violent that it broke the tiller in two pieces as the coxswain was about to push it from him. The coxswain of our boat did all he could to prevent a collision. - The Coroner observed that the whole point was whether any blame was attached to the bargemen. If they had notice of the danger, and did not use ordinary care and caution, of course they were responsible for the accident; therefore it was necessary to be very particular about the bearing of the boats, the state of the weather, and other circumstances. - A Juryman: did the men in your boat cease to pull when you called out "luff"? I do not know whether the boat slackened her speed or not on first calling out. I believe the men continued to pull, as we thought we should get out of danger before the barge came up to us. - No one belonging to the barge being present, nor the coxswain of the artillery boat, and other important witnesses, the Coroner said it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquiry, and it therefore stood adjourned to Thursday next at one o'clock at the Guildhall, Devonport.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 August 1860
EXETER - Two Mysterious Cases Of Drowning. - We have to record two cases of drowning in Exeter and which are at present involved in mystery. Yesterday morning (Wednesday) the body of a man was seen floating on the water in the Basin, and assistance having been procured, it was taken out and removed to Scott's Buller's Arms Inn, St. Thomas, where it was afterwards identified as the body of a man named WILLIAM BAILEY, a native of Norfolk, who had been at work as a labourer on the railway. It appears that the unfortunate fellow was last seen at the Double Locks Inn, about a mile from Exeter, on Wednesday, August 15th, where he had been drinking, and that a cap had been picked up some days ago near the Basin, but nothing whatever was said about it until the discovery of the body yesterday morning. An Inquest will be held today (Thursday) at eleven o'clock.

The second cased is that of a private of the 9th Lancers, whose body was picked up in the Exeter Canal on the same morning. From the decomposed state of the body it appears that it must have been in the water some days; and a letter found in the pocket of the deceased which he had received from his mother showed that his name was ROBERT IRONS. Ten shillings and a tobacco box were also found in the deceased's pockets. At an Inquest held before H. W. Hooper, the City Coroner, at the Custom House Inn, at six o'clock last evening, the following facts were sworn to:- The deceased was a fine young man, and was known to be generally steady. There appeared to be a heavy blow over the left eye. - Troop-Sergeant-Major Orson Lyrett, of the 9th Lancers, identified the body, and stated that deceased (ROBT. IRONS) was a private in the 9th Lancers, and was quartered at the Artillery Barracks. The deceased was 29 years of age, and had been in the regiment since September 1858; he enlisted at Maidstone; he had been reported absent from his regiment since the 15th of this month. Deceased was generally of good conduct, and was a well educated man. Deceased was a native of North Shields, and had two leach marks on his chest; he was a chemist and druggist previous to his enlistment. - Henry Williams, a labourer, proved that he first saw the body of the man about ten o'clock. Witness was on the Quay near the water's edge, when he saw the head of a man above the water, and the body was in an upright position. He called a man named Pope to his assistance, when they got into a boat with two other men, and succeeded in pulling the body into the boat; the body was about 12 feet from the bank; when they took it out of the water he (witness) then saw that deceased had on regimentals; he also observed a red mark under his eye. A vessel had left from the spot in the morning, and no doubt the motion of the water, caused by the removal of the vessel, caused the body to rise. - Hannah Smith, aged 16, stated that she was with the deceased on Wednesday, August 15th. That in the evening she went with him to an eating-house in South-street, and had some supper. She had known him three weeks, and last saw him on Wednesday, when she met him on the Topsham-road with a soldier called Boyce. There was another girl named Baker with witness, and when they met the two soldiers they went to the Windmill public-house; where they had a quart of ale. they left there about eight o'clock, and proceeded to Crabtree's eating house, which they left at a quarter past nine o'clock. They had four bottles of ale with their supper. They afterwards returned to the Windmill public-house, where they first had half a pint of rum and shrub, and deceased had something to drink afterwards; he was intoxicated. They then left the Windmill together, and went towards Topsham-road; witness followed them to the deceased with the other soldier (Boyce); went into the Artillery Arms Inn, witness waiting outside with the other girl, and after about ten minutes they came out, and Boyce endeavoured to persuade the deceased to get into a fly to take him to barracks, but deceased refused to get into it, and after endeavouring to persuade him to go home, or to go to a bed into the Windmill Inn, they left him about ten o'clock, and Boyce returned to the barracks. - Mary Jane Baker corroborated the statement of the above witness. - A medical man was sent for, and having examined the body, Dr Perkins, of South-street, stated that he had examined the body, and could not discover any marks of violence. In unfastening the clothes of the deceased, a leathern purse, containing three sovereigns, was found, and a letter from his mother, imploring him "to be steady, and not to be absent from duty without leave." - It was ultimately agreed to adjourn the Inquest until today (Thursday) at eleven o'clock, in order that Boyce, the other soldier, may be had to give evidence on the Inquest and that Dr Perkins might further examine the body.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 August 1860
EXETER - The Two Cases Of Drowning At Exeter. - At the adjourned Inquest on the body of ROBERT IRONS yesterday, George Boys, a private in the 9th Lancers, who was in company with deceased and the two girls, who gave evidence on Wednesday, was examined, and corroborated the statements of the other witnesses. On leaving the Windmill public-house witness hired a fly, and tried to induce deceased to go with him to the barracks, but he refused, and said he would not go, and was irritated. This was the last time witness saw him. It was about eleven o'clock when witness returned to the barracks after leaving the deceased. The deceased, who was generally a steady man, was fond of playing at bagatelle and billiards. - Mr Salter, landlord of the Country House, stated deceased had his letters addressed to his house. He received a letter on the evening of the 14th, with an order for £5 in it. Witness offered him £5 for the order, but he did not take it. - Dr Perkins was again called, and stated that he had the clothes removed from the body of the deceased, and that he had made a further examination, but was still of opinion that there were no marks of violence on the body; there was a blow just over the nose, which appeared to have been given before death, and his face appeared as though he had fallen on some gravel; the body was very much decomposed and he (witness) should think it had been in the water some days. He repeated his evidence with regard to the things found on him last evening; and was of opinion that death was caused by drowning. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Inquest On The Body Of WM. BAILEY. - At an Inquest, held at Scott's Buller Arms Inn, St. Thomas, before the County Coroner, R. R. Crosse, Esq., yesterday (Thursday), on the body of the man named WILLIAM BAILEY, who was taken out of the water on Wednesday morning, from the Basin, it was shown that deceased, who is a native of Norfolk, had been at work on the South Devon Railway, and that on Wednesday, August 15, it being a very wet day, the poor fellow was at the Double Locks Inn drinking; he remained there until dusk, when he left to return to his lodgings at Exeter; he was intoxicated, and had nearly a mile to walk along the banks of the Canal; he was not seen by anyone after leaving the public-house until the body was discovered in the Exeter basin on Wednesday morning last, when it was immediately taken out of the water and removed to Scott's Buller's Arms Inn. The Jury was of opinion that it was not necessary to call medical assistance, as there were no indications of any violence on the body of deceased, and at once returned a verdict of "Found Dead in the waters of the Exeter Basin." It is rather remarkable that both these unfortunate men should have fallen into the water on the same night, and that no inquiries were made respecting either of them; and again that their bodies should be discovered on the same morning within a few hours of each other. This is the fourth case of double-drowning within the last two months. The unfortunate man IRONS was, we understand, respectably connected, and was constantly in receipt of letters with remittances, from his friends, and the letter from his mother imploring him to be steady, was only received by the poor fellow on the evening preceding the night of Wednesday, the 15th. Another letter was received by the landlord of the Country House Inn, and was handed over to Sergeant-Major Lyrett, on Wednesday, the 22nd. The whole of the money, &c., found in the pockets of deceased was also handed to the Sergeant-Major.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Adjourned Inquiry On The Bodies Of Two Artillerymen. - The Inquest commenced on Monday last at the Military Hospital Inn, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the bodies of BENJAMIN LLOYD and JAMES PAUL CLISSOLD, two Artillerymen, who were drowned by collision with a barge, as reported in the Western Morning News of Tuesday, was resumed yesterday afternoon at the Guildhall, Devonport, when the following additional evidence was taken:- J. Beer, Esq., solicitor attended to watch the proceedings on behalf of the War Department. - Edward Pool, bombardier R.A., and coxswain of the boat containing the artillerymen, was the first witness examined yesterday, and proceeded to state that the wind at the time of the accident (6th August) was blowing very fresh westerly, and then stated the circumstances of the accident similar to that detailed on Monday evening, viz., that he saw the barge coming in from the Sound in the direction of Mount Wise, and continued: I saw the barge at first about 200 yards from the boat, running on her port beam. When she came within 100 yards, Sergeant-Major Indar shouted out, and when she came within about 20 yards the barge had not altered her course. I shouted out also. I had no way on the boat, not even steerage way. I did not give any directions to alter the course of the boat. The barge kept her course until within about 100 yards from us, and then the barge was "luffed" up to the wind. The barge then struck the boat about four feet from the bow, the consequence was the men was knocked overboard; but one was picked up. I should think the men on board the barge could have heard us call to them, and then by "luffing" or wearing could have cleared us. We had no means of avoiding the collision, but there was plenty of time for the barge to have cleared away from us. - James Campbell, bombardier, R.A., said: I am one of the crew of the regimental boat in question. I was standing in the bow; CLISSOLD was sitting in the bow, on the boat-hook, which lay across the gunwales of the boat; LLOYD was sitting on the gunwale of the boat, and both of them retained their positions until within a moment or two of the collision. When I first noticed the barge she was about 15 yards or 20 yards off from us, coming down rapidly. I think if the men in the boat had backed water immediately I saw the barge 15 or 20 yards distant the boats would have cleared each other. The concussion turned the boat round, but did not stove it in. I think if the men drowned had been sitting down in the proper seats of the boats they would not have fallen overboard; the men sat on the boat-hook because the seats were dirty. CLISSOLD was 20 years of age, and LLOYD 28; the latter cold swim. The boat was making very little way; the tide being against us. - By a Juror: I never knew as many as forty men to go in that boat before. - By the Coroner: There did not appear to be any danger from the number in the boat. - The Coroner said he should wish to have some evidence as to whether the artillery boat was too much crowded for the state of the weather, when Wm. Ferris, coxswain of a jolly boat of H.M. Ship Impregnable, was sworn, who stated that forty men could safely go in a boat of 24 feet long and seven or eight feet wide, if the weather was moderate. - Campbell, examined by Mr Beer, said none of the men had their legs overboard. Another man named Campbell, who was sitting on the gunwale of the boat, was knocked overboard, but I pulled him into the boat again. I jumped out into the water and had hold of CLISSOLD. I held him up as long as I could, but no boat coming to me, and there being such a strong current, I was obliged myself to make for the boat. - The Coroner here remarked that he expressed he was sure the feelings of the Jury and all present, when he spoke in terms of admiration of the good feeling and courage which this witness had displayed in attempting to save the lives of others. He (the Coroner) was the more anxious to take that opportunity of thus expressing his feelings, as he understood it was not the first time that he had endeavoured thus to save life, and in several instances had been most successful in his endeavours, and at the present moment he observed that he (Campbell) wore on his breast a medal from the Emperor of the French, indicative of the courage he had displayed on similar occasions, as well as commemorative of events in which he had been instrumental of saving life under circumstances analogous to those arising out of the present Inquiry. He (the Coroner) was certain that all who were aware of those facts must entertain a high regard and esteem for one who had thus exerted himself; and he hoped he (Campbell) would find lasting satisfaction in his own mind for what he had done. - The Coroner here enquired of Police-constable Davey if he had served summonses on the men in the barge at the time - Thomas Cowl and John Lyon, - as he did not see either of them present. - Davey said he had left the summonses at their residences. - The wife of Lyon here came forward, and said that her husband was at St. Germans, and was expected home in a day or two. The daughter of Cowl said her father and mother were with the barge, taking cargoes to Torquay, Lyme, &c., but were expected home in a few days. - Campbell re-examined by Mr Beer: The length of the boat is about 26 feet. There was not an unusually large number of men in the boat. - John Manning, a gunner, Royal Artillery, said - I am of No. 5 Company, and one of those in the boat at the time in question, and was sitting on the opposite side of the two men drowned; I was sitting with my legs in the boat, and close by LLOYD. I hailed the barge when she was about 20 yards off. About 10 yards from us she altered her course; if she had not done so she would have struck us in the centre. If the barge had altered her course when first I first saw her she might have cleared us. There was a large quantity of straw in the barge, and consequently I do not think the helmsman could see ahead. I jumped on board the barge, when I asked the man at the bow what was the reason he did not try to get out of the way of our boat. He said he could not help it, he thought the boat would have cleared her. The men in the boat left off pulling just before the collision took place; if they had not done so the barge would have struck the boat in the centre. I have been in the habit of crossing the ferry in the boat, and there was nothing unusual in the number of men in the boat, and there was no danger from the weather. - By Mr Beer: When the helmsman got into the small boat, a woman took the tiller [A woman in court here stated that the wife of Cowl sometimes went to sea in the barge with her husband]. - Pool, was recalled, and said he kept his helm down as hard as he could, until the collision occurred, the force of which broke the tiller. The men did not cease pulling until just before the collision, and then the starboard oars bucked. - Ferris was recalled, and said, under the circumstances which had been detailed, he should have thought it the duty of the artillery boat to have got out of the way. In case of a vessel under sail, going nearly before the wind, and a boat pulling in a direction across her bows, it is the duty of the coxswain of the boat to endeavour to avoid the vessel under sail, and the coxswain of the boat is to judge whether he can cross the bows of the vessel under sail, or not; he is the best judge. - By a Juror: Where there are two vessels, one under sail, and the other pulling, it is the duty of the coxswain of the boat to get clear of the one under sail. - By the Coroner: I think that at a distance of eight or ten yards from the boat, the helmsman of the barge by luffing to the wind, might have avoided the collision. - By Mr Beer: In the case of a boat proceeding slowly across the bow of a barge, the helmsman of the barge would be better able to judge of the course he should take if the boat kept on her course. If he had been in the barge and saw he was so near the boat as likely to come into collision, he should have put the helm down hard to have endeavoured to avoid it. If this had been done at fifteen or twenty yards from the boat, he should think the collision might have been avoided. But still he thought it the duty of the boat, in the first instance, when the barge was about fifty or one hundred yards off, to have endeavoured by some means to have kept clear of the barge. - After a few other statements in cross-examination, and by the Jury, the Inquiry was further adjourned to Tuesday next at one o'clock, when it is expected the bargemen might be present.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 August 1860
HARBERTON - The Suicide Of The REV. CHANCELLOR MARTIN. - The usually quiet little village of Harberton was yesterday thrown into a state of considerable excitement and great sorrow in consequence of its having become known that the esteemed vicar of the parish, the REV. GEORGE MARTIN, Chancellor of the Diocese of Exeter, had committed suicide. The Rev. Chancellor preached in the parish church on Sunday morning, and read the prayers at the afternoon service. In the evening he conducted family prayers in his own house, as was his wonted custom, and retired to bed at the usual hour. He is said to have exhibited considerable uneasiness throughout the night, so much so, indeed that MRS MARTIN endeavoured to prevail on him to have medical advice. This he refused; and MRS MARTIN went downstairs yesterday morning, leaving him in the act of dressing. But after some time, finding he did not come down, and that nine o'clock, the time for morning prayer had come, and her husband had not come down, MRS MARTIN went up to see the reason for the unusual delay. On opening the door of his dressing-room, she was horrified to behold him laying on the floor partly dressed, weltering in his blood, and with his throat cut. - Alarm was instantly given, and a messenger despatched to Totnes, a distance of two miles, for medical aid. Mr Owen and Mr Harris, surgeons, of Totnes, were promptly in attendance, but their services were of no avail, as the rev. gentleman lived only about five minutes after their arrival; indeed, they pronounced the case to be hopeless at the first sight. - The cause of this dreadful close of a useful life is unknown, but it is said that his family have on more than one occasion of late observed something unusual and peculiar in his manner. The deceased was a canon residentiary of the Cathedral, and chancellor of the diocese. He was in residence at Exeter five months in the year, and the other part of the year he generally resided in his vicarage at Harberton. He was made canon in 1816 and chancellor in 1820; was married twice, and leaves four grown-up children by the former wife, and four by the present MRS MARTIN, and a large family circle and troops of friends to lament his most untimely and mournful end. In him the poor of Harberton have lost a good and charitable clergyman and the Bishop and clergy of the diocese a wise councillor and a sincere friend. - It is expected that an Inquest as to the cause of death will be holden today.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 August 1860
HARBERTON - Inquest On The Rev. CHANCELLOR MARTIN - The intelligence of the suicide of the Rev. Chancellor MARTIN, had been received everywhere with surprise and sorrow. The sorrow is the most poignant at Harberton, Totnes, and Exeter, where the deceased was best known. The parishioners of Harberton mourn him as a father and a most kind friend. The ecclesiastical knowledge of the deceased was profound, and highly appreciated by Churchmen of all ranks. Out of the many hundreds of cases in which he acted as judge, we believe that there were only two instances in which his decisions were appealed against, and out of these even, only one was reversed. - As we have already stated, the deceased preached on Sunday morning, and it was said by some who were present, that in the course of the impressive address he delivered, it was observable he exhibited a strange nervousness, and worked his hands about in a somewhat remarkable manner, and in the afternoon he baptized an infant. - Soon after the suicide became known, a telegram was dispatched to the eldest son, a barrister, but who at present is engaged in banking at Worcester. At the time of the unhappy affair all the sons were away, and a few months ago one of MR MARTIN'S daughters was married, and left England for India. - At the time of his decease, the unfortunate gentleman was rather more than 69 years of age, having reached that term of life at the beginning of last week. There can be no doubt that the deceased committed the fatal act whilst suffering from a morbid state of excitement brought on by a groundless fear that his affairs were involved, for which we are assured there was not the slightest reason. We believe that Mr Thomas Kellock, the family solicitor, was engaged yesterday morning in arranging the affairs of the deceased. - Mr Cockey, the Coroner for the County, was communicated with on Monday night, and he sent word that he had engagements to attend to at Teignmnouth and another place, but that he would arrive in Harberton as soon as possible. A good deal of doubt existed as to whether or no he would come last night at all, but he arrived by train in the course of the afternoon, and the Inquest was held at the Vicarage House, where the body of the deceased lay. The proceedings did not commence till between seven and eight, and were kept as private as possible, and the following were the Jury:- R. Tucker, E. Tucker, T. R. White, R. Fairweather, W. Soper, R. Collins, W. Worth, J. B. Paige, H. Taylor, H. Bartlett, J. Samble, C. C. Dormer, Foreman. There were also present:- MAJOR MARTIN, brother of the deceased; his two nephews; the REV. R. MARTIN, and MR CHARLES MARTIN; the Rev. Richard Champernowne, Mr T. C. Kellock, and Mr Frederick Kellock, the latter assisted the Coroner in taking the evidence. - The Coroner addressed the Jury, and instructed them their only duty would be to consider whether at the time when the deceased destroyed himself (of which they would not have any doubt when they had heard the evidence), he was in a sound or unsound state of mind. - The first witness called was MRS RENIRA HENRIETTA ALDEBURGH MARTIN, who said the deceased was my husband; lately he has not been so strong, but his general health has not been bad during the last three weeks; he has been very nervous; I remarked it seriously about that time ago; he said he felt himself much overdone by business. He was Rector of this parish, Chancellor of this diocese, Canon of Exeter Cathedral and was much engaged in ecclesiastical duties. On Friday there was a parish meeting, about which he was very much disturbed. Mr Kellock, solicitor, attended that meeting. On Sunday last, deceased preached in the morning, read the prayers in the afternoon, and baptized a child. He came home in the evening, and was very low; he retired to rest about half-past ten; he did not disturb me during the night; he had not slept well for many nights, nor did he do so on Sunday night. On Monday morning he got up about eight o'clock. When he awoke, he said he had a spasm through his heart; he partially dressed himself, and then shaved and put on his boots. I was in and out of his dressing-room every minute, and was very much frightened because he seemed so much unlike himself. I was in the same room with him, but separated from him by a partition, and I got close to the doorway; I heard a noise, and was satisfied he was dressing; but suddenly he stopped, and I heard a violent pouring of something gurgling; I ran into the room, and found him kneeling with his arms over the foot pan, and I saw he had cut his throat on both sides; he was not quite dead; I poured brandy down his throat, and sent for Mr Owen, who arrived from Totnes in about forty minutes; he came while MR MARTIN was still living, but gave no hopes of his recovery; I should think he lived about twenty minutes after Mr Owen came; that was about an hour after he cut his throat, but I cannot say exactly. - Samuel Varder, the butler, deposed finding the deceased in the position described by MRS MARTIN. When that lady gave the alarm, he adopted prompt measures for stopping the blood, previous to the arrival of the doctor. In answer to Mr Paige, a Juryman, the witness said he had heard the deceased was distressed about his circumstances. - Grace Ellis said:- I am housemaid in this establishment. On Monday morning last, I went into my master's dressing room, and found he had cut his throat, and afterwards on emptying the foot-pan. I found the razor. I believe that was the instrument with which he cut his throat. - T. C. Kellock, Esq.: I am a solicitor in Totnes: I knew the deceased intimately, and for some time resided in his parish. I have been in the habit of seeing the deceased very frequently, and he has been in the habit of speaking to me about parochial matters connected with the church of the parish. I had something to do with the charities for some time - in the first place as a parishioner, and afterwards as solicitor, and what I undertook to do was directed by an order of the Court of Chancery, which I received from my London agent last Friday morning. The matter which so disturbed the deceased was that, a special return of the charities having been asked for by the Charity Commissioners, a mistake occurred in the account sent up, the sum of 3s. 2 ½d. being stated as expended, instead of carried forward. He showed me a long letter which he purposed sending to the Charity Commissioners to explain to them that he had no motive in signing the document in which the mistake occurred. He was so miserable about it that I was satisfied he did not exhibit his usual strength of mind that I had previous known him to do. At my earnest solicitation, and that of MRS MARTIN'S, he left out those sentences which related to his motives. I said to him "Do, Sir, dispel every idea of this kind from your mind," and he said, "Oh, Sir, I have signed the document, I should have been more careful, as now I shall be disgraced." About the same time he came to me respecting another matter. There had been a certain division in the parish; the parish church having been built in Harbertonford, and he had conveyed the incumbency to Rockford, as the site of the new incumbent, Mr Luscombe. Since then he said to me that he did not think it was right to convey an old house to the incumbent, and he would therefore convey it free from dilapidation and give £200 for the purpose. But it was considered by the surveyor who was called in, that a much larger sum should be laid out. It was necessary to obtain the sum of money on mortgage, and the papers for it were drawn up and I went with deceased to Exeter, when the Dean and Chapter approved of the documents, and I was appointed the nominee to receive the money by the Bishop, the Dean and Chapter, the deceased, and the incumbent. At every interview since that time the deceased pressed me to take the £200 that he was going to give in addition to the £300. He said he wished to get it out of hand. Last week he rushed into my office in a very excited manner, and not at all like himself, and wished me to take a cheque for the money. The alteration in him, in matters of business, was very striking, and at last he rushed away from me, saying he should be too late for the train, and then hurried off. Last Wednesday I again called, and had a long conversation with him about the 3s. 2 ½d. and the charities. He again said he should be disgraced, and that he had received no answer to the letter which he had sent to the Charity Commissioners. He then went on to speak about the contract for Rockford, and said he did not like the way in which it was being carried on for he should be drawn into great expenses. He then spoke of the parish meeting respecting the re-seating of the church, and a large seat for the parishioners. I left him promising to see him again; I did not see him Thursday, but on Friday I came here and brought the Order of Chancery with me, thinking it would be a solace for him to know that all we had been trying to do had been approved of by the Court of Chancery, but, to my surprise, he did not ask to look at it. MRS MARTIN was with him, and his mind was so absent that all who were present on the occasion, asked him to give up the idea of visiting the church, and I asked him not to go to the meeting, and nothing was done at it, because only the two churchwardens attended, and I returned and remained with him in his room until about ten o'clock in the evening. He kept returning to the same question, and was very uneasy in his mind. I saw him next on Sunday afternoon when I rode over to Harberton Church; I saw him for a minute just before the commencement of the service, and he shook hands with me, and said in an anxious manner, I shall see you after the sermon. When he came back, MRS MARTIN and myself asked him if he would go for a walk, when he said with an air of indifference, "Just as Mr Kellock likes." He kept his hand on his shoulder and then took off his gown, which he threw into a chair. I saw there was a great alteration in him. I went into his study, and as soon as I got there he began to talk about money matters. He said he was not satisfied about the £200, and asked if a cheque drawn on Sunday would be good? I said that if it would be any comfort to him I would take the money, and then had it. He asked for it back again, and I understood him to say he would call on me and bring it. He then began to discuss money matters generally, and he did so in a very incoherent manner, and said you know that a man with my establishment could not have a large balance at his bankers to put his hands on. I said he would not want it, and that the £400 raised on mortgage and the £200 he was to give, would be more than ample for the required outlay, and would leave a balance to hand over to Mr Luscombe. He said he would give up the living, and go away into some place where he would not be known, and then went back to the subject of 3s. 2 ½d. He was so excited that I left him, but after a few minutes I saw him through a window, with his brow knitted, and his hands clenched, and he looked so wretched and uncomfortable, that I went in and asked him to go for a walk or come into the garden, and I said what a blessing it would e if the weather would hold up and we had a fine harvest, but I got no answer. He went into the garden and paced up and down, and began to tell me that his expenses were too much, and they must be reduced - the carriages put down, and the horses sold, and so on - and I then tried to divert his mind. He said he had been elected president of the Devon and Exeter Hospital, and ought to be in Exeter on Tuesday (yesterday) at the anniversary sermon, and he thought he would write a note and put it off, but he allowed the post time to go by. He told me of many other engagements, and said figures worried him, and he would give up the agency of the Savings' Bank, and would not go to Convocation; and immediately afterwards added, that he would give up the living, the canonry, and the Chancellorship. He was very much excited, and had been in a low, dejected, and desponding way. I met Mr Owen, the medical attendant of the family on Thursday, and hinted my suspicions as to the condition of the deceased's mind. - Thomas Edward Owen, surgeon of Totnes, the last witness called, said that he was sent for to attend the deceased on Monday morning, and on arriving found that his throat was cut. He was then breathing, but pulseless. Witness applied lint to the wound, but deceased died about twenty minutes afterwards. The cause of death was haemorrhage from the bleeding of the wound. - Here the Coroner was interrupted by the Jury, who said they did not require any more evidence. - The Coroner addressed the Jury, and after a short consultation, they found that the "Deceased Destroyed himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident At The Breakwater. - We yesterday stated that on Sunday afternoon a number of boys belonging to H.M.S. Impregnable, were taken in charge of a petty officer for the purpose of taking recreation on the Breakwater. some of them ascended to the cage, and as one, named JOSEPH HENRY DAVIS, was coming down, he happened to place his foot on one of the steps which had been slightly broken away, and missed his footing, whereby he fell to the Breakwater, pitching on his head. His companions ran to his assistance, but the blood was flowing from his mouth, nose and ears, and life was extinct. An Inquest on the body was held at five o'clock last evening, before A. B. Bone, Esq., at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The deceased was an orphan, between fifteen and sixteen years of age, and together with another young brother and sister had been taken from the workhouse by a benevolent gentleman, whose name did not transpire.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 August 1860
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The Accident On The South Devon Railway. - At an Inquest held at Briton's King's Arms Inn, St. Thomas, before R.R. Crosse, Esq., the County Coroner, on the body of the poor man named JAMES DIGGINS, who was killed by the express train on the South Devon line, near St. Thomas station, on Wednesday, Mr Carpenter, the contractor for doubling the line between Exeter and Exminster, said that deceased was in his employ; that he spoke to him ten minutes before the train came up; he then went to his dinner. From inquiries made, it appeared that deceased was in the habit of falling asleep after his dinner, and that he had partially smoked a pipe of tobacco, when the train came up, and he was drawn under the carriages and fearfully mutilated. He was not quite dead when taken up, but expired before he was taken into the King's Arms Inn. The engine driver (Tunstall) did not know of the accident until after he had reached the St. David's station, when a telegraphic message was received at Exeter, to the effect that a poor man had been killed by the express up-train. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Killed by a Locomotive Engine."

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 September 1860
PETER TAVY - The Fatal Drowning Case. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at Gadsworthy Farm, Petertavy, on the body of the man SMALE, the circumstances of whose death have already been recorded in the Western Morning News. There being no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water, no person being present at the time, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

DAWLISH - Suspected Violent Death Of A Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the London Inn, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of a male child of about eight days old, which died at Dawlish Water, about a mile and half from the town of Dawlish. The mother of the child, FANNY WESTLAKE, is the daughter of a labourer, of about 19 years of age who had been living out in service, and was not married. The young woman was suspected by her master and mistress of being pregnant, and was sent home to her parents. She was confined, and about eight days afterwards, on the mother's return after a temporary absence, the child was dead. A post mortem examination of the child was ordered to be made by Mr Cann, surgeon, and the Inquest was adjourned to Tuesday next.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 September 1860
PLYMSTOCK - Determined Suicide At Oreston. - Last evening this quiet retreat was thrown into a state of considerable excitement by the intelligence that a young woman had deliberately committed suicide. her name was MARY ANN PYLE, aged 16, and she resided with her aunt, at the King's Arms Inn. Yesterday afternoon she was visited by her elder sister, and asked her aunt to be allowed to go to walk with her for an hour or two. The application was refused, whereupon the girl retired to her room. About five o'clock her sister carried to her a cup of tea, but, on opening the door of the apartment, she was horrified to behold the unfortunate girl lying on the floor with her throat cut in a dreadful manner. An alarm was raised, and a surgeon sent for, who, on his arrival, pronounced the case a desperate one, and dressed the wound; but the unhappy girl survived the consequences of her rash act but a short time, and expired in the course of the evening. The Coroner's Inquest will probably be holden this day.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 September 1860
PLYMOUTH - The Suicide In St. Andrew-Street. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., touching the death of GEORGE WILLIAM WESTCOTT. The following were sworn to the Jury:- John Rogers, Foreman; Messrs, Wm. Chapman, Geo. Hemmings, Henry Togood, Thos. Madge, T. T. Redding, Daniel Brown, S. Pardew, Robt. Hael, C. Rose, Richard Pearse, Emanuel Fishleigh Cole, John Redding, N. Heeson, J. Damerill, T. Ellis, W. Couch, and James Fell. - The Jury having viewed the body, the first witness called was William Mumford, a mason employed on the Breakwater, and who lives at 30 St. Andrew-street. He said the deceased lodged in the same house, and was a journeyman tailor, working for Mr Feather. He lodged in the house for about eighteen months, and at the time of his death was 70. Between five and six on Sunday afternoon the landlady of the house, Mrs Sutton, came into witness's room in an excited manner, and said she was afraid that there was something the matter with the deceased, for his door was bolted inside, and she could not hear him. Witness went up with her, and after some time broke open the deceased's door, and went into the room. They found the deceased lying in bed, with his clothes off, his head hanging over the bed, and nearly resting on the chamber utensil underneath, which was nearly full of blood and a razor was lying by on a chair. Witness lifted up his head, and placed it on the pillow, and told the people in the house to send for a doctor, and let the police know what had occurred. Mr Stevens, the surgeon, came, but deceased was quite dead. Witness believed deceased was a widower. Could not say what his habits were, but he thought he had been drinking hard lately. - Richard Sutton said he was a drayman, and was the landlord of the house, No. 30 St Andrew-street. Deceased had not worked for the last fortnight, and had been drinking in and out during that time. He had always behaved himself well and attended church. Last week he told witness he was going to get work on Monday (yesterday). He was over-excited during the week and appeared nervous. When witness went away on Saturday at three o'clock, he was perfectly sensible, and did not seem the worse for drink. A short time ago Mr Feather's men had their feast, and went, he believed, to Cothele. Deceased did not go with them, but he met one of them afterwards, and got intoxicated, and continued in that condition for several days. - Mumford said he had known the unfortunate deceased begin drinking at five in the morning, and keep it on till the evening, and he had often come into his (Mumford's) room early in the morning, in his night-dress, to ask one of the children to get him some drink. - Sutton re-examined: Had heard that deceased attempted to commit suicide once before. Did not think he was a confirmed drunkard. - P.C. Manning deposed to being called to see the deceased on Saturday afternoon, and to taking possession of the razor and one and sixpence that was found in the room. - Mumford said that on Saturday morning he saw the deceased in the street, who appeared to be weak in his mind, and undecided as to which way he should go. - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict, that the Deceased destroyed himself during a fit of Temporary Insanity

PLYMSTOCK - The Late Suicide At Oreston. - At four o'clock yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the King's Arms Inn, Oreston, before A. B. Bone, Esq., and a Jury of 23 persons to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ANN PILE, recorded in our paper yesterday. - Mrs Elizabeth Pill, on being sworn, said: I am a widow, and keep the King's Arms, deceased was my niece, and was about 14 years and 1 months old. On Sunday, her little sister HARRIET, who lives in service at Plymouth, and is about 13 years of age, came to visit us. She had dinner with us, when deceased was in good health and spirits. After dinner, the two sisters were alone in the kitchen, and I came up to mine and the deceased's bedroom, as we slept together. On the dressing table I found a pocket handkerchief, with 3s. wrapped in the corner. The discovery surprised me, for I was afraid the youngest of the sisters had taken it from her mistress. I saw her coming upstairs, and beckoned her to come to me. She did so, and I asked her if the handkerchief belonged to her. She said it did, and holding up the coin, I said "Is this your money?" She at first hesitated and said no, I said, "Very well, that will do for the time." Soon after, I went down to the kitchen, and said to deceased and to her sister, "I must know where this money came from." To the younger one I said, "I am afraid you have taken it from your master and mistress." She denied it, and soon after admitted having received it from her sister. I said to deceased, "Oh fie! MARY ANN, how could you be so naughty? You are trying to make your sister as bad as yourself." She made no reply, and I left, taking the younger sister away with me. About ten minutes after, I again entered the kitchen, where the deceased was crying. I told her to go upstairs, saying she should not come down again for the evening, for I knew she could not have obtained the money honestly. At first she refused to go, but on my insisting on her going, she went. About half-an-hour afterwards, I sent her sister to her with some tea and bread and butter. She had not been absent more than a minute when she alarmed me by her cries, and I went up. On entering the room I found her on her hands and knees, and blood flowing from a large wound in the throat. She exclaimed, "Aunt! Aunt!" I said, "MARY ANN, what have you done?" She said, "O Lord! have mercy on me; aunt! aunt!" My eldest son went for the doctor, who arrived in about 20 minutes. The deceased was very lively, with rather a quick temper. My son's razor was lying on the floor, and the deceased must have gone through the rooms to get at it. - HARRIET PILE, the sister, deposed to the deceased having given her 3s. telling her not to show it to her aunt, as she had taken it from the drawers. Witness tied it up in her handkerchief, and left it on the table. Deceased at first threatened to throw herself into the kitchen tank. - My Mould, surgeon, of Plymstock, said the wound in the neck was between three and four inches in length, and on the floor was a large quantity of extravasated blood. He sewed up the wound. She was apparently dying when the wound was being sewn up, but witness gave her a little brandy, and she was placed in bed. She lay quietly for some time ,and appeared to be improving. I was about to leave, when I heard a peculiar gurgling noise in the throat. She died in about ten minutes, from suffocation, from the blood getting into the wind-pipe. - JOHN PILE, having identified the razor produced by the policeman, WILLIAM PILE was examined, but no new facts were adduced. - The Coroner having briefly reviewed the evidence, the Jury, after a short consultation, decided, by a majority of 13 to 10 that the deceased destroyed herself while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At Newton. - On Saturday evening last a little boy, aged about six years, named JAMES MAGOR, son of MRS MAGOR, of the Commercial Hotel, Newton Abbot, was accidentally killed in Bridge-street, opposite the shop of Mr Lamacraft, bookseller, by a horse and cart belonging to Mr Richard Thorn, of Ingsdon Mills, Ilsington, passing over his head. It appears that on crossing the road the poor little fellow became entangled with the horse, which knocked him down, and that the wheel of the cart, which was heavily laden at the time, passed over him and smashed his head almost to atoms. The screeches of the bystanders were most alarming on witnessing what had occurred. The cart was driven by a man in Mr Thorn's employ, named Thomas Powsland, who was riding in front at the time the fatal occurrence took place, but had reins. The body of the poor little fellow was immediately taken up and conveyed to Mr William Laver's, tailor, Bridge-street. On examination of the body life was found to be quite extinct, as the head was smashed almost to atoms. Hundreds of persons visited the pot during the night and on Sunday where the fatal occurrence took place. The body after being rested a short time at Mr Lavers's was removed in a fly to MRS MAGOR'S, the bereaved parent. - The Inquest. - An Inquest on the deceased, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., County Coroner, was held yesterday, at MAGOR'S Commercial Hotel. The following comprised the Jury:- Frederick Godfrey, chemist, Foreman; George Stockman, miller; Frederick Crossman, watchmaker; Herbert Coplestone, miller; Samuel Wotton, cooper; John Williams, coachbuilder; Thomas Jacobs, horse dealer; Nicholas Wakeham, jun., butcher; James Steer, ironmonger; J. F. Cross, tailor; Josiah Jenkins, shoemaker; and George Saunders, corn dealer. - The Jury having been sworn proceeded to a room in the house where the body lay, forewarned by the Coroner that they need not lengthen their inspection, as the body presented such a sad spectacle. On their return the following evidence was adduced:- William Lamacraft deposed, on Saturday evening about seven o'clock, I was standing in my shop, and was attracted by the cries of a boy, and the movement of the people in the street; and, on looking, I saw a boy fall under the wheel of the cart, which was loaded with corn; he was knocked down by the horse, and the near wheel of the cart passed over his head. I immediately ran to his assistance and took him up, his skull was crushed and the brains were falling about the road. I held him in my arms a certain time, and then handed him over to a person named Stitson. He was quite dead. Stitson took the body into Mr Lavers's house, thinking at first it was his son. The boy seemed to be running backwards, and the by-standers saw the danger, but the poor boy did not. The horse was not going fast, and the driver had the reins in his hand. I should think there was no blame attached to the driver. - P.C. 195 was called by the Coroner, and he corroborated the evidence given by Mr William Lamacraft. - Thomas Powsland, the driver of the cart, said on Saturday he came through Newton on his way to Coombinteignhead with a load of flour, on his way back he was loaded with wheat, and when near the Tower a child was killed by the wheel of his cart. He did not know how it happened, because it was done instantaneously. - The Coroner remarked after the evidence that had been adduced he thought the driver should be exonerated from all blame, and that the verdict must be that of "Accidentally Killed" - This the Jury unanimously agreed to. The Inquiry lasted about 40 minutes.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 September 1860
DAWLISH - The adjourned Inquest on the infant child of FANNY WESTCOTT, of Dawlish Water, was resumed before Mr Cockey, the Coroner, yesterday, at the London Inn. Mr Cann, surgeon, deposed that some person had called at his house requesting him to attend the mother of the child for the accouchement, but he was not at home at the time and when he subsequently called at the house the child was born. It was a fine male child, and apparently quite healthy. he did not see the child again until called upon by the Coroner to make a post mortem examination. He found the stomach empty, and in his opinion the child had died for the want of food. It had no food whatever in the body. He was of opinion that if a child were kept without food six hours, that it would be so weak as to make its taking food very difficult. FANNY WESTCOTT said she had had to be absent some time, and on her return she could not get the child to take food, although she used every inducement. She had it named the following day. Several other witnesses were examined, and the Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence, and in their opinion the mother and her family deserved censure for having caused the death of the child through neglect.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 September 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident On Board H.M.S. Boscawen. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Royal Naval Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the County, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN ABRAMS, a seaman of the Boscawen, who fell from the foretop of that ship on Tuesday morning. - The first witness called was Thomas Gray, captain of the foretop of the Boscawen. He said the deceased was able seaman on board the same ship. On Tuesday morning, between the hours of eight and nine, he was engaged in the foretop with the rigging. He was standing on the chock (a piece of wood fastened to the mast for the purpose of bearing the strength of the chain that hangs the foreyard). His right foot was on the starboard chock, and his left on the after chock. Witness was standing a little below, lifting up the rigging to him, to haul over the masthead. All at once, witness saw his right foot slip off the chock, and his left hand, which was holding the bell-rope, let go, and deceased immediately fell down on to the sleeper of the top (a stout piece of wood placed for the support of the top.) He fell on his shoulder and the side of his head. He lay where he fell without moving. When attended to he was breathing and tears were flowing from his eyes, and blood from his mouth, but he did not speak. He was carefully lowered down to the deck from the top on a grating, but he was dead. Witness could not give any reason for his missing his footing, but was assured that he fell accidentally. - James Hill, leading seaman on board H.M.S. Boscawen gave corroborative evidence. - William Hogarth Adam, assistant-surgeon of the Boscawen, deposed that he was summoned from his cabin on Tuesday morning to the quarter-deck to attend the deceased, who was being lowered. Dr Duirs and witness saw him and found him quite pulseless. The heart had ceased to act, his pupil was much dilated and he was dead. There was a wound on the temple, such as would have been produced by the fall. The height of the fall (about 13 feet) was quite enough to cause death. - The father of deceased was examined, and said his son was 21 years of age last June. - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 September 1860
PLYMOUTH - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held by John Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, at the King's Arms Inn, Briton Side, touching the death of RICHARD TUCKER, a child of two years of age, who died on Thursday last under the following circumstances:- It appeared that the deceased was the illegitimate son of a married woman of middle age, and that during the absence of her husband in a man-of-war, on board which he was a blacksmith, his wife carried on a disgraceful intimacy, which resulted in the birth of the deceased, who completed the second year of his age this month. The husband came home last November, when the mother sent the deceased out to nurse, at 2s. 6d. a week, to a woman named Elizabeth Drew, of 24 Lower Street. The child was a healthy one till within five weeks ago, when he was taken to the doctor, who said his lungs were affected, and ordered cod liver oil, which it had. He seemed to improve a little in health, but on Thursday last was taken ill at four o'clock in the afternoon, after having previously made, at one o'clock, a hearty dinner of hake. He was going to be taken out for a run when he fell back heavily on his head in a state of insensibility. He was placed in a warm bath, and had some brandy given to him, but died about five o'clock. Evidence of the foregoing facts having been adduced, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Monday 17 September 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident Near Devil's Point. - On Saturday afternoon last, an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES RICHARDS POLYBLANK WEBB, who came by his death from drowning, under the following circumstances:- It appeared that on Thursday afternoon last, about half-past one o'clock, the deceased, who was sixteen years of age last April, and who was an apprentice to Mr Bankes, shipbuilder, Plymouth, went, in company with four of his fellow-apprentices and another lad, to borrow a four-oared gig of a person named Dewer, of Stonehouse, with the view of rowing at the Sutton Harbour regatta. Accordingly, the following six lads left Stonehouse in the boat, and proceeded towards Plymouth, viz. Charles Head, James Bonney, William Marsh, Benny, Pillar and the deceased. They were got as far as the Victualling Yard and were rounding the Point, when the boat shipped a heavy sea, half filling the boat. Before they had time to put back or consider what else to do, a heavy sea again washed over the boat, quickly followed by another, and the lads felt the boat rapidly sinking beneath them. The deceased had been pulling the second oar from the stern. The boat shortly afterwards came up bottom upwards, and the deceased being seen struggling in the water, he was conducted by Pillar towards the boat, and was afterwards seen on the boat. The deceased had before this caught hold of Pillar by the neck; subsequently two others got on the boat, and on a similar attempt being made by some of the other lads in the water, the boat was again turned up, but speedily filled and sunk, leaving the deceased and the other lads again to struggle in the water. Pillar then threw two paddles to the deceased, one of which he layed hold of; the former lad then swam ashore, and on looking back saw the deceased sinking. The boat having again ascended to the surface of the water, two of the lads again got upon it, and were subsequently taken off by a bargeman passing at the time in his boat. The others swam ashore. The boat was 30 feet long and about 3 feet wide. - Mr Marks, on the of Jurors, stated that he had been informed that another gig tried to round the Point a short time previous to that of the gig in question, but the rowers thought it dangerous to proceed, and they returned to Stonehouse and had the gig conveyed to Plymouth in a larger boat. - The Coroner thought the parties acted very wisely in so doing. The learned gentleman then summed up the evidence, remarking that though it appeared a rash act for the lads to proceed to Plymouth in this boat amidst such boisterous weather, yet they appeared to have done all they could under the circumstances, and to have properly conducted themselves. The Jury ultimately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The deceased resided at No. 24 Clowance-street, Devonport. The body was picked up the following (Friday) morning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 September 1860
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Child In Plymouth Gaol. - An Inquest was held, before Mr J. Edmonds, at the Borough Prison, Plymouth, yesterday, on the body of ELLEN POWELL, alias ELLEN DONOVAN, aged 15 weeks, daughter of CHRISTOPHER DONOVAN, a cabinetmaker, late a prisoner in the said Borough Prison. The deceased was found dead by her mother's side yesterday morning, in bed, in a cell of the said prison, where the mother is also confined as a prisoner. The deceased was born there on the 3rd of June last, and had been weakly from her birth. There were no marks of violence on the body; and after a long investigation, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from the Visitation of God, and was found dead by her said mother's side.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 September 1860
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - A poor man named HOOKWAY fell off a ladder on Wednesday, and was at once taken to the hospital, where he shortly after expired. An Inquest was held before the Coroner, H. W. Hooper, Esq., the same evening, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Death. - Yesterday morning, shortly after seven o'clock, as the workmen in the quarry at Morice Town, belonging to Mr Knowling, brewer, Devonport, were pursuing their labour, having been at work for about an hour, digging stone, they noticed a seaman lying on his back in the quarry quite dead. There was a quantity of garden stuff inside his shirt, and two cabbages lying by his side, and from the fact of there being a garden just above the quarry, it was supposed that the deceased had been committing garden depredations, and had accidentally fallen over; but this is not probable, as he left the beer-shop of Mr Spriddle, Cannon-street, Devonport, the previous night at eleven o'clock, far advanced in intoxication, and it is presumed he missed his road, got into the garden, and began plucking the cabbages in a mere freak. The poor fellow was named JOHN HAWKEN, second class seaman gunner on board H.M.S. Donegal. The height he fell was 49 feet 6 inches. The Inquest will be held this afternoon.

PLYMOUTH- Fatal Accident In Keyham Yard. - At six o'clock last evening an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the cause of death of JOHN CALLAWAY, late a fitter in Keyham Steam-yard. - Mr Charles Massey said he resided in Morice Town, and was acting foreman to Messrs. Maudsley, contractors for supplying engines in Keyham Yard. Deceased was a fitter, and was employed on board H.M.S. Gibraltar, now lying in the docks at Keyham. About five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon witness told him to assist in putting a piece of machinery below from one of the decks. This was to be effected by means of a rope, which broke, and the deceased was thereby injured. The witness produced a piece of the rope which broken, and said he could not account for the fracture. Deceased fell a height of 22 or 233 feet into the stoke hole. He was soon after taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth. He was about 33 years of age. The weight lowered was two tons and a half; the rope used was good government rope, of two-and-a-half inches in circumference. - Mr W. Scoble said he was leading man of shipwrights in Keyham Yard. He was inspecting his workmen on the ship. Deceased was in the act of fastening a tackle to the casting, when one rope broke, and the other caught him round the leg and precipitated him into the stoke hole. - Richard Myers, porter to the hospital, stated that the deceased died within a quarter of an hour after admission. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Distressing Occurrence In Plymouth. - About eight o'clock on Wednesday evening a man named SAMUEL SIMPSON, about 50 years of age, rambled into the house of an old man named Henry Maddick, the occupier of a table-beer establishment in Lower Batter-street. He was intoxicated, and requested to be furnished with a penny-worth of table beer. This was supplied, and he sat down with the company, but never tasted the beer. Soon after he was heard snoring, and Mr Maddick aroused him and wished him to go home. He refused to do so, thundered forth some abuse, and went to sleep again. By nine o'clock the snoring had subsided, and Mr Maddick and another man attempted to rouse him, but he fell from the chair, and they discovered that he was dead. He was a coal porter on the Quay, and has left four children. An Inquest on the body was held at half-past seven o'clock last evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., at the Guildhall, when the above facts having been deposed to, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 September 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident. - We yesterday gave particulars of a melancholy accident at Morice Town, in which a seaman named JOHN HAWKEN, gunner on board H.M.S. Donegal, lost his life, by falling over a precipice into a quarry below. Yesterday an Inquest was held, at the Crystal Palace Inn, Morice Town, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner and after a lengthened examination, the Inquiry was further adjourned, for the purpose of procuring an additional witness.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 September 1860
TOTNES - Fatal Accident. - At six o'clock on Sunday evening an Inquest was held at the Steam Packet Inn, St. Peter's Quay, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of CAPTAIN SPRAGUE, of the vessel Terra Nova, of Dartmouth, who came to his death on Saturday evening about seven o'clock under the following circumstances:- It appeared the unfortunate deceased had arrived at Totnes with a cargo of culm, and had finished discharging about midday on Saturday, and about an hour previous to the accident was in company at the above inn with the merchant to whom the culm was consigned, and from whom he had received his freight. The poor fellow and his wife left the inn together about seven o'clock to return to the vessel to tea, and to get on board had to cross a narrow plank from the wharf to the vessel. The wife crossed first, and cautioned deceased to be careful, and just at the moment she gave utterance to these words he tripped in the end of the plank resting on the wharf and fell into the water. The wife immediately made an alarm and assistance was on the spot as soon as possible, but all to no avail, as the unfortunate man had sunk to rise no more alive. A diligent search was made for about an hour and a half when the body was recovered. Witnesses having deposed to these facts the Jury after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." The deceased, who was perfectly sober when the accident occurred, leaves a widow and five children.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 September 1860
PLYMPTON - The Late Fatal Accident At Plympton. - Yesterday morning at half-past eight o'clock, an Inquest was held before Allan Belfield Bone, Esq., County Coroner, at the Guildhall, Plympton, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOHN HURRELL, announced in the Western Morning News of Monday. - Mr Robert Hooper said he was a carrier, residing in Ridgeway. On Saturday evening he came to Plympton by the 7.10 train. On arriving at the station, he saw the deceased looking in at one of the carriage windows, and heard him say, "You might have known my hat by the piece of crepe around it." The train was in motion, and deceased was walking briskly to keep pace with the train. Witness pulled him by the coat and said to him "Stand back, old man, or you will be knocked over." Immediately afterwards he came in contact with a post to which a wicket gate was attached, and he then fell between the moving carriages and the platform. A dozen voices instantly cried "There is a man down; stop the train." The train was stopped in a moment, the whole of the carriages not having cleared the platform. The deceased was then taken up and a surgeon sent for. The station master and guard were at their duties, and everything was conducted in the usual quiet and orderly manner. Deceased held an umbrella in his left hand, and under his left arm were two parcels; in his right hand he held his hat before alluded to. - Mr Roger Jarvis got out at Plympton station by the 7.10 train on Saturday evening. I heard the guard call forward to the station-master to know if all was right in front. The answer was "Yes," whereupon the guard blew his whistle, and the train started. Immediately afterwards he heard that a man was under the train. He went to see who it was, and exclaimed "Good God! is it HURRELL?" Deceased said "Yes, both my arms are cut off." He saw him afterwards removed to the hotel near the station. - Mr T. Kettlewell, station master, said the train arrived at 7.24 on Saturday evening. The guard, on the passengers getting out, asked him if it was all right. He answered, "All right; go ahead!" He then proceeded to the higher part of the platform to put on the signal, and in doing so passed between the deceased and the train. Deceased was standing still. He put on the signal, and the train started. Immediately afterwards, on hearing a cry of alarm, he called on the engine driver to stop the train, which was done. The deceased was then lying underneath the carriage steps. Deceased was perfectly sensible when taken up. - Mr Richard Stone, Inspector of the South Devon Railway, said the post referred to was one, one foot five inches from the edge of the platform. The wicket gate was placed there to prevent passengers from crossing the line from the arrival to the departure platforms, as there is a bridge for them to do so. The post is three feet six inches from the line of railway. Between the post and the edge of the platform, there is room for a man to pass. - The Coroner: But if the gate is placed there to prevent passengers from crossing the line, why is there space allowed barely sufficient for a man to pass. Seventeen inches is scarcely enough to pass. - Mr Cockshott said it was a regulation of the Board of Trade. - A Juror said he travelled frequently by train, and always crossed the line between the platforms as it was quite a labour to get over the bridge, altogether having to mount and descend some 70 or 80 steps. Either the bridge or the wicket gate should be removed. - Mr Cockshott said the bridge was placed there for the protection of passengers, as there had been many narrow escapes at Plympton, in consequence of persons crossing the line. It cost the company nearly £100. - The Coroner said it appeared to him that the service of the wicket gate was very questionable. It did not accomplish the purpose intended, for passengers would cross the line whether the wicket gate was open or not. - Mr Cockshott said he should see the Government Inspector on Saturday, and convey to him the Coroner's suggestion. If the Inspector decided that it should be removed, it should be cut down immediately. - The Coroner reviewed the evidence, and said it appeared to him that not the slightest blame could be attached to any of the company's servants. - The Jury unanimously echoed the Coroner's conviction, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 September 1860
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held yesterday before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of CHARLES DOIDGE, whose death by drowning we have already noticed. A man named Jasper Westcott deposed that he saw the deceased in his usual place in the canal boat on Tuesday morning, and in about a quarter of an hour afterwards he was missing. Knowing him to be subject to fits, he, in company with another man, searched and discovered him in the water. Every means were adopted to restore animation, but without avail, and the body was removed home. A woman gave evidence to the effect that the deceased was liable to fits, which had been known to continue fifteen minutes. As it was impossible for the Jury to say whether DOIDGE died in a fit or by drowning, the verdict "Found Dead in the Water" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 October 1860
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth Yesterday. - Yesterday evening an Inquest was held at 13 Princess-square, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, on the body of EMMA EDWARDS, who came by her death under the following circumstances:- The deceased was the widow of a seaman, formerly serving on board H.M. brig Nautilus, and had for some time been living as cook, in the service of Mrs Young, of 13 Princes-square. For many years past she had suffered from a painful internal disease, and this, added to family cares, had had a great effect on her mind, which had evidently become unsettled, and she had declared on one or two occasions, that "Everybody was against her," although there was not the least ground for such an idea and she had a very comfortable situation. On Monday evening she was poorly and fainted, and yesterday morning got up at the usual time, lighted the fire, and prepared the breakfast for the family. When she took breakfast with her fellow servant, Elizabeth Roberts, the housemaid, there was nothing remarkable in her manner, but all she partook of was a little tea. She helped the housemaid to make the beds, and then appeared rather sullen and depressed in spirits - that was about half-past nine, and they went downstairs again, but the former shortly afterwards returned to the bedroom by herself, and probably whilst there took the poison. A little while after this, she was missed by Roberts, who, on sending for her, found her in the closet, vomiting and suffering great pain, but she would not allow Dr Roe, or any other medical man to be sent for, nor would she go into the house for a long time, when she was persuaded to do so by a servant of Dr Roe who came in. Word being sent to Dr Roe of what had occurred, he arrived in about ten minutes, and applied every means for her recovery, without effect. The following is the medical testimony:- Dr Edward Thomas Roe examined: I am a doctor of medicine, residing at 12 Princes-square, and about a quarter-past twelve today, was called to No. 13 Princes-square, to see the deceased, whom I found sitting on a chair, in the back kitchen, foaming at the mouth and striving as though in a fit. I turned her lips out, and found that there were evidences of poison about them. I asked her if she had taken poison; she made no reply then, but I repeatedly pressed her as to what poison she had taken, and said I should apply the stomach pump; to which she replied you may. I ran to my house for it and sent for assistance to hold her. I applied the pump, and her sister came in and enquired what poison she had taken, and I withdrew the pump, to allow her (the deceased) to speak, but she only observed to me, "You cannot pass it." I washed the stomach out thoroughly and withdrew the pump, but she died in a few minutes; that might have been about half-past 12. I was present at the post mortem examination performed by Mr Square, and have no doubt that she died from poison, - I believe oxalic acid. The difficulty in passing the tube arose from the action of the poison upon the gullet, which had also contracted the stomach very much. - William Joseph Square - I am a surgeon, and was sent for today to see the deceased, and arrived here about 25 minutes to one. She was then dead, and lying in the back kitchen. Dr Roe at once pointed out to me the condition of her mouth, which was very unnatural and appeared t me to arise from the contact with poisoned liquid. This afternoon, by request of the Coroner, I made a post mortem examination. There was nothing peculiar in the external appearance of the body, with the exception of the mouth, which I have mentioned before. On opening the body, I found the stomach contracted and hard. Having removed it from the body, I opened its interior and found its lining membrane white, corrugated, and hardened. It contained no fluid, nor solid, in fact. I placed the stomach in a bottle and sealed it down, and have it in my custody. In the cavity of the abdomen I found a very large and hard tumour, which, in all probability would, in the course of time, have terminated life. Very likely such a tumour might have caused despondency or irritability of temper, and would derange her general health. I have no doubt whatever that she died from the effects of poison, and to the best of my belief, oxalic acid. Epsom salts and oxalic acid have often been taken in mistake for Epsom salts. - Elizabeth Roberts, Richard Northmore, coachman to Admiral Woollcombe, Amelia Leonard, sister of the deceased, and Mr Woollcombe having been examined to prove the foregoing facts, the Coroner briefly summed up the evidence, pointing out to the Jury the fact that the evidence seemed to leave no doubt as to the manner in which the deceased came by her death, namely, that it was caused by a dose of poison that she had taken; what they would have to determine was, as to the condition of her health at the moment, and whether she was suffering from temporary insanity. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased died from the effects of a dose of poison, which she had taken whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 5 October 1860
EXETER - Suicide. - We have to record a most distressing suicide which took place at Exeter about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening. A poor man named JAMES CASTLE, who resides in Russell-street, St. Sidwell's was found suspended by the neck in his bedroom. It appears that the poor fellow, who had been working for Mr Collings, stonemason, of Paris-street, was discharged on Saturday last, and the fact of his being out of work so preyed upon his mind that he was led to commit suicide. He went into his house between six and seven o'clock, and at once walked upstairs, and in consequence of his remaining some time, the mother sent one of her children for him, when the boy was horrified at seeing his father hanging from a beam which extended across the room. An Inquest will be held today (Friday) at two o'clock.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 October 1860
EXETER - The Suicide At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on JAMES CASTLE before the City Coroner, H. W. Hooper, Esq., at the Rising Sun Inn yesterday (Friday) afternoon. The Jury, after hearing the facts as reported yesterday, returned a verdict to the effect that deceased had committed suicide whilst labouring under "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 October 1860
STOKEINTEIGNHEAD - An Atrocious Child Murder. - On Sunday last, the inhabitants of the village of Stokeinteignhead, near Newton Abbot, were thrown into a state of the utmost excitement, though the circulation of a report that a servant girl, named ELIZABETH HOOPER, aged about 19 years, in the employ of Mr William Bond, had committed a most revolting and atrocious child murder. On Inquiry, it appeared that on Monday forenoon the unnatural young mother, during the absence of her master and mistress at church, gave birth to a child, and immediately cut its head off and attempted to burn it in the grate. The family returned from church somewhat earlier than expected, and Mr Bond, on entering the house, became conscious of a very disagreeable odour, and on approaching the grate, he saw, with horror, the head of a newly-born child on the fire. He immediately raised an alarm, and the police were soon on the spot, searching for the remainder of the infant, which they soon succeeded in discovering, wrapped up in a portion of the mother's clothing. The young woman was immediately taken into custody. She had been in Mr Bond's service for several months. Yesterday (Monday) an Inquest was held on the body before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner for the district, at Bovey's Church House Inn. The following comprised the Jury:- Messrs. Stephen Lang, jun., farmer, Foreman; Nicholas Buckingham, farmer; Stephen Lang, sen., farmer; Elias Fowler, farmer; Joseph Franklin, farmer; Thomas Fowler, farmer; William, Bullied, smith; Wm. Prouse, gentleman; Samuel Palk, butcher; James Pitts, smith; Samuel Lodge, farmer; Wm. Hare, schoolmaster. - The Jury having been sworn, the coroner said he thought this Inquiry had better be adjourned, so as to give the prisoner, should she desire, an opportunity of attending, and in order that a post mortem examination of the body might be made. He said he would now call before them the medical man, who would inform them the state prisoner was at present in; and, after hearing his evidence, they would no doubt agree with him that this was a proper case to be adjourned. - Thomas Brooks, sworn, said: I am a surgeon. I have examined the prisoner. She has recently been delivered of a child, and is now in such a weak state, that I am of opinion she is not fit to be removed to attend this Inquiry. In all probability she would be well enough to attend on Thursday next. - The Coroner said under these circumstances it seemed to him that it would be desirable to adjourn the Inquest to that day. - This was assented to by the Jury, and the names of the Jury were then called over and they were severally bound in the sum of £10 to appear at the same place on Thursday next at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. - The Rev. Nutcombe Gould, Rector of Stokeinteignhead, was present at the Inquest. - The case has excited much interest in Newton and also in the neighbouring villages.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 October 1860
STOKEINTEIGNHEAD - The Case Of Alleged Child Murder At Stokeinteignhead. The Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned inquest was held on Thursday morning at Bovey's Church House Inn, Stokeinteignhead, before the Coroner, W. A. Cockey, Esq., and a Jury consisting of the following:- Messrs. Nicholas Buckingham, Stephen Lang, senior (Foreman); Elias Fowler, Joseph Franklin, Thomas Fowler, Stephen Lane, junior, William Bullied, William Prowse, Samuel Palk, James Palk, Samuel Doidge, and William Hare. The Rev. Nutcombe Gould, rector of Stoke and Major Stevenson, of Shaldon were also present during the proceedings. - Mr Parsons, solicitor, of Shaldon and Torquay, watched the Inquiry on behalf of ELIZABETH HOOPER, the mother of the child. - Mrs Sophia Bond, on being sworn, said: I know ELIZABETH HOOPER; she entered my service on Monday week, the 1st of October. I did not observe anything particular in her personal appearance. She did not complain of being ill until Saturday last, when I desired her to retire to her room. Shortly afterwards I took her up some tea; she was standing by the bedside. She tasted it and then screamed out saying there was sugar in it. I took it down, and brought up another cup without sugar. She was still standing by the bedpost. After having drank the tea she said she was much better. I remained a short time; in about a quarter of an hour I went up again, she was then sitting on the floor and vomited very much. I then stated my suspicions that she was about to give birth to a child, but she denied the supposition. I then asked her if I should send for Mr Brooks. She replied, "I am much better, and shall be well enough presently, if you will let me be quiet." I then gave her some gin, and told her to get on the bed as she would be more comfortable. Mr Bond told me to come down and leave her and I did so. It was nearly half past four when I went up. She was on the bed and appeared to have had a sleep. I observed that a portion of the floor had been washed up where she had been sitting. I said "You have been washing up the floor." She replied "Yes; I have been violently sick, I was suddenly sick and could not use the basin." She said she was much better now, and should come down, and got up, took up the apron in which something was wrapped and went downstairs. I saw a pair of scissors on the bed marked with blood. I searched the room, and found in a pitcher what made me suspicious. I went to her in the back kitchen where she was working, and in reply to my questions she said had been scores of times ill like that before. She then appeared quite well; after the children had gone to bed I spoke to the girl again, and said I should send for Mr Brooks, the surgeon. She then said the spot on the scissors arose from the bleeding of her nose, as did also what I had seen in the pitcher. The time the girl was in her bedroom on Saturday night, I did not hear any noise as of a child crying. On Sunday morning I went up to see how she was. - By the Rev. Mr Gould: If a child had cried, from the situation of the room I must have heard it. - Examination resumed by the Coroner: On entering her room I asked how she was. She said, "Quite well; I was never better in my life." She went downstairs about her work. I followed after her, fancying she had something in her hand. It proved to be a light apron. The girl complained of my suspicion. I said I was not happy, as I was sure the blood never came from her nose. She assured me, however, that it did. - By a Juror: I could not imagine that she had been confined, but had some vague suspicions. - By the Coroner: Before going to church, I said if she would not tell everything I would send for Dr Brooks. - William Bond, farmer, corroborated his wife as to the girl's confession, and added: I was satisfied with her statement and went to church. Being Sacrament Sunday we came home earlier; things in the back kitchen appeared to be in great disorder, and I fancied I smelled something very disagreeable. I asked what she had in the fire; she said nothing more than what had come from the coal box. I lifted the cover of the fire place, and there I saw the head of a child. I said, "What for God's sake have you here," and taking the poker drew it out on the hob; the servant declared it was nothing more than what was in the box, and this she persisted in saying. My father came immediately after, and then she said "For God's sake say nothing about it for I shall be hung, and if you say nothing no one will know anything about it." I said, "I suppose you want me to be hung instead of you." I then sent for the doctor, a policeman, and the girl's parents. After some time the girl was taken upstairs and Mr Brooks came soon afterwards. - Mr Thomas Brooks, surgeon, said: I was called to see ELIZABETH HOOPER on Sunday last. When I arrived I had produced for inspection the charred head of a child with a large piece of cinder attached, with a portion of the brain on it. I then went upstairs, and proceeded to examine HOOPER. She was sitting on the side of the bed. She at first refused to lie down. I had to lift her on the bed, and in doing so I felt a weight over my arm, which, on being removed from the inside of the petticoat, turned out to be an apron containing the headless trunk of a child. I examined her and found that she had given birth to a child, but had not been properly confined. Mr Brooks then gave some further medical evidence, and deposed to the important fact that the lungs had been inflated, and that therefore the child must have been born alive. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury deliberated, and after a few minutes returned the following verdict: "We believe the child to have been born alive, but how or by what means it came by its death, we have not sufficient evidence to show."

Western Morning News, Monday 15 October 1860
TAVISTOCK - The Suicide Of The High Bailiff Of The Tavistock County Court. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning, in the Guildhall, Tavistock, before A. B. Bone, Esq., coroner, and a Jury of 23 tradesmen, foreman, Mr W. A. Palmer, on the body of MR J. H. BROWNSON, high bailiff of the Tavistock County Court. - The Jury having viewed the body, returned to the Guildhall, when the principal witness examined was Mr Jonathan Blanchard, boot and shoe-maker of Russell-street, who deposed that the deceased lodged in his house. On Tuesday morning he had some conversation with him, relative to some matters between them, and BROWNSON requested him to call at the County Court office, which he did, and returned in about ten minutes, when, on entering the room, he discovered the deceased suspended by a scarf to the door. He immediately took him down, and laid him on his bed, and went out for medical assistance, which proved altogether unavailing, as life was extinct. It appeared that the deceased, who was a man of more than ordinary intellectual attainment, has of late, it is supposed through trouble, been given to drinking in excess, and has suffered in a more or less degree from delirium tremens. The Jury returned a verdict of " Temporary Insanity".

At the conclusion of this Inquest, an Inquiry was commenced relative to the death of a man who was discovered on the previous morning in the River Walkham. The evidence went to show that a boy, called Frederick Woodman, saw the body in the water, and with the assistance of two men, named Howe and Penny, succeeded in extricating it. It was removed to the King's Arms Inn, Magpie, and Dr William of Horrabridge, sent for. It was brought to Tavistock yesterday morning, and identified by Martha Gillard, a woman residing in Brook-street, as that of man called SIMMONS, who had been missing since Saturday last. The deceased had formerly been employed by J. Rundle, Esq., late M.P. for Tavistock; and in consequence of the death of his wife, has been in a most desponding state for some time past. In this case the verdict was returned of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Monday 22 October 1860
EXETER ST SIDWELL - Melancholy Suicide At Exeter. - It is with much regret that we have again to record a most distressing suicide in this city. The wife of MR MOYLE, in the employ of Messrs. Brock and Co., drapers, of Fore-street, was discovered in his bedroom on Friday morning last with her throat cut. It appears that the deceased breakfasted with her husband in apparently good spirits on the morning in question, and shortly after he had left home for business she went upstairs it was supposed with the intention of doing the necessary work of the house. The servant thinking her mistress was longer than usual, went up to see for her, and found that the bedroom door was locked, and upon its being forced open it was discovered that the unfortunate lady had cut her throat, and that life was quite extinct. No reason whatever can be assigned for this melancholy deed. MR and MRS MOYLE are well known to have led an exceedingly happy life together. The event has cast a gloom over the many friends with whom deceased was acquainted, and by whom she was much respected. We are informed that four children are left to mourn their loss. An Inquest was held the same evening, at the George and Dragon Inn, St. Sidwell's before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict was returned to the effect that the unfortunate deceased had committed Suicide, whilst labouring under Temporary Insanity

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 October 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Coroner's Inquest. - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of THOMAS BROWNE, who was picked up in the Hamoaze on Sunday morning, full particulars of which were published in the Western Morning News of Monday morning. Deceased was a private in the 61st Regiment of Foot, a portion of which was stationed in the Plymouth Citadel. He has been missing since the 6th inst., and bore a very bad character. The comrade of the deceased deposed to the deceased leaving him at the Brewers' Arms, Notte-street, Plymouth, and did not return. Deceased was then far advanced in a state of intoxication. Verdict - "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 26 October 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - Determined Suicide Of A Soldier. - Yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock, a desperate act of suicide was committed by a private named RICHARD BEAL, in the 10th Company of the 53rd Regiment, stationed at Raglan Barracks, Devonport. He was a fine young man about 20 years of age. For some alleged misconduct or insubordination he was yesterday ordered to be placed on recruit drill, but contrived to get his name inserted in the sick report, by which means a slight amount of liberty was granted to him. He appears to have taken his own rifle and to have attached a small piece of cord to the trigger which he pulled with his foot. The ball entered immediately under the lower jaw and came out at the top of the head, carrying a large portion of the brain with it, the consequence of which was that the forehead fell in, and the features are scarcely recognizable as belonging to a human being, who, a minute before, was possessed of all the vigour and health of manhood. The body was removed to the Military Hospital where it now lies preparatory to the Coroner's Inquest, which, in all probability, will be held this day. From the fact of the charge having traversed such a path, death must have ensued instantaneously. The parents of the unfortunate young man occupy a large farm in the county of Kent, and scarcely a week passed without their sending him money, and the preliminaries were almost completed for the purchase of his discharge.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday evening last a little girl met with her death in the following melancholy and very distressing manner:- It appears that the deceased was the child of MR HENRY STEWARD, residing No. 17, Edgcumbe-place, near the Mill Bridge, Stoke, and that on the above named evening she was in the public thoroughfare, and dropped a half-penny, when she went into the roadway to look for it. A cart was passing at the time, when from some cause or other the poor child got her head between the spokes of one of the wheels and was whirled round and killed on the spot. An Inquest will be held this afternoon on the body before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner.

ERMINGTON - Keaton. On Monday morning last the retired and quiet hamlet of Keaton, as well as Ivybridge and Ermington, were thrown into great excitement, caused by the painful intelligence that MR ROBERT FREDRICK, a respectable farmer of Keaton Farm, was discovered drowned in the Erne river about half a mile below Ivybridge. He was found by a man named Phillips, who procured assistance, and he was taken from the water and conveyed to his residence. The most romantic stories were rife concerning the event. On Tuesday afternoon an inquest was held before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of the deceased, when the Jury returned an Open Verdict. The deceased has left a widow and seven children (mostly grown up) to mourn his untimely end.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 October 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Fatal Accident In Tin-Street. - At two o'clock yesterday afternoon, an Inquest was held at the Mill Bridge Inn, Stoke, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., on the body of LOVEDAY EMMA STEWARD, aged three years and four months, who died from injuries received through having been crushed by a cart. On Tuesday afternoon another little girl, named Hannah Hortop, a relative, was leading the child by the hand, and at the place where they stood the street was exceedingly narrow, there being scarcely room for two carts to pass each other. A hand cart and a cart propelled by a horse were in the street at the time, and just at that moment the child slipped from the pavement, and before assistance could be rendered she was crushed between the wheel of the cart drawn by the horse and the pavement. She was taken to her home near Stonehouse Mill Bridge, and expired about five o'clock on Wednesday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the cart from any blame, for although he was riding at the time, he was on the proper side of the road, and he was provided with reins to his horse.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide Of A Soldier. - Yesterday morning at ten o'clock, an Inquest was held at the Royal Military Hospital Inn, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, and a Jury of 23, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of Private RICHARD BEALE, the 53rd Regiment, as announced in our paper of yesterday. The Inquiry lasted about four hours, but the main facts may be briefly summed up. - The regiment was under drill on the parade ground on Wednesday, the 17th inst., when the sergeant-major ordered a man to fall out of the ranks for awkwardness and commanded that he should be placed at recruit drill. The colour-sergeant selected the deceased, which was alleged to be a mistake, the sergeant-major saying that it was a man more to the right. This the deceased himself afterwards averred, but he was taken from the ranks, and handed over to the drill-sergeant of the "awkward squad," where he remained to the time of his death. On Wednesday morning last, he was in the barrack-room with several of his comrades, when a letter was brought to him by a corpora of the company, upon seeing which a fellow-soldier who was talking to the deceased left him, as he did not wish for deceased to think he was looking at the contents of the letter. The corporal did not leave the room immediately, but stood talking with another man, and whilst doing so, he observed that BEALE eagerly scanned the handwriting in which it was addressed; that he partly broke the seal, and then, as if hesitating to open it, put it into his pocket. A few seconds, however, had scarcely elapsed before he took the letter from his pocket, opened it, and after reading it, buried his face in his hands, and sobbed violently. This letter, it is presumed, was from his parents, with whom he had been in communication for the purchase of his discharge, but it is mere matter of conjecture, for although minute search has been made for the letter, it has not been discovered. On Thursday morning he was called out, as usual, for private drill, under the command of Drill-Sergeant Rowland, who had known him at Chatham and highly respected him. As the drill progressed, the sergeant said he observed that the deceased was either very stubborn or very awkward, for he was at last obliged to tell him that he should be under the necessity of placing him in the guard-room, should he persist in such conduct. At this, deceased advanced a step to the front, threw down the clubs, and said he would stand no more humbug. The sergeant, out of consideration towards him, went up to him, and pointed out the serious consequences that must follow his making him a prisoner, as he was in duty bound to do. Deceased said he wished to be spoken to civilly, to which the sergeant replied, he did not know how to address him in a more civil manner, unless he expected to be "sir'd". After the sergeant's remonstrance and advice, deceased took the clubs again, and went through the remaining drill in a creditable manner, after which he was dismissed with the others and returned to the barrack-room. About half-past twelve he asked a comrade for a sheet of paper, as he wished to write. He was supplied with the paper and wrote a letter, which he requested should be given to a friend named Thomas Henderson, in the same regiment. It was traced in a bold hand, and ran as follows:- "Devonport, Oct. 25, 1860. - Dear Friend, - As I am so miserable, I intend to shoot myself. When you find it out please to write to my friends, and tell them about it. There will be a letter in a day or two; send it back, and do not open it. It will be from my mother. Direct to Mr R. BEALE, River hall, Biddenden, Staplehurst, Kent. - Yours truly, R. BEALE." As the afternoon advanced he placed himself on the sick report for the reason, as he observed, of getting off drill. At half-past three he was in the barrack-room with others, and sat by the fire with Andrew Page, a private in the same regiment. He continued in conversation with him some minutes, and said he should not be a soldier that day month. He then took his rifle for the ostensible purpose of cleaning it. The attention of his comrades was not specially directed towards him, and in about two minutes the report of a rifle was heard, and the deceased fell between two cots quite dead. Directly above him was a circular hole in the ceiling, such as would have been made by a rifle ball, it having entered beneath the lower jaw and come out at the top of the head. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that every homicide was presumed by law to be felonious until the contrary was proved. He read an extract from some remarks made by one of the common-law judges, who declared that the act of suicide was one of the most heinous of crimes - that it was too frequently the custom of coroners' juries to return verdicts of temporary insanity in cases of suicide, the argument being that the act was so repugnant to nature as to be incapable of commission. But the murder of a parent or a child was equally repulsive to nature. These remarks, the Coroner observed, were not his own, they were those of very high legal authority. Being satisfied, as doubtless they were, that the deceased had destroyed himself, the remaining question was, had any evidence been adduced proving his insanity? In the absence of such evidence, it was their duty to return a verdict of felo de se. - The Jury, after a deliberation of about a quarter of an hour, decided by a majority of sixteen to seven that the deceased destroyed himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 November 1860
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH HOSKIN, who came by her death under the following circumstances. On the evening of the 17th October deceased was going home at Ivy cottages, Stoke, and on passing through Waterloo-street she fell over some stones where the road was repairing and which were projecting a little above the ground. In the fall she broke her leg. She was at once conveyed to her home and attended to by Mr Cutcliffe, surgeon, and lingered until the 30th ult., when she expired. After a lengthened investigation and hearing medical evidence, the Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died from disease of the heart, but whether accelerated by the accident there was no evidence to show."

Western Morning News, Monday 5 November 1860
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - On Saturday morning, about half-past seven o'clock, an assistant in Mr Scott's brewery, Hoe-gate-street, Plymouth, by the name of WILLIAM CURTIS, was engaged in lowering sacks from the second floor of the malt house, when the rope by which one of the sacks was held slipped from his hand, and he lost his balance, falling to the pavement, a height of about eighteen feet. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was discovered to have sustained a severe fracture of the skull, and expired a quarter of an hour after admittance. He was a sober, temperate man, about 63 years of age, and had been in the employ of Messrs. Scott 33 years. An Inquest on the body was held before John Edmonds, Esq., at the Plymouth Guildhall, when the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", with a recommendation to Messrs. Scott to place a handrail on the spot, for the prevention of future casualties.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Foreign Captain. - On Saturday afternoon, at three o'clock, an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Prince George Hotel, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, on the body of JOHANN HEINRICH KENDLER, captain of the galliot, Sophie, who committed suicide on the previous day. - Peter Haagerah, through Mr Holmes, interpreter, stated that he was mate of the gulliot, about 13 lasts burthen. Deceased was her sole owner, master and was about 44 years of age. He was from Newhouse, Hanover; was home about five weeks since, and has left a widow and two children. They left Hamburg with a cargo of oil cakes, which were delivered in Poole, from which they sailed on the 1st inst., with 30 tons of China clay which was delivered at Plymouth on Thursday. There was no intoxicating liquors on board, but the deceased was not sober during the time he was in Poole, about ten days. They made fast to one of the buoys in Sutton Harbour on Friday; and between 12 and one o'clock the deceased took dinner with the crew, consisting of four men, though he ate very little. He informed witness that he had received a letter from home, but appeared quite lost, and muttered incoherent expressions to himself, inasmuch that one or two of the crew suggested the propriety of watching him. Between half-past three and four a person in a boat came alongside to see the captain, but he refused to be troubled with anything. On going down into the cabin shortly after, witness found deceased lying on the floor with his throat cut. He was quite dead. - Bartholo Doddage, one of the crew, corroborated this evidence. - The Coroner summed up, and the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased destroyed himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 November 1860
PLYMOUTH - The Drowning Of A Young Man In Catwater. - Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a Jury of thirteen, held an Inquest at the Robin Hood, New Street, to Inquire into the cause of death of THOMAS DRAKE, reported in this paper of Saturday. - Henry Sheldon stated that he was a fisherman belonging to the trawl sloop Joseph and Ann, about 27 tons burthen, the property of Mr Penwam, of 8 New Street, Plymouth. Deceased was about 19 years of age, and an apprentice to Mr Penwam. On Friday Mr Penwam, witness, deceased and a boy named Sloggett, went to Bovisand, and left there about two o'clock. The wind was strong from the eastward, and when just off Queen Anne's Battery, deceased was standing with one foot on the bowsprit, and the other on the night head. He was in the act of hauling down the jib, when it fell quicker than he expected. The sudden falling of the sail caused the deceased to start back rapidly, and he fell overboard. He was encumbered with his heavy sea boots, and sank immediately. Through the whole of Friday night and Saturday, the crew and others were engaged in endeavouring to recover the body, which was not accomplished until about four o'clock on Sunday. The deceased bore an excellent character, and had most completed the term of his apprenticeship. - Thomas Giles Hoppins, mate of the Eddystone tender, deposed that on Sunday afternoon, after having dragged for the body a considerable time, he hooked it by the brace about 40 feet from Queen Anne's Battery, and consigned it to the care of Mr Penwan. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 November 1860
EXETER ST SIDWELL - Another Distressing Suicide At Exeter. - During the past few months it has been our painful duty to record several cases of suicide which have occurred in this city, and it is again with much regret that we report another most distressing suicide committed by a young man named JOHN HILL, aged 26, whose body was found suspended from a tree in a field at Hele's court, Pennsylvania. At an Inquest held on Monday morning, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, at the Acland Arms Inn, St. Sidwell's, in the afternoon of the same day, the following evidence was given:- WM. HILL, father of deceased, stated that he resided at 2 Poltimore Terrace, St. Sidwell's. His son (the deceased) was living with him; deceased had formerly been a gentleman's servant, but latterly had been in the employ of Mr Paul Collings, as ostler, was a single man, and 26 years of age; on Sunday evening he took his tea at home and appeared quite well, with the exception of his foot, which had been bad for some months, and prevented him from following constant occupation. After tea he left home about half-past seven, and did not return again for the night. He appeared for some time past low spirited in consequence of not being able to obtain his livelihood. - Henry Bolt, labourer, said that he went to work in Mr Smith's field, about half-past eight o'clock on Monday morning and saw the body of a man suspended by the neck from a tree in the field - he at once ran to Mr Smith's slaughter-house, which was near, and procured assistance, and returned with one of Mr Smith's men and cut the body down. It was suspended by a piece of packing cord. Another of Mr Smith's men fetched Dr Perkins, who at once pronounced the man to have been dead some time. Anyone could get into the field very easily. - Richard Loosemore, landlord of the Horse and Groom, Longbrook-street, said that deceased came to his house about quarter to eight o'clock on Sunday evening; he had half an ounce of tobacco, which he said he would pay for in the morning. There were five others there, and between them they had three quarts of beer; the others left just before nine o'clock, but deceased did not leave until quarter to eleven o'clock; deceased had to pay for one pint of the beer, and promised to pay that also in the morning. He (deceased) had been in the habit of going to witness's house daily, and latterly had appeared very much depressed. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide whilst labouring under fit of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 November 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Falling Over Stairs. - An Inquest was held yesterday before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Adelaide Inn, Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, on the body of SUSAN REEBY. It appeared that on Monday last deceased went to visit some relatives at No. 13 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, and during the day fell over the stairs of the house, and received such injuries that she shortly afterwards died. Verdict, "Accidental Death, occasioned by falling over the stairs in question."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death At The Devonport Prison. - An Inquest was held on Thursday afternoon last at the Pennycomequick Inn, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of ANN WELLS MILLER, who was convicted of larceny at the last Devonport Borough Sessions, and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. She had been three months in prison previous to her death. She was taken ill on Sunday morning last, and was found dead in the evening. The governor stated that every care was taken of the prisoner. Verdict, "Natural death occasioned by an internal disease."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 November 1860
PLYMOUTH - The Suicide At The Police Station. Coroner's Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon at four o'clock, the Coroner J. Edmonds, Esq., held an Inquest before a respectable Jury, of which Mr F. W. Harris was Foreman, on the body of RICHARD ALLEN, coal heaver, the particulars of whose death we fully reported in our columns of yesterday. - The Jury having been sworn in proceeded to view the body at the dead house, and on their return they visited the cell in which the deceased was confined at the time when he so suddenly put an end to his existence. - On returning into the court, the Coroner was about to examine the deceased's wife, when The Mayor (W. Luscombe, Esq.) made his appearance, attired in his official robes, and after expressing his regret that such an unfortunate occurrence had taken place in that building, said he had no means of throwing any light upon it himself, and having been in the Guildhall since 11 o'clock that morning he should feel glad if the Jury would excuse his attendance. However, if he could be of any service he should be most happy to remain, but he thought the matter could not be left in more able hands than those of the Coroner's. - The Coroner assured his worship there was no necessity for his remaining, and having explained to him the course he intended to adopt in the case, he said the real question for the Jury to decide was as to the deceased's state of mind at the time he committed the deed. - The Mayor then left, and the examination of the deceased's wife, ELIZABETH ALLEN, was commenced. She said she resided at 23 Adelaide-street, Plymouth; her husband was 45 years of age; he was a mason by trade, but of late had worked as a coal-heaver; he was of very drunken habits and often violently assaulted her; he did so in the beginning of the present month, and she applied for a summons against him; he did not appear, and the magistrates granted a warrant for his apprehension. After drinking a great deal he became very nervous, and appeared not to know what he was about; for the last twelve or thirteen years he had been in the habit of ill-using her, and during that time had spent nearly all his earnings. The last time he beat her was on Sunday night, the 4th inst., and she had not seen him since Monday last. - By a Juror: Had never heard her husband threaten to kill himself if she applied to the magistrates for protection. - P.C. Colton deposed to having locked the prisoner up at the Octagon station, on Saturday morning last, and during the time he was there he frequently visited him. He handed him over to the custody of P.C. Toll about 20 minutes before 4 o'clock the same afternoon. - A Juror here suggested whether it would not be advisable to take all prisoners to the borough gaol instead of locking them up at the different police stations. - The Coroner said they should discuss that matter presently. They must go on step by step. - P.C. James Strang, on being sworn, said the deceased was handed over to him at the Guildhall, by P.C. Toll, about 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. He was doing duty as a reserve man at the time. The deceased was sober, but appeared very "heavy". He put him in No. 1 cell, and before locking him up he told him he wanted a jolly good sleep, and witness said he could sleep as long as he liked. He visited him shortly after 5 o'clock, and found him lying on his back as though he were asleep. At 10 minutes before six he heard somebody knocking, and on going to see what was the matter, the deceased asked him for some water, with which he supplied him, and of which he drank about three-quarters of a pint. Shortly after he (witness) was sent out to make some enquiries about a robbery committed by a soldier, and did not return until about 8 o'clock, when he found the deceased hanging by his neck from the grating which formed the window of his cell. P.C. Fryer, who was with him, immediately cut him down, whilst he supported the body. The deceased was quite dead. - By the Foreman: It is only usual for one reserve man to be on duty at a time, besides an inspector. If the inspector had heard a knocking, he would have gone to enquire the cause of it, but he would not be likely to hear so well as the reserve man. - The Foreman: The reason I put these questions is, because it occurred to me that it was just possible the man may have been trying to make himself heard, and in climbing up may have caught himself in the grating, so that his death was accidental rather than intentional. - Mr Codd explained the duties of the reserve man, and told the Jury he was kept at the station house in case the inhabitants should require him, and also to keep a watch over the prisoners. - Strang, in answer to the Foreman, said if a man had made up his mind to commit suicide, he would do it in any prison, and if he liked he could do it in the borough gaol. - One of the Jurors here called the Coroner's attention to a portion of Strang's evidence, wherein he stated that when the man was brought to him he appeared very low. He should like to go a little further into that matter, and for that purpose he would ask whether or not he meant that the deceased was dejected. - Strang said what he stated was that the man was heavy. He had all the appearance of a drunkard, and shook a great deal. - The Coroner said this was a very important question and he wished the officer to account if he could for the reason of his exhibiting this nervousness. - Strang however replied that he was unable to do so, for he had often seen some men shake at beholding the keys of the cells. - Mr Browse, a Juryman, asked whether or not it was usual to take away persons' neckerchiefs and braces before locking them up. - Strang: - Yes, when man is drunk, but not else. - Mr Browne said he put that question because he recollected that a short time since a man hung himself in one of the cells. - Mr Codd, in reply, stated that it was possible for a man to hang himself with his shirt, and therefore to prevent such a thing it would be absolutely necessary to strip prisoners quite naked; and in corroboration of this Mr Trengrove, town sergeant, told the Jury he recollected a case where a man once tried to hang himself with his shirt, and on that garment being taken from him he attempted to do it with one of the legs of his trousers. - Mr Codd, in reply to the observation made by a Juror as to the advisability of at once removing prisoners to the jail, said they would not be half so well cared for there as they were in the police cells. He had been in the metropolitan police, and he was in a position to state that it was the custom amongst them only to look after the prisoners once in two hours, whereas he gave orders to have them attended to every hour. - No further evidence being produced. - The Coroner told the Jury their duty was to Inquire into the deceased's state of mind at the time he took away his life. - The Jury, having consulted together for a few minutes, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 November 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalene-street, yesterday (Monday) afternoon, at 2 p.m., before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of an old man, named GEORGE BIDGOOD, aged 76, who met his death under the following circumstances. On the 14th November deceased, who is a mason and resided with Mr R. Tremlett, of Kenton, went to Powderham to do some work for Mr Pitt, and returned about nine o'clock in the evening. When on getting over a stile near his house he fell back and injured his spine. He was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital on the following morning and expired on Saturday the 19th November. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - At four o'clock on the same afternoon, another Inquest was held before H. D. Barton, Esq., at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalene-street, on the body of a little boy named BENJAMIN DARBY, aged five years, who also died in the hospital on Saturday last, from injuries sustained by burning. On Friday evening the deceased went to the Ragged School with his sisters, and after they had gone, the father and mother went out, and in their absence the children returned from school about half-past eight o'clock; shortly after they returned the little boy, who was left in the room alone, was found by a neighbour, named Knight, with his clothes on fire, and he was afterwards taken to the hospital, where he expired on the following day from the injuries sustained. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Supposed Infanticide At Mannamead. - The following painful case of supposed infanticide was brought to light on Sunday:- About two months ago, a young woman, named ELIZABETH PHILLIPS a native of Fowey, entered the service of William Eastlake, Esq., Mannamead, as cook. On Friday evening last, she complained that she was suffering from a bowel complaint, and her mistress gave her brandy and water, and sent her to bed. On the same day, the housemaid, who usually sleeps with the cook, had left her situation, and consequently that night the cook slept alone. The nursemaid sleeps in a room under the garret, where the cook slept, and heard groans during the night, which she attributed to the illness of which the cook had complained. On Saturday morning the cook rose earlier than usual, and performed her own household duties, with the addition of those which devolved upon her in consequence of the absence of the housemaid. On Sunday she left the house to visit her friends, to attend a wedding, for which she had previously obtained permission. During her absence, the nursemaid, whose suspicions had been awakened, examined the bed and found the body of a child wrapped in a sheet, and placed between the palliasses of the bed. Mr Eastlake, on being informed of the circumstance, sent for the county police, and Mr Superintendent freeman came, and remained in the house until the cook returned at about 10 o'clock at night. She at once acknowledged that she had given birth to a child, and stated that upon her confinement she became insensible, and on recovering consciousness she found the child dead at her side. In her terror she knew not what to do, but states that she had determined to inform her master upon her return Sunday evening. The poor girl has hitherto borne a good character, and is an excellent servant. She was engaged to be married to the father of the child, but it is reported the villain has recently broken off the engagement. - The Inquest was appointed to take place yesterday afternoon, at the Townsend Inn, Mutley, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner for the County. The hour for which the Jury were summoned was three o'clock, but Mr bone did not arrive till within a few minutes before six. On the assembling of the Jury, he apologised for the unavoidable delay which had occurred, and the time he detained them; he said it was quite an unusual thing for him to do, as they were aware, but that day it happened that certain unforeseen circumstances had delayed him, and he had only just come from his duties elsewhere, (at the Jump petty sessions.) It would not be desirable that the post mortem examination upon the body of the child should take place at night, as a most careful investigation was necessary, which could not very well be the case if it were performed that night; and it would, therefore, have to be done the next morning. In the second place, the mother was in such a condition, that he did not think they could bring her there tomorrow (Tuesday), and consequently, they must go to where she was. He must, therefore, ask them to attend at St. George's Hall tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock, when they could proceed with the Enquiry. The only thing for them to do at present was to choose their Foreman, and then view the body, which was lying at Mr Eastlake's house. Mr Elworthy, who appeared to watch the case for the prisoner, suggested that the Enquiry should be held in the afternoon. It was ultimately arranged that the Inquest should be held at one p.m. this day, at St. George's Hall. The prisoner was brought to the place appointed for the Inquest in a cab, in custody of Mr Superintendent Freeman.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 November 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Concealment Of Birth At Mannamead. - The adjourned Inquest upon the body of the newly-born child found dead in a house at Mannamead, on Sunday last, was held yesterday afternoon, at St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner for the County. ANN PHILLIPS, the mother of the child, was brought up in the custody of Mr Superintendent Freeman, and was accommodated with a seat during the Inquiry. The room was rather crowded, the larger proportion of those present being women and girls. The Coroner reminded those delicate ladies that the Inquiry was not the sort of one that need be listened to unless any of them were witnesses, and he therefore advised respectable women to withdraw. To this appeal there was a reluctant consent, but in about half-an-hour afterwards, the door of the court was opened for the admission of fresh air, when they all returned, and stood their ground till the last. Mr Elworthy appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of PHILLIPS. - Sarah Lyne was the first witness called. She stated that she was nurse in the family of Mr William Eastlake, and had lived there for three years and nine months. ANN PHILLIPS was engaged as cook about two months ago, and from what she observed, witness believed her new fellow servant to be in the family-way, but did not make known her suspicions. The cook and housemaid slept in the same room together, but the latter having left on Friday last, PHILLIPS that night slept by herself, her room being directly over the one in which witness slept. Between twelve and one, on Saturday morning, she was heard to get out of bed and walk about. She was groaning, and witness heard her say, "What shall I do." There were no cries of an infant that witness heard. Another nursemaid slept in the same room with witness, named Anna. About ten minutes before 4 a.m., PHILLIPS came down, and asked for a candle, at the same time saying, "Is the nursery fire alight, for I am dying for a cup of tea." Witness told her that the fire was not, and gave her a candle, and she returned to her own room. By six o'clock she was up again, and called witness and the other nursemaid to get up. That morning they got up earlier than usual, because their master had to attend a court-martial. All day Saturday PHILLIPS seemed unwell and not able to do her work, and complained of being ill. At bedtime she said she was well again, and that she should be able to go out the next day. Before this she had told witness that she had asked the mistress in the middle of the week for leave to go to a wedding on the Sunday. On the Saturday night she again slept by herself and at bedtime went to witness's room, and enquired whether or not Anna had gone to rest, because she wanted her to go up and sleep with her, but she was told that the girl was in bed and asleep. She then went up by herself, and between half-past seven and eight the next morning she went to witness's room and told her to get up, and that she had finished her dining-room and play-room, and was now going to sweep the stairs. At half-past eight witness saw her dressed, ready to go out, and she went away in a fly, which, she said, she had ordered to call for her. She returned on foot about ten in the evening and witness, on opening the door to her, said, "I thought you were not coming home again." She enquired what was the matter, and witness said, "Nothing in particular," and Mr Eastlake then went up and spoke to her. Witness went on to say - "In consequence of some suspicions that I had, I searched her room in her absence, and between the pailliasses of the bed, I found the body of a newly-born female child, wrapped up in the bed-sheets, which were blood-stained. I called up the charwoman, Mrs Hobbs, and showed her the body, and she said she would go and tell her master. I said she had better not do so, but she insisted upon it, and I then said I will tell my master myself. Mr and Mrs Eastlake, were informed of what had happened and Mr Eastlake then went up, and after seeing the body, ordered me to lock the door and give him the key, which I did. In the early part of the week, PHILLIPS told me that she had bought some fine calico, but found she had only half a yard, instead of a whole yard. I asked her what she required it for, and she said she wanted it for a purpose. She also asked me to let her have a baby's shift, but I told her I could not find one. - William Eastlake, Esq., on being sworn said - I am a solicitor, practising in Plymouth, and resident at Mannamead, in the parish of Compton Gifford. ANN PHILLIPS came into my service as cook about two months ago, and up till last Friday no suspicion of her condition was entertained; Mr Eastlake then confirmed the statement of the last witness and said that, on speaking to PHILLIPS, when she returned in the evening, he remarked - "I am very sorry, cook that you have got yourself into this trouble," and before I could give any further explanation, she observed the presence of Mr Superintendent Freeman and appeared to become much frightened. Mr Freeman told her he was a policeman and cautioned her, as a dead child had been found in her room. She immediately said, "It is mine; I did not know what to do; I got into trouble, and meant to tell of it when I got home." By this time she was in an agony of distress, and on my asking where she had been that day, she replied to a wedding, and that she had walked home from Stonehouse. She spoke somewhat incoherently, but it was to the effect that, after the birth of her child, she was insensible for nearly two hours, and that on returning to her senses, she found it lying by her, cold and motionless. The witness added, I should wish to state that up to this time, she had borne a very good character, and I may also state for the information of the Jury, that had she wished to do so, she had opportunities of concealing the body in a much more effectual manner than she did. The box in her room was nearly empty, and had she chosen to do so, she might have locked the door of her room. - Mr Superintendent John Freeman, Devon County Constabulary, deposed to going to Mr Eastlake's house on Sunday night and apprehending PHILLIPS, and to conveying her to the station in a cab. When they arrived at the station he found that she was more calm than when he first charged her; and told her she was in custody for concealing the birth of her child. She replied that she knew nothing about it; that she was senseless for more than an hour, and when she came to herself found the child lying under her senseless and dead. She also told him that the young man who was the father of the child had been very "slack" lately, and that she had given her master and mistress notice to leave, telling them that she was going to be married. It was her intention, she said, to take a furnished room in which she might be confined. - Thomas Crossing, Esq., surgeon, living at Mannamead, stated that he was called to Mr Eastlake's on Monday to examine externally the body of the child. He found no external marks of violence whatever, but it had been subjected to considerable lateral pressure for many hours apparently. The sides of the face were pressed together and both arms were much flattened on the inside from being forced against the ribs, and outside from some external pressure. There was an indentation or pressure on the left side of the head, extending as far as the ear. It seemed to correspond with the pressure that would arise from being forced between the mattresses. The child was well formed, and had arrived at a full stage of maturity, being fully developed. It was placed in his hands that morning by order of the Coroner, by Mr Freeman. The puffiness observable on the head was only such as would arise from natural causes. The weight was 7 lb 2 oz., and the length 18 inches, which was about the average size. On being opened the lungs were found fully inflated with air, and of a crimson colour. The thymus gland, together with the heart and lungs, were placed in water, and the lungs floated, bearing up the heart and gland. The heart was separated, and weighed 12 drachms, and sank immediately on being placed in the water; the lungs weighed 1 oz. 10 drachms. The body contained a due proportion of blood, and the child had not died from haemorrhage. The umbilical cord had not been properly divided, but seemed to have been torn or ripped. From all the appearances, when taken together, he was of opinion that the child was born alive, and that the circulation of the blood had been complete. In the state of unconsciousness in which the mother was said to have been in, it was very probable that the child would die of suffocation if there was no assistance at hand. I cannot form a precise opinion as to the cause of death - the lungs were very congested, and from that cause I think it died from suffocation. - Mary Butchers, wife of a seaman belonging to H.M.S. Cambridge, deposed to the young woman PHILLIPS having gone to her wedding on Sunday last, and to being questioned by witness as to her condition. She confessed she was in the family way, and said she wanted to leave her place, take a room, and get over it as well as she could. Had known her for 18 months, and had always found her a very quiet and respectable young woman. The father of the child was a shipwright in the dockyard, and had kept company with PHILLIPS for twelve months, but witness was told he would do anything for her. Her friends knew nothing of the matter, and she told witness that she had got nothing provided for the child, and did not know how to go about getting it clothes. - The prisoner on being asked if she wished to say anything said, "I cannot say more than that I was overtaken in labour, and the child was dead when I came to - it never moved nor cried. I was insensible for more than an hour I should fancy." - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the Jury, after consulting for two or three minutes, returned a verdict to the effect that they unanimously agreed in finding that the child was born alive, but that how it came by its death there was not sufficient evidence to show. - The prisoner was then removed in custody on a charge of concealing the birth of her child. The Enquiry lasted upwards of four hours.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 November 1860
EXETER - Another Case Of Flogging In A Public School At Exeter. Death Of The Unfortunate Boy. - We regret to have again to record a case of flogging in a public school at Exeter. A little boy, named JOHN BOURNE, aged 9 years, and who attended the Devon and Exeter Central School in Coombe-street, died on Friday morning last, and at an Inquest held in the evening, at the Sawyers' Arms Inn, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, the following facts were adduced:- The unfortunate boy, who was an illegitimate son of MRS HEARD, residing in Preston-street, had attended the school for about twelve months, and three months since complained to his mother that a pupil teacher in the school had severely beaten him; and requested her not to allow him to go there any more. The mother, knowing the boy to be rather dull and thinking that it was merely an excuse to stay away from school, insisted on is continuing to attend, which he did up to the 2nd November, on which day he went home, and was so poorly, that he could not eat his dinner. He then complained of a severe headache, and the mother, who still thought her son wanted to stay from school, charged him with it, to which he replied that it was not so, and then said that a pupil-teacher named Hawker, had struck him on the back part of the head with a "pointer-stick." Upon being asked by his mother why he had not told Mr Austin (the master,) he made no reply, and his mother sent him to school in the afternoon. The master, who saw that the boy was unwell, told him to go home, but he did not do so until past four o'clock, when he still complained of being ill, and could not eat his tea; he then asked his mother to put him to bed, and was very sick, and complained of violent pain in the head. The boy continued ill for some days, when the mother procured some medicine from Mr Tozer, of South-street; but two days after he became delirious, when the parish doctor (Mr A. J. Cumming,) was called in, who attended him up to his death. Whilst the boy was ill in bed, Hawker, the teacher, called to see him, and whilst with him, said, "I did not strike you to hurt you my boy;" to which the poor youth replied, "yes you did, sir, for you made me sick." Hawker then told the parents that he never used the stick, but he might have struck him once with the "pointer," and upon being told by Heard that it was said that he frequently beat the children, Hawker replied that he was obliged to beat them sometimes, for it was no good to let them have their own way. Mr Cumming, the surgeon, stated that when he first visited the deceased, he had some difficulty in getting him to speak, and he appeared to be suffering from a disease in the brain, complaining that one of the teachers, named Hawker had struck him on the head with a "pointer" - there was a swelling on the scalp, but he could not say whether it was caused by a blow, or whether it existed before. He could not externally see or feel the cause of death, but a post mortem examination would no doubt enable him to come to a conclusion. - The Coroner remarked that this was an important Inquiry, and if they were to fix the matter on a third party it was necessary they should obtain all the evidence that could be possibly got. The Inquest was then adjourned until tomorrow (Tuesday.)

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 November 1860
PLYMOUTH - Death From Burning. Coroner's Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Railway Inn, Stoke-lane, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner and a respectable Jury, touching the death of a lad named MOSES LEE, about 7 ½ years of age, who came by his untimely end under the circumstances detailed below. It appeared that about a fortnight since deceased and his sister were in their mother's room together, No. 123 King-street-west, between eleven and twelve in the day, and during the mother's absence the daughter, a child of nine years of age, kindled the fire for the purpose of warming themselves and whilst the deceased was holding his arm over the grate the sleeve of the linen frock he wore caught fire, and in a minute he was in a blaze. While in this state he ran out of the room followed by his sister, who was shrieking, and thus attracted the attention of a woman named Elizabeth Gibbs, who immediately procured some water, which she threw over the deceased. Two other persons then came to their assistance, and they wrapped the child in their clothes and so extinguished the flames. The poor little fellow was put to bed, and Mr Dale, surgeon, sent for, who, on his arrival, found the deceased's right arm and side severely burnt, and having done all in his power to relieve his sufferings, left him for a time. The child only got worse, and it was not until Saturday last that death released him from his excruciating pains. Several witnesses were called and they gave it as their opinion that the child came by his death accidentally, and this being the general feeling of the Jury, a verdict to that effect was returned. The deceased's father is a fiddler, serving on board H.M.S. Gannet.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 November 1860
EXETER - A Child Burnt To Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday (Tuesday) morning at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalen-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a little girl, named JANE BABBAGE, aged eight years, who was burnt to death on the previous day. The girl was an illegitimate child of ANN BABBAGE, a domestic servant, and ever since three weeks old had been kept by a Mrs Cann, the wife of a licensed hawker, residing in Coombe-street. On Monday morning Mrs Cann got up and lighted the fire, and shortly after the child came down and sat by the fire in her night-dress. Mrs Cann told her to put on her stockings and shoes, and went away upstairs; she had not been gone long before she head the child calling for her "dear mother," and on going into the room found that her nightdress was on fire. Mrs Cann then endeavoured to extinguish the flames, and shortly afterwards the child was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where she said that a spark flew out and caught her nightdress on fire. She died at six o'clock the same evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 November 1860
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Woman Through Excessive Drinking. - Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, an Inquest was held at Bustin's Wine and Spirit Cellars, Octagon-street, before Mr John Edmonds, Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the cause of death of ANN DREW, who expired on the previous evening at No. 110 King-street West, Plymouth. The husband of the deceased formerly kept a public-house in Cardiff, and died about two years ago, since which the deceased had travelled with lace, but was a victim to intemperance. At times she did not undress for a whole week, so besotted was she, and so complete a slave to that potent passion. In August last she was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for some offence by the borough magistrates, and completed her term on Thursday last, the 22nd instant. From thence she proceeded to the house of a friend whom she knew, named Ann Hugo, residing at 168 King-street west. She complained of being ill, whereupon Hugo asked her to take some breakfast, but she refused to do so, and went to an adjacent beer-house, where she became intoxicated, returning to her friend's room between ten and eleven o'clock and slept with Hugo's two children. On Friday morning her entertainer offered her breakfast, but she again refused to partake, and revisited the beer-house, staying there until night, drunk and helpless. Saturday, Sunday and Monday passed, and the operations of the first two days were continued. On each of these days she was in a state of intoxication, and invariably declined any offer of food. On the Saturday morning she pledged a coat, a waistcoat, and two silk handkerchiefs, to procure more liquor, and in the evening, whilst its fumes rendered her stupid, she wandered forth, and exposed herself to the rain, which fell heavily. She remained out during the whole of Monday night and on Tuesday morning entered the abode of another of her acquaintance, named Susan Chapman, residing at No. 110 King-street. She went to bed, and about 12 o'clock sent for Hugo. The habits of habitual intemperance, the sudden change from the diet and temperature of the Borough Prison to exposure to the cold and rain; the entire abstinence from food during nearly six days; and the unrestrained indulgence in drink, had produced an effect, and this the unhappy creature felt, for she declared she was dying. Hugo supposed her to be sinking and administered some brandy, but did not succeed in rallying her. Some arrowroot was made, but she could not take any. Hot water and flannels were applied to her feet, and every attention was paid her by the persons with whom she was, but their efforts were of no avail, for she died between five and six o'clock in the same evening. These facts having been substantiated by the witnesses, Ann Hugo and Susan Chapman, the Coroner briefly summed up, and the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died by the Visitation of God, and that her death was accelerated by excessive drinking."

EXETER - The Boy Flogging Case At Exeter. Verdict Of Manslaughter Against The Teacher. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN BOURNE, a little boy, aged nine years, who was taken ill and died after a flogging he had received in the Devon and Exeter Central School, was resumed on Tuesday evening by Mr W. H. Hooper, the Coroner. - The Coroner inquired if there were any persons present to give any further evidence. - Mr J. Austin, the master, then came forward and some conversation then ensued between him and the Coroner. He was ultimately sworn, and stated that he was the master of the Devon and Exeter Central School. The deceased was a pupil in the school, and had been so rather more than twelve months. He belonged to the seventh class. On the 2nd of November that class was under the care of a monitor named Pidgeon. He could not swear that Charles Hawker had not had charge of the class during the morning, but to the best of his belief he had not. He (Mr Austin) had himself had charge of the class during the morning on two occasions. He noticed the boy in the afternoon about three o'clock in consequence of one of the boys having told him that he had been sick. He (Mr Austin) saw he was very pale, and then had the conversation with him mentioned above. The deceased never complained to him as having been struck. He heard nothing further of the boy until the 18th of November, when he heard a report from the Rev. Preb. Lee, who said that he had been told by Mr Cumming, the surgeon, that the boy was very ill from a blow alleged to have been given by a teacher. Mr Lee and himself then visited the deceased, but he was in a state of stupor and he could not get any answer from him. - The Coroner: Do you use anything in your school called a "pointer?" - Mr Austin: Yes. - Two pointers used in the school were then produced. These are deal sticks about five feet in length, rather more than an inch in circumference at the largest end and tapering towards the point. - Mr Austin continued: The pointers were used to point out places on the map and for lessons on the blackboard. The seventh class had a lesson on the blackboard on the 2nd of November. It would have been Pidgeon's place to have given this lesson, but he could not swear that Hawker had not given it. - The Coroner: Have you ever been obliged to complain of the pupil teachers' beating the boys? - Mr Austin: Not with the pointers. - The Coroner: With the hand? - Mr Austin: Yes. - The Coroner: Have you ever so complained of Hawker's? - Mr Austin: Yes. - The Coroner: On more than one occasion? - Mr Austin: I do not recollect that I have. The case in question was in which Hawker had struck a boy named Selley with his hand, on the ear, and his mother had complained of it. - The Coroner: Have you ever seen the pointer used by the pupil teachers to knock boys? - Mr Austin: No. The pupil teachers had no right to inflict any corporal punishment on the boys. If they were deserving of punishment, it was their duty to send them to him as the master. If any punishment was inflicted by the pupil teacher it was a direct act of disobedience and a breach of discipline. - The first-class teacher, Wm. Punsfer, was then examined, and corroborated the statement made by deceased's father, with the exception that Punsfer said it was on the 7th and not on the 12th that he visited the deceased. The boy had said that it was not Punsfer who had struck him, but "Hawker had knocked him in the back of his head." - Mr Cumming was next examined. He said that he had on Sunday morning last made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased. On removing the scalp from the skull and at the back of the head, between the scalp and skull, there was a small quantity of coagulated blood. Otherwise the surface of the skull was healthy. On removing a portion of the skull, he found the surface of the brain very much congested with blood. Between the skull and brain there were rather more than two ounces of fluid. The base of the brain was covered with a thick layer of lymph, produced by inflammation. In the centre of the brain there was a considerable quantity of fluid. - The Coroner: Did the appearances you have stated lead you to the opinion that they had been caused by a blow? - Mr Cumming: The coagulated blood between the scalp and brain would indicate a blow had been struck; and taking the boy's illness from beginning to end, he (Mr C.) considered that the blow was the cause of death. The immediate cause was inflammation of the base of the brain. - This was the whole of the evidence. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the case was one of considerable importance. There had been a great deal of prejudice of late against schoolmasters; and he might mention two cases, in St. Sidwell's and St. James's schools, where indictments had been preferred against teachers for ill-treatment of boys. The position of teacher was one of great difficulty: on one side the instructor had to put up with a great deal of irritation by the unruly conduct of boys and masters might, under such circumstances, strike a boy more severely than he ought: and, on the other side, the boys were not to be ill-treated by those who had care of their education. There was, as he had said, a great difficulty in the matter; but he thought there was a reciprocal duty from the child to the master, and the master to the child; and he did not, as one, consider that the child ought to have been upheld in being unruly to his master. The Coroner then read the whole of the evidence to the Jury, and commented on it most impartially. - The room was then cleared, and after an absence of half-an-hour, the public were again admitted, when The Foreman said the Jury had found a verdict of Manslaughter against Charles Edward Hawker; and the Coroner said he would stand committed for trial. - Mr Hawker, sen., applied to have his son admitted to bail. - The Coroner said he should be willing to do so, and in answer to Mr Fildew, said he thought that his own recognizances in £50 and two sureties in £25 each would be sufficient. - Mr Fildew applied to have the warrant suspended. - The Coroner said he had no power to do that. If any bail was submitted to him tonight he would consider and determine the matter tomorrow. - Hawker was then committed on the Coroner's warrant to take his trial at the forthcoming Assizes.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 November 1860
TEIGNGRACE - Fatal Accident At Teigngrace. - On Wednesday, a poor little boy, named GARRY, 10 years old, was sent by his employer, Mr Thomas Shilston, of Teigngrace, into a field with a horse and cart for some mangold wurtzel roots, and while he was loading the cart it is supposed the horse started off, and that, in attempting to stop it, the boy fell, and the cart turned over upon him killing him on the spot. An Inquest was held at Murrin's Union Inn, Teigngrace yesterday, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., the Coroner, when the above facts having been deposed to, a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 December 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalen-street, yesterday, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES POPE, aged 45, a labourer, in the employ of Mr Tuckett, of Shobrooke. From the evidence it appeared that as deceased was riding in a waggon drawn by two horses, on the 5th November, near Shobrooke, a gun was fired; the report so frightened the horses that they ran away, and he fell from the waggon, and the wheels passed over his body. He was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he lingered until Saturday. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the above facts.

EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. - On Monday (yesterday) morning, MR GEORGE POMEROY, a well-known fish dealer, was found by his servant dead in his bedroom, in Paris-street, Exeter, having hung himself to the bed-post by a small cord. It appeared that deceased, who was 66 years of age, had spoken to his daughter, and also to his daughter-in-law, very despondingly on Sunday, particularly alluding to a demand made on him for the payment of some money, and to the ill-health of his son. - An Inquest was held last evening before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and an unusually large Jury, of which Mr Cole was Foreman: Evidence having been taken, a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was found.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 December 1860
PLYMOUTH - Death From Destitution In Lower Lane, Plymouth. - At four o'clock yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, to Inquire into the cause of death of RICHARD WINNICOTT, a journeyman tailor, who was reported to have died from want of the common necessaries of life. - The facts as elicited at the Inquiry respecting the death of this unfortunate man, revealed a state of things almost incredible. The deceased existed - we can scarcely say lived - with his sister, at No. 6 Lower Lane, and was about 53 years of age. Until about two years ago, he indulged in very intemperate habits, but was obliged to become more abstemious in consequence of his declining health. They were in very distressed circumstances, and were either unable or unwilling to apply to the parish authorities for relief. The door of their habitation was always closed against the neighbourhood; no one knew how they managed to live, and very few cared. The deceased had not taken any food since Thursday last, and died from exhaustion on Monday night. - The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the place where the body lay, whither they were accompanied by the reporters, at the request of the Coroner. Accordingly, emerging from the Guildhall, the Coroner and Jury turned down High-street, branching off from the right of which are three localities known as Higher-lane, Middle-lane and Lower-lane, into neither of which enter any but those whose business necessitates their doing so. Perhaps the worst of them is Lower-lane, to which the steps of the party were directed. As the Jurors threaded their way, sometimes by the sides of filthy carts and as they ever and anon stumbled over a heap of dirt on the pavement, the denizens of the region crowded to their doors and windows, attracted by the sight of anyone respectably dressed invading the sanctity of their wretched domain. The dwelling of the deceased having been reached, a guide was procured, who conducted the Jurors through a dark passage, the walls and roof of which hung with the accumulated dirt of years. The end of the passage having been attained, a candle was procured, as the dull December light was rapidly disappearing from those abodes of squalor. The Jury then, four at a time, ascended a dilapidated flight of stairs, which led to the wretched hole in which deceased lay. The window had long since disappeared, and as the cold air rushed in, it almost extinguished the uncertain light of the candle held by the guide. The dead man lay on a pallet of shavings; neither bedstead, table, chair, nor any article of furniture was to be seen. The dirt on the floor might have been taken up by the shovelful. Bare and dingily coloured walls, an old stool, and from the window a view commanding the surrounding abodes of misery, complete the description of this habitation of two human beings in this social reforming age, in the heart of this prosperous borough. A simple glance was sufficient for each spectator; to have remained any length of time would have been detrimental to health. The worthy Coroner avowed that it was the most complete spectacle of filth and wretchedness he had ever seen, and long will it be ere the sight will be effaced from the memory of any of the beholders. On returning to the Guildhall, the following evidence was adduced:- ELIZABETH PARTRIDGE said: I am the wife of William Partridge, who was a stone-mason, but I have not seen him for 28 years. The deceased was my brother, and up to about two years ago was addicted to drinking ardent spirits; since then he has taken nothing but table beer. For the past 18 months he has been a cripple, confined to his room. We rented two rooms at 1s. per week of Mr Amm, Little Durnford-street, Stonehouse. I never applied to the parish for relief. - The Coroner: If you did not feel inclined to go to the Workhouse, you might have had a free dispensary ticket. Were you aware of that? - Witness: I was not, sir. My brother has been very ill for the last three weeks, but last Saturday morning he worked a little. - The Coroner: Were you ever visited by anyone? - Witness: Visited, sir? - The Coroner: I mean, did ever any person come to see you - any ladies, the town missionary, or any kind person? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: There are the St. Andrew's District Visitors. Did not either of them ever call to see you? - Witness: No, sir; my brother slept on shavings on the floor, and so did I, for we had no bedstead. Yesterday afternoon, about three o'clock, deceased asked for a little drink, and I gave him some table beer. He had eaten nothing since Thursday. About eleven o'clock last night, not hearing him breathe, I went to him, and found he was dead. - The Coroner: Has he been attended by any medical man? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: You say your brother was an invalid, and that you received no assistance from the parish. How did you live? - Witness: I did a little plain-work. One week I earned half-a-crown. - The Coroner: And were you two maintained for a week on half-a-crown? - Witness: Yes, sir. One week I only earned tenpence, and we lived on that. (Sensation). - The Coroner: During the past month do you think you have earned five shillings? - Witness: I have not, sir. - The Coroner briefly commented on the evidence, and the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from Exhaustion and not from any violence. - The unfortunate surviving relative of the deceased was evidently very languid from long confinement in an impure atmosphere and from want of food, and at times her evidence was scarcely audible. The Coroner and Jury subscribed above 10s. for her, and several of the latter requested her to come to their shops and she should be furnished with tea, bread, sugar and other necessaries so essential to restore her from her present emaciated condition.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 December 1860
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident In Plymouth. - An Inquest on the body of RICHARD HENRY ADDISCOTT, who was killed under the circumstances recorded in the Western Morning News of yesterday, was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday afternoon, at half-past three o'clock. Joseph Gundry, a pensioner in the Royal Marines, residing at No. 23, Princess-street, said he did not see the child until the front wheel of the omnibus passed over his body. The child did not speak after the second wheel passed over him, but he lived three or four minutes after the accident occurred. he attributed no blame to anyone. The driver of the omnibus "the Queen" and not "the Times" said it was impossible for him to have pulled up. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - It appeared that the child was not running behind a waggon, but was merely passing from one side of the street to the other, when the driver of the waggon, to accelerate the speed of his horses, smacked his whip, which caused the little boy to start suddenly and before he could recover himself he was knocked down by the omnibus. MR ADDISCOTT requests us to give publicity to the following letter: Sir, Allow me, through the medium of your columns, to return my sincere thanks to those friends who kindly assisted on the occasion, and to Mr Browse, of Bedford-street, for his valuable service rendered. At the same time, will you kindly correct the statement in yesterday's paper, that my dear child was running behind the waggon, this being distinctly contradicted in the evidence given before the Jury this day. - By inserting the above, you will greatly oblige yours respectfully, R. S. ADDISCOTT. 33 William-street, Dec. 5th, 1860.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 December 1860
POWDERHAM - It is a remarkable circumstance that the poor man LACEY, whose sudden death we reported yesterday, should have dropped down dead while passing through a turnip-field, and that the body was discovered through a dog making a stand at it. The Inquest before R. R. Crosse, Esq., yesterday, resulted in a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Oreston. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the "Eagle Tavern," Sutton-road, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM PATCHCOTT (not Pertch, as stated yesterday), who was killed in the Breakwater Quarries, at Oreston, on Wednesday. The deceased, it appeared from the evidence, was 56 years old, and had worked for the last 24 years on the Breakwater quarries. On Wednesday afternoon, while in the act of firing a charge of gunpowder for blasting the rock, it is thought, through a spark from the match falling on the powder, an explosion took place, and he was blown some 40 or 50 feet into the air, and his foot severed from the body. He was picked up dead, his boot, with the foot in it, 20 feet from the body. The deceased had called out fire to his fellow-workmen, and they had got out of the way. The blasting was being done in the old-fashioned way of a reed filled with powder, and not by a fusee. Verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 December 1860
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier's Inn, Exeter yesterday (Thursday) before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a man named THOMAS FORD. The deceased was forty-seven years of age, and a labourer. On Tuesday last he was driving a waggon on the Kermford-road, when his horses took fright and he fell from the shafts, and the wheels of the waggon passed over him. He was at once removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he expired on the following evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 December 1860
EXETER - Coroner's Inquest At Exeter. The Suicide By A Young Man. - An Inquest was held yesterday (Monday) before R. R. Crosse, Esq., at the Buller's Arms Inn, St. Thomas, on the body of the young man named JOHN COLLINGS, who committed suicide on the preceding morning. We published the leading facts in the Western Morning News of yesterday, but the following evidence was sworn to:- Ann Thomas, who resides at the Friars, stated that her daughter-in-law was deceased's sister - she had known him for six years. Deceased had been away from Exeter about nine months, and returned about three months since, and resided with his sister JANE THOMAS. About six weeks since he went into the Devon and Exeter Hospital in consequence of a seizure in the hand, and on Thursday last he came out and lodged at witness's house, but he had been unwell and very low-spirited for some time before he went into the hospital. On Saturday morning last he left about ten o'clock with the intention of going to his sister's, and she had not seen him alive since. During the two days deceased had lodged at witness's house; she observed that he frequently laughed without any cause, and appeared very strange; and on one occasion he remarked that he should like to spend the rest of his days in the hospital; and upon being asked "why he came out," he replied that "it was for the good of his wife and family." Witness told deceased's sister that "she did not think JOHN'S mind was better since he had been in the hospital;" to which she replied, "she could not make him out at all." Deceased took his meals at his sister's, and slept at her (witness's) house. She did not think deceased had been in such a state of mind as to be accountable for his own actions for some time past. - JANE THOMAS, sister of deceased, residing at 31 Russell-street, corroborated the statement of the last witness, and added that his greatest trouble appeared to be because he was not permitted to see his wife and family, and that he would frequently cry like a child without any apparent cause. On the Tuesday previous to his discharge from the hospital he was out for two hours, and visited witness, and whilst with her observed that "everyone looked mazed about him." On Wednesday she received a note from him, with another enclosed to Mr Geare, which she conveyed, but that gentleman would not reply to it. On Thursday evening he was again at witness's house, and on Friday morning, about half-past ten o'clock, he was there, and witness got him some breakfast, and at five o'clock in the evening some tea, and after that he went to sleep in a chair for about two hours; he then asked about his note to Mr Geare, and upon being told the result he said, "The whole world is turned against me." On Saturday morning, about ten o'clock, he went to witness's house and she got his breakfast, but he ate nothing the whole of the day until five o'clock, when he had some tea, and whilst eating it he never spoke, but began to cry bitterly, and was staring at witness the whole of the time. Deceased left her about eight o'clock on Saturday evening, and she had not seen him alive since that time. While deceased was in the hospital witness went to his wife and her family, and consulted them about putting him into a lunatic asylum, and the wife said that she thought he had been insane for the last three years. Witness believed he was in an unsound state of mind, and felt convinced that he had drowned himself, as he had frequently wished himself dead. - Mr Huggins, solicitor was present. Deceased had been in the employ of this gentleman, but upon being asked by the Coroner if he could add anything to the testimony already given, replied that he did not think he could after the evidence of the previous witnesses. - Mr John Bond, spirit merchant, of St. Thomas, volunteered some evidence as to the state of deceased's mind, and remarked that he had more particularly observed a strange manner for the last six months. - Leonard Garry, a labourer at the gas works on the Exeter Basin, deposed to the taking of the body out of the water, and the finding of the clothes on the road about 100 yards from the edge of the basin. Deceased had on his shirt, a shirt front, and one stocking, and his hands were clasped together. - The Coroner observed to the Jury that if they wished to have further evidence from the hospital, as to the state of the unfortunate man's mind, now was the time for them to say so; but if they considered the evidence already given, confirmed by the voluntary statement of Mr Bond, was sufficient, they would consider their verdict, and he would record it. - The Jury at once unanimously returned a verdict to the effect that "Deceased destroyed himself whilst labouring under Insanity." - The deceased was not, as stated, a member of the Exeter Volunteer Artillery."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 December 1860
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death In Stonehouse. - An Instance of very sudden death occurred yesterday morning at Stonehouse. THOMAS SQUIRES, who has for many years worked for Mr Smith, coal merchant, of Bath-street, Plymouth, as a carter, yesterday morning came to his work as usual, and having put his horse to, proceeded with horse and cart to the South Devon coal stores, in Newport-street, Stonehouse. He had not complained, and appeared in his usual health. He commenced work, and while in the act of stowing the coals in the cart, he was seen to fall. He was immediately removed on a plank into a passage and expired within a very few minutes. The deceased was between 40 and 50 years of age, and had many years been in Mr Smith's employ. - An Inquest was holden on the body at the Dock Hotel, Millbay, yesterday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, when evidence having been given as to the above facts, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 December 1860
EXETER - Inquests At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, at the Lord Nelson Inn, St. Sidwell's, on the body of a little girl named JESSIE CANN, aged six years, who was found dead in her mother's arms on Monday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

A second Inquest was held at the Exeter Workhouse on the same day, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of an illegitimate child of BESSIE TAYLOR. It appeared that TAYLOR was admitted into the workhouse on Thursday last, where she was confined on the same evening, and up to Saturday night both mother and child were doing well, but early on Sunday morning the mother awoke and called the nurse, saying "her child was dying," but before the nurse arrived the child was dead. Dr Warren said his opinion was that death had resulted from suffocation, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 December 1860
EXETER - Accidental Death. - A fishwoman named BRICE, who resides in the West Quarter, was walking in the street on Thursday, when her foot slipped and she fell on the back of her head, causing a concussion of the brain, which resulted in her death two hours afterwards. An Inquest was held at the Teignmouth Inn, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, the same evening, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 December 1860
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - A young man, named CODNER, a moulder, who resided in the College, South-street, was out throwing snow-balls on Thursday evening, and about two hours afterwards he expired. An Inquest was held at the Bear Inn, South-street, on Saturday afternoon, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned.

DARTMOUTH - Sudden Death. - On Friday morning, a poor old man, named NICHOLAS DODD, an inmate of the Totnes Union, but who had been granted leave of absence to see his friends, whilst returning from the barber's shop to his home, suddenly fell down, and before medical aid could be brought expired. An Inquest was held before the Borough Coroner, and a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned. Deceased was 63 years old.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 January 1861
PAIGNTON - The Inquest on the body of JAMES WILLIAM COX was held before W. A. Cockey, Esq., yesterday, at the Crown and Anchor Hotel. It appeared in evidence that the deceased came by his death on the 21st Dec. through his falling on the railway whilst driving three loaded waggons drawn by one horse. The wheels of the waggon went over him, crushing the top of his head so that he died instantly. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

KINGSTEIGNTON - The Suicide On The Railway. The Coroner's Inquest. - Yesterday an Inquest was held, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury - Mr R. Knowles, sen., Foreman - at Weaver's King's Arms Inn, Kingsteignton, on view of the body of ROBERT KERSLAKE, a tailor, who was killed on the South Devon line of railway, nearly opposite Hackney, by a train passing over him and severing his head from his body, on Saturday afternoon last. - The Jury having been sworn, the Coroner remarked that they were assembled to Inquire into the death of ROBERT KERSLAKE, who he (the Coroner) was informed had come to his death by his having deliberately thrown himself on the metals of the railway on a train approaching. It would be their duty to ascertain if this were so, and also the state of the man's mind at the time; and if the evidence went to prove that he was in a right state of mind at the time he committed the act, deceased would then be guilty of "self murder;" and if the Jury, after hearing the evidence, were satisfied he was in a right state of mind at the time, they would have to return a verdict of "felo de se;" and deceased would have t be buried in unconsecrated ground, at the dead of night, without having any burial service read over him. But he was compelled to tell them, that in consequence of the witnesses not being present, he should be obliged to adjourn this Inquiry until tomorrow (Tuesday). - The Jury were then accordingly bound over in the sum of £10 each to be present on Tuesday morning. - The Coroner then instructed the policeman who had charge of the case to summon the engine-driver or guard who saw the man throw himself on the metals; the woman, Thorn, who saw him near Hackney before he committed the deed; and the girl Weeks, who saw the body first after the accident happened; and also John Bearne, of Newton, to identify the body. The Coroner thanked the Jury for their attendance and they were accordingly dismissed until Tuesday morning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 January 1861
KINGSTEIGNTON - Suicide On The Railway. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of ROBERT KERSLAKE, who committed suicide, as stated in yesterday's Morning News, by laying himself on the rails, and allowing a train to pass over him, took place at the King's Arms Inn, Kingsteignton, yesterday, before W. A. Cockey, Esq. The Jury having answered to their names, the following evidence was adduced:- - Smith, engine driver, who had charge of the train, deposed that on Saturday last, whilst the train was proceeding between Teignmouth and Newton, and when near a bridge called Hackney, he saw the deceased run down from the embankment and place himself across the metals of the railway. The whistle of the engine was blown, but the deceased took no notice of it, and as the effort would have been useless no attempt was made to stop the train, which passed over him, severing the head from the body. On arriving at the Newton Station, he went back to the spot, accompanied by the guard and others, and picked up the body, which was at once conveyed to Weaver's Kings Arms, Kingsteignton. - A woman named Thorn proved that she saw the deceased at Hackney on the same day, and that he was walking near the rails some time before the arrival of the train. - The girl Georgina Weeks proved seeing the deceased on Saturday and immediately after the train had passed over him. - John Bearde, a tanner, living at Newton, identified the body as that of ROBERT KERSLAKE, a tailor, who lately resided at Newton. Witness had not seen him since the Prize Rifle Shooting Match. He knew that KERSLAKE, who had injured his head some years since, was subject to very great excitement, particularly when he gave way to drink, which made him for the time, completely deranged. - The Coroner summed up the evidence, and the Jury at once returned a verdict - "That the deceased destroyed himself whilst labouring under a fit of Temporary Insanity." - Before dismissing them, the Coroner thanked the Jury for their attendance.

Melancholy Occurrence. - On Wednesday last, an old man named ROLSTONE, left Dunsford with apples, in a donkey cart, and proceeded to Bovey and Moreton for the purpose of selling them. He was returning home from Moreton, which place he left about nine o'clock p.m. the snow was rapidly descending at the time, and several parties begged him not to attempt the journey. About two miles from Moreton he must have fallen off the cart and been buried in the snow. He was not found until the Saturday, of course frozen to death. W. A. Cockey Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest on the body on Monday.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 January 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Boy. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Plymouth Borough Coroner, at the Oxford Inn, Claremont-street, touching the death of THOMAS WARD, a boy nine years and six months old. The lad resided with his grandmother, at No. 1, Claremont-place, North-road, and on Wednesday morning was sent with a bag to procure some shavings. On his way to his destination he fell in with a lad 14 years of age, named William David Lane, who was proceeding from Cambridge-street to Pennycomequick with bread. Deceased expressed a wish to accompany Lane, which was granted. On arriving at Pennycomequick, deceased intimated his intention of climbing into a hedge for the purpose of gathering some "winter strawberries," and persisted in doing so, notwithstanding Lane's endeavour to dissuade him. Soon after ascending into the hedge he fell, and struck the back part of his head. He was taken home and died on the following morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 7 January 1861
ST MARYCHURCH - The Fatal Accident at Anstey's Cove, Babbicombe. - In Friday's Western Morning News, particulars were given of a very sad accident which had taken place on the previous afternoon at this beautiful spot, one of the most picturesque of the many lovely views which are to be obtained along the shores of this magnificent bay. On Saturday an Inquest was held at Mr Love's Commercial Hotel, Market-street, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., and a respectable Jury, when evidence was adduced to the following effect:- Three young gentlemen, MASTER PITCAIRN, (the deceased), Master Batersby (son of Dr Batersby), and Master Hutchinson, went out for a walk on the afternoon in question, shortly after two o'clock, and wended their way towards Babbicombe Down. After amusing themselves on that portion which is marked off for the rifle practice of the Torbay club, they determined to descend the steep rocks which lead to Wansley's Cove. To enable persons to do this, a winding path has been cut, and which, with ordinary care, can be used in safety. The young lads, however, did not proceed directly to the beach. About 50 yards down the declivity there exists a "cave", which is some five feet distant from, and raised above, the path. Into this cave it was proposed to get, and from putting this unfortunate proposition into practice, the fatal accident resulted. It would appear that each of them had got in and out of the cave several times, when at last MASTER PITCAIRN attempted it alone. In climbing up he rested both hands, and consequently his entire weight, upon a large jutting rock, and which, to all appearances, was as firm as the rock itself. But such was not the case. While Batersby and Hutchinson were standing close by and looking on they observed the deceased falling back, and heard him at the same time say "Stand back." Poor PITCAIRN had been thrown to the ground (a distance of some feet) and crushed by a piece of rock weighing half a ton. The mass of stone rested upon his head. His companions, who were very naturally alarmed, did their best to rescue him, but finding their strength insufficient, Master Batersby obtained the help of some quarrymen, who were working near, and with the aid of their crowbars the rock was removed, and the deceased was carefully carried to his father's residence, upon arrival at which it was found that life was quite extinct. In accordance with this facts, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The melancholy event has caused great sympathy to be felt for the REV. D. PITCAIRN, whose good works have won for him the affectionate esteem of all who know him. A few weeks since a very large fall of rocks took place in the quarry opposite the market. Fortunately the workmen were absent, or no doubt a frightful accident would have resulted, the falling mass weighing several tons. At the close of the Inquiry, the Jury requested Sergeant Rousham to hand over the small fee to which they were entitled to the Treasurer of the Torbay Infirmary.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 January 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Coroners' Inquests At Devonport. - The following Inquests were holden yesterday before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner for Devonport:- At the Castle and Keys public house, to Inquire as to the death of JOHN MUGFORD, drill-instructor of H.M.S. Impregnable, whose melancholy death we recorded yesterday. From the statement of Morris ~Evans, it appeared that while deceased was descending the steps at Mutton Cove, he slipped and falling heavily upon is head on the platform was taken up insensible. He was immediately taken on board H.M.S. Impregnable and received all requisite attention. He never rallied however, and died about eleven o'clock on Friday. The deceased was about 40 years of age. The witness characterised the fatal steps as exceedingly dangerous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

An Inquest was also held at the Town Hall, before A. B. Bone, Esq., yesterday afternoon, on the body of JOB ROBINS, an infant, who had been suffocated whilst sleeping with his parents. After hearing the different witnesses the Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Accidental Suffocation."

PLYMOUTH - Coroner's Inquest On The Body Of The Murdered Man. - Yesterday the Coroner for Plymouth, J. Edmonds, Esq., held an Inquest on the body of Lance-Sergeant HENRY JONES, of the 61st Regiment, who was shot in the Millbay Barracks on Saturday evening last, by Private Robert Hacked, also of the same regiment. Owing to the pressure of business at the Guildhall, the Quarter Sessions being then in progress, the Coroner was unable to obtain the use of either of the rooms in that building until the afternoon; and, in consequence of this, he held a preliminary court at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of swearing in the Jury and the transaction of other business, at Mr Pearse's Mount Pleasant Hotel, Millbay. - The following gentlemen composed the Jury:- Mr Joseph Wills, Foreman; Mr B. Adams, Mr W. Birmingham, Mr E. Edwards, Mr J. Hartnell, Mr J. Hardy, Mr J. Hawkins, Mr J. Holmes, Mr E. Jago, Mr W. A. Jeffery, Mr R. A. Langford, Mr W. H. Miner, Mr E. Paull, Mr J. Pillman, Mr H. Stather, Mr J. Sellick. - The Jury having been sworn in, the Coroner, in the absence of the prisoner, refrained from making any remarks upon the case, and merely recapitulated the facts as given in these columns yesterday. Referring to the body of the deceased, he said that some anxiety was felt by the military authorities at the barracks, that if it was allowed to remain in the same room where the murder was committed, it would be injurious to the health of those persons who were compelled to sleep there; and under the circumstances, considering it would be dangerous to allow it to remain, he (the Coroner) gave orders to have it removed to the guardroom, where it was then lying. Their first duty, he said, would be to go and view the body, and afterwards examine the apartments, so as to get an insight into the whole facts of the case. They would afterwards return to that room, and would then adjourn to the Guildhall; for as the matter was one of public importance he thought it would be better to hold the Inquest in a court of justice, so that the public might have an opportunity of being present. Besides, by going to the Guildhall, they would have the benefit of seeing the prisoner, whom the magistrates promised should be in attendance, and they would then be able to watch his manner and demeanour and judge upon it accordingly. - The Coroner and Jury then repaired to the barracks, and having made a very minute inspection, returned to Mr Pearse's Hotel, and afterwards proceeded to the Guildhall, where they remained for a short time, but in consequence of each of the rooms being still occupied, and finding that it was unlikely that either of them would be disengaged for the next two hours, the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until three o'clock, each Juryman being bound over in his own recognisances to appear at that hour. - At three o'clock the Jury again assembled in the Guildhall, when they were accommodated in the magistrates' room; and having answered to their names, the evidence was gone into. - Among those present were Major Deacon, and Capt. Sloman, both of the 61st Regiment and besides these gentlemen, there were not above half a dozen present. - The first witness called was John Allen, who said: I am a colour-sergeant in the 61st Regiment and reside in Millbay Barracks, Plymouth. I have known the deceased about nine years; he was a lance-sergeant in the 61st Regiment and was about 32 years of age. Four companies of the 61st Regiment are quartered in Millbay Barracks. there are three-rooms on one landing one pair of stairs up, to which there is one common entrance from the centre. The rooms lead one into the other by means of doors, and are kept open until nine o'clock at night, when they are shut. I know nothing about a man named Purcell of my own knowledge. About six o'clock in the evening of Saturday last, I was in the end room to the right of the passage, as you come up stairs. I was conversing with the deceased, our backs being towards the doorway dividing the room in which we were from the middle room. We were talking about some orders that the deceased had received from headquarters in the Citadel to carry to Millbay. He said the orders were not long, and at that moment he uttered a groan, threw up his arms and fell to the ground. - The Jury here asked why the prisoner was not present, and the Coroner replied that the magistrates first of all promised him (the Coroner) he should be, but since then they had held a meeting and had decided that he was not to be present at the Inquiry. - This announcement appeared to cause some dissatisfaction amongst the Jurors, but the Coroner told them he could not help himself, and he should be obliged to proceed with the investigation. - The examination of the witness was then continued as follows:- I then rushed into the room and threw the prisoner's rifle up. He was then holding it in his hand, and I ordered him to be secured. I immediately returned to the deceased's body, and found him lying on his back on the floor of the barrack room. The breath was just leaving his body and the palpitation had ceased. That was about three minutes after the shot was fired. A civilian surgeon and a surgeon of artillery came in about half an hour, and the deceased's body was turned over, when I observed that a bullet had entered about the spine of the back, gone through the body and came out of his abdomen. The wounds were then bleeding fresh. Robert Hacked is in addition to being a private, a servant to Lieut. Hamilton, and from orders I received from Major Deacon, I went to the officers' servants kitchen, where servants generally remain during the day, to look for ten missing rounds of rifle ammunition, and on a table in the centre of the room I saw an envelope bearing the initials of Robert Hacked. On making further examination I discovered nine rounds of ball ammunition for an Enfield rifle, in a cupboard; these I handed over to Major Deacon. I am quite positive he had been served out with 20 rounds of ammunition, and in addition to the nine found in the cupboard ten rounds were taken from his pouch packed up, which had not been opened. The pouch was found by me about two paces from where I saw Hacked standing after the shot was fired. I said nothing whatever to him about what he had done, and nothing passed between us. At the time the shot was fired there were, to the best of my recollection, about 16 persons in the room with the deceased and myself, including soldiers, their wives and children. I should think the distance from where the shot was fired to the place where myself and the deceased were standing was to the utmost 30 feet. The sergeant, who is dead, was a kind-hearted and good-tempered man, and had had a fine education. I believe the prisoner also bore a good character, and he wore a good conduct badge. He was a little addicted to drinking; so was the deceased. I should say when the unfortunate occurrence took place the deceased was perfectly sober. Immediately after the act was committed Hacked appeared cooler then before; his excitement had evidently gone down. He was excited by drink but was perfectly rational. To my knowledge no other man in the room had a rifle in his hand, and I have not the slightest doubt that Hacked fired the gun, and that deceased's death was occasioned thereby. The deceased's number in the regiment is 3,135. He enjoyed very good health, and as far as I can judge was in good health up to the time of his being shot. - By the Foreman: The distance from the officers' quarters up the place where the deceased was shot is about 150 yards. It is not usual to have a rifle loaded in the barrack room, and it is not allowed on any pretext whatever. - By the Jury: Previous to Saturday the deceased and Hacked lived on very good terms. They may have drunk together on some occasions, but I am not aware that any animosity every arose between them while drinking. - Joseph McDowell was next sworn, and deposed as follows: I am a private in the 61st Regiment, and have known the deceased about three months. I have also known Robert Hacked about the same time. On Saturday last at six o'clock I was sitting on a form in the middle room of the barracks by the side of the fire, reading a book. Corporal Bryan was sitting on my left, and corporal Graham was standing just on the left of him. I saw Robert Hacked, who is a private in the same regiment, and whom I saw today in the custody of the police in the Plymouth Guildhall, come up the stairs, and on his entering the room and coming near the stove, I saw he had his pouch on his shoulder and his rifle in his hand. I heard Corporal Graham say to him jocosely, "What rifle corps do you belong to?" He made no reply. I was paying great attention to the book I was reading, and in about five minutes after, I heard Corporal Bryan shout out to Corporal Graham to go and seize the rifle, and just as I took my attention off my book I saw Robert Hacked fire the rifle. At the time he fired he had his left leg on the end of a form, and he fired from his left shoulder. I have heard he could always fire from his left shoulder best, and he had permission from the authorities to fire in that position. Corporal Ryan then ran and seized the rifle from his hand, and on my going into the adjoining room I saw Sergeant JONES lying on the floor in a dying state. I saw the wound; it was bleeding. When Hacked fired it was through the doorway into the inner room, where I afterwards saw the deceased in a dying state. The body the Jury viewed today is that of deceased. I was present when Hacked was given into the custody of the police on Saturday evening last, and was one of the escort who took him to the station-house. - In answer to Major Deacon, witness said when Hacked entered the room he had his pouch belt across his shoulder and the pouch in its proper place. - The next witness sworn was Patrick Ryan, a corporal in the 61st Regiment. He said: I have known the deceased about seven years and Hacked about two years and a half. On Saturday last I was present at the dinner table in the middle room. Sergeant JONES was sitting at the upper end of the table, on the left side, and I saw Robert Hacked and a pensioner named Purcell enter the room shortly after 12 o'clock. Hacked was then sober. Purcell commenced a conversation at the dinner table about some prize money from Delhi, and Hacked appeared to be pleased to hear that he was about to get some, and he made Purcell sit down and eat his dinner. Deceased said in a jesting way "You'd spin another such a yarn for another dinner." Hacked did not appear pleased at that observation, but said nothing more about it then. Shortly after Hacked left the room, and did not return again until half-past five in the evening. The deceased was present when Hacked came in, and the latter said, "No one had a right to insult a friend of mine when I brought him in." This I believed alluded to what took place between Purcell and the deceased at the dinner table. The sergeant replied, "You may make the best of what I said," and Hacked then said to deceased, "If it was not for 50 lashes I should get, I would ...." I did not catch the last sentence. The deceased was on duty, and he went into the inside room. Hacked left the barrack-room altogether. This was about half-past five. Hacked returned in about 20 minutes, and I saw him about the centre of the middle room, with his pouch belt across his shoulder, and his rifle in his hand. He came up to the table of the centre room and told some person in the inner room to stand clear, and at that moment he raised the rifle to his left shoulder and fired into the inner room through the doorway. When he fired he placed his left leg on the form, alongside the table. I went into the inner room and saw the deceased; he was not quite dead. When I heard Hacked sing out "Stand clear," I called to Corporal Graham to knock up his rifle, for I thought he was determined on mischief. I saw Hacked in custody today, at the Guild hall, before the magistrates. - By the Foreman: I am in the same company as Hacked is. Prior to this there was no ill-feeling between the deceased and Hacked. I can't say whether Hacked identified the deceased when he fired at him, but I should think he did. - By the Jury: It is not usual for a private and a sergeant to associate together, but there are cases where the two parties would be friendly. There was not time to knock up the rifle before Hacked fired it. The deceased made use of no aggravating language in my hearing on the occasion referred to. Hacked was sober at the dinner table, but at half-past five he had the appearance of being in liquor; he seemed more excited but was not intoxicated. It was not an unusual thing for privates to enter the barrack room at that time of the evening with their rifles and belts in their hands. - At this stage of the proceedings, the Coroner said he would go on for half-an-hour longer, and then he should adjourn the Inquiry until tomorrow. - Several of the Jurors here expressed a wish to have the case finished that evening; but this, the Coroner said, would be impossible, for he wished to make some lengthened remarks to them upon the law bearing on the case; and, in addition to this, they would be conferring a favour on him. It was a matter of great importance, and he was desirous of investigating it as fully as possible; but, as he said before, he thought it was not likely they would complete the whole of the evidence that evening. - James Graham was then called, and deposed as follows:- I am a lance-corporal in the 61st Regiment, and have belonged to it about three months. On Saturday afternoon I was on duty at the Millbay Barracks until about six o'clock, when I went into the middle room. At that time Hacked was standing near the stove, and I went up and stood opposite him. I said, in a joke, "What rifle corps do you belong to?" He had civilian's trousers and a red jacket on at the time; his rifle was in his hand, and his cross belt and pouch were on. He made no reply; he remained there a short time but I took no further notice of him until Corporal Ryan called out to me to knock up Hacked's rifle. When I turned round I saw he had his left foot on a form and his rifle in his left hand pointed half way between his hop and shoulder, abut before I could get to him he had fired. The rifle was pointed in the direction of a doorway leading to the inner room. At the same moment I heard a cry in the other room, and I immediately ran in, and saw the deceased lying on the floor evidently dying. I then had orders to take Hacked to the guard room, and afterwards I escorted him to the Guildhall. - By the Foreman: The deceased and Hacked were always on good terms. - By the Jury: I should say Hacked had been drinking. When in the guard room he said, "I did not intend to shoot Sergeant JONES." I did not ask him who he intended to shoot. did not see him deliberately aiming before he fired. When I asked him what rifle corps he belonged to, he appeared in his usual state of health, and his temper was as good as it generally is. - In answer to Captain Sloman, witness said it was not usual for men to bring up their rifle and other accoutrements in the barrack room to be cleaned. - The Coroner explained, in reference to what Hacked said in the guard room, that if a man pointed a gun with intention to shoot a person, and he, by mistake, happened to kill another person, it was construed into a case of murder. The law was very clear upon that point. - There being no further questions put to the witness. The Foreman said he thought it was hardly fair to the prisoner that he was not allowed to be present, and as this was the first time such a course had been adopted he should be glad if the Coroner would give them some explanation upon it. (Hear.) - The Coroner, in complying with the Foreman's request, said a Coroner was bound by his office whenever a death of this sort took place to Inquire when, how, and by what means the death occurred; and if he neglected to do so he would be liable to heavy penalties. The magistrates had also a right to inquire into it. They had their officers of justice, which the Coroner was not provided with, and therefore he desired the sergeant who called upon him to inform the police authorities of it. Consequently Hacked was taken into custody, and on being brought before the magistrates today, was remanded until Friday. He then applied to the Mayor to have the prisoner brought before them, and he did not anticipate any difficulty about it; but when he came to the Guildhall, about one o'clock, the Mayor told him that the magistrates had decided that the prisoner was not to be brought there. Under those circumstances, and after the difficulty they had had that day in assembling together, he had thought it his duty to proceed with the investigation. Of course, he had given the matter some consideration, but still he must take care to maintain his own rights. He was the last man in the world who would succumb to anyone; but at the same time he endeavoured in all his actions to do that which was honourable, and by so doing he believed he should receive the approbation of his fellow-townsmen. (Hear). - With regard to the man in custody, he agreed with them, and he believed he had a right to be present. (Hear). He possessed the right that every Englishman charged with an offence had, viz. - of cross-examining the witnesses. However, it was no fault of his. He would now bind the Jury down in the sum of £25 each to appear there tomorrow evening at six o'clock. (Laughter.) - Mr Langford: Shall I be out of order if I make a request that the man be brought here tomorrow? If not, I would move a resolution to that effect. - This having been seconded. - The Coroner said it was but just and fair to the man that he should be there. - Mr Jago could not see any argument why the man should not be present; and another Juror said he did not see what right the magistrates had to object to it. - Mr Langford: Seeing the feeling of the Jury, I shall push my resolution. - The Coroner: It is for you to do as you please. - Mr Langford: Must we make our application through the Foreman or through you? - The Coroner: Through your Foreman. - The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously; and the Inquest was adjourned until this evening, at six o'clock, in the Guildhall.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 January 1861
PLYMOUTH - Scalded To Death. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of ELLEN GODFREY STANBURY. THOMAS STANBURY, brother of the deceased, deposed that he resided at 26 Southside-street. The deceased was about two years and nine months old. On Friday last, between ten and eleven in the forenoon, witness and the deceased were in the kitchen, and the latter was playing near the fire, when she fell forward, and her dress caught in the handle of a saucepan which was full of boiling water. The contents of the saucepan fell over her, scalding her left cheek and neck and other parts of her body. The Coroner having called corroborative evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - On Monday last, MR SAMUEL GERRY, formerly cab proprietor, but then keeper of the beerhouse Horse and Groom, No 2, Notte-street, was taken suddenly ill and died in a few minutes. An Inquest on the body was held before John Edmonds, Esq., at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon, when evidence in support of the facts of the case having been adduced, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God." The deceased had been subject to palpitation of the heart and was about 56 years of age.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 January 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - Inquest At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was holden at St George's Hall, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., yesterday, to Inquire as to the death of the new-born child of JANE KENT, of Hobart-street, Stonehouse. The evidence went to show that the mother of the deceased, the wife of a marine, was affrighted by her child knocking down a number of things from a shelf, that one consequence was the premature birth of the child. The child fell on the floor accidentally and lived 30 hours, continuing to moan all the time. The mother was a sober, well-conducted woman, and the Jury at once returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 11 January 1861
Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for Plymouth, at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, King-street, on the body of an itinerant musician named WILLIAM HANCOCK, of about 60 years of age, who came by his death suddenly on Wednesday afternoon. The deceased, his wife and family lived together in one room, 21 Granby-street, and generally the former enjoyed very good health. Of late he had not been out of doors on account of the extremely cold weather. On the night of Tuesday last he complained of something rising in his stomach, but it passed off, and on the following morning he again seemed in perfect health, and at two o'clock he was seen smoking his pipe, apparently very contented. A little before three, however, he complained of being poorly, and on being put to bed became speechless and died shortly afterwards. A doctor was sent for, but none came, and no medical assistance whatever was rendered him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Monday 14 January 1861
BRENT - On Thursday, CHARLES HAWKING EDMONDS, a child of about three years of age, accidentally caught its cloths on fire, and died in consequence. The child was illegitimate, and was placed by its mother with her married sister, who has children, and the burning happened during the absence of its guardian from the house. An Inquest was held on Saturday on view of the body before W. Cockey, Esq., the District Coroner, and a respectable Jury, when after evidence had been given, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Coroner commented strongly on the impropriety of the practice of parents and guardians leaving children uncared for where there were fires which they could get at.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 January 1861
EXETER - Death By Burning. - A little boy named JOHN MORGAN aged four years, the son of a dairyman residing in St. Sidwells, was so severely burned on Thursday morning last that he died on Friday night. At the Inquest which was held before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - A second Inquest was held yesterday (Monday) at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalen-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of a poor old man named ROBERT HAYDON, aged 61 years. Deceased was in the employ of Mr Huggins, of Shobrooke, and whilst driving a waggon on Saturday (the roads being slippery) his foot tripped, and he fell, the wheels of the waggon passing over his body. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 January 1861
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, yesterday evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of FREDERICK PHILLIPPS, a child four months old, the son of Lance Corporal PHILLIPPS, engineer, E.I. service, and now stationed at Chatham, which was found dead by its mother's side this morning. The evidence proved that the child, which was of a weakly constitution, was in the enjoyment of its ordinary health when taken to bed by its mother, who, upon waking, found it dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 January 1861
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At Laira. On the 16th instant we reported an accident at Laira, by which a man named TOWL, who had been employed as the driver of some trucks with granite that were on the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway, was severely injured. Immediately after the accident, the poor man was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he lingered until Thursday. An Inquest was held by J. Edmonds, Esq., at the Guildhall, last evening. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased, who was about 60 years of age, was accidentally crushed in a fearful way between two sets of trucks. The verdict was "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 January 1861
BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held by the Borough Coroner on Friday, to Inquire as to the death of a little girl, named THORNE, aged about ten years. It appeared from the evidence offered that on the 23rd instant she caught her clothes on fire, and that as there was no one in the house at the time to come to her assistance, she was soon enveloped in flames, and so much burnt that death soon followed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 January 1861
HARBERTON - W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of the boy BESTABLE, at West Leigh, in the parish of Harberton, on Saturday last. From the evidence adduced, it appears that Mr Maddock, his master, sent him (the boy, who was 14 years old) with a horse and cart on the previous day to remove turnips from one field to another to feed the cattle, and that, on finding the deceased did not come home to dinner, another lad was sent to look for him, who, on passing up the road towards the field, saw a cart bottom upwards and the horse on the ground. He immediately ran back for assistance, and on returning to the spot discovered the poor youth under the fore part of the cart, and on taking him up found life to be extinct. The horse was a very quiet one. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 January 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest On A Soldier. - An Inquest was held at the Hospital Inn, Stoke, yesterday, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for Devonport, on the body of a private named JOHN NAVAN, belonging to the 8th company of the 53rd Regiment, who was found dead in a trench, after being missed for some fourteen days. - Henry Randall deposed that he belonged to the 53rd Regiment. He knew the deceased, who was attached to the 8th Company of the same. On New Year's Day NAVAN and another soldier left the Hospital and went to an inn at Stoke, known by the name of the "Wellington." That was about twelve o'clock. He remained until four or five o'clock, when he left somewhat the worse for liquor. He then stated that he was going to Plymouth. that was the last time witness saw him, and he understood that he had no money about him. - Corporal Michael Pursell, 53rd Regiment, deposed that he found deceased at 20 minutes to five o'clock yesterday evening. A boy having told him that there was a soldier's cap in the water, he went and saw the body. He at once reported the circumstance to the sergeant-major and subsequently at the hospital. - Thomas Hall, a seaman, gave evidence to the effect that hearing the body of a soldier had been found in the water, he jumped in and brought it to the beach, after which witness had to be taken to a public house and have restoratives applied, he having fainted. - The Inquest was then adjourned till tomorrow afternoon in order to obtain medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 February 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Awful Death From Excessive Drinking. The Coroner's Inquest. - On Saturday, at noon, A. B. Bone, junr., Esq., Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest before a very respectable Jury at the Naval Hospital Inn, on the body of JAMES MUGG, a marine, lately serving on board H.M.S. Hero, who came by his death through an excessive drinking of whiskey, as reported by us on Saturday morning. The Jury, after being sworn in, viewed the body of the deceased, which lay in the dead-house, at the Royal Naval Hospital. Captain Ryder, of H.M.S. Hero, and Captain Taylor, of the Royal Marines, were present during the enquiry, and, in answer to a suggestion from the Foreman of the Jury (Mr Charles Trego), the former gentleman promised that if any of the witnesses who gave evidence that day said anything in his hearing to criminate themselves, it should not be made use of at the investigation now taking place by the military authorities, so that the men would not be prejudiced thereby. - Robert Bellesland, a marine, serving on board H.M.S. Hero, was then called, and said he went on guard on Friday morning at four o'clock, and remained there until half-past five, during which time things went on as quiet as usual, but between that and six o'clock he went into the fore cock-pit, where he saw the deceased stretched out on his back quite dead. - George Turner, a sergeant of marines, said that in consequence of a report made to him, at half-past five o'clock on Friday morning, that a man was dying in the cock-pit, he got out of bed, partly dressed himself, and went to the place, but by the time he got there the man had died, whom he subsequently ascertained to be the deceased MUGG. Another marine, named Ryan, was also there lying on his back, about a yard from him, apparently dead. He was quite unconscious as to what was passing around, and was gasping for breath, his eyes being quite closed. Whilst in the cock-pit, Private Kinroe came in, and he also was quite insensible, apparently from the effects of liquor. He spoke, but witness could not understand him. There was no spirit or bottles lying about in the cock-pit, neither did the place smell of spirit. He was on board all night and visited the sentries up to twelve o'clock, but no one kept the middle watch, which was very unusual. From twelve to four o'clock the sentries were by themselves, and at four o'clock Corporal Mitchell was called out to keep the morning watch. The deceased, MUGG, was on sentry from eight till twelve on Thursday night; Ryan, from twelve to four next day; and Kinroe from four to eight. witness frequently visited the deceased during his watch, and was present at twelve, when he was relieved. He was very sober and in good health. According to the ordinary custom he would go to bed then, but it was not witness's duty to see him in his hammock. - In answer to Mr Trego, witness said men were not allowed to stay up during the night, and if he saw a man hanging about the ship when he had no business to, he would order him to his hammock. - Examination continued: Witness put Michael Ryan on sentry at 12 o'clock, at the captain's cabin door, on the upper deck, and about half-past 12 he went over the ship, and found all correct. He did not see the deceased after 12; he might have left the ship without his knowing it, and returned again through the lower ports without anybody seeing him. The men had free ingress and egress at these places without any questions being asked. When the deceased was relieved from sentry he went in the direction of the upper deck, as witness supposed to go down the gangway for some purpose. Witness went to bed at one o'clock, and when called at five o'clock the only persons he saw the worse for liquor were deceased, Kinroe, and Ryan. At six o'clock the ship was examined, and he assisted in the search, but all they found was one bottle, with about half a gill of whiskey in it, in the after cock-pit. - Mr Trego here asked whether a sentry was placed at the store-room door, and the witness replied in the negative. No one, he said, had charge of it, although there was a sentry in the after cock-pit. He did not know there was any spirit on board the vessel. - Captain Ryder, in explanation, said the store-room was in the after cock-pit, so that in reality it was under the charge of the sentry in the cock-pit, who would have seen any attempt to break into it. - Witness, continuing his examination, said that in the middle of Friday the store-room in the after cock-pit was examined, when they found that the jalousie in the door (a sort of panel made similar to a Venetian blind) had been removed and placed back again. It was about 2 ½ feet high and 2 feet wide, and could, in his opinion, be easily shifted. There was a marine on guard in the after cock-pit during the whole of Friday night and he believed that if he had been attending to his duty properly he must have seen anyone enter the store-room. The sentry's patrol was on the port side, and the store-room on the starboard side of the vessel. - The captain of the vessel, in answer to Mr Trego, stated that he was in London when the affair took place; but previous to this he had never any reports made to him respecting the loss of whiskey or any other spirits. - James McKay, the ward-room steward on board H.M.S. Hero, was next called, and he said that on examining the store-room on Friday, he found 15 bottles of whiskey missing. He had not examined the store-room for some time past, and as far as he knew they may have been taken away a week or more. The jalousie was in a perfect condition and did not shit. One bottle of whiskey he found broken in the store-room. - In answer to Mr Trego, witness said he regularly took an inventory of the stock of whiskey he kept, and the last time he did so there were 69 bottles there, but on Friday there were only 54 left. - Bernard Kinroe was then called, and he stated that the deceased had the first watch and he the morning watch. He was put on guard by Corporal Mitchell, and visited by him every half-hour. Between five and six o'clock on Friday morning Ryan brought him about half a pint of raw whiskey in a small tin can, the whole of which he drank, and in about half an hour afterwards he became insensible. He recollected having his stomach pumped, but beyond that he was unable to state anything. - The witness here seemed unwilling to give any further evidence, upon which Captain Ryder offered to withdraw, and at the request of the Coroner he did so, together with Capt. Taylor and several officers of the metropolitan police force, but before doing so, Capt. Ryder told the witness that he had got himself into a serious scrape, and would, no doubt, be severely punished when he returned on board his vessel again. - After these gentlemen had left, the witness, in answer to the Coroner, said that he had told them all he knew. - The Captain and Dr Taylor again returned into Court, when examination of witnesses was continued. - Charles Mitchell, corporal of marines, on being called in, stated that he had the watch from four to eight on Friday morning. At five o'clock he visited Kinroe, the last witness, and Private Ryan, both of whom appeared to be perfectly sober. - Dr Foster, on being sworn, deposed to being the assistant-surgeon in the Keyham yard. About six o'clock on Friday morning he was called up on board the Hero, and on going into the cock-pit of that vessel, he found the deceased MUGG quite dead, and Ryan nearly so. He examined the body of the deceased, and found his face quite pale. He was of opinion that the man died very rapidly from an excess of ardent spirits taken at one time, which severely shocked his nervous system. - In answer to Mr Trego, the witness said he considered whiskey was a poisonous spirit. A pint was sufficient to kill some persons, but upon others it would not have the same effect. - Dr Foster said he saw two other men beside the deceased who were the worse for drink. One was very bad, being quite insensible, but the other Kinroe was not so bad, although he was very drunk. He did not order anything to be done to the deceased, for when he saw him he was too far gone to be restored t life, and he therefore turned his attention to the other man, and did all he could to save his life. - At this stage of the proceedings the Coroner told the captain that he thought Corporal Mitchell could tell them more about the matter than they had already learnt. - The captain, however, disagreed with Mr Bone, his opinion being that the robbery was committed in the middle watch. He had not the slightest doubt that Kinroe knew the whole facts, and he believed if he liked he could tell the Jury who took the whiskey and also when it was taken. - The next witness called was Edward Page, private, R.M., serving on board H.M.S. hero, who said he was sentry from four to eight o'clock on the morning of Friday last at the after cock-pit, but he did not see anything unusual going on in the store-room during his watch. - The Coroner here told the Jury that as the matter stood they had really elicited nothing as to the manner in which the deceased came by his death, and he believed that if they were to call the whole of the marines before them that were on board the ship at the time they would learn very little more. However, they had these facts before them - that 15 bottles of whiskey were stolen, that two other men were perfectly insensible from the effects of spirit, and in addition, they had the doctor's evidence, so that upon that, they must form their verdict. He had not the slightest doubt in his own mind but that the deceased came by his death through excessive drinking, and he thought that must be the verdict at which the Jury would arrive. - The Foreman of the Jury thought it would be well for them to bring in an Open Verdict, but after the Coroner had stated that it would be better to have something more definite, the Jury unanimously returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased, JAMES MUGG, was found dead on board H.M.S. Hero, in the Keyham Yard, in the borough of Devonport on the 1st day of February, and that there is ground to believe that the said deceased died from the effects of drinking an excessive amount of whiskey, although there is not sufficient evidence of the fact."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 February 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Late Fatal Accident At Stonehouse. - Shortly before 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, Mr A. B. Bone, junior, the Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, assembled at the Red Lion public house, Chapel-street, Stonehouse, touching the death of ALFRED JOHN FRIEND, aged 11. The deceased was the son of MR JOHN FRIEND, coal merchant, and on Tuesday afternoon last he was playing with other boys in Quarry-street, when one of his companions took his cap away from him, and threw it into the air. Just at the moment, a mud cart was coming along and the cap falling upon the eyes of the horse that was drawing it, the animal was so frightened that he immediately bolted off, although the driver, Harvey, did all in his power to stop him. The poor little boy did not see the cart; for, as he was running backwards, he came against the off wheel, and was forced to the ground, the wheel injuring his hip and loins. Mr Hanaford, a builder, and others, immediately ran to the little sufferer's assistance, and he did not then appear much injured; for, as Mr Hanaford was carrying him in his arms, he requested to be put upon his legs, and allowed to walk home, which he did. He gradually became worse, however, and died on Friday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident In Keyham Yard. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., junr., Deputy Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN SAUNDERS. The deceased was a seaman belonging to H.M.S. Hero, now lying in Keyham Yard, and on Saturday afternoon last he was engaged with other seamen working on board the ship - which lay in dry dock - and had a spar handed to him whilst he was in the rigging which was too heavy for him, and caused him to lose his balance and fall over the side of the ship to the dock - a distance of about 60 feet. Assistance was immediately given to the poor fellow, but death must have been instantaneous, - the base of the skull being much injured. Evidence of these facts having been taken, a verdict in accordance with them was returned. At the request of the Jury, the Coroner undertook to forward to the Admiral the recommendation of the Jury that a splinter netting of ropes be provided at the dock for the purpose of being made fast from the sides of the dock to the sides of a ship, so that in case of any person falling overboard they might be saved in the netting. Capt. Ryder, of the Hero, who was present during the Inquiry, said the deceased bore a good character in the service, and was just at the time of his death about to receive his rating.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 February 1861
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Revenue Inn, Tavistock-street, Plymouth, on Saturday last, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, touching the death of JAMES JENKINS. - The Jury having proceeded to view the body of the deceased, the first witness, ELIZABETH JENKINS, daughter of the deceased, was called. She stated that her father had lived at No. 12 Park-street, and was employed to drive a donkey chaise by Mr Crocker. His age was 45, last January, and for some months past he had complained of suffering from faintness; about two years since he was taken in a fainting fit, when he remained insensible for ten minutes. On Friday night he had his tea between five and six, but did not take any supper, and went out a few minutes after twelve, for the purpose of getting the chaise from the stables, in Clarence-street, as he was engaged to call for a lady, in Alfred-street, at half-past one, on Saturday morning. He said, when he went out, that he should be home about half-past two. - John Ellis, a cab driver, stated that he resided at the Wembury Inn, in Wembury-street, and had known the deceased for many years. On Saturday morning he had to go to a gentleman's house in the North-road, to take up some ladies, and having driven to one or two places, he was driving up Lockyer-street with Miss Rogers, the last fare, at about twenty minutes before three, when just opposite Windsor-terrace he saw the deceased lying between the wheels of the chaise which was standing in the road. He got off his box and removed the deceased from between the wheels, when he found that he was dead. The lady witness was driving home was very much shocked, but she would not leave the body of the deceased by itself, and stood by its side until witness returned with a policeman. In the meantime he went for the constable, and found P.C. Cann in George-street, and after driving to the Station and giving notice of what had occurred, Mr Stephens, the surgeon, was called. On examining the body the doctor said life was quite extinct, and told them to take the deceased home, which was done, the body being placed in the donkey chaise. Witness had never seen the deceased the worse for liquor, and thought he must have been taken faint, or in a fit, and fallen from the driving box, for the leather of the apron in front had been torn, as if by the weight of the body falling. There were no marks of a struggle, nor was the ground near the spot where the body lay scratched. - P.C. Thomas Cann having given confirmatory testimony, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the Deceased died by the "Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 February 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Millbay Pier. - An Inquest was held at four o'clock yesterday afternoon before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Guildhall, to Inquire into the cause of death of ARTHUR ADAMS, who died on Sunday morning from the effects of injuries at Millbay Pier on Friday evening. - Richard Morris, of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, deposed to the deceased having been brought into that institution about a quarter to twelve o'clock on Friday night. His left leg was torn off below the ankle, and he died about twenty minutes after five on Sunday morning. - Thomas Watts, a waterman, residing at No. 11 Prospect-row, Millbay, testified that he had known the deceased as an ordinary seaman attached to the steamship Melvina, the property of the Waterford Steamship Company. The Melvina arrived at Millbay about ten o'clock on Friday evening. It formed a part of deceased's duty to proceed to the steamer and bring a hawser on shore, to enable her being brought alongside the pontoon. The hawser having been fastened ashore, he saw it soon after surge, and heard a cry proceeding from the ship. The captain told him a young man had had his foot taken off by a hawser, whereupon he hastened for Dr Whipple, who was soon after in attendance. He was 17 years of age, and his place of abode was 160 Nelson-street, Belfast. The steamer was bound from London to Waterford, touching at Plymouth for goods and passengers. - Mr Henry John Waring said he was the agent of this company at Plymouth. He explained what he believed to be the cause of the accident, viz., a hawser was flung from the vessel to the shore, and lay in coils about the deck. The night was very dark and the young man, who was intent on paying out the hawser, must have placed one of his feet within a coil of rope. A sudden surging of the hawser drew his foot between the bit head and the coil in which it was entangled, whereby it was cut off and he had since died from exhaustion. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 February 1861
HARBERTON - Harbertonford. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Maltsters' Arms Inn, Harbertonford, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., the District Coroner, on the body of the man LAKE who was found burnt to death on a lime kiln, under the circumstances stated in yesterday's paper. After hearing the evidence, the Jury, of which Mr Richard Hoppin, of Wood Court, was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Found Dead on a Lime Kiln."

Western Morning News, Monday 18 February 1861
PLYMOUTH - Awful Death From Destitution. - It is not more than two months since we had to report the death of an old man in Lower-lane from starvation, and it is now our painful duty to record a case that has occurred in the same neighbourhood, even under more revolting circumstances. The deceased in this case is an old man named JOHN BENNETT, of about 70 years of age, who resided at No. 14 Lower-lane, and who came by his death under the circumstances as described below. An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Guildhall before J. Edmonds, Esq., and a very respectable Jury, of which Mr Taylor was Foreman. After the Jury had been sworn, the Coroner addressed them as follows. - They had met together (he said) to Inquire into the cause of death of a poor old man, named JOHN BENNETT, who resided in that horrid place, Lower-lane. He was glad the gentlemen of the Press were present, because he liked publicity being given to cases of this kind, and because he trusted it would be a benefit to the town, and would save life in future. Deceased had been receiving three shillings per week from the parish of St. Andrew's. The story was that he was a man of very peculiar habits, that he liked to lock himself indoors, and would not see anybody. Against that they would have to put this fact, that in this town there were Guardians of the Poor and persons appointed to look after the poor; there was also a great benevolence in the town, as large as could be found in any other place, and therefore he was ashamed, as a Plymouth man, to find this case as reported to him, for it appeared that the man died from destitution. (Hear.) On Thursday he was heard in his room groaning, but still no assistance was rendered him. On Friday it was suspected he was dead, and upon the door of his room being broken open, the body of this poor unfortunate man - a fellow creature, a brother to them all - was stretched out on the floor, naked, dirty, and in a state of the greatest destitution. There was a part of a loaf near him, but he had no bedding, no coals, nor yet any wood, and that poor creature must have found himself dying from exhaustion, dying in that horrid state in the centre of this large town. The house itself was a most fearful hovel. There was a privy there in which the soil was five feet deep, which was contrary to the rules and regulations of the town. It was not only used by the inhabitants of that house, but served for the whole neighbourhood. They had to deal with the case as they found it, but he would tell the Jury that it did seem very remarkable to him that this man should not have been missed either by the guardians of the town, the relieving officers, or some other persons. They had very charitable institutions, and persons who went about visiting the poor, and he must say that if he had been a visitor, instead of a subscriber to those institutions, he should, the moment he found the deceased's door locked, have had it broken open, and thus perhaps his life might have been spared. But there did not seem to have been any attempt made to rescue the poor fellow. Now, so far as the law went, there was no one who could be made criminally guilty on this account, although he might be morally. The guardians of the poor and those who administer the money raised in that town ought to have made some inquiries about this man, but nothing of the sort was done, and the poor creature was allowed to die half starved. Their first duty would be to view the body, and although it would be a most painful duty and disgusting sight, it must be done. They would afterwards return to the Guildhall again, when one or two witnesses would be examined; after which the Jury would have to arrive at a verdict, but he feared their verdict must be that the man died from want, and that he wanted very much indeed. - The Foreman of the Jury hoped the reporters of the press would show these facts up to the Local Board of Health, to which one of them replied that they intended to visit the house, so as to be able to comment upon it themselves. - The Jury then repaired to the room in which the deceased lay, and upon arriving at the spot the scene that presented itself to the eye is really beyond description, and it is impossible in the strongest language to give anything like an adequate idea of it. The room is about 12 feet by 6, and is so low that a person could easily touch the ceiling with his hand. There was not the slightest sign of an article of furniture in the place, and had we not seen the poor creature stretched out in one corner of the room, we should never have believed it was inhabited by a human being. Around the room were a number of large broken pans containing some soup, which we were told the deceased had had given him, but what seemed to us to be unfit even for the use of pigs. Upon a window ledge were some bits of meat that had apparently been there some weeks, and a few other fragments of food. In one corner of the room was a heap of rags, upon which he lay, we had almost said a human being, but what can better be described as a mass of corruption. This was the body, or rather the skeleton of the deceased. His head was tied around with two handkerchiefs, one under his chin, and the other about his forehead. He had no shirt on, and over his body was thrown an old sack, thick with dirt; near his head was a hat containing a quantity of old bread, several small bottles, and three or four short clay pipes. His breasts were perfectly bare, and were literally covered with hundreds of maggots, and the rags upon which the poor fellow's limbs reposed were infested with vermin. It was a sickening and revolting sight, and it was almost more than the Jury could do to stand and look at the body. The stench in the room, as might easily be imagined, was almost sufficient to kill one, and the Jury, before proceeding to view the back part of the premises, were compelled to go into the lane in order to inhale a little "fresh" air. The privy was next examined by some of the Jury, but the effluvia from the place was so great that some of them positively refused to visit it. The cover of the close, which is about three feet long, was taken off, and the soil was heaped up about half a foot above the seat, in fact it was running down upon the flooring beneath. It is really a wonder how people can exist in such a place, and unless some steps be immediately taken, we shall not be surprised to find that in the coming summer we shall be visited by cholera or some other awful epidemic; for we were assured that the spectacle we had just witnessed was such as could be seen in many of the houses in that and the adjoining lanes. After remaining there about ten minutes, the Jury returned again to the Guildhall, when the examination of the witnesses was proceeded with. - Grace Rolling on being called said: I am a widow residing at No. 14 Lower-lane. The deceased came to live in the same house about eight or nine months since. My room is right opposite his in the same passage. From what I have seen, I believe the deceased is a sailmaker by trade. I should think he was about 70 years of age. He was a very distant man, and always kept his door locked, so as to prevent any person entering his room. He received 3s. per week from the parish of St. Andrew's, and paid one shilling a week for the use of the room. His landlady is called Mrs Willcocks, and she lives, I believe, in No. 11, Clarence-street. Six families altogether live in the house, which contains eight rooms, two of which are very small indeed. There is a privy to the house, which is used by the inhabitants of three houses, besides the one in which I live. The privy is now quite full, and has been so for the last week. The deceased scarcely ever got up until the evening, but whenever he went out he always locked his room door, and I do not think any person has ever entered it, neither do I believe the deceased has washed it out since he occupied it. I cannot tell whether the deceased locked his door from shame. I have never seen any fire in the room, and have frequently warmed coffee for him. I advised him to go into the workhouse, but he told me he had had enough of it - he did not like it. He used frequently to complain of cold during the winter, and was nearly always shaking violently during the late severe weather. On Wednesday evening the deceased went out and fetched home some broth in a little pitcher which he very often had given him, and on his return he knocked at my door and asked for a light, and after I had given him one he wished me good night, went to his room, and then locked the door. He was looking very ill at the time, and I thought he was dying. On Thursday morning between eight and nine o'clock, when I was sitting down to breakfast I heard deceased in his room groaning very heavily. I did not go to him, but waited until the evening to see whether or not he would come out. However, he did not leave his room, and as I did not hear him the next morning I became uneasy, and in the evening about seven o'clock told one of my neighbours I thought the old man was dead, and at my request a policeman was sent for. My son, John Rolling, then forced open the door in the presence of P.C. Romia, and the deceased was then found dead. The deceased had suffered for some time past from a cold. He had no bed to lay on, - nothing but a bundle of rags, which was running away with vermin. - By the Foreman: A woman named Williams used to take the deceased's money from the Overseers of the poor on Thursdays, but last Thursday the deceased did not call upon her for it. I have known the deceased stay up for an hour of a night stuffing rags in the crevices in the walls of his room, and when I have asked him sometimes what he has been hammering about, he has told me he was caulking up the holes, for it was so cold he could not sleep in the room. The landlady had promised to have a new pan put in the privy during the present quarter. She never used to visit the house herself. - The Coroner here told Mr Rowley, one of the sanitary inspectors, who was present, that no human being ought ever to enter the deceased's room for at least a month to come. - Mr Rowling told the Coroner he would, as soon as the deceased was buried, have some chloride of lime sprinkled about the room for the preservation of the health of the other tenants. He assured the Coroner that a new pan was put to the privy only a short time since, but unfortunately it had been broken, and the privy had only been in its present state for about a week. The privy always used to be kept clean by an old man who lived in the house, but it had lately been neglected on account of his having gone into the Workhouse. - Mrs Rolling, in answer to the Jury, said she could not tell whether the bottles found in the deceased's room were physic bottles, neither could she tell whether or not the deceased had received any medical attendance. - John Rolling, a seaman lately belonging to H.M.S. Royal Albert, the son of the last witness, deposed to having broken open the door of the deceased's room, when he found the deceased lying upon a bundle of rags without any covering over him. He had no shirt on but wore a waistcoat and a pair of trousers. His breasts were bare and were literally covered with vermin. His head was tied up with two handkerchiefs, one being under his chin, and the other around his forehead. The room was stuffed up in different parts with rags, and the key hole and latch hole were also stopped up. He saw human excrement about the floor, and in one corner in a broken pan was some soup. There was no chair or table in the room, and the place was totally destitute of every comfort. He had frequently seen the deceased bring home soup in a pitcher, but he could not tell where he got it from. There were no coals nor wood in the room, but in the deceased's hat was a lot of bread. He frequently offered to sell his mother some bits of raw meat, but she refused to purchase it, and would very often cook it for him instead. - By the Jury: His mother gave 2s. per week for her two rooms. - P.C. Romia corroborated the evidence of the last witness respecting the state of the room, and the condition the deceased was in when discovered. - The examination of the witnesses being concluded, the Coroner again briefly addressed the Jury. He said it did not appear from the evidence that the deceased died from starvation, but rather by destitution, caused by a want of bedding, clothing and warmth. He was borne out in this opinion from the fact that some bread was found in the house, as well as a little meat. He would now ask the Jury to consider their verdict, and whatever it might be he would take it. - A Juryman here asked the Coroner whether he could tell him if it was customary for relief to the poor to pass through the hands of a second party. - The Coroner replied that such a thing very often occurred. - The same Juryman said it occurred to him that if an individual was unable to call at the relieving office for his money, it was the duty of the relieving officer to see into such cases. He had no doubt that money was not so much an object to the deceased as good bed and clothing would have been. - The Jury then consulted together for a short time, when the Foreman, addressing the Coroner said the verdict they had arrived at was, "That the man died from the want of the ordinary necessaries and comforts which this life required; but at the same there was not sufficient evidence before them to warrant their passing a vote of censure upon any person." - The Coroner: You think the deceased died from exhaustion by the want of bedding and other comforts? - The Foreman: Just so. - One of the Jurors here asked the Coroner to make some remarks about the sate the premises were in. - The Coroner, in complying with this request, told Mr Rowley he considered the privy ought not to be in its present state, and he thought one privy was not sufficient for four houses - indeed, not more than sufficient for more than the tenants of one house, and there ought to be more than one supply of water. He must request him, on behalf of himself and Jury, early on Monday morning to have the privy cleansed out; and if he had much difficulty in getting a new pan put to it and a little supply of water brought in, he had better go to Mr Eastlake, and have proceedings taken against the owner of the premises. With regard to the house itself, it would require to be whitewashed throughout and the plastering must also be attended to. - Mr Rowley assured the Coroner and Jury that it was only a week ago the place was thoroughly cleaned, and if anybody had called at his office to make any complaints, the matter would have been seen into at once. It could not be expected that in such a large town as Plymouth he could visit every house, for it was more than he could possibly do. - The Coroner said that, seeing the very high rates paid by the inhabitants of the town, if one or two men could not perform those duties, twenty ought to be employed. - Mr Rowley said he was always on the alert, and was not in his office an hour a day. - The Coroner: This is the second case of this kind that has occurred in this neighbourhood within two months. - The following was the verdict as recorded by the Coroner:- "That the deceased, JOHN BENNETT, was found dead on the 15th February 1861, and that he apparently died from cold and exhaustion, caused by want of clothing, bed, bedding and warmth."

Western Morning News, Friday 22 February 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Late Fatal Accident On board H.M.S. Implacable. - An Inquest was holden at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, High-street, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the County of Devon, on view of the body of THOMAS JAMES HOWE, who it will be remembered lost his life from the effects of an accident, on Monday last, on board H.M.S. Implacable. The evidence adduced was to the effect that the deceased, who was a second-class boy on board the ship already named, was, on Monday afternoon, engaged in putting the grating on the hatchway. Two parts of the three, into which it is divided, were put on, and deceased and a youngster, named Symons, were putting on the last piece, when Symons, at the request of the deceased, drew the grating towards him, and deceased missed his hold, and on trying t regain it, he over-balanced himself, and as he fell, he grasped the grating, and fell down the hold, a depth of some 24 feet, carrying the piece of grating, which was two feet wide and six or seven feet long, with him. The grating fell on him, he was taken up senseless, conveyed to the sick bay, and from thence to the Royal Naval Hospital. The blood was dropping from his mouth when he was picked up; this continued until he died. He was insensible from the time of the fall, and his breathing was attended with snoring. he had been about three months on board the ship at the time of the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 25 February 1861
TORQUAY - Coroner's Inquest At Torquay. - On Saturday, an Inquest was held on the body of HANNAH SMITH, the unfortunate young woman who was killed from the falling in of a high chimney, at Falkland Villa, during the hurricane on Thursday last, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, in the Board Room at the Infirmary. - The Jury having been sworn and seen the body, Edward Sidgreaves was examined, who, on being sworn said: I am a gentleman. Deceased was a cook in my establishment. I live at Falkland Villa, a detached house, belonging to a Mr Bartlett, who resides in London. The deceased was in the kitchen, on the ground, without any room over it. In the afternoon of Thursday last, there was a heavy gale of wind; and, on hearing an alarm, raised by the housemaid, I immediately proceeded to the kitchen, where I found that a chimney had blown down and fallen completely through the roof, deceased being on her face underneath a solid mass of brickwork, which I afterwards measured, and found to be 3ft. 4in. wide, 20 in. in depth, and 2ft 6in. in height. I immediately called assistance and she was taken out and Mr Stable, surgeon sent for, who advised her immediate removal to the Infirmary, which was done. The chimney was from 15 to 20ft. high. About three months since a chimney sweep, named Downs, reported that the chimney was insecure, and I put myself in communication with the owner, who, I believe, wrote to Mr Pook, who was acting as agent, to have the chimney examined by a competent person and do what was necessary; but nothing was done beyond a chimney pot being placed on the top in order to cure it of smoking. - Rachel Matthews said: I am a domestic servant in Mr Sidgreave's establishment. Deceased was cook in the same house. On Thursday last we were sitting in the kitchen at our sewing, and about ten minutes before the accident we heard a noise as of some loose stuff falling and became alarmed, but continued our work, and shortly after we heard another noise, and I jumped up, and, in endeavouring to escape from the kitchen, something struck me in the back and knocked me down. On scrambling out I looked for my fellow-servant, but could not find her, in consequence of the mass of brickwork on the floor. About three months since a chimney-sweep, named Down, who is also a mason, said, when called to sweep the chimney, it was unsafe, and would be blown down before the winter was over. Deceased was taken into the butler's pantry. No repairs were done to the chimney after the sweep stated that it was unsafe, beyond a new chimney pot to cure it from smoking - William Godwin Coombs said: I am house surgeon. Deceased was brought to the Infirmary about ten minutes past five in the afternoon of last Thursday. She was taken upstairs to one of the wards, and I found she was quite insensible, and suffering from a fracture oat the base of the skull, right arm broken, two severe lacerated wounds of the scalp, and temple, two ribs broken, also injuries to the nose and two toes cut off. She never spoke or rallied. We attempted to give her some stimulants, but she had lost all power of swallowing. The injuries she received were quite sufficient to cause death. She died in 40 minutes after being admitted. - At this stage of the Inquiry the sergeant of police stated that he had no more witnesses. - A discussion then ensued between the Jury and the Coroner as to the advisability of calling "Down," the sweep and also Mr Pook, who, it had been shown, had authority to do what was necessary to the chimney. The Coroner could not see that there was any necessity, but nevertheless, if the Jury wished, they should be sent for. - Several of the Jury having desired to hear their version, the sergeant was despatched in search of him, and after waiting a considerable time Mr Down arrived. He was not sworn, and made the following statement - About three months since I was called to sweep a chimney at Falkland Villa, and having occasion to get to the top of the chimney I found that the bricks (which were soft bricks) and mortar were crumbling away; there were holes that I could put my hand in, caused by the action of the frost on the bricks. I told the gentleman in the house that the chimney was unsafe, and I also told Mr Pook, who I understood was the agent. - Mr Pook said he and Mr Powell had examined the chimney, and did not consider that it was in an unsafe condition. - This being the whole of the evidence, the Coroner summed up, stating that it appeared to be entirely an accident, caused by the recent heavy gales, and that no one was the blame. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was therefore returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Plymouth Coroner, on the body of a lad named DANIEL JAMES, aged 16 years, an apprentice to a trawler. He went on shore in a boat on Thursday, and was not seen alive afterwards. It is supposed he fell over while trundling a mop, and was drowned. The verdict was in accordance with these facts.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 February 1861
EXETER - Mysterious Death Of An Infant At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Greyhound Inn, Paris-street, on Monday evening, at six o'clock, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of WM. FREDERICK RIDD, aged seven weeks, residing with his parents, at 92 Paris-street. On Thursday last, the 21st the deceased was observed to have a slight cold, accompanied with a cough, which continued up to Saturday, when a lozenge, purchased at the shop of Mr Palk, chemist and druggist, of Sidwell-street, was given to the child by its mother, the remainder of which was produced. After partaking of a portion of the lozenge, deceased was laid down on the sofa, apparently asleep, and shortly after an alteration was observed in him much for the worse. A neighbour was called, who at once laced his feet in a warm bath, and recommended medical aid to be sent for. On Mr Palk being sent for at the Inquest, he said he could give no idea of the component parts of the lozenge in question, as they were not manufactured by him, although marked with his name, but by a man named Budge, of Crediton. The medical evidence was to the effect that the child was dead before assistance arrived, and on viewing the body no marks of external violence wee visible, but deceased appeared perfectly calm and placid, as if in deep sleep, and could give no opinion as to the cause of death without a knowledge of what the lozenges were composed. It was considered necessary in the absence of further proof to adjourn the Inquest till this day (Tuesday) at six o'clock, and in the meantime the Coroner was requested to summon the man Budge to give evidence as to what the lozenges were composed of.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 March 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - The Accidental Burning Of A Child. - An Inquest was holden yesterday afternoon before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the borough of Devonport, at the Guildhall, on the body of SARAH ELIZABETH CHURCH, the daughter of Sergeant CHURCH, of the Royal Artillery, who died in consequence of her clothes taking fire. In the temporary absence of her mother the deceased, who was three years old, caught her clothes on fire. This was yesterday week, but the poor child did not die until Friday. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 8 March 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At The Devonport Foundry. The Inquest On The Body. - The Inquest on the body of the unfortunate child TREGELGIS, who was killed amongst the ruins of the Devonport Foundry, on Tuesday evening, commenced at the Guildhall, Devonport, yesterday, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a very respectable Jury, who having been sworn proceeded to view the body, after which they went to the scene of the accident, which presents as complete a picture of devastation as can be well imagined. The "wreckers" have reduced the whole pile of buildings to a heap of rubbish, so that it is almost impossible to tell what form of building stood upon the ground - The following witnesses were called:- MRS TREGELGIS, mother of the deceased, who resided at 65 James-street, Devonport; Richard Jeffery, a tinman, living at 2, Duke-street, Devonport; T. TREGELGIS, father of deceased; W. Swift, tailor of James-street, Devonport; Mr W. E. Bartlett, town surveyor for Devonport; and Mr R. N. Worth, of the Devonport Telegraph. Although the Enquiry lasted nearly five hours, the facts representing the cause of death were few and simple. The poor boy, who was in his eighth year, was in the habit of going to meet his father every evening at the time of his leaving the Dockyard, in which he worked. He left his home about twenty minutes past five on the night of the accident for this purpose, but, unfortunately for him, instead of proceeding as was his wont to meet his parent, he stayed playing or searching about the ruins of the foundry, though not, it would appear, for the purpose of carrying away any of the wood-work, or other property, but merely as a childish act of curiosity. Amongst the ruins, and situated near the pavement, there remained standing a chimney (which formed part of two, the other having shared in the general demolition of the premises), which was described as about 40 feet high. Although it was not positively affirmed, yet the presumption was that this chimney must have been either undermined or rendered very loose through the attacks which had been going on, and one witness (Mr Worthy) himself saw some children throwing stones at it, and endeavouring with a piece of rope to get a projecting piece of wood from it as late as five o'clock on the Tuesday afternoon. Within about two feet of this chimney THOMAS TREGELGIS (the deceased) and James Lowe, the other lad who was seriously injured, but who is not dead as stated, were seen at the moment that the mass of bricks and slatework fell. They were walking away in the direction of the street, in which, indeed, they actually were, when they were buried beneath the debris which fell around. Prompt assistance was at once rendered, but TREGELGIS when taken out was quite dead. Thomas Hawk, who pulled him out from under about 14 inches of earth &c., stated that the poor boy was lying on his breast, with his head turned round, his left arm dislocated, his jaw broken, and his head otherwise severely injured. His opinion was that his neck was broken. It was also stated that both legs of the deceased were broken. The body, being identified, was at once taken to the house of the parents. The various witnesses were subject to a very long examination by Coroner and Jury, with the endeavour to find out all possible particulars as to the destruction of the foundry, how long it had been going on, and the parties who principally assisted in the laudable undertaking of carrying away what did not belong to them, and in some cases displaying the cool impudence of actually selling cartloads of different materials at so much per load. The evidence upon this point, however, differed but very little from the facts which have already appeared in the Western Morning News respecting the extraordinary looting of this foundry - as strange a display, perhaps, of popular notions of right and equity as has been displayed in either of the three towns for some years. - During the examination of Mr Bartlett, surveyor, Devonport, the Coroner questioned him as to his knowledge of the parties to whom the foundry belonged, but this gentleman disclaimed any actual or personal acquaintance with them. Have you, said the Coroner, made any application to any person on the premises, whom you suppose to have an interest in the property? - No, sir. - Whose building is this? - I don't know. Have you made any Inquiry - of any other person? - I have heard many reports about its belonging to the Bank, or to Mr Sparrow. - A Juryman: What is your duty on such occasions? Is it to inform persons of the danger of such and such a building? - If I see any apprehension of danger to the public in the streets. - The Coroner: Somebody must be owner of this building? - A.- I was told Mr Sparrow was, but I don't know. - A Juryman: When you see any person removing a portion of a building, and you think it dangerous, what do you do? - Endeavour to find the owner. - Did you? - I did. - The Coroner: Why? - Because the chief of police had given me this information. Then you knew the owner? - I only heard of Mr Sparrow. - Mr Frost: Supposing another building was in danger, and you could not find the owner, what would you do? - I have no power at all. Not for the protection of the public? - Not in such a case as this; if I saw any portion of your house was dangerous to the public I should come to you. But in case you could not find the owner have you no right to protect the public? - The Coroner: There must be an owner, Mr Frost. It should be here explained that although Mr Bartlett did not know the owner, yet he took upon himself the responsibility, although he had no strict legal authority, to have part of the walls, &c., taken down in consequence of their being very dangerous to the reckless persons who scrambled for the "prizes." Upon this humane proceeding the Coroner highly complimented Mr Bartlett, who he thought had acted most judiciously and considerately. From other conversation which passed, it appeared that Messrs. Hodge and Co., bankers, held a mortgage upon the premises, and the man Sparrow denied all ownership of the property in question. he had been sent for to answer the question, as it had been stated by Mr Bartlett as one of the current reports that he had purchased certain interest in it for £5! - The Coroner, in some remarks to the Jury upon the question before them, and particularly with regard to the responsibility and ownership, said if any person should do a negligent act which should result in the death of anybody, such a person would be guilty of manslaughter. Even acts of omission on certain occasions amounted to the same. But with respect to acts of omission the Judges had said that it was a very difficult matter to make out a charge of felony, which manslaughter was. To prove this it must be shown that the act of omission was immediately connected with the cause of death. About ten years ago a case was brought before the Court of Queen's Bench, in which certain trustees of a turnpike road were under an obligation to repair the road. But it got so out of order that an individual passing over part of it received such injuries as to cause death, and a coroner's Jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against certain individuals who had contracted to repair the road, but who had neglected or omitted to do so. But the judge said that a verdict of manslaughter could not lie, and the verdict was quashed, on the ground that no immediate act of omission of the repairing of the road was the death of the person. There was an Act of Parliament which was passed some time ago authorising the legal representatives of any person who had received injuries occasioning death, to bring an action against the person who had occasioned the death, and make them liable for damages. But then the principles which governed the civil courts and that which had to guide them in the criminal courts, were different. The question which they would have to decide was, whether this chimney was manifestly in such a dangerous state as to be likely to fall upon the public street to the injury of any individual; and next, whether any person was in such a legal position with respect to this chimney as to make him answerable for its fall. But here there was no one on the spot who was answerable. They had some difficulty in finding out whether any person had charge of the place in question or not; and supposing they found out who was the actual owner - which they might presently - why, even then, it was necessary to consider whether any omission on his part caused the fall of the chimney, or whether it did not arise from the unauthorised and illegal proceedings by others. If it was so, he felt confident that the evidence would not make a person having charge of the chimney chargeable with manslaughter. The moral responsibility was another thing - the permitting the building to get into such a state of decay. After further remarks, the Coroner observed that with respect to this, they had the evidence of Mr Bartlett, who was himself acquainted with building, that on Tuesday afternoon he did not entertain any apprehension of danger from this chimney. (It had been stated by some of the witnesses that the chimney was a good deal out of perpendicular, and that if a wind had arisen it must have been blown down.) He (the Coroner) had no doubt that if Mr Bartlett had thought it dangerous he would have caused it to be pulled down. - Mr Bartlett, warmly - Yes, indeed. - Mr Sparrow said that he had nothing to do with the ownership of the foundry and that the bank had. - The Coroner then adjourned the further hearing of the case until Tuesday at two o'clock. The Foreman said that the Jury would not pre-judge the matter.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 March 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, yesterday, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of ROBERT HERBERT, whose death was occasioned under the following circumstances:- The deceased was a military pensioner, about 57 years of age, resided at 59 Southside-street, and was employed as a labourer in the brewery of Messrs. King and Company, Notte-street, in which capacity he has been engaged for about two years. On Thursday afternoon, he was proceeding over a number of huge vats, and had reached the last, when in stepping from the vat to the loft, he missed his footing, and fell to the floor beneath, a depth of 20 feet 6 inches. He was insensible when found, and bleeding from the ears. The unfortunate man was conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where it was discovered that his skull was fractured. He was attended to by Mr Eccles, surgeon, but he died about half-past four on the following morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 March 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest At Devonport. An Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for Devonport, on the body of an old man named DENNIS MAHONEY, but who was also known as "Prince Albert!" It had been rumoured in the neighbourhood that the deceased had died from the effects of starvation, which caused a rather unusual amount of interest to be felt in the case. The following witnesses were called - Edward Brown, of 57 Mount-street; Wm. Colley, police-constable, Devonport; Mrs Webber, female searcher at the Guildhall; CATHERINE MAHONEY (a poor wretched looking old woman) widow of the deceased; Harriet Adams, 37 Monmouth-street, and Mr De la Rue, surgeon. From their statements it appeared that on Saturday afternoon the old man, who was aged 60, and gained his livelihood by going about the streets picking up rags and bones, was found lying on the pavement, near Prospect-place. It being evident that he was very ill, assistance was procured and he was taken to the Devonport Police Station, where his case at once met with every attention. Mr De la Rue was sent for, and the following is that gentleman's evidence respecting him: - When I saw him he was quite insensible, his face and hands cold, pulse feeble and irregular, eyelids drooping, the pupil of one eye being dilated and the other closed, breathing of a snoring and puffing character. Witness spoke to him several times, but the patient was quite unconscious. He communicated with the superintendent and Mr Chapple, the relieving officer, as he did not deem it right for him to be removed to the Workhouse on account of his dangerous condition, the man being evidently dying. Had him at once removed into one of the cells, and placed on a bed. He was supplied with medical and other comforts, mustard poultices and warm water being applied to his feet and legs. Last saw him alive between six and seven o'clock on Saturday night, when his breathing was heavy and irregular. His pulse never improved, nor was heat restored to his body. He gradually sunk from the time he was brought to the station, where he received every proper care and attention. Had since seen the body, upon which there were no marks of violence. He had on warm clothes. Believed the cause of death to have been natural apoplexy. - By the Coroner: The body was not emaciated, but it appeared fleshy and in good condition - very much so for a man of that age. His stooping occupation (rag picking) might have brought on the attack. From the smell of his breath he appeared perfectly sober. The Coroner: He certainly did not die from a want of any of the necessaries of life, but his death was as you say. Mr De la Rue: Yes, from apoplexy. The Jury at once returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence, viz., "Death from Natural Causes." - The probable cause of the rumour that the deceased had died from want might have arisen from facts given in evidence at the Inquest by the widow (wow as accompanied by a troop of Irish acquaintances), who said that she and her husband had lived in Gay's-court, King-street, Plymouth, for the last 16 years. The earnings of herself and husband only amounted to 2s., 2s. 6d., 3s., and 3s. 6d. a week. Upon that they had to live. [Our readers will doubtless suppose that a ragpicker occasionally obtained charity.] She had never formally applied for parochial assistance, "but about three weeks ago she saw Mr Pardon, the relieving officer, come out of a neighbour's, and she then said - Mr Pardon, it is time for you to give me a loaf of bread," but he made no answer and walked on. - Upon this the Coroner remarked that the Irish were in a great measure kept from asking for parish assistance in consequence of their being then liable to be sent back to their own country, which they didn't like so well as this. - The conclusion of the case appeared to be satisfactory to those assembled, there being nothing to bear out the supposition that the deceased had died from neglect or want of food.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 March 1861
EXETER - On Wednesday morning an Inquest was held at the "Sun Inn," Sun-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of a little boy named CHURCHILL, aged five years, whose parents resided in Sun-street. From the evidence deposed to, the deceased had always been a sickly child, and on Saturday morning was taken ill. Medical assistance was immediately sent for, but before the arrival of the surgeon (Mr S. Perkins) the child was a corpse. It also transpired, that although five years old, it had not cut any of its teeth. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 1 April 1861
ASHBURTON - An Inquest was held on Saturday last by W. A. Cockey, Esq., on the body of JOHN HAMLYN, the poor man who was killed whilst engaged in breaking in a colt for his master, Mr Rowell, of Ilsington. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TEIGNMOUTH - The Late Fatal Accident At Newton Station. - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth on Saturday on the body of the unfortunate man who died from the effects of injuries sustained by falling between the carriages and the platform at the Newton Railway station, on Thursday evening, as reported in Saturday's paper. It will be remembered that the injured man was removed to Teignmouth to be placed in the Dispensary, but the injuries were so severe that he did not survive more than 30 minutes after the accident. The Inquest was held by Mr Cockey. Mr Frederick Symons, wine and spirit merchant of London, deposed that he recognised the body as that of SAMUEL POLACK, who was formerly a tailor and draper, but who had retired from business and had resided at 45 Crompton Crescent, London. Deceased lived with his family, and had a son who was not steady, and had made up his mind to send him to Australia, and he came down to Plymouth for the purpose of seeing his son off. He thought deceased went to Plymouth on Tuesday, and witness had seen him on the Sunday previous. Deceased's daughter had told him of the accident at Newton, and he had come down in consequence. The deceased was a stout man of from 54 to 56 years of age, and he was of very steady habits and never drank to excess. He was very healthy and habitually cautious. The Inquest was adjourned until 11.30 today. The deceased was an Israelite, and, as it is the custom with the Jews to watch a deceased body day and night until the burial, some of his friends have come down from London for that purpose.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 April 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of A Tradesman At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at the Three Towns Inn, Catherine-street, Devonport, yesterday, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of MR THOMAS STETTIFORD, baker, Dockwall-street, Devonport, who committed suicide by hanging himself on Saturday morning, as was stated in yesterday's Western Morning News. The evidence now adduced was in confirmation of the facts then stated. After hearing the witnesses, from whose testimony it appeared that the wretched man's circumstances were rather embarrassed, that he was given to drink, and that about two years since he attempted death by strangulation with a cord, but was then prevented by the timely arrival of his two sons, with whom he lived, the Coroner ably summed up the facts of the case. In the course of his remarks he said, if they (the Jury) were satisfied that the deceased came by his death by his own hands, by hanging himself, the next question which they would have to ask would be, was there any evidence in the case to prove that the deceased was insane? The law was that every person was responsible who caused the death, either of himself or another, unless proof was afforded to remove that responsibility. If a man should kill himself or another, the presumption of the law was that he did it wilfully and feloniously, and that presumption could not legally be removed unless evidence was adduced to prove that the deceased )in this case_ was insane at the time he committed the act. Insanity meant that state of mind which prevented a person making the ordinary distinction between right and wrong, and the same condition of mind which would absolve a person from committing an act of felony, by taking away his own life, must be such as would absolve him if he had taken away the life of another person, instead of taking away his own, and of understanding that that which he was doing was contrary to the law of God or man. If it were proved in this case that this man was in such a state as if he had killed another person instead of himself, he would not have been responsible, of course he would not be responsible now, "but unless this was proved" the law determined that he had committed an act of felony. If they were unable to say in their consciences that there had been any proof offered of the insanity of the deceased, then it was their duty to return a verdict of felo de se. The Coroner then reminded them of the solemn oath they had taken to give their verdict according to the evidence. - The Jury, however, found that the deceased destroyed himself while suffering from Temporary Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - The Death Through Jumping From A Train. - An Inquest was held last evening, at six o'clock, at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of JOHN DOWN, who unfortunately jumped from the South Devon Railway truck, as it was proceeding from Plymouth to Plympton, at the rate of 25 miles per hour, on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday afternoon, the deceased went to the Plymouth Station to go by train to Tavistock, and as soon as he was on the platform he saw the South Devon Railway train start, and thinking it was the Tavistock train, he ran to it, and was just in time to jump up into the truck that was attached to the train. When he came to the junction of the Tavistock line, finding he was in the wrong train, he jumped from the truck and fell on the ground. The policeman of the South Devon Railway, named Colley, who resides at the junction of the Tavistock branch, seeing deceased jump, ran to him, and when he came he appeared as if he were dead. The policeman then went back and telegraphed to the Plymouth station, and an engine and carriage was immediately sent. He was put in the carriage and as soon as he arrived at the Plymouth station he was conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital; but the injury he sustained caused his death the following afternoon (Sunday). The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The deceased was a master house carpenter, residing at Gunnislake. He was 35 years of age and has left a widow and three children. MRS DOWN arrived in Plymouth prior to her husband's death, but he never recovered his speech or senses from the time of the accident.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1861
PLYMOUTH - The Death Of A Birmingham Trader. - An Inquest on THOMAS HULME, whose melancholy death we reported yesterday, was held at the Albion Hotel, Plymouth, yesterday afternoon, by J. Edmonds, Esq. The evidence adduced bore out our statement of the facts in every particular. The deceased was a traveller, had drunk freely, and was on Sunday suffering from the effects of a long debauch, he jumped out of an upstairs window, and died a few hours afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict according to the facts. The deceased was about 28 years of age; resided at No. 2, Anne-street, Birmingham; and travelled with frames used by photographers. His wife was telegraphed for and has sent directions for his funeral.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 April 1861
TEIGNMOUTH - The Late Accident At The Newton Railway Station. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of MR SAMUEL POLACK, took place on Saturday before Mr Cockey, County Coroner. M. Templer attended on behalf of the relatives of the deceased, and Mr Charles C. Whiteford was present to watch the case on the part of the Railway Company. The adjournment took place at the request of Mr Templer, with a view to producing some of the persons who travelled by the same train as the deceased. It will be remembered that the deceased, who was a stout man of about 55 years of age, on travelling up the South Devon Railway on the 238th March, on the train arriving at the Newton Station, in stepping out fell between the platform and the carriage, and the wheels passed over him, that he was at once attended by a medical gentleman at the instance of the Railway company, and under his directions removed to Teignmouth Dispensary, where he died shortly after his arrival. Several persons were now called who travelled by the same train, and several persons in the employ of the Railway company, and the result of the evidence after a close examination and cross-examination by Mr Templer, was that the Jury arrived at an unhesitating and unanimous verdict of Accidental Death. It was proved that the carriages had not quite stopped when deceased stepped out and fell.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 April 1861
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at Palmer's King's Arms Inn, West-street, Exeter, before W. H. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH ENDICOTT, aged 77, who met her death under the following circumstances:- It appears that on Friday morning between seven and eight o'clock, deceased was on her way home, she residing at Stepcote-hill, from Alphington-street, and when near the Exe Bridge, some boys, who were playing in the streets, came in contact with her, pushing her down, cutting her face very severely and inflicting serious injuries to her head. She, however, got up and walked home, and gradually became worse, till death put an end to her sufferings on Saturday evening. The Jury, after hearing the medical testimony, which was to the effect that deceased had died from the effects of the injuries she had received, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 April 1861
PLYMPTON ST. MARY - Coroner's Inquest at Plympton. Brutal Treatment Of A Man. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Plympton Union, before A. B. Bone, Esq., District County Coroner, on the body of a poor man named WILLIAM EDMONDS, better known as "Billy Huddy," of about 45 years of age, of the village of Sparkwell, about three miles from the Union, who came by his death under the circumstances detailed in the evidence. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- Mr Thomas Brown, Foreman; Messrs. Andrew Walke, John Walters, William Lavers, William Yeoman, William Pitts, William Cann, William Secombe, William Kingsland, Thos. Taylor, Thomas Spry, John Matthews, and Elias Crocker. There were also present during the Inquiry the Rev. Eugene F. Tracey, one of the clergymen of the Parish, G. W. Soltau, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Guardians, and H. H. Treby, Esq. The subjoined is the evidence:- Thomas Munford, on being sworn, said: I am a blacksmith, living at Sparkwell, in the parish of Plympton St. Mary. I know the deceased WILLIAM EDMONDS; he was a man of weak intellect. He had no fixed place of residence, but went about in Devon and Cornwall, I believe. Had known the deceased about 25 years, during which time he has occasionally worked for me as a smith's hammerman. I so employed him last Monday, the 15th of April, and I invited him to breakfast. He declined taking some tea, saying that he had been drinking the night before, and would be very glad of a pint of cider with bread and butter for breakfast, which I gave to him. He was then quite sober. He left work about half-past two in the afternoon, and I paid him 6d. He was then a little "fresh." He refused his dinner, and loitered about all the afternoon. Between six and seven o'clock in the evening he again came into my shop, and I heard him say he had lost some files. He still appeared to be rather "fresh". He had been bothering different parties about these files, and at seven o'clock I heard him go into the house of John Veal, a shoemaker, whose house is immediately adjoining mine, and heard him say, "Veal, give up my files that you've got," or words to that effect. Veal replied, "Me got your files - what next?" To which the deceased responded, "You have got them; I'll have them." Directly afterwards I heard a fall outside Veal's door, and on looking out of my shop window I saw deceased lying on his back on the ground. There are two steps outside the doorway of Veale's house - one of them is of wood, and the other (the lower step) is of granite, and is between ten and eleven inches high above the road. It is rather of an oblong-square shape, and is about the width of the door, which is narrow - hardly two feet wide. The deceased was lying on his back motionless. I saw John Veal come out immediately after, and he lifted deceased up, and I think he said, "What are you lying there for? None of your old tricks - shamming," and then he called out for James Mudge, who lives in Veal's house, saying, "James, come out and help me here." Mudge came out and assisted to bring the deceased into my shoeing pentice. A great many people collected around him, and I did not go out to see the deceased until I had finished the job I was about, which took me about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes. When I left work I saw Veal standing near his shop door, and I then said to him, "Do let's come and see this poor fellow, and see if there's anything amiss with him." We went to the pentice, and found the deceased in a sitting posture, with his back against the wall. He was motionless, and did not appear to be conscious. I said to deceased, "BILL, what's the matter?" or "Are you hurt?" but he made no reply. I said to Veal "Let's find some place to put him in," and Veal replied "There's a linhay of John Dinnis's up here, and I think I can get his consent to put him there." We took him there and laid him down on the floor, and I put some clean straw under him. Before removing him from the pentice I examined and felt his head, but could not see nor feel any marks of violence, neither did I see any blood. I tried to give him some warm tea, but he did not appear able to swallow it, and seemed unconscious. I then returned home, but can't say whether I left Veal there or not. About an hour afterwards I saw the deceased in the highway, a few yards from my dwelling-house, at the bottom of the lane which leads to the linhay, standing up by himself. I said to him "BILL, what's the matter with you, where's your pain, will you accept some tea, or shall I put you in anywhere to lie down?" He said "I'll go home; I'll go to Colebrook; ---- my eyes I'll go home. Two lads then said, "BILL we will help you," and I turned towards my home, and saw the deceased pass my doorway, which is in the direction of Colebrook. In a moment or two hearing a noise coming near my doorway, I went out and saw the deceased between the two lads, who were apparently supporting him. It was then past nine o'clock; the daylight was gone, but there was a good moonlight. The lads appeared to me to let deceased go on my opening my door, and then the deceased fell down backwards to the ground, receiving a very heavy fall. He remained quite motionless. I called Veal who happened to be coming down the road quite sober, and I and Veal helped him into a pig's stye belonging to Veal, near my house. I got a clean bundle of straw and laid deceased on it. The pig's stye had a roof, walls, and a door, which one of us shut. The deceased was at this time senseless. I then went to bed, and did not see deceased again until the next day, at nine o'clock, in the pig's house, lying just as I left him. He then appeared a great deal worse, and was breathing heavily and foaming at the mouth. - By the Jury: The deceased had a pint of cider for breakfast and between that and half-past two I gave him 2 pints and a half more, as his work was very hard. He would not eat any dinner, but had another pint of cider when he left work. - The witness in answer to the Coroner, said, he thought he did right in giving the deceased, a man of weak intellect, four pints and a half of cider in so short a space of time. - By the Coroner: The first time I saw the deceased on the ground, he was lying with his head out on the ground, which was much higher than his feet. The second time he fell I observed that his water passed from him, making a pool on the ground, which caused me to think the deceased was very ill. - John Dinnis, on being examined, said: I am a labourer, residing at Sparkwell. About nine o'clock on Monday evening last I found the deceased in my linhay, on his back against the straw. He was groaning and seemed to be senseless. Not knowing what was the matter with him, I roused him, and got him up on his feet, and supporting him by holding the collar of his coat on one side, I took him out of the linhay into the courtlage outside. Then I ordered him to go off my premises, and he asked me which way he should go. - The Coroner here interrupted the witness by asking him whether he ever knew the deceased suspected of any disposition to steal, to which he replied in the negative. - The Coroner: What harm would he have done in the linhay, then? - Witness: He was such a nuisance, and caused such a smell, that my wife and my next-door neighbour requested me to get him out. - Examination continued: When deceased asked me which way he should go, I told him down the road, and then led him down to the highway. I saw him go down close by Munford's shop, and I called Mr Munford out. - The Coroner: Perhaps you and your wife may now wish that you had left him in the linhay. - By the Jury: Mr Munford did not ask my permission to place the deceased in my linhay. - Mr Munford: I meant to as soon as I saw you. - James Mudge, son-in-law of Mr Veal, deposed as follows: I live in Mr Veal's house at Sparkwell, and am a labourer. On Monday night, about seven o'clock, the deceased came into Mr Veal's kitchen, and said that he (Veal) had got his files and he would have them before he would go. Veal told him he had not got them, and deceased replied that he was ..... if he had not got them, and he would have them. Veal then told him if he did not go to doors he would put him out. I can't say what state the deceased was in; he was not drunk, but it did not come into my mind that he was not sober. Veal then got up and gave deceased a "bit of a push," and the deceased reeled himself round, and fell out over the step of the doorway. I did not see him fall, but I heard the sound of a fall upon the ground. Veal then called me, and I went out directly, and found the deceased lying on the ground - I think on his back. He was quite still, but was not insensible. - The Coroner: Did he seem to you to be conscious, or was he what you would call "stunned? A man, you know, may receive a very slight fall, and be stunned for the time. - Witness: He did not speak. - The Coroner, after reminding the witness of the solemn obligation he was under to speak the truth honestly and fairly, said: We have got it from another witness what state he was in; but you may say whether it appeared to you at that time that the deceased was conscious or senseless? - Witness: he did not speak. - The Coroner: That is not what I asked you. Did it appear to you he was sensible or senseless? - Witness: I don't know. The Coroner: Will you describe a little more particularly what this bit of a push was that you spoke of. Where did Veal touch the deceased? - Witness: He touched him on the front of his shoulder, with his open hand, or with the tips of his fingers. The deceased had his back towards the doorway. - The Coroner: Was it a pretty smart push? - Witness: No; it was not enough to knock a child down. It was not violent. - The Coroner: Yet, you see, it was enough to throw him over the steps. - By the Jury: The deceased was close inside the door, which opened immediately into the street. - By the Coroner: Veal did not say anything when he gave him this bit of a push. - The Coroner: Are you sure it was not a blow? - Witness: Yes, I am sure he only gave him a touch with the flat of his hand on the shoulder. - By the Jury: Veal requested him to go out of his house, but he said he would not go until he had the files. - The Coroner: How many times did he ask him to go out before he pushed him? Was it more than once or twice? - Witness: I heard him ask him more than once. Q.: Who were in the room besides yourself, Veal and the deceased? - A.: Only my wife. I do not know whether there was anybody within view of the doorway in the road. - Mr Stephen Henry Pode, on being sworn, said: - I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in England and licentiate of medicine. The deceased I have known for many years. He was half silly; not quite a fool, but so silly as to be the butt of everybody. About 11 o'clock on Tuesday night a policeman came to me and desired me to go out to Sparkwell and see him; and I told him he must go to the relieving officer and get an order, and I would go out immediately. - The Coroner: How long was he getting the order? - Witness: About a quarter of an hour - while I was preparing my horse. - In answer to the Coroner witness said that he was allowed to use his own discretion in cases of emergency, without obtaining an order from the relieving officer. - Examination continued: The policeman obtained the order from the relieving officer, and I thereupon immediately went to Sparkwell, and found the deceased in Mr Veal's pig stye. He was lying on his back on a bundle of clean straw, with his head properly elevated, and I saw he was in a state of apoplexy. He was perfectly insensible, and in articulo mortis. I bled him, but there was no hope. He was snoring very loudly, and the pupils of his eyes were contracted, and his pulse was labouring. I afterwards raised his head a little higher, and had hot water put to his legs, and I then left orders for him to be taken to the reception ward, in the Union, as soon as possible on the following morning. I did not see the deceased again until dinner-time the next day, when he was dead. - The Coroner: If this man had been attended to twelve hours before, do you think he would have recovered? - Witness: Since I have seen the result of the post mortem examination I should say not. - Witness then proceeded to say: I have this day made a post mortem examination, but there were no external marks of recent injury. There were a great many marks of old bruises and wounds about his legs. On removing the scalp, I found that not only the integuments under the hair, but also the temporal muscle in a very bruised state, with a very large extravasation of blood extending all over the left side of his head. The brain was in a healthy state, with the exception of rather a large effusion of cerum in the ventricles, and I have no doubt that the apoplexy from which the deceased died was caused by the blow in the side of the head, however, received. A fall might have produced it, so might a blow from any blunt instrument. If such an injury arose from a blow from a man's fist, it must have been a very violent one, as the temporal muscle was very much bruised. The body was in a very excellent condition, not being at all emaciated. Knowing that the deceased during his life time suffered from asthma, I examined his heart, but I found both that and the lungs healthy. He had a smaller heart than most men, but nothing can be attached to that; he died from the blow he had, however received. I cannot say whether the external injury was a recent one, but it was received before death. - Thomas Sanders, a lad about 17 years of age, was next called, and deposed as follows:- I live at Sparkwell. On Monday evening I saw the deceased in Mr Munford's shoeing shed, about half-past seven o'clock. He was lying with his head a little elevated, and his arms stretched out. He was groaning, and did not appear to be sensible. I afterwards saw him in Dennis's linhay and when Dennis led him into the highway, the deceased laid down, and it seemed to me that he was unable to stand up in the road himself. - The Coroner: I do not envy Mr Dennis's feelings when he reflects upon his conduct in taking the deceased, a man of weak intellect, after receiving such an injury, into the road and there leaving him. - The Foreman: It is brutish - shameful. - Witness: I and another boy put the deceased up against a wall. - The witness Mudge was here recalled, and addressed by the Coroner as follows. I wish to remind you of the solemn oath you have taken to speak the simple and honest truth, and I now again ask you whether, when Mr Veal put his hand upon the shoulder of the deceased, you are sure that he had requested him more than once to go out of his house, and whether the deceased refused to go out of the house, and whether Veal put his hand upon the deceased in a gentle manner, or whether it was not in a violent manner. - Witness: He was not in any passion. - Q.: Was there enough done to make him stagger out of the doorway? - A.: He did not touch him hard. - The boy Sanders then proceeded with his evidence as follows: After we had placed the deceased against the wall Mr Munford left, and we then asked him where he was going and what was the matter, and all that we could get out of him was that he was going to Colebrook. We then led him to the step of Munford's door, and at his request we left him alone: and while in the act of attempting to go into Mr Munford's house, he staggered and fell backwards on the ground, where he lay quite still, and appeared to be senseless. He fell on his back. The deceased was afterwards removed into the pig's house. - Mr Pode, on being recalled, said, in answer to the Coroner, that from the evidence he had heard, his impression was that the apoplexy was the result of the first fall. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said: It is a material part of the case that if a person, in the performance of a lawful act, does anything which causes the death of another person, he is not liable for it. If a man comes to my house, and I admonish him, and request him to go away, and after doing so, especially if I repeat the request, he refuses to go, you all know perfectly well that I am at liberty to remove that person from my premises, and if, while doing that, I use only as much force as is necessary for that purpose, why then, whatever happens in consequence of it, I am not answerable for it. At the same time a man must take care to see where it is that any such attempt is made. If, for instance, a man were standing by the side of a quay, or a bank where there was a river running immediately contiguous to it, why then if a man gave another a push, it would be an act of such negligence, to say the least of it, that would render a man guilty of manslaughter. In the present instance, if on account of the position of those steps at the doorway, it was evidently a dangerous thing to push the deceased, then the man who gave that push was guilty of gross negligence, and would in consequence be liable to a charge of manslaughter. The Coroner then referred to that part of the evidence which related to the push given by Veal, and also the description of the steps and then said it was incumbent of Veale that he should have recollected those circumstances, and if they as a Jury, after hearing the whole of the evidence, thought he had been guilty of gross negligence, and also believed the man died from the consequences of the fall by reason of the push Veal gave him, it would be their duty to find him guilty of manslaughter. These were points for their consideration by and bye. The whole matter lay in a nutshell. With respect to the treatment this poor unfortunate man had received from the time when he was first at Sparkwell, the Coroner said: I conceive that we shall all agree that the parties who neglected him in the way in which they had were open to the strongest censure. Surely Mr Veal, or Mr Munford, or Mr Dennis, or any of the other persons at Sparkwell, who saw this poor man in such a condition should have seen that he was properly attended to. Mr Veal ought to have gone barefooted, if it had been necessary, to have given notice of the facts to the proper authorities, in order to have had him removed to the proper asylum, where he would have received that care which his case required. - Mr Veal, who was present in court during the whole of the Inquiry, said he had seen the deceased in other places days together, and he was looking for him to get around again. - The Coroner: I question whether you would have treated one of your pigs in this way. You seem to forget this man had been greatly injured by you. - One or two other witnesses were then called, but nothing very important was adduced in addition to the statements already made, and The Coroner then read over the whole of the evidence to the Jury, and, addressing Dennis, he said: I think, Dennis, when you are lying down upon your pillow, and turning the matter over in your mind, that your reflections will certainly not be very enviable ones. - Dennis: Why, sir, I have told the truth and nothing but the truth. - The Coroner: Here was a man that you say appeared to be senseless, and yet you took him out of your linhay, where he would have done very little, if any, harm, and cast him out into the public road, where he is not fit to be, and where he cannot support himself, and where he fell down for want of support and received a heavy blow, sufficient, after the former injury he received, to cause his death. These are circumstances which are not likely to cause very comfortable reflections when you turn this over in your mind, and remember that fine old adage, "Do unto others as you would be done unto." The Coroner again addressed the Jury, telling them that were it not for some points in the case which were rather doubtful, he should have advised the Jury to return a verdict of manslaughter against Veal. - The Court was then cleared, and, on its being re-opened, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and declared themselves unanimously of opinion that a very strong censure indeed was due to Veal, Munford, and Dennis, for their negligence to the deceased during the long period of time which elapsed from the time of the deceased's receiving the first injury to the time when the police were brought acquainted with the circumstances. - The Coroner, in passing this veto upon the parties, expressed the great disgust he felt at the inhuman conduct exhibited by them. - We have been requested to state that the master of the Plympton Union is directed to attend to all cases of emergency at any hour of the say, and had the deceased been brought to the Union in the middle of the night he would have been received into the House. - In the course of the Enquiry, the Rev. E. F. Tracey told the Coroner that there was a general impression abroad that Munford sold the cider to the deceased, and even if that were not the case, he had been told upon good authority that he made it a practice of selling it. - The Coroner questioned Munford upon this point; but although he repeatedly denied ever having done such a thing, the manner in which he answered the questions left but one impression upon the minds of the Jury. - The Rev. W. Tracey hoped that Mr Munford would not do this again secretly; but that he would, as other parties had done, take out a license, and so act in an honest and straightforward manner. - The Court then rose.

EXETER - Death By Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was holden yesterday afternoon at the Buller's Arms, Alphington-street, Exeter, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., County Coroner, to Inquire as to the death of JOSEPH HODGE, aged 32, who was drowned on Wednesday in the River Exe, at a place used for watering horses. The Coroner, before proceeding with the Inquiry, remarked on the dangerous character of the place where the deceased met with his death. He said he understood that the place in question belonged to the Town Council of Exeter. He advised that the pit should be railed in so as to prevent any other person from falling in. To show the dangerous character of the spot, he mentioned on the same day two men, in the employ of Mr Morgan, timber merchant, fell in at the same place, and were only rescued with very great difficulty. From the evidence taken it appeared that the deceased, who was a scavenger, rode a horse into the water and both were immersed, that man and horse came insight, and then the man fell off, and before assistance could be procured, was drowned. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 29 April 1861
TAVISTOCK - The Late Mine Accident At Tavistock. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the Queen's Head, Tavistock, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of PHILIP SUSSEX, aged 36, whose death was noticed in the Western Morning News of Saturday. John Truscott, miner, deposed that he was working with the deceased at the Tavistock United Mines on Tuesday last, they were employed in timbering a shaft which had been sunk, and SUSSEX in carrying a piece of timber, slipped his foot and was seen to fall away. Upwards of three hours elapsed ere he could be brought to "grass," and when he was he had sustained injuries of a frightful character. John Tucker, agent of the mine, gave similar evidence. Catherine Williams, the woman who had attended the deceased, said that he was insensible up to within forty minutes of his death, which occurred on Friday. He was then comforted with spiritual advice by a friend, and described himself as being perfectly happy, but he soon afterwards became again unconscious, and continued in that state until his death. The Coroner expressed his opinion that no blame was attached to anyone and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The unfortunate man was interred yesterday afternoon, and his funeral was attended by a numerous concourse of fellow workmen.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 April 1861
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Plume of Feathers Inn, North-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL HAWKINS, aged 58, dairyman, residing in Exe-lane. The medical testimony was to the effect that deceased died from "Disease of the Heart." Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 May 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock, at the Boscawen Inn, Boscawen-place, Morice Town, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MR THOMAS MUIR, retired sergeant of the Royal Sappers and Miners. It appeared that on Saturday morning last the deceased rose from bed early, and proceeded to whitewash the back portion of his premises in Boscawen-place, for which purpose he raised a plank, one end of which was placed for support on the edge of a water tank, and the other end on the wash-house; and it was supposed that deceased by some means or other slipped his foot and fell off the stage. A young man standing outside the house about eleven o'clock heard deceased fall, and on going into the courtlage saw him lying on the ground, having received a severe blow on the right side of the head. Messrs. Rutter and Rolston, surgeons, were speedily in attendance, when it was discovered that deceased had sustained a fracture of the skull and broken one of his ribs. He lingered until Monday night about eight o'clock, when he expired. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 May 1861
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Summerland Street. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, at the "Lord Clarendon Spirit Vaults," 4 Trafalgar-place, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN PIKE, a butcher's labourer, who committed suicide on Tuesday, 30th April, between one and two o'clock in the afternoon. The evidence given by his wife and Mr Greenleaf, whose room is on the same floor, and who saw the whole of the proceedings, was similar to that published in the Western Morning News of yesterday. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 May 1861
PLYMOUTH - Death From Falling Down Stairs. - Yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner for Plymouth, at Bustin's wine and spirit vaults, Octagon-street, to Inquire into the death of JOHN MURRAY, which was occasioned by concussion of the brain, arising from a fall on Monday morning last. MARY MURRAY, the widow of the deceased, stated that she resided at 126 King-walk West. Her husband was a builder's labourer, and was about 38 years of age. On Sunday night, between 11 and 12 o'clock, he returned to his home in a state of intoxication, and commenced beating his wife, who to escape an unmerited castigation, fled from the house. Whilst standing opposite, she heard that deceased had fallen over the stairs, and on going into the passage, found him stretched out, bleeding from a wound in the head, and speechless. She attended on him until Tuesday morning, when he became worse and Mr Dale, surgeon, exerted his skill to save the unfortunate man's life, but he gradually sank and died about three o'clock on Wednesday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 May 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Man Found Dead. - An Inquest was holden yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock, at the Edgcumbe Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Deputy Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of one JAMES HEMER, 73 years of age, who was found dead in a passage in a house in Market-lane, occupied by Thomas Chapman, and where also deceased resided, on Sunday morning last about six o'clock. Thomas Chapman said he knew the deceased, who was a pensioner, having served in the Royal Marines, and had been a sergeant for many years. Sergeant Ockford said that he knew the deceased, that he was a man of intemperate habits, always intoxicated when he had the chance, and his house was totally destitute of furniture. The body of the deceased had no marks of violence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 May 1861
PLYMSTOCK - Suicide At Hooe. - An Inquest was held at Hooe, on Tuesday, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of JOSEPH REPATH, who committed suicide by cutting his throat. - CHARLES HENRY REPATH said he was a carpenter and joiner, of Hooe, in the parish of Plymstock. The deceased was his son, and was thirty-sic years of age. He had always lived with him at witness's house and occasionally worked with him. For two or three months he had been very depressed, but recently his conduct was marked with habits of sobriety. He was unmarried. Witness was at a loss to explain the cause of his depression, although he had for many years suffered from disease of the heart. Witness and deceased were together in the Royal Oak, Hooe, on the evening of Tuesday, the 30th of April, the latter leaving before his father, and retiring to bed. The next morning, about 25 minutes before six o'clock, witness heard a noise in his son's bedroom, as of a fall. He proceeded thither, and found the deceased lying on his back on the floor. Blood was around and witness thought at first that a blood-vessel had ruptured, but on closer examination a razor was found lying near to the deceased. Finding his throat to be severely cut, witness fetched Mr Mould, surgeon, who attended him until Sunday, the 5th instant, when he died. Previously to his death he had been conscious, and once said, "If I had had water from Radford, I would not have done it." There was good spring water at Radford, of which he was fond, and which he was in the habit of using. Witness had often thought that deceased was rather weak in his intellect, and different from other men. He was, witness believed, on good terms with everyone, and had had no quarrel or altercation. - Mr William Pattison Mould said, he was the surgeon of the Benefit Society of which deceased was a member. On being called to him on the morning of the 1st of May he observed that his hands were covered with blood, and the bedclothes were also saturated. His hand was cold and pulseless and he was in a state of partial collapse. He was pale, but conscious. In his neck was a wound five inches in length, which had laid open the windpipe and completely divided it. Bleeding had entirely ceased. Witness proceeded to sew up the wound, and after about a half an hour the deceased rallied. He was under delusions as to his being about to be sent to the Plympton Lunatic Asylum and his food being poisoned. Witness was present at his death on Sunday, which he attributed to exhaustion consequent on haemorrhage, the result of injuries inflicted on the throat. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from the effects of a wound in his throat inflicted by himself, whilst in a state of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 May 1861
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Thursday evening, at seven o'clock, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., and a respectable Jury, at the Plume of Feathers Inn, North-street, on the body of JOSEPH WILLING, an itinerant basket maker, who was found suspended by the neck in the room which he always occupied when in the city, at the above-named inn. It is not known why he committed suicide; £2 13s. was found in his pocket, and he had a good suit of clothes on; he also had a large quantity of baskets in the room. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 May 1861
PLYMOUTH - Death From Falling Down Stairs. - An Inquest was holden yesterday afternoon at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, to Inquire as to the cause of the death of ELIZABETH THOMAS, who died on Sunday morning from the effects of a fall over the stairs, under the following circumstances:- The deceased was the widow of WILLIAM THOMAS, a tinman, and resided at No. 5 Lower-lane, with her daughter, LOUISA THOMAS, who is 21 years of age. The deceased, who was 39 years of age, had been in ill-health, and was subject to occasional giddiness in the head, and had been known to be occasionally the worse for drink. She received 3s. parish pay, and was on Saturday night quite sober; she went out shortly after ten o'clock to buy some meat, and between eleven and twelve her daughter, hearing a noise as of some person falling over the stairs, went out and found deceased lying on the stones at the bottom of the stairs speechless. Assistance was called, and she was taken upstairs to her room. The daughter and a Mrs Dawbeer went to the house of Mr R. H. Derry, the parish surgeon for the district, and requested his attendance, as a "poor soul had fallen over the stairs." Mr Derry was understood to tell them to go to Mr Rowe in Cornwall-street, as he, Mr Derry was poorly. They went there, but could not get anybody to get up. At half-past seven on Sunday morning the poor woman was getting worse; the daughter again sent to Mr Derry, who then came, saw the deceased and said "he could do nothing now, as she was too far gone." She became worse, and died at five minutes before 10 o'clock. - Mr Derry explained that he was unwell at the time and requested the women to go to Mr Morris, Whimple-street, who was his deputy. They must have misunderstood what he said. - The Jury, having considered the evidence of the daughter, confirmed by other witnesses, found a verdict to effect "That the deceased was afflicted with fits of giddiness and that whilst on the stairs on Saturday night she fell over and sustained divers injuries, of which she died the next day." And they added that they were of opinion there was neglect on the part of the medical officer of the district; as although medical aid was sought for immediately after the accident, it was not rendered until seven hours afterwards. The Coroner was requested to communicate this opinion to the Guardians of the Poor. - Mr John Taylor, the Foreman of the Jury said, now that summer was coming on, it was desirable that the houses in Lower-lane should be well cleansed and white-washed. If this were not done various diseases might be produced.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 May 1861
PLYMOUTH - Death From A Fall. - An Inquest was holden last evening in the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the death of WILLIAM DYAS, an old man of about 70 years of age, who resided in Basket-street, Plymouth. It appeared that deceased died on Wednesday evening about six o'clock, in consequence of injuries sustained through a fall about three weeks since. He was a cripple previously, and when he fell he supposed his leg to have been broken. He continued ill until Tuesday, when fever set in, and on Wednesday he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave it as their unanimous opinion that the house No. 7, Basket-street, ought to be cleaned and whitewashed inside and out.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 May 1861
EXETER - Drink And Death. Coroner's Inquest At Exeter. - An Inquest was holden yesterday at the Bishop Blaize Inn, Commercial-road, Exeter, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Inquire as to the death of SAMUEL SATCHELL. The Inquest had been adjourned from the 22nd instant, for the purpose of making a post mortem examination, as there were thought to be some suspicious circumstances connected with his death. - Mr W. Twitcher, builder, of St. Thomas, Exeter, stated that deceased had been in his employ as a labourer, and had been employed on some buildings at Torquay. Saw him alive on the 10th of May in his lodgings at Torquay. He was then sitting with his head resting on a pillow, and had a black eye. He could not speak. - Mark Brook, a joiner, was working with the deceased, and was in his company on the 9th of May, when after leaving work the deceased and two other men went to a public-house, at St. Mary Church, and played skittles, and drank between them four quarts of beer. They came part way home together, and parted in Torquay at about quarter before 12. He did not think deceased drunk then - they shook hands and parted good friends. Saw him again next day at 11; he could not then speak. He had then a black eye. - John Perryman, a carpenter, corroborated the evidence of Brock, and added that he saw deceased at the door of his lodgings on the 9th of May. - Henry Baker, of Queen-street, Torquay, said deceased lodged in his house. Between twelve and one o'clock on the night of the 9th of May he was disturbed by the noise of a fall, and on going out saw another lodger, named Callard, carrying the deceased in his arms upstairs. He appeared to be helplessly drunk and his eye was very black. He sat up with him until five o'clock next morning, when his wife took charge of him. - John Callard, a mason, said he did not hear deceased come into the house; but between twelve and one he heard a noise, and on going to see what the matter was, he found deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs on his face and hands, with his left leg under his breast. He thought he was intoxicated, and lifted him up and took him upstairs. The noise he heard was of deceased falling over the stairs. There was no one with deceased. - Mr Charles Webb, surgeon, made a post mortem examination of deceased. On opening his head he found a large effusion of fluid blood on the brain, with a fracture at the back of the skull, extending from the back of the right eye to the ear on the opposite side. Considered the cause of death to have arisen primarily from the fracture of the skull and consequent effusion of blood likely to have been produced by a fall. - The Coroner having summed up, said there could be no doubt but the man was intoxicated, say what they like about it; and it seemed clear to his mind that it was the result of an accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 May 1861
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held last evening, at six o'clock, at the Brunel Arms, Millbay, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, to enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN KELLEHER, who was found dead in his bed on Monday night, about ten o'clock. - John Saunders, a private in the 61st regiment, said: I have known the deceased about eight years. He was a private in the 61st Regiment of Foot. He was discharged on the 13th of December 1860, in consequence of having completed his enlistment for ten years. His conduct was very good, and he was in possession of two good conduct badges. I was with him at the capture of Delhi. I saw him last Saturday three weeks; he appeared in very good health. I should think the deceased is about thirty years of age. - Maria Blake said: I live at the Terminus Inn, Millbay, as a servant. The deceased came there for two or three nights lodgings on Saturday week last. He generally appeared very well. On Sunday morning last he complained of being a little weak, and did not get up for the day except to have his bed made. On Monday he did not get up for the day. About eight o'clock in the evening the deceased called for someone to come up; he was in his sleeping room. My master was gone to Plymstock, and my mistress was out on business. I went up; he then asked me to get a priest and a doctor. There was no one in the house but myself and my master's son, a lad about 15 years of age, and I did not go. The deceased then said "Oh! my heart, my heart. I am dying." Just before nine o'clock, I went up to the deceased, and told him I would go for a doctor presently. About a quarter before nine o'clock my mistress came home, and she went up to see him and then went for a doctor. While she was away a stranger came and wanted a bed, whom I then showed up into the room where the deceased was lying. The stranger looked on the deceased, and said, "I shall not sleep here, the man is dying," and went downstairs. My mistress came back about ten o'clock, and I had just gone upstairs to see the deceased, when I found he was dead in the bed, lying on his back; my mistress came right upstairs with the doctor, Mr Bulteel, who pronounced him dead. The deceased used to pay for his lodgings nightly, and he did not want for anything. The Jury then returned a verdict of "Found dead in bed, by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Friday 31 May 1861
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was holden at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening by John Edmonds, Esq., to Inquire as to the cause of the death of THOMAS PETER COCKRAM. It appeared that the deceased, a waterman, aged 35, who lived with his father in Vintry-street, had for the last few months a bad cough, that on Wednesday he was as well as usual, and came home and went to bed about eleven o'clock. About three o'clock yesterday morning he disturbed his parents by coughing, and while the cough was on him blood was seen to issue from his mouth. Mr Harper, the surgeon, was sent for, but on his arrival the poor man was dead. Mr Harper states that death had resulted from bleeding caused by the eruption of a blood vessel. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 June 1861
PLYMPTON ST. MARY - The Death At The Railway Station Plympton. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning, at half-past six o'clock, at the Plympton Railway Station, of the South Devon Railway, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN MERRIFIELD COOMBES, who was killed by the express train, on Wednesday afternoon last. - John Matthews said: I reside at Ridgway. On Wednesday afternoon, about two o'clock, being then in my front garden, I saw many persons pass as from the Plympton Station, and amongst them I saw the deceased coming towards where I stood, in a direction from the station. I spoke to him; it was JOHN COOMBES . I had known him between 20 and 30 years. He said he had come up by the train for a stroll; that he intended to return the same afternoon; but he did not say by what train. He was alone, quite sober, and apparently quite well and cheerful. He was an old man, and could not lift his feet readily from the ground, and therefore could make but little progress in walking. He told me he was 72 years of age. He said that his sight was very good. We conversed together about five minutes in a friendly way. We then parted, and he went in the direction of Ridgway. I have not seen him since. - Thomas Kettlewell said: I am booking constable, and station master of Plympton Station. On Wednesday last, about 4.40 p.m., I saw the deceased on the up line, endeavouring to cross the down line to the down platform, he was alone, the express train was near Plympton on its way to Plymouth, it was about 300 to 400 yards from the station when I saw the deceased from the booking -office door. I called out to him as loud as I could, "stand back, come back;" I might have repeated it several times, I thought he looked towards me, and also towards the approaching train; immediately I called out to him, I thought he endeavoured to quicken his pace in order to cross the line. He proceeded as far as the middle of the down line, the express train approaching at the same time very rapidly, the engine then struck him, and knocking him down, and the train passed over him, (not the wheels of the carriages.) I held up both my hands, the usual signal to the engine driver to stop the train. He saw me, and immediately opened his break whistle and the train was stopped as quickly as possible. I think the train stopped within a quarter of a mile past the station. It was so close to the deceased when he was in the middle of the line, that it was quite impossible, even had the engine driver seen him as soon as I did, to have stopped the train. There is a curve in the line about 300 yards east of the station, and the engine driver could not have seen the deceased until close to him. The driver had seen the "all right" signals about one mile and a half before he came to the station. I knew that these "all right" signals were put on because I ordered them on myself, and I saw them out. I knew that all was right by a telegraphic message. The express down train does not stop at Plympton. I was on the platform when the deceased stepped on the line. it is not my duty to remain on the platform until the train leaves Emerton. It is my duty to stay until it passes Plympton Station, and I did so. The deceased was knocked down by the front part of the engine, and fell between the transoms and the train passed over him. After the train had passed I saw the body lying prostrate between the transoms. I went to the deceased and found that his head was cut into two parts. His entrails were lying on one part of the line and his liver on the other; his arms and legs appeared broken, and in fact he was smashed to pieces and perfectly dead. I saw no one else on the line nor near the deceased at the time I saw him on the line. The deceased might have crossed the wooden bridge made for the express purpose, without going on the line at all. I had not seen the deceased previously. The accident happened just under the bridge. No officer or person was on the platform at the time. The body was placed in the outhouse where it now lies. The gates leading to the bridge were open as they usually are previous to the arrival of the up and down trains for passengers. - Humphrey Puth, station porter at Plympton station, corroborated the statement of the last witness. - Richard Stone, the inspector of the permanent way of the South Devon Railway, said: On Wednesday afternoon last about 4.40, I had just gone into my house to tea. I had not been there very long before the last witness, Puth, called to me, and I went to the Plympton station, and I found just under the columns of the passenger bridge, lying on the ground, a letter, which I produce. It is signed J. C. COOMBES, and is dated May 6th, 1861. I opened the letter and read it and gave it to the station master, and on the down platform I found the envelope now produced, which is addressed to MR JOHN COOMBES, 9 Charlotte-row, Morice Town, Devonport. There were spots of blood on the envelope, and it bears the post date of May 6th. - Thomas Dymond, porter of Plympton station, found a silver watch and silver guard lying across the transoms of the railway. The key belonging to the watch and a portion of the silver chain were picked up by Sergeant Hicks, Devon County Constabulary, and the walking-stick by Mr Kettlwell. In the pockets of the deceased were found a purse containing one half-sovereign, 8s. in silver, and a penny, a tobacco box, and a bunch of keys. - CHARLES COOMBES, son of the deceased said: I reside at Charlotte Row, Morice Town, Devonport, I am a smith in the dockyard. The letter itself, and the direction on the envelope are in the hand writing of my brother, I received it by post about a fortnight ago, and took it myself to my father's residence, 67 George-street, Stonehouse. The letter is addressed to him at my residence. My brother resides in Dartmouth-road, Westminster, from whence the letter is dated. The last time I saw my father alive was on Monday evening last at my house, at Devonport. He lived by himself at Stonehouse, his wife has been dead about five years. He was as well as could be expected for an old man, he has had a bad foot for several months and could only walk very slowly. My father frequently came to the Plympton station for a stroll. I think he was 72 years of age, had formerly been a stoker in the dockyard, and was a very steady, sober man. I saw the body on Wednesday evening at the Plympton station. The watch and guard found are those which my father wore. The purse was his: and the tobacco box I made myself and gave it to him as a present. The walking stick and keys were also his property. He was rather deaf, owing to his old age. He had great difficulty in going upstairs, and sometimes he would fall and not be able to get up again without assistance. That may be the reason he did not cross over the bridge. - Mr Bone said that he did not think there could be any blame attached to anyone. It appeared to him that it was a very proper duty which the company had prescribed, and he was glad to see on the part of Kettlewell that he had performed his duty so well. The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 June 1861
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth. - A suicide of a melancholy nature was committed at Coxside on Sunday evening. The deceased was named ANN HOYTEN, the wife of a baker and grocer, carrying on business at 22 Waterloo-street, Stoke. For some time previous to her death, MRS HOYTEN laboured under a delusion that she was shortly to be separated from her husband and family, and confined in a lunatic asylum. Every attempt had been made to disabuse her mind of the idea, but in vain; no serious result, however, was apprehended. On Sunday evening, her husband took her with their infant child for a walk, and they spent some time together on the Hoe. Shortly before nine o'clock, MR HOYTEN sat upon one of the seats and smoked a pipe of tobacco, whilst his wife, taking the child by the hand, left, as the husband supposed, for the purpose of strolling up and down the gravelled walk in front of the seat upon which he was. The thought of self-destruction appears to have suggested itself to the mind of the unhappy woman immediately upon leaving her husband, for it was not long before the child returned alone, and in reply to the father as to what had become of his wife, the little creature said, in simple accents, "She's gone away, papa." MR HOYTEN being acquainted with what appeared to be uppermost in the mind of his wife became alarmed for her safety, and communicated the fact of her being missing to the police. About eleven o'clock two bargemen, named Henry Rhodes and Henry Newton, were entering the Marrowbone Slip, Coxside, when one of them perceived a bonnet and mantle floating on the quay. They saw something black at a distance, and, on proceeding to the spot, they found the body of a woman, which was landed on the beach, and soon afterwards conveyed to the Harbour Avenue Station. In a short time MR HOYTEN was communicated with, and on his arrival he recognised the body as that of his wife, who had left him but two hours previously. Mr Hicks, surgeon, who was immediately called, gave as his opinion that life had been extinct about two hours, from which it would appear that the suicide had been committed within a few minutes after she had parted from her husband. - An Inquest was held last evening at seven o'clock, at Oldrey's Black Lion Inn, Exeter-street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for Plymouth. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide Of A Soldier. - An Inquest was holden yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock, at Emmett's Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, before Allen B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for Devonport, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN MCCLARE, private of the 61st Regiment, who was found dead in Stonehouse Pool, on Saturday, 15th inst., as reported yesterday. - William Bracher, lance-corporal of the Royal Marines, who lodged at No. 3 Bridge Cottage, near the Stonehouse Bridge, said his window looks out on Stonehouse Pool. On Saturday afternoon last, just before two o'clock, he saw something like a dead body lying on the mud just under the Rectory wall. He and two of his neighbours pulled in a boat across the pool to the spot, and found the dead body of deceased, dressed in blue summer trousers, boos, blue worsted stockings, and a white shirt. He picked up a military cap about 20 yards from the body with "61" on it. The deceased lying on his right side in the mud he could only just see the left eye. The body was brought to the military hospital, Stoke, and placed in the dead house. There were no external marks of violence except a slight mark over the eye. - John Martin, private of the 61st Regt., stated that the deceased had been in the hospital ward to his knowledge since the 3rd of June, for an injury in the throat. The deceased called him to his bedside about six days ago and said, "This is the second time I have attempted to cut my throat," and asked witness what he thought would be done to him. Witness told him to keep up his spirits and he might get over it easier than what he imagined. The deceased said that in consequence of its being the second time he could not expect mercy from anyone. He said he was very sorry he had not been home to see his two sisters and said he had acted as a blackguard. Witness had known the deceased about 18 years. He had joined the regiment when a boy, had had three good conduct stripes, but lost them through being addicted to drink. - Edward Limbert, private 61st Regt., stated that he watched the deceased very closely during Friday night, and until 5.10 the following morning. Witness went downstairs to wash, and when he returned he found deceased missing. He immediately searched for him but could not find him, and he never saw him again alive. - Henry Greatrex, private of 61st Regt., saw the deceased leave the ward on Saturday morning about five o'clock, saying he was going to the closet. - John Carter, corporal of 61st Regt. stated that he had known the deceased about four years, and was a companion of his. About the 13th of 14th May last he saw the deceased go away from the Raglan Barracks about four o'clock in the afternoon, saying that he was going to take a walk into the country. The deceased did not return, and he never saw him since. About five or six days after he heard he was in the hospital. He stated that he had heard the deceased remark several times that he wished he was dead. He appeared to be tired of the service. - Herbert Reade, surgeon of the 61st Regiment, said that the deceased was a remarkably healthy man, and a most excellent soldier, until he arrived at the Mauritius. He then broke out, and commenced drinking, which made him attempt suicide, but he recovered, and had made a second attempt. Ten days after his admission into the hospital, he appeared to suffer from the effects of drink, and symptoms of slight delirium ensued. The deceased was carefully watched, and he recovered. Within the last few days he appeared to suffer from depression of spirits. He was a very quiet man, and appeared always inoffensive. He was a Roman Catholic. Witness was of opinion, taking all his history into consideration, that the deceased was not right in his mind at the time he drowned himself. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 June 1861
BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Sudden Death of MR LEIGH SOUTHEBY. - The Inquest on the body of SAMUEL LEIGH SOTHEBY, Esq., F.S.A., was held yesterday at Buckfast Abbey. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- W. Coulton, Esq., Foreman: Messrs. J. Hamlyn, W. Yates, P. Yates, A. Warren, W. J. Parsons, D. White, J. Voce, J. Callard, A. Priddis, J. Barns, and J. Bovey. After proceeding to examine the body the following evidence was adduced:- John Tooley, said: On Thursday morning last I was walking up by the side of the river Dart. I saw the body we have just seen lying in the river, underneath some bushes. I went in and took him out, he was then quite dead. The water was about two feet deep; he was lying on his left side; the whole of the body was under water. I examined his hands and face, and there was no mark of violence on either his face or hands; there was no appearance of any struggle near the place where I found him. I found a cap and a stick on the bank near where I found the body; the cap and stick was in such a position that it might have fallen where it was if the deceased had fallen. - Henry Willcocks said:- I was in company with the last witness on Thursday morning last. I have heard his evidence and it is correct in every particular. It is not a secluded part of the river where we found the deceased. - Maria Sleep, the governess at Buckfast Abbey, said:- On Wednesday last the deceased, his daughter, and myself had luncheon together about one o'clock; he ate heartily and seemed to enjoy what he ate; he was quite cheerful and talked to his daughter about the flowers in her garden. After luncheon he usually took a walk, and smoked a cigar; he did not return from his walk on this day as he usually did, and the servants were sent in search of him. I am not aware of anything that would tend to have depressed his spirits. He usually took his walks alone. I have lived eight years in the family. I have known the deceased to have fainting fits. - O. Keirnan, Esq., surgeon, said:- I have examined the body of the deceased: there are no marks of violence on it. I have heard the evidence, and my judgment is that the deceased had a fainting fit, causing him to fall in the river and be drowned. - P.C. Leo said:- From information I received I proceeded to the spot where the deceased was found. I searched his pockets, and found a gold watch; it was topped, the hands of it showing a quarter past two o'clock. I also found 12s. 3d. in silver money. The body was removed then to where the Jury have now seen it. - Dr Tothill Massey, of Sydenham: I am a physician. I knew the deceased, and have attended him. I saw him in London about three weeks ago: I did not then attend him professionally; I dined at his house with some friends. I attended him for chest disease. He was a likely subject to be taken suddenly with spasm of the heart. From the appearance of the hands, it does appear possible to me that such might have caused his death. - The Jury, after a few minutes' consultation, returned the Open Verdict of "Found Drowned." - The deceased was well known as the leading partner in the well-known firm of Leigh, Sotheby, and Wilkinson, the literary auctioneers. He was also, we believe, a director of the Crystal Palace, at Sydenham.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 June 1861
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Monday at the Port Royal Inn, Exeter, before the County Coroner, (R. R. Crosse, Esq.) on the bodies of JAMES TARR, aged 14 and GEORGE YOUNG, aged 15, who were drowned the previous afternoon, under the following circumstances:- WILLIAM YOUNG, the brother of one of the deceased, stated that he, in company with the two deceased boys and three others, went on the previous afternoon, just before three, to bathe in the river Exe, in a place called Bell Isle. On arriving there the whole six went into the river, and TARR, who was a bad swimmer, endeavoured to swim across the river with the others, but when he was within two or three yards of the opposite shore, witness saw him go under the water and come up again. Witness's brother then swam towards TARR and the latter caught hold of him round the waist and they both went down together several times, when, after a little struggling, they both sunk to rise no more. An alarm was at once raised, and Mr Edwards with others procured a boat and grapnels and repaired to the spot, and in about an hour succeeded in landing the bodies. They were then quite dead, and it was consequently not deemed advisable to call in medical aid. The bodies were then removed to the Port Royal to await the Inquest. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Deaths by Drowning."

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 June 1861
BRIXHAM - The Late Fatal Accident At Brixham. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, in the Blue Anchor Inn, Brixham, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of JOHN WILCOCKS, who died from having fallen over a rock on Monday. - John Smale was the first witness called. He deposed that he was a ship-carpenter, residing in Brixham. On Monday, the 24th, he was at Berry Head, about half-past four o'clock in the afternoon. He saw the deceased asleep about twenty feet from the edge of the quarry. He did not attempt to arouse him and passed on. When next he saw him, about half-past five, he was lying at the bottom of the quarry, whither he had proceeded from a rumour that "COCKS" had fallen over. He was dead, and a boat was sent for to bring the body to Brixham. His head was greatly injured from its concussion with the rocks on which he fell. Witness saw remnants of the deceased's brain scattered over the cliffs, and the left shoulder was dislocated. He had seen deceased at noon very tipsy; he was a man in the habit of getting intoxicated frequently. The height he fell was calculated by the witness to be from 90 to 100 feet. The ground on which he saw the deceased asleep was a gentle slope towards the edge of the quarry. He assisted the body into a boat, and brought it to Brixham. - P.C. George Bird was on duty at Berry Head on Monday last. About half-past four he heard a cry of "A man has fallen over the cliff." On proceeding to the spot indicated he found the deceased lying on his face. On lifting his head he saw the brain protruding about three or four inches. He was quite dead. Estimated the height at 100 feet. - Charles Henry Brooking said he was a surgeon, residing in Brixham. He knew the deceased, and had attended him on many occasions, through diseases brought on by drink. About three or four months since he was called to attend WILLCOCKS in the night, when he found him in a state of apoplexy through drink. He had seen the body, and had no doubt that death was instantaneous. From his knowledge of the deceased and from the evidence adduced he believed he fell over the cliff in a state of drunkenness. - The Coroner said although there was no evidence before them to show how the deceased came by his death, the probability was that he either rolled down the slope into the quarry, or that awaking from sleep in a state of semi-intoxication, he fell over without being aware of his dangerous situation. He would have been better satisfied, and so doubtless would the Jury, if the police could have brought forward some witness to testify to the rolling over, whilst asleep, or rambling over in the manner surmised, for it was possible, although scarcely probable, that anyone bearing the man some ill-will, seeing him in such a state of intoxication, might have given the deceased an impetus, whilst asleep, which impelled him towards the edge of the cliff. If the Jury thought there had been any foul play, he would if they wished, adjourn that Inquest, in order to give the police time to make any inquiries which might elucidate the matter. This was merely a suggestion, and if the Jury considered there was no necessity for any such adjournment or Inquiry, he would leave them to consider their verdict. - The Jury, without any hesitation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 1 July 1861
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At The Railway Bridge, Union-Street. - In Saturday's Western Morning News we gave the particulars of a sad accident which took place at the Railway Bridge, Union-street, Plymouth, on Friday, and which terminated fatally to the sufferer, a young man named RICHARD GOSS, aged 17, living in Henry-street. An Inquest was held on the body on Saturday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner. From the evidence of Richard Morris, porter at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Edwin Marsh, engine cleaner, in the South Devon Railway Company and George Hardy, another engine cleaner, it appeared that the deceased, as before stated, got over the railings which guard the bridge for the purpose of seeing the Odd Fellows' procession pass by, and that in the act his foot slipped and he fell to the street beneath, a considerable distance. He was picked up, put into a cab, and taken to the Hospital, but before arriving at which death ensued. He had broken his neck. The accident appeared to have been entirely through his own conduct, and though some other fellow workmen were near none pushed him or at all caused his fall. - At the conclusion of the evidence one of the Jurymen, Mr Napoleon Wills, said he thought it was a very curious case. - The Coroner: I don't think it curious at all. I think it is very plan. (Hear, from other Jurymen.) - Mr Wills: I consider it your duty to know from medical evidence whether the death was accidental or not. (Oh!) (To the Foreman) I consider it your duty - The Coroner put the question to the Jury whether they wished medical evidence upon so plain a point, and they unanimously agreed there was not the slightest occasion. - Mr Wills (who was standing): I sit corrected! (a laugh). Mr Wills (again): What are you and all the Jury without medical evidence. (Order). What, I say, is the use of the Jury without the evidence of a medical man? and that in a case of broken neck? - Several Jurymen signified their dissent. - The Coroner: The other gentlemen of the Jury are against you. - Mr Wills: I should like to understand fairly, do I sit here under you? - (Yes.) - The Coroner: Yes, I hope you will. I should be the first to have medical testimony if I thought it necessary. It is a painful case - alluding to the relatives present - Mr Wills: Yes, it is painful, very painful. - The Coroner: It is painful, sir, in the presence of the distressed sister of the deceased. - Mr Wills (getting up and politely bowing): It is painful. - Another Juryman said it was not at all needful to have medical testimony. (Hear.) - Another Juryman commented on the fact that though others of the deceased's fellow workers were near by him on the bridge when he fell and saw it, that the witness Hardy was the only one with sufficient feeling to go and help him. He thought it strange. - Mr Wills: If it is agreed against me - well - and so - so. Mr Foreman, the thing (Inquest) ought to be adjourned - (no) - to have the evidence of the medical gentlemen. Howe are we to know it that don't understand it. - The Coroner: I will speak to you reasonably for a moment. I is not because a man is a poor man that his body is to be opened to satisfy curiosity. The question is not whether his heart or neck was broken, but whether he came to his death by an accident. - Mr Wills: I want to know whether it is an accident? - Sir, you ought to know better than ask me that question, whether the heart was broken or the neck broken. You asked that question of me. I will say no more; you ought to know better. (Order.) The Foreman (Mr John Bovey): Have you any doubt that it was an accidental death? - Mr Wills: Speak to the Coroner, not to me. - The Coroner: I consider you are unanimous for "Accidental Death." - Mr Wills: I don't think, sir, that we ought to sign without having the testimony of a medical man. (Yes.) How do we know it was accidental. - The Coroner: The witnesses have sworn it upon oath. You viewed the body. - Mr Wills: I didn't see his neck. - (Mr Wills here produced a smelling bottle and applied it vigorously to his nose, at the same time bowing politely to the Coroner. Subsequently however he signed the usual Document.)

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 July 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In Bedford Street, Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, by John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, to Inquire into the cause of death of JANE AMELIA CHUBB, a child four years of age, who died from injuries received on Friday last. The deceased resided with her father, a tailor, of No. 9 Basket-street, Plymouth. On Friday, the 28th ult., the child was in Bedford-street, for the purpose of seeing the processions of Odd Fellows and Foresters. Shortly before one o'clock Mr John Reed, residing in the same house with the deceased and her parents, was standing outside the shop of Mr Bazley, druggist, of Bedford-street, when his attention was attracted by a cry, and, on looking towards the spot from which it proceeded, saw the deceased underneath the feet of a cab-horse which was drawn up near the Mart of Mr Parkhouse. She was extricated as soon as possible, and was attended by Mr Square, surgeon, but the injuries sustained proved to be of a fatal character, and the little sufferer expired on Sunday morning about seven o'clock. She had been taken with her father to see the processions, but for a moment became separated from him and fell beneath the feet of the horse in the manner described. No blame being attributable to the driver of the cab, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 July 1861
PLYMOUTH - Death From A Fall. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at four o'clock at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the death of HENRY SMITH, the accident to whom we reported yesterday. The Jury having been sworn, the following evidence was adduced:- Richard Morris, porter at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said that the deceased was brought to the hospital on Monday evening, about 6.30. He had sustained injuries on the right side of the head. Mr Square attended the deceased; and he died yesterday morning about seven o'clock. His father came to see him, and was with him when he died. - WILLIAM SMITH said that he was a man-of-war's-man, on leave, and had to return to the Royal Adelaide. The deceased was his brother, and about twenty-seven years of age; he was an armourer on board H.M.S. Bulldog, now at Portsmouth. His father resides in Regent-street, Plymouth. The deceased was on leave, and on Monday evening he determined to go to Portsmouth to join his ship. The deceased went on board the Irish and London steamer Leda, lying in the pontoon at Millbay, and witness went with him. Witness left the deceased about 5.20 in the evening in very good health and he had not drunk much. The next time he saw him the same evening was at the Hospital quite insensible. - George Axworthy, policeman at the Great Western Docks, said that he was on duty at six o'clock on Monday evening. He had known the deceased 13 or 14 years. He saw the deceased on board the steamer about 5.15 and saw his brother leave him. He then saw deceased sitting in the combings of the hatchway and in a minute he saw his head rise up and his body fall back down into the hold of the Leda. The height was about 20 feet. He went to the hatchway and saw the deceased in the hands of Capt. Teels; no one pushed the deceased, and in his opinion the death was purely accidental. The deceased had been drinking. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 5 July 1861
TEIGNMOUTH - The Fatal Boat Accident At Teignmouth. - On Thursday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Foresters' Arms, West Teignmouth, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., of Totnes, Deputy Coroner, on the body of ELIZA ISAACS, about 33 years of age, who was accidentally drowned on the previous Tuesday afternoon by the capsizing of a boat near Labrador. The deceased, who was a married woman, was the landlady of the compass Inn, West Teignmouth. On Tuesday afternoon last she, in company with her son, a lad about 13 years of age, and a Mrs Taylor and Mrs Hurley engaged a boat of a man named Perryman, and proceeded to Labrador, which is situated round the Ness. The deceased and Mrs Harley then alighted from the boat and having undressed themselves, commenced bathing. They had not been long in the water, however, before they were noticed by some boys, who began to throw stones at them. They then regained the boat, and the lad having secured their clothes for them pulled off about twenty landyards from the shore. The deceased and Mrs Harley then began to dress, but the former of them finding that her foot was stained with blood from a wound she had inflicted, went to the side of the boat for the purpose of washing it. The weight of her body, however, over-balanced the boat, which was very small, and all four of them were thrown into the water; each of them secured a hold in the boat, which was at this moment upside down, and eventually the three females got upon the stern of the boat, leaving the lad at the bow of her. So great, however, was the weight at the stern end, that that portion of the boat again sunk, and the females were again submerged in the water. At this time the deceased was heard by her son to call out "SAM;" but he was unable to go to her assistance. In this condition they remained in the water floating for about 10 minutes, when a man named Dinion came to their assistance with a boat. They were all taken into the boat in a very exhausted state. The deceased, who was taken into the boat last, was observed whilst she was in the water to have her back upwards with her head beneath the surface. She was instantly taken to Major Brown's house, and Mr Brooks, surgeon, sent for, who upon his arrival applied artificial respiration and other means to restore animation, but in vain. In fact, it was stated by Dinion that he considered the deceased was dead when he took her into the boat in the first instance. The Jury, after hearing the whole of the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 July 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - Extraordinary Discovery Of A Dead Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday at two o'clock, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, for the purpose of Inquiring into the circumstances attending the death of a newly-born male child. - From the evidence of several witnesses it appeared that MARY JANE EVENS, the mother of the child, had resided at No. 2, Little Durnford-street, Stonehouse, from Christmas last. On Friday night, about half-past ten o'clock, a witness named Mary Ann Dymond, who resides in the same house, smelt a most offensive stench, which appeared to proceed from the room of MARY JANE EVENS. Just previous to this EVENS was heard to come from her room and go into the courtlage. From various circumstances which directed attention to EVENS'S room, Dymond and other of the neighbours went thither, and said to EVENS they thought there was something not right. EVENS first said it was the drain, and afterwards that it was her floorcloth which they smelt. EVENS had frequently denied being pregnant. On the neighbours, however, replying that they thought it was from her room the unpleasant effluvia came, EVENS positively denied it, and said that she was not going to open her door to let them all into her room. Police-constable Winchester was then called into the house, who, accompanied by Sergeant Ockford, made a search of the room with a lighted candle. It was then between twelve and one o'clock on Saturday morning last. Ockford said to EVENS that he smelt something offensive and asked what was the matter? EVENS replied that it was nothing there; after which she said "Come inside and I will tell you." On the sergeant going inside, EVENS said, "I was delivered of a dead child yesterday morning," and added that it was in the bed. The sergeant turned down the bedclothes and saw the child about the middle of the bed, wrapped up apparently in a female's nightgown. On inquiring of EVENS as to who was present at her confinement, she said "nobody." She had not told her friends of it; she had been to her father's house at Plymouth on that day, but had not told her father of it Mr Perry, surgeon, was then sent for, who put various questions to EVENS, in reply to which she still persisted that the child was dead born. EVENS was subsequently brought to the station-house, and thence taken to the Infirmary of the Workhouse, where everything necessary for her was provided. Sergeant Ocford produced various items of baby clothing which he had found on searching EVENS' room. He also produced a letter which had come by post that (Monday) morning, addressed to MISS MARY JANE EVENS," and which was signed by a seaman on board H.M.S. Orion, dated Malta, June 29th, 1861. There were also various other indications in EVENS'S room of her having been recently confined. A number of letters torn up were also found in the grate. Mr Perry, surgeon, who gave evidence on the Inquest, stated that on examining the child he could discover no marks of violence or injury on the body. EVENS told him that at the time of her confinement she remained in a fainting state for about three hours, and that she never heard the child cry. Mr Perry was of opinion that the child had been born about twenty hours, and he believed it had come to its full time. He had since made a post mortem examination, from which he conceived that the child had but feebly breathed, and then died naturally. He was not of opinion that the child died of haemorrhage, or from any violence whatever on the body During the Inquiry from a statement made by EVENS that a child's bedgown was to be found in her room, thereby showing that she had made provision for the birth of the child, Sergeant Ockford again proceeded to the room, and after a short time returned with the bedgown in question. The Coroner having summed up the evidence, going minutely into the facts, stating that the first fact to be elicited with a view to show that the death of the child had been caused by improper means, was to be satisfied that the child was born alive; they had heard the surgeon's evidence on that point, which showed that the child but feebly breathed and the fact of no violence being found on the body, and baby clothes being provided, were circumstances strongly in favour of EVENS, and of the child dying a natural death. As to the concealment of birth, if such a charge was proceeded with, it would have to come before the magistrates. The Jury then consulted for some minutes, when the Foreman said that the Jury were of opinion that the child was born alive; but some of them considered that with proper attendance it might have been spared. - Mr Perry was then further examined on that point, who stated that it was very uncertain whether under any circumstances the child would have lived, even with the best medical attention; it was probable it would not. The Jury then returned as their verdict that the child was born alive, but did immediately afterwards; but from what cause it came to its death there was no evidence to prove. The Jury added that a severe censure should be passed on the mother for not calling assistance at the time of her confinement.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 July 1861
PLYMOUTH - Yesterday afternoon, at half-past three o'clock, an Inquest was held before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, at Bustin's wine and spirit vaults, Octagon-street, to Inquire into the cause of death of JOHN QUINT, who was found dead on the previous day. The deceased was a Greenwich pensioner, residing at No. 1, Quarry-cottages, Quarry-street, and at the time of his death was 78 years of age. He was in receipt of 10d. per day in compensation for former naval services, and about a fortnight previous to his decease, the old man complained of weakness and evinced signs of rapid and natural decay. From the deposition of the son, WILLIAM QUINT, who was blind, a stone-sawyer, and who gave his age as about 47 years, it appeared that he occupied the same room with his father, and on Thursday morning he (the son) went to work, leaving his parent in his usual state of health. He returned in the evening about six o'clock and on ascending to his room, he was not aware of the presence of his father, and being blind, thought he was gone out on some errand. He groped about the room and finding no fire in the grate, went to the house of a neighbour and was furnished with some warm water for tea. Whilst at tea a boy named Menheniot came up and asked him for half a pipeful of tobacco for his father. Witness fetched the tobacco-box of the deceased, and finding a pipeful of tobacco in it, gave the boy one half of it, saying his father would be glad of it bye and bye. "By the way," said the witness to the boy, "have you seen anything of my old man, for I don't know where he is?" "Why, BILLY," replied the boy, "here he is, over here, lying down on your bed." Witness, thinking his father to be asleep, smoked a pipe of tobacco after his tea, but after the lapse of about a quarter of an hour, thinking that his father was very quiet, he felt his way over to the bed, and found the deceased lying across the bed, partly undressed, stiff and cold. He became alarmed, and the neighbours on coming in found the deceased in the position described. He appeared to have been taken suddenly ill, and was about to undress himself, but died in the attempt. Mr Pearse, surgeon, was sent for, but his assistance was of no avail. About five o'clock, Elizabeth Barkwell, a neighbour, saw deceased in the court-yard and asked him how he was. He complained of a pain in the stomach, and no more was said. The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Monday 29 July 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident On Board the Ship Parsee. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at three o'clock, at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE CROSS, a lad 13 years of age, who died from injuries sustained from a fall from the main yard of the ship Parsee, on Saturday morning about two o'clock. - Richard Morris said that he was porter of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. The deceased was brought there about noon on Friday, suffering from a fracture of the skull and insensible. He never spoke afterwards. Mr Fox attended him and he died on Saturday morning just after two o'clock. - JOHN CROSS said that he was a labourer, and resided at No. 8, Baker's Place, Richmond Walk, Devonport. The deceased was his son, and he was 13 years of age the 6th of May last. He has been three trips to Quebec, and he shipped on board the Parsee about ten days since as an ordinary seaman on a voyage to Quebec and back. Captain Edward Johns commands the Parsee. On Tuesday evening last was the last time he saw him alive and he took his farewell of him as they were about to go to sea. About two o'clock on Saturday morning he returned from his labour up the river when he heard of what had occurred. - David Hoskin, seaman on board the Parsee, said that the deceased had been on board about ten or eleven days. The ship was lying in the Sound on Friday morning, and about 10 o'clock the same morning orders were given to furl the mainsail and all hands went aloft to do it. He was on the main yard, as was also the deceased. He had been there about twenty minutes, when the deceased slipped his hold, fell, and struck in the lower main chains, and from thence overboard. The sailmaker and another man immediately jumped overboard after the deceased and he was slung and brought on board. The deceased was then put in the ship-s gig and he accompanied him to the hospital, where he saw his skull was fractured. There were about twenty-six hands furling the sail. No one pushed the deceased and he believed he fell accidentally. He said it was usual to send persons as young as the deceased was aloft. The Jury without a moment's hesitation returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, 31 July 1861
BIDEFORD - A Lady Poisoned At Bideford. - On Monday great excitement was occasioned here by a report that a lady, who had been on a visit at Mr Stephen Wilcocks, had by some means or other been poisoned. The rumour turned out to be true; and the following particulars may be relied on as correct. The lady, who had been governess in the family of Lord Clinton, at Huish, for upwards of twenty years, came here to spend a few days with Mrs Wilcocks. Some part of their early life had been spent at school together. The deceased lady, FRANCIS ANN ROWLAND, was forty-one years of age, had complained of diarrhoea, but attributed her illness to change of air. Mrs Wilcocks recommended a prescription which was made up of tincture of rhubarb and laudanum, and knowing that Mr Thomas Griffiths, chemist, of this place, was careful and safe, she went to his shop and asked for three-penny worth of tincture of rhubarb, and three drops of laudanum, stating at the time that it was a prescription given her by one nurse Williams. On taking the medicine home MISS ROWLAND was engaged at her needle, but told Mrs Wilcocks that she felt poorly and would go up stairs and lie on the bed. When Mrs Wilcocks subsequently went up, deceased said that she had been sick. Mrs Wilcocks poured out the medicine in a wineglass, and MISS ROWLAND immediately drank it, remarking that it was nauseous. Mrs Wilcocks went down to dinner about one o'clock and about two went upstairs again; the deceased said "I have not been asleep," she preferred lying still a little longer and said smilingly "I don't know how people feel when they are tipsy, but I feel very comfortable." Mrs Wilcocks then left her, thinking it for the best. About three, or half-past, Mrs Wilcocks went upstairs again, and when the blanket was removed she observed that MISS ROWLAND breathed slowly. Her hands were clenched, face swollen and eyes shut. Mr Wilcocks, on being apprised of her condition, went for Dr Jones, but MISS ROWLAND died. Dr Jones, at an Inquest held yesterday at the New Inn, before Thomas L. Pridham, Esq., Coroner, stated that the deceased died from a narcotic poison; but the Jury deeming further medical testimony necessary, together with a post mortem examination of the body, adjourned their Inquiry at five o'clock until eight o'clock, when it would be resumed. - Mr Incledon Bencraft, solicitor, is professionally engaged to watch the case for Mr Thomas Griffiths.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 August 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the cause of the death of a young man named JAMES DOBLE. It appears that the deceased resided in Fore-street, Stonehouse and was an apprentice to Mr Hocking, shipbuilder, Stonehouse. On Thursday morning, about eleven o'clock, whilst at work on board a new vessel in the Whitehall building yard, he went to get a piece of short rope that was attached to a chain in the fore part of the vessel, and in so doing the spar that he was standing on gave way, and he fell to the ground senseless; the height was about twenty feet. He was immediately conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was attended to by Mr Square and other medical gentlemen, but he died about a quarter before one o'clock the same afternoon. He went to get the piece of rope without orders from anyone, and no one was near him at the time he fell. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 August 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - A Sailor Boy Drowned. - An Inquest was held by Mr Bone, Coroner for Devonport, at the Ferry House, yesterday, on the body of THOS. EDWARD STEPHENS, a second-class boy in H.M. Royal Navy. On Friday week last STEPHENS, who was serving on board the Indus, was in a small boat on Hamoaze, and it is supposed that he accidentally fell overboard and was drowned. On Saturday last the body rose near the spot he was seen in the boat. The Jury found an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 August 1861
ST MARYCHURCH - Babbicombe. - An Inquest was held at the Roughwood Inn on Friday last, on the body of MR JOHN KNIGHT, whose melancholy death was recorded on Thursday last. From the evidence adduced it was quite clear deceased met his death by the gun accidentally going off, and after a short consultation, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance therewith.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 August 1861
DENBURY - Sudden Death At Denbury. - A poor old woman named MARGERY HOWELL, about seventy-six years of age, dropped down dead in her house yesterday, shortly after she had been to dinner. Mr Manley, surgeon, was sent for, and was soon in attendance, but found that the vital spark had fled. An Inquest will be held on the body this morning by Mr F. B. Cuming, the Deputy Coroner for the district.

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 August 1861
EXETER - Another Case Of Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Thursday evening, at Pike's Royal George, Quay-hill, before W. H. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of a lad aged 6 ½ years, named GEORGE BASTOW, who was found floating on the river near the quay, by a custom house officer. The deceased had been missed since Tuesday, and no trace of him could be found. The body presented a very healthy appearance; there were no visible bruises about it. The Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 August 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident To A Seaman. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held by Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, on view of the body of JOHN MITCHELL, a sailor attached to H.M.S. Circe. It appeared that about half-past five o'clock on Thursday afternoon the deceased, with John Williams, a seaman on board H.M.S. Indus, but now serving on board the Proserpine, was engaged in landing the clothes and other things of Richard Callender, late a boatswain of the Circe, at the "tip," a little north of Keyham. The water was very low at the time, and the boat was moored alongside a barge, to keep her afloat. The deceased, who was perfectly sober, attempted to come into the barge by means of a ladder attached to the quay for that purpose, when he slipped his foot at about the third bar from the top, and fell head foremost to the deck of the barge. He was taken to the sick-bay of the Indus, and attended by Mr Duncan, the surgeon, but expired shortly before nine o'clock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 August 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Royal Standard, William-street, Morice Town, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZA ANN WEDLAKE, who died from the injuries sustained by a fall on Saturday afternoon last. Elizabeth Renfrey gave evidence to the effect that she and the deceased worked as seamstresses at Messrs. Adams and Battens, Fore-street. On Saturday last the deceased came to work as usual in the morning. She appeared very well all the morning. About 12 o'clock the deceased and witness left the workroom together, to go home to dinner. The deceased went downstairs first, and when about half-way down the second flight she struck the heel of her boot against the stairs, and fell headlong to the bottom, and lay there quite insensible, and bleeding from the head. Assistance was called and Mr Johns, the chemist, came after the deceased had been removed to the workroom. Mr Johns sent for Mr Laity, who arrived in about half an hour. The deceased had not recovered consciousness, and was conveyed home in a cab. She died about five minutes after arriving there. The deceased was 20 years of age the day before her death. She was very steady. Elizabeth Charlick gave corroborative evidence. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 August 1861
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At The Sugar Refinery, Coxside. - An Inquest was held yesterday, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a Jury, of which Capt. Peake was Foreman, at the Eagle Tavern, Sutton-road, Plymouth, at five o'clock p.m., to Inquire into the cause of the death of SAMUEL WYATT, stoker, in the Sugar Refinery Works at Coxside, who died from the effects of an accident caused by the bursting of a boiler on the 22nd inst. The first witness called was George Ford, who said: I reside at 29 Jubilee-street, and am employed as assistant stoker at the Patent Sugar Refinery Works, Coxside. I have known the deceased about six years. He was about fifty years of age. He was stoker at the Sugar Refinery, and last Thursday morning about eight o'clock, being breakfast time, I saw the deceased sitting down eating his breakfast, in the stoking place in front of the two boilers. I had been about my breakfast, and rose up to feed one of the boilers. In a moment one of the boilers blew out. I saw the steam escaping and ran out of the way. On turning round to look after the deceased, I saw him on his hands and feet on the ground; the steam and hot water were blowing over him. I took him by the hand, and got him out as well as I could. I think the deceased became frightened at first, and tried to run away and fell over some pokers. The deceased was scalded about the legs and sides very much. He was taken home to his residence, 4 Park-street, and he died last evening. I have seen the deceased once since the accident occurred, and he did not blame anyone for what took place. The boilers are cleaned once in six weeks, and that is due at the end of this week. I don't know the cause of the boiler blowing out. The deceased's whole system seemed to be shaken by the fright. - I have heard the deceased express any opinion of distrust of the boilers. - Robert Oxland said: I am manager at the Patent Sugar Refinery; the deceased has been employed as stoker in the works for upwards of five years. He was a steady man and knew his work well; his regular work was to attend to the boilers every week, alternately by night and day. He was not employed at the boilers last week. He went there to take his breakfast. Since last Thursday I have examined the boiler, and find a hole just inside the brickwork over the flue, about the size of a man's hand, turned back (not broken), and the water had escaped into the flue, and thence into the drain. At the time of the accident the deceased had no business in the place, and if he had not been frightened he might have got over it safely. I examined the boiler with the deceased about five weeks since, and neither of us considered it dangerous. If we had the work would have been stopped immediately. The stokers themselves clean the boilers. The boiler has been in use six years. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 August 1861
CHUDLEIGH - The Drowning and Suicide In The Teign. - An Inquest was holden on Tuesday at Chudleigh, by W. A. Cockey, Esq., County Coroner, on the bodies of HARRIET HILLMAN and MARY ANN, her daughter. It will be remembered that some days ago the body of a little girl was found in the river Teign, not far from Chudleigh, and that subsequently the body of a woman was found. The bodies turned out to be those of HARRIET HILLMAN, of Bovey Tracey, and her illegitimate child. The deceased woman had resided with her father, a cripple in the receipt of poor relief, and on Wednesday morning she left the house as he father was about to give it up, and it is supposed that she drowned her child and herself in a fit of ill-temper or despair. The verdict was "Found Drowned." The funeral took place shortly after the Inquest.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Late Fatal Accident In The Great Western Docks. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the Wellington Inn, Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, as to the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD GRILLS, a youth of sixteen years of age, who was drowned on Wednesday afternoon last in the Great Western Docks, Millbay. The deceased, who was an apprentice to Mr Hocking, shipbuilder, Stonehouse, on Wednesday last was at work on board the Whitehall, a new ship lately launched from Mr Hocking's yard, and which is at present lying in the Great Western Docks at Millbay. Shortly after one o'clock in the afternoon he was observed to be going over the ship's side. He was asked where he was going by a joiner, named Maddock, who was working on the deck. The deceased replied he was going to the "jeddy" a common name for a closet, which by water across the basin from the Whitehall was about 560 ft., and if he were to walk round it would be 1,760 ft. Maddock called the deceased back to help him in holding a piece of board whilst he (Maddock) cut it; after it had been cut the deceased went over the side of the ship and Maddock saw no more of him. Another joiner, Elson, was working in the cabin about half-past one o'clock and feeling rather warm, was in the act of opening the cabin window, when he saw a cap and a paddle floating on the water. Alarm was given, and it was supposed the boy was drowned as he was nowhere to be found. - William Gosling, one o the dock-gate men immediately put the "drags" to work in the docks and within ten minutes picked the body up. Dr Pearse was sent for, and was speedily in attendance, but he found that the boy was quite dead. The body was then taken to the father's house in Adelaide-street, where it now lies. Edward Filder, the secretary of the Great Western Dock Company, said that he had attended for the express purpose of telling the Jurymen that there were eight stations on the docks where life buoys were kept, and if anyone happened to fall overboard and anyone saw him all appliances were ready to save him. Had anyone seen the deceased overboard, a life buoy might have been thrown to him and his life saved. The Coroner said it was very satisfactory for them to find that such precautions were taken for the safety of those who came into the docks. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found dead in the water."

Western Morning News, Monday 2 September 1861
TORQUAY - Mr Cuming held an Inquest at the Union Hotel on Thursday, on the body of SARAH BROWNING, a child four years old, who came by her death by falling over the rocks at Stentiford's Hill.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 September 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Scalding At Stonehouse. - Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, an Inquest was held before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, at the Queen's Arms, Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, to Inquire as to the cause of death of ROBERT GEORGE BURNETT, a child between four and five years of age. The deceased was the son of ROBERT BURNETT, a private in the Royal Marines, and lived with his mother in Edgcumbe-street. On the evening of Friday 26th July, William Short, another marine, was carrying away from the house the last two buckets of a quantity of hot "tripe-wash," which he had purchased from Mrs Blackler, who occupied the ground floor. He bought the wash for the purpose of feeding pigs, which he kept; and as he wished to pay for it before he left the house, he placed the two buckets of boiling liquid in the passage, whilst he went to pay Mrs Blackler, who was in the back-yard. There were many children playing about, and as he put down the buckets for a short time he cautioned them not to come near them, as the liquid was hot. The buckets did not intercept the way from the passage to the stairs, but were placed closely by the wall. Whilst Short was engaged in paying Mrs Blackler, the deceased fell into one of the buckets, whereby he received such injuries that although surgical aid was rendered by Mr Hatherley and Mr Warren, the child died on Saturday evening. The opinion of the Jury was that inasmuch as Short warned the children of the dangerous nature of the liquid, no negligence could be attributed to him, and without any hesitation returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Another Case Of Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at the Cattle Market Inn, in the Bonhay, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of THOMAS DAVEY, a child seventeen months old, who was drowned the previous afternoon, it is supposed from accidentally falling into the water. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the child had been given into the care of its brother, a little boy nine years of age, and that he had left the deceased alone for a short time in the garden attached to the house, which is close to the mill leat running through the Bonhay. The child being missed soon after by the mother, search was made, and the body was found by a workman in Mr Kempe's mill, floating on the water and pressing against the grating. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 September 1861
TORQUAY - Mr F. B. Cuming held an Inquest at the Castle Inn, on Monday last, on the body of WILLIAM E. EASTERBROOKE, a child five years old, who came by his death by a horse and cart passing over him on the previous Saturday, and died from the severe injuries he received on Sunday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Drowning Of A Sailor Boy. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Ferry Inn, Newpassage, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN TOPHAM, a youth about 15 years of age, who was picked up drowned in the Hamoaze on Sunday morning last. The Jury having viewed the body William Sammels, a second-class boy on board H.M.S. Implacable, said: Yesterday fortnight, about a quarter before seven o'clock in the morning, Stucky, Thomas and the deceased were on the poop of the Implacable. The deceased, who was also a second-class boy, said to Thomas, we will lower the boat. He told Thomas to get into the boat, which was the second gig, and lower her. The deceased got in also. The boat at this time was hoisted up and was fastened to the davits. She was almost as high out of the water as the bulwarks of the ship. The deceased said to witness, you lower the foremost-fall, and Stucky can lower the after-fall. Thomas put the plug into the bottom of the boat. Stucky was looking at witness so that they might lower together, and after they had lowered her a little way Stucky got his hand jammed in the cleet, and he tried to hold the fall with his other hand to prevent further squeezing, but the strain being so heavy the boat went down on the lower deck port. When Thomas felt the boat going he laid hold of the life line. As the boat went down on the port she canted, and the deceased fell over the gunnel of the boat into the water. An alarm was immediately made of a boy overboard, and the boatswain and captain came on the upper deck; boats were lowered and manned as quickly as possible. Three boys named Northam, Cann and Gliddon and a marine named Glover, jumped over board to try to save the deceased and life buoys were also thrown overboard. Witness saw deceased, who could not swim, sink, but he rose again quickly. The tide was then running very strong, and the deceased was carried down by it, and just before he came to H.M.S. Wellington he sunk, and witness saw him no more. Soon after the deceased disappeared the boats came to the spot, but they could not find him, although they searched for some time. All the boys had had their breakfast before the accident. Witness saw no sentry near, nor any seaman on the deck at the time the deceased proposed to lower the boat. They had not received any directions to lower the boat. In general there were men present when the boats are lowered. Witness never saw the boat lowered before without men to assist. The deceased said they would lower the boat and get it ready to go after the officers. The boat was four-oared gig. witness did not know but that the deceased had orders to get the boat ready. They had their leave stopped for lowering the boat. There was no boat near enough to pick the deceased up at the time he fell overboard. - James Russell, boatswain, gave corroborative evidence. - John Turner, boatswain of H.M.S. Indus, said that on Sunday morning last he was on board H.M.S. Leopard about 9.10 a.m., when he saw a dead body floating on the surface of the water between H.M.S. Valorous and H.M.S. Leopard. He got a boat, and took the body in tow, and deposited it in the dead-house at Newpassage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 September 1861
BARNSTAPLE - Death By Drowning. - A young man named JARVIS, a tailor, was drowned last evening while bathing near Black Rock. Deceased had been drinking throughout the day, and while in a state of intoxication, it is supposed, sought to refresh himself previous to returning home. He undressed himself very hastily and struck off swimming boldly until about the middle of the river, when he turned, and after giving a few more strokes towards the shore, sunk to rise no more. Two young gentlemen, being excellent swimmers, hastened into the water in the hope of saving him, but he rose no more. The Jury brought in a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 September 1861
CHUDLEIGH - Supposed Suicide At Chudleigh. - On Friday evening last SAMUEL CLAMPET, a labourer, committed suicide by drowning himself in the river Teign. The deceased was a married man, and he not returning to his house at his usual time his wife suspected that something had befallen him, and search was made for him, but he could not be found. On Saturday morning the search was resumed and his body was found in the river Teign, quite dead. The corpse was removed on a stretcher to his wife's residence t await a Coroner's Inquest which will be held today.

KENTON - The Suicide At Kenton. - A Coroner's Inquest was holden on Friday at Oxton House, near Kenton, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of LOUISA QUINT, a dairymaid in the family of General Studd, of Oxton House, whose death was recorded in the Western Morning News of Saturday. It will be remembered that the deceased left the house on Wednesday morning, after the receipt of a letter, and that her body was found in a pond, near the house, quite dead. The deceased, who was about 25 years of age, lived at Oxton House about six months. She was highly esteemed by the family and by her fellow-servants, and had never been observed to show any signs of despondency. She received a letter by post on Wednesday morning and read it at breakfast time, and shortly after left the house, and was missed. General Studd and the family were from home, but the servants, finding she did not return made search for her, and the groom found her in the pond quite dead. The letter she had received in the morning was found in her pocket, but it did not contain anything suggestive of a motive for suicide. After a long and patient Inquiry the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." The body was buried on Saturday in Kenton church-yard.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Fatal Accident On The Cornwall Railway. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at the Railway Inn, Navy Row, Morice Town, before Allen B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for Devonport, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOSEPH CRITCHETT, a naval pensioner, who was killed on the Weston Mill Viaduct of the Cornwall Railway, by the first morning train from Truro to Plymouth, on Friday last. The Jury having viewed the body at the Devonport Railway Station proceeded by a special engine and carriage which were waiting for them to the viaduct where the deceased's skull and brains were scattered in every direction, and the scalp was completely taken off, and was lying on the line just the same as at the time the accident occurred. The Jury then returned to the Railway Inn, and the first witness called upon was Henry Stibbs Bush, a resident engineer of the Cornwall Railway, who said that on Friday morning he left Lostwithiel by the express train which arrives at Saltash at ten minutes after 10 o'clock. The train does not stop on the way from Saltash to Plymouth. When the train approached the Weston Mill Viaduct, he noticed that the engine driver slackened his speed, and shortly after they got over the viaduct the train stopped. The engine driver then came back to him, and inconsequence of what he said witness immediately ran back with one of the guards. When he got a little more than half-way across the viaduct he saw the remains of the body of a man lying parallel with the rail on the north side between it and the parapet of the viaduct. He felt a portion of the body and discovered that there was no sign of life. He uncovered the shirt where he thought the head would be, and he found a headless trunk; the whole of the head was severed from the body. He then looked around, and saw various portions of the brain, skull and scalp scattered about on various parts of the ballast of the railway. The scalp was lying immediately on the inside of the north rail. The passengers in the train were waiting, and he got into the train, and came on to the Devonport station, where he stopped to get assistance. He then walked back to the viaduct again, and by the time he arrived he found some of the railway packers there. He then took more minute and particular notice, and he saw just beyond the body, on the west side, lying on the ballast, a bag and a lot of chips scattered over the ballast. He then caused the body to be removed to the Devonport station, where it was when the Jury saw it. The engine driver's place is on the right hand side of the engine, and the stoker's place on the left hand side where the break is. He felt nothing unusual in the train as it passed along. He examined the wheels and life guard in front of the engine as soon as the train stopped at the Devonport station, and discovered no signs of either of the wheels coming in contact with anything unusual. He saw on a the east side of the body a portion of a stick such as would be used to support a bag across a man's shoulder. He also saw a man's shoe lying in the middle of the railway, just opposite to the legs of the body, one of which was broken near the shin. The distance from the point of the Saltash and Devonport road at the Weston end of the viaduct, to the spot where the turnpike crosses the railway east of the viaduct is about half-a-mile. There are nine recesses on the viaduct about 150 distant from each other. He found the body lying within five or six yards of one of those recesses. The Weston end of the viaduct is about 300 feet from the Saltash turnpike road, which runs parallel with the railway for a short distance on the north side. The viaduct was fenced in the usual way with posts and rail fencing. Those recesses are seven feet long by two feet wide. Each of them will hold ten men. There is no notice to the public at the recesses; they are intended only for persons engaged on the railway, the railway not being a public throughfare. There is a notice board at the point where the railway approaches the Saltash turnpike road, warning persons not to walk on or otherwise trespass on the railway. The fence between the pasture land adjoining the railway and the Saltash turnpike road is in a most dilapidated state. A great number of persons were, he believed, in the habit of trespassing on the railway at that point by crossing from the turnpike road upon the railway. - MARY CRITCHETT, the wife of the deceased, said that the deceased was 66 years of age, and was rather deaf in one ear. His sight was very good. He was in the habit of going out mornings gathering chips, and he left the house about five o'clock on Friday morning for that purpose. She had heard him say that he had gone over the viaduct, and she had cautioned him not to do so. He said there were places to get on out of the way of the train. The girdle and knife now produced were his, and he used to carry stems of tobacco like those produced. She had heard him say that he had been light headed sometimes. - P.C. Mitchell said on Saturday afternoon he took from the body of the deceased a girdle and knife, which he now produced. - William Newcombe, the engine driver of the express train on Friday morning said, on entering the Weston Mill Viaduct he saw about a quarter of a mile ahead something lying on the line. He mentioned it to the stoker and when they got within three or four yards of it the stoker sang out it was a man. He stopped the train as quickly as possible. He went back and told Mr Bush of it, who was in one of the carriages, and after he had examined it the train proceeded. - John Clatworthy, stoker of the same train, gave corroborative evidence. - Thomas March, a labourer on the Cornwall Railway, said that he went over the Weston Mill Viaduct about half-past five o'clock on Friday morning, and there was nothing whatever on the railway at that time. He had seen a man walking on the viaduct three or four times with a bag, and he had cautioned him not to do so. he left Saltash on Friday morning about ten minutes before ten o'clock on his way to the Keyham Viaduct, and when he got on the Weston Mill Viaduct, about half-past ten o'clock, he saw a man lying on the side of the railway on the viaduct, and it looked to him like the man he had seen there before with the bag by the clothes he wore. He saw a bag and chips near the body. - Nicholas Bartlett, a porter, who lived in the same house with the deceased, recognised the body to be that of JOSEPH CRITCHETT. The deceased told him that he used to go under the cliff to get his chips. - James Clatworthy and George Hatto, engine driver and fireman of the first morning train leaving Truro at 6.20 said that they were looking ahead when they passed the Weston Mil Viaduct, but they saw nothing nor felt the train shake in the least. - Francis Pickersgill Cockshott, superintendent of the Cornwall Railway, said that in consequence of information he received on Friday morning on the arrival of the up-express train from Truro, he went with an engine and carriage truck to the Weston Mill Viaduct and at the end of the viaduct he met Mr bush and his men bringing the remains of the deceased. it was placed in the carriage truck and brought to the Devonport Station. On his return to Plymouth he examined the engines of the 6.20 up-train, and the express, and found no marks of any kind upon them. In the evening he examined the carriages which had composed the 6.20 up-train, and on the step of the outer frame work of the front carriage which had been next to the engine, and on the left or north side of it there were several spots of blood and portions of brain. It appeared as if those marks had been splashed up from the line. The splashes were on the frame work between the front and second wheels of the carriage. If the body had been struck by the end of the step of the front railway carriage, which projects over the rail, the body would have been thrown down, and if the front wheel passed over it, it would fracture the skull, and account for the condition in which the body was found and the marks on the carriage. Such an accident might and probably would happen without its being felt by the engine driver or fireman. The carriage was of the usual dimensions. The step was also of the usual width. The carriage was in perfect order and the railway and parapet of the viaduct were also in their proper state. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that he could see no reason whatever to say that there was the slightest neglect on the part of the Railway Company. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was found dead on the Weston Mill Viaduct, but by what means he came to his death there was no positive evidence to show.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 September 1861
The Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at Tuckett's Royal Oak Inn, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MR WILLIAM GREENSLADE, whose death was recorded in the Western Morning News of yesterday. Mr Morgan, superintendent of the Newton Station, appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of the Railway Company; MR SAMUEL GREENSLADE, son of the deceased, on behalf of the relatives and friends. The Jury, after viewing the body, re-assembled, when the following evidence was tendered:- Charles Tuckett, landlord of the Royal Oak Inn, deposed to having known the deceased for upwards of seven years, and never during that time to be intoxicated. On Saturday, at half-past five, the body of the deceased was brought to his house, and was recognised. He was quite sober when in his house, about five o'clock, with some pig's wash. - Mr Alfred Tucker, manager of the refreshment rooms at the Newton Station, and landlord of the Ship Inn, Martin's-lane, Exeter, was in the up express train on Saturday last. Between the stop signal and the St. David's station, he noticed that they were going very slow. On looking out of the window to see if the stop signal was on, saw the deceased on the down line, and on the engine arriving about 20 feet from him, the deceased seemed to make a cut across the up line as fast as he could in front of the engine. witness made the observation, "Good God! what a madman." The next thing he observed was a straw hat which dropped on the down line and he then asked the guard to look and see what had become of the poor fellow. Did not observe any other person with him. Could not attach any blame to anyone but the deceased. It was one of the most rash acts he had ever seen. Did not know the deceased. - By a Juror: His back was towards the engine. He certainly considered the deceased must have seen the train approaching, and was quite confident he was perfectly safe on the down line where he first stood. - John Smith deposed to having been the engine-driver of the express train on the day in question. The time for the arrival of the train was 5.20, and the time they arrived was 5.23. At the time that he first saw the deceased his back was towards the engine. he was then running along the line. The speed of the train was 10 or 12 miles an hour. Witness saw deceased move off the up line, and then he got on it again. He stopped his engine as soon as he could, and went back with the fireman and guard. They found the deceased lying between the rails. He breathed once or twice and then died. They immediately sent to the St. Thomas' station for assistance, remaining with the body till it arrived. The deceased could have had no business on the line. Directly he saw him he called out and applied the whistle which he kept on until the deceased was struck. - By a Juror: He reversed the engine, but it was impossible to pull up before the deceased was struck. - The stoker, Robertson, corroborated the above, and stated that while he sounded the whistle, the driver shut off steam. - The Coroner informed the Jury that he had not thought it necessary that they should hear medical evidence as to the cause of death. - Mr William Rawling, solicitor and agent to J. W. Buller, Esq., M.P., the owner of the property rented by the deceased, stated that there was no path across the line, and the deceased could not have possibly have had any right there. - This being the whole of the evidence, the Coroner remarked that the question for them to consider was whether due precaution had been exercised in stopping the train. In his opinion there had been every exertion made to prevent the unfortunate calamity, and that there was no blame to be attached to the railway company. The Jury, having deliberated a few minutes, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 23 September 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident in H.M. Dockyard. - An Inquest was holden on Saturday afternoon at the Dockyard-gate Inn, Fore-street, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of RICHARD BARRETT, a rigger in H.M. Dockyard, who lost his life, as was stated on Saturday, by a fall on board H.M.S. Boscawen, on Friday afternoon. The evidence went to show that while engaged in lowering a portion of the top gear of the Boscawen, the deceased, who was either stupid or stubborn, fell from the main cap to the deck, some 66 feet. He was removed to the surgery, and shortly afterwards died. It was stated that deceased's wife had broken a blood vessel on Thursday, and he had been affected thereby. The Coroner adjourned the Inquest to the 7th October, to secure the attendance of a man named Jordan, who fell at the same time.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 September 1861
PLYMOUTH - Death From Suffocation. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Plymouth Guildhall, before the Deputy Coroner, J. G. Edmonds, Esq., on the body of CHARLES HENRY ROACH, an infant about nine weeks old. From the evidence adduced it appears that the mother of the child keeps stall in the market and during her absence left her family, consisting of three children, to the care of a nurse and another servant. On Saturday evening the nurse laid the deceased on a bed while she went down stairs into the back of the house to get its night clothes, and on returning, in about five minutes she found the infant missing. Thinking some person had come in and taken it up while she was away, she went to make inquiries respecting it, but not being able to learn its whereabouts, she returned to the room again, and on looking about, found the poor little thing hanging out of bed with its head in about a quart of water contained in a small pan at the head of the bed. The probabilities are that the child must have rolled out of bed and died from suffocation in a very few seconds. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the above facts. The nurse's name is Betsey Sydenham, and it is but just to her to say that the Foreman of the Jury spoke of her to the Coroner as being a most careful woman.

EXETER - On Saturday forenoon, an Inquest was held at the Oat Sheaf Inn, Fore-street-hill, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of MR H. HARRILL, whose death was rather sudden the previous day. It appeared the deceased, who resided at Bartholomew-street, had been ill for upwards of two years, suffering from rheumatic gout, and a chest complaint; and on Thursday evening deceased came home at his usual hour, and retired to rest about half-past nine. Between twelve and one his wife was awoke through his coughing, spitting, and vomiting blood, which continued without intermission for about an hour. Medical aid was sent for, but ere it arrived the vital spark had fled. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from rupture of a blood-vessel near the heart." The deceased has left a wife and five children.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 September 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was holden yesterday by A. B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of MARIA EDWARDS, whose suicide in Marlborough-street we reported yesterday. She was 38 years of age, a quiet, industrious woman, who got her living by making children's shoes. She has been a widow since February, and has three children, aged 17, 13 and 5 years. She has been low and desponding since her husband's death, and on Wednesday during the absence of her children she hung herself to the bed. Verdict - "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 30 September 1861
TEIGNMOUTH - The Late Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held at the Railway Inn, East Teignmouth before Mr F. B. Cuming, Deputy Coroner on Saturday, on the body of JAMES BROWN, aged 20, a shipwright's assistance, who died from injuries received on the previous day, on board the ship Superb. The Jury proceeded to view the body, which was lying at the dead-house at the Infirmary. Thomas Tucker, a shipwright, stated that he was on board the ship Superb, now lying at Teignmouth, about noon on the previous day. The deceased, who was a shipwright's assistant, was there between decks at work. A young man named George Lee called him to help the hatch forward. They put a piece of ropeyard through the holes where the ring bolts ought to have been, to carry it forward to the fore hatch. George Le went back on deck for the purpose of taking hold of the hatch to ship it, when he (witness) said that he would help it up with him. The deceased was standing on one side of the hatch, and himself on the other. The deceased had then a piece of rope-yarn in his hand, and the other he had round an upright, waiting for him (witness) to open the hatch. The deceased knocked him across the arm with the rope-yarn. He (witness) took away his hand rather quickly from the uprights. The deceased stepped backwards and fell down the hatchway, about 15ft. He called to a young man, named Scoble, that was working in another part of the vessel, and they ran to the main ladder, where the deceased was and took him up. He was afterwards taken to the Infirmary. In answer to questions from Mr Nickolson, the Foreman of the Jury, the witness said that he was standing about two feet and half from the deceased at the time when he fell. The deceased might have stepped back, thinking he was going to strike him. The deceased might have seen that the hatchway was opened or not. - Sergeant Mashford here wished the Coroner to ask the witness whether he and the deceased had not been drinking together during the previous day, and whether there had been a robbery on board the ship the previous Wednesday night or Thursday morning, of a quantity of wine and spirits, and whether he had not seen the deceased with a bottle of wine on the previous evening. The witness in answer to those questions said that he had not been in the deceased's company the previous evening. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The money allowed to the Jurymen was handed over to Mr Mansfield with a wish that he would give it to the deceased's father. - The deceased, who was a member of the Teignmouth Artillery, will be interred with military honours.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 October 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In Her Majesty's Dockyard. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Dockyard Gates Inn, Fore-street, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of the man named JOHN SLOGGETT, a labourer, who fell into the water and was drowned on Tuesday afternoon last. The first witness examined was William Youlden, who deposed that he was a sawyer in Her Majesty's Dockyard, under Messrs. Kitts, the contractors, and that on Tuesday afternoon, about a quarter after three o'clock, he was at the crane which is situated on a tram road, about three or four feet from the edge of the dock. Deceased and witness were about to raise some stones by the crane, when deceased suddenly slipped and fell into the water. He instantly cried out, and witness got a rope which was about 60 or 70 feet away from where he was standing. On his return he found that SLOGGETT had sunk and he saw bubbles rising from the surface of the water. The deceased only rose once above the surface. About two hours afterwards witness saw him taken out of the water. Hooks were sunk in the water to endeavour to grasp the deceased but without effect, and within half-an-hour the diver went down. The handle of the crane went overboard with him and went to the bottom of the dock - James Richards, clerk to Messrs. Kitts, deposed that on Tuesday afternoon, at a quarter after 3 o'clock, he was in his office, about 15 or 20 yards from the crane and heard the cry "a man is overboard." Witness added I ran and saw the deceased in the water, between the dock and the dam, about a foot under the surface of the water. I instantly looked about for something to throw to him: I could only see a wooden roller which I threw into the water. The deceased did not speak or rise above the surface but immediately sank down out of sight. The piece of wood fell within his reach but he made no effort to reach it. I saw no more of him. Several people were near the spot in five minutes and everything was done to save him that possibly could be. There were persons with boat hooks and ropes near enough to the spot had he come to the surface of the water to rescue him, but he never appeared. The deceased was taken out of the water about 1 hour and 20 minutes afterwards. The deceased had been working at the same spot about the same work for a week past, and was a young man apparently from 18 to 20 years of age. - James Tucker, a labourer in the Dockyard, under Messrs. Kitts, gave similar evidence, and said that after the deceased was in the water he paddled about with his hands for 2 or 3 minutes and then sank to rise no more. Witness could not render the deceased any assistance as he was pumping air to one of the divers. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their opinion that it was necessary railings should be put at the place where the deceased fell for the safety of those men who should work at the crane hereafter.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 October 1861
TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was holden at the Guildhall yesterday before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of the boy COCK, the particulars of whose death was published on Monday. The evidence of his mother and two men named Stephens and Williams, both of whom saw the accident, was taken, but no facts were elicited other than those that have already appeared, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Accident In H.M.'s Dockyard. The Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of RICHARD BARRETT, a rigger in H. M.'s Dockyard, who died from the injuries sustained by a fall on board H.M.S. Boscawen, on the 20th September, was resumed yesterday afternoon at the Devonport Guildhall, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the Borough. After hearing the evidence of Samuel Jordon, John Oliver, John Spinner and Alexander Pope, the Coroner summed up the facts and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1861
EGG BUCKLAND - Shocking Accident At A Quarry. Three Men Buried And Two Killed. - Travellers on the Tavistock Railway may have noticed two small slate quarries in Cann Woods, about a mile from the junction with the South Devon Railway. One of these quarries, on the west side of the line, was on Monday the scene of a deplorable accident, by which two men were killed and three others seriously injured. On Monday afternoon four men were working on a ledge or rock a few feet in width, and overhanging this ledge were tall rocks, which presented a smooth and firm appearance, and from which no danger was apprehended, although they overhung the ledge several feet. In fact, so safe was the rock considered that at the time of the accident the men were engaged in removing the rock beneath upon which the sloping rock above appeared to lean. Suddenly, about two o'clock, part of the overhanging mass of rock fell forward, and in its fall buried three of the men who were working on the ledge. the fourth man, Charles Saunders, escaped by rushing to the ladder and rope by means of which the men had descended to their fatal position. The ladder up which he was attempting to climb was knocked away and broken into several pieces, but he clung to the rope and succeeded in ascending to the top, though not without receiving serious injuries from the falling stones. When the men working in the neighbourhood went to the spot they found that about 200 tons of stone had fallen, which had covered the place on which the men were working, and as no one could be seen, it was supposed that all had perished, but from the rocks a voice was heard to issue, of which they learnt that one of the men, although completely buried, was still alive. With the instinct of Englishmen the comrades of the buried man immediately climbed to the spot and commenced removing the stones by which he was covered. In doing this they failed to observe the dangerous state of the rocks above them, and shortly another large stone fell and knocked over one of the searches, named James Sellick, into the quarry below; he fell a depth of about 20 feet, and was seriously injured. A pause then occurred in the investigation, but the buried man continuing to cry for help the task was resumed in spite of danger, and in a short time he was removed from his unpleasant position, and strange to say that although completely buried with rocks and stones, the man, who proved to be William Attwell, is not seriously injured. The quarryman who climbed up the rock during the accident was found on the top; he is considerably bruised and it is feared badly ruptured. The other two men are dead. S. MARTIN was found with his head crushed and MCWERISBOROUGH with legs, arms and ribs broken. - The Inquest on the bodies of the deceased was held yesterday at Mrs Cudlip's, Pool Farm, Egg Buckland, before A. B. Bone, Esq., jun., and a respectable Jury, of which Mr J. Sheppeard was Foreman. The bodies were much disfigured, but not beyond recognition. The first witness was William Rolstone, who said, I am a woodcutter, in the employ of Mr W. Weeks. On Monday, the 14th Oct., I was working at Collwell Wood, about a quarter-of-a-mile from the quarry. About half-past two in the afternoon I went to Rumple Quarry, in consequence of having been called by a boy, and saw James Sellick on his hands and knees at the bottom of the quarry. He was not covered with any of the rubbish. Mr Weeks, jun., who was in the upper part of the quarry, called to me and I went. - Here Mr Bone said: I think that we can do no other than adjourn the Inquiry, in order that the men injured may attend and give their evidence, but we will hear the evidence of the witnesses now present. Wm. Rolstone continued: I saw Atwill, who I understood had been bruised and had just got out; he was bleeding and screeching and uttering some words which I could not understand. I and another man in about 15 minutes got the body of MCWERISBOROUGH out. He was quite dead. In about two hours after, I and other men also got out the body of MARTIN. I knew them both and recognised them at once. - Wm. Roberts said: I am a packer on the Tavistock Railway. Yesterday about four o'clock I was called to give assistance. I and the other men went to work to discover MARTIN, and after a short time I saw his arm. We moved a large quantity of slate rubbish, &c., and dragged him out. - ... Pearce said: I have been a quarryman for 10 years, and formerly worked in the Rumple Quarry. On Monday, during my dinner-time, I went over to the quarry. While there C. Saunders asked me how I liked the quarry? I replied not at all, and that I should not like to do work there. He then said, neither he nor MCWERISBOROUGH should work there much longer, and that as there were shortly some government works to be started in the neighbourhood he should go there, as he could get better wages. I did not think it safe. They had blasted, I believe, eight times in the forenoon, but not in any portion of the slate which gave way. Saunders also said that he did not think it would fall yet, but it would some time. I should think it had been in that dangerous state about a week or fortnight. The men having sustained such severe injuries, and as it would be a week at least before they would be able to attend, it was decided that the Inquiry be adjourned to half-pat two o'clock on Monday, the 28th inst., at the River Ford Inn, Plym Bridge. The Jury to meet at the quarry.

STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest On The Body Picked Up In The Hamoaze. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Mutton Cove Inn, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., on the body of a man named MICHAEL MURPHY, who was picked up drowned on Monday morning last. It appears that on Saturday week last the deceased agreed to take a woman named Philippa Dunn in his boat to put her on board H.M.S. Amphitrite to see her husband, and when he got as far as Torpoint he pulled towards H.M.S. Calliope; he said he could not pull her any further as the boat was heavy, and he should be obliged to go on board and get another man to help him. On his arrival at the ship deceased put Mrs Dunn on the accommodation ladder, and on her reaching the top of the ladder she saw MURPHY in the water. She raised an alarm, but before anyone could render him any assistance he sank. She was then taken on board H.M.S. Indus, and from thence to the Amphitrite. The Coroner before he summed up said that he thought the body was found such a distance from Mutton Cove that it ought to have been taken to Torpoint or Saltash, and the Saltash Coroner to have held the Inquest, who had jurisdiction upon the waters of the Hamoaze. He said he was induced to make that remark because several bodies had of late been brought on shore to Devonport and then brought into the town, where the Inquest had been held by him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Millbay. - An Inquest was held last evening at seven o'clock, at Pilliar's West Hoe Inn, Millbay, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM BAKER, who died from the injuries sustained by a fall on Sunday night last. It appeared from the evidence given by Mr Nicholson, agent to the Cork steam ship company, and Edmund Fleming, an able seaman, that the deceased was a cabin passenger by the Ibis on Friday last, from Cork, and he was a resident of Cork, and an hotel or lodging-house keeper at Patrick's Quay, Cork. The deceased was about 30 years of age, and he went on Friday to Paignton, to fetch an aunt named Hebert, and he came on Friday night with her. On Saturday evening they went on board the Preussicher Adler as cabin passengers, and sailed for Cork on Sunday morning. During that day the steamer was obliged to put back to Plymouth in consequence of stress of weather, and about 9 o'clock the same (Sunday) evening the deceased went on shore, and Fleming, whilst on duty on board, between 1 and 2 o'clock on the main-deck, heard some of the passengers sing out there is a man drowning. Fleming immediately went over the ships on the sponson, and he descended by one of the piles to where he could reach the deceased. The deceased said to him "haul me up," and he took hold of the deceased's collar, and told him that he was "all right". Some other assistance came and the deceased was taken in the galley on board the ship and a doctor was sent for, but the man died within ten minutes. There was a large cut over the deceased's right eye, and Fleming thought that the fall must have been accidental as he was coming on board. The aunt left yesterday afternoon by the steamer for Cork, to convey to his wife the intelligence of the deceased's death. The Jury, without a moment's hesitation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident In Mount Edgcumbe Park. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at 12.30 p.m., at the Queen's Arms, Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., on the body of CHARLES TRUSCOTT. It appears that the deceased, who was about 45 years of age, worked as labourer, under Mr George Pawley, gardener, at Mount Edgcumbe. On Thursday morning last deceased left his house in Brownlow-street, Stonehouse, perfectly well and went to the park, and was put to work by Mr Pawley, in clearing the walks; nothing more was seen of him until the following morning. The deceased's wife, MARY TRUSCOTT, finding he did not come home as usual on Thursday night, went down to the Admiral's Hard several times to look for him, and finding he did not come, and the weather being very stormy, she thought he might stay at Mount Edgcumbe for the night. Early on the following morning she went across and in company with Snell, an under-gardener, went in search of her husband, and on coming to the amphitheatre looking into Barnpool, near the place where the deceased's work had been on the previous day, they saw him lying at the foot of a chestnut tree which was about twenty feet high. He was rather inclining on his left side with his face towards the ground, and quite still. Snell turned him over and asked him what was the matter. At first he did not speak, but afterwards said "Don't hurt me;" he seemed to be in great pain. On Snell lifting him up he inquired where his feet were. Snell then went for assistance, and the deceased was taken first to the orangery, and then to his home in Brownlow-street, Stonehouse. Mr Bulteel, the surgeon, was immediately in attendance, and found the deceased in bed undressed lying on his back, complaining of violent pain between his shoulders. The deceased's legs were perfectly paralyzed, and he had lost sensation from his arms, but he could move them a little. He had all the symptoms of some injury to the upper part of the spine; paralytic symptoms gradually increased until his death, which happened on Sunday morning. - Mr Bulteel believed the cause of death to have been the injury of the spinal column, probably the fracture or displacement of one of the vertebrae. On Saturday night last, on Mr Bulteel telling deceased that he probably would not recover, and asking him how it occurred, he said that as he was walking home from work, on passing a tree he saw a dead bough a little out of his reach. He jumped up to lay hold of it and broke it off; it gave way and he alighted on another bough, which must have been very near the ground, and he then pitched forward on his hands and face. He tried to get up, but found he could not move. He said he lay there and groaned for most of the night. The deceased told Rebecca James, who attended, that on coming home he saw a dead limb on a tree, and he got up in the tree, and taking it off he felt a very curious sensation and deadness or numbness came over him, and then fell on his face and hands. He said he could not move; he tried to reach his cap to put on his head, but he could not use his hands and could not cry out so as to raise an alarm. He remained in that position all night and was in great pain. He thought and hoped that some person would have found him during the night, but he said no person came. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 18 October 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From A Fall. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, at the Rose and Crown public-house in Pembroke-street, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of a woman named MARY MATTHEWS, who died from the injuries sustained by a fall on Thursday, the 10th Oct. It appears that the deceased resided at 16 Fore-street, Devonport, and was 61 years of age. On Thursday morning the 10th inst., she and her daughter, who was married to a sailmaker, but resided with her mother, sat down to breakfast together. As soon as the deceased had finished she left the room, and soon afterwards the daughter heard a sound as if someone had fallen over the stairs. She immediately went out on the landing and looked over the banisters, and she saw her mother (who had been subject to fits from a child), lying at the bottom of the stairs on her back, with her head against the stairs and her feet against the wall. She ran down to her and found her insensible, and appeared as if she was in a fit. She got assistance and had the deceased laid on the bed. The deceased complained a good deal of pain at the back of her neck. The deceased's daughter-in-law then went to the Town Hall and saw Mr Allen, the relieving officer of Stoke Damerel, and received the 2s. 6d. which the deceased had allowed her from the parish, and says that she told Mr Allen that the deceased had fallen down stairs in a fit, and she asked him for a (doctor's) note. He told her that he could not attend to her then, and she must come again. A little after 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day she went again to the Town Hall, and she had to wait 20 minutes, and then she was ordered into an inner room and after she had explained it to Mr Allen again, he gave her a doctor's note. She then went to Mr Bennett, surgeon, and he immediately went to the deceased, and found that she was sensible. She spoke to him and told him that she had been subject to fits for a considerable time, and that she had fallen over the stairs in a fit. She complained of pain on the right side of her head and he saw on that part of her head of which she complained a large red swelling. The deceased felt great pain at the back of her neck when he pressed it, and especially at the upper part of the spine. On examining her body he found several dark spots on the neck and chest. He attended her three days, and she died on Sunday morning last. He considered the cause of death to be a contusion on the head, and probably some injury to the upper part of the spinal column. Mr Allen said that he was positive the deceased's daughter-in-law never told him that the deceased had fallen over the stairs on the first time of her coming; had he been told that it was a case of urgency, he should certainly have given her a surgeon's note immediately. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 October 1861
DARTMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An old lighterman named HENRY STEPHENS, residing on the New Quay, died suddenly in his chair on Friday morning. An Inquest was held before the Coroner, J. Puddicombe, Esq., at Swaffin's King's Arms Inn, when it appeared that he had been in pretty good health, with the exception of a bad leg. He never complained on the morning in question, but on the contrary, remarked to his daughter-in-law how much better his leg was. On his wife entering the room a few minutes afterwards, she found him dead in his chair. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 October 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Suicide On Board H.M.S. Donegal. - The Inquest on the body of the marine MORELL, who jumped overboard from the Donegal and was drowned, was resumed at Stonehouse yesterday, before A. B. Bone, Esq., jun., the Deputy Coroner. Mr Ker, the surgeon of the Donegal, now gave evidence to the effect that deceased had several times been under his care for colds, palpitation of the heart and slight wound on the hand, and when suffering from the effects of drunkenness. The only peculiar feature he observed was a tendency to sleep when under the effects of drink. A master's-assistant of the Donegal, a corporal of marines, and the brother of the deceased, some of whose relations reside at Tiverton, gave evidence showing that he had shown aberration of mind occasionally, and was not quite right immediately prior to his death. After a brief consultation the Foreman of the Jury, Mr Bartlett, stated that their verdict was "Temporary Insanity."

TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Boiler Explosion. - The Inquest on the unfortunate man WAY, who was killed on Sunday morning last, through the explosion of a boiler at the Wheal Collacombe Mine, was held yesterday on the mine, at four o'clock in the afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner. Captain Mitchell, the agent, Mr William Matthews, superintending engineer, and others, were examined, and a verdict was returned to the effect that the deceased met his death through injuries received by the collapsing of the tube of the steam boiler.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 October 1861
YEALMPTON - An Inquest was held at the Yealmpton Tavern, on Monday, the 21st, inst., on the body of EDWARD ANDREWS, under gamekeeper to W. E. Matthews, Esq., of Gnaton Hall. - It appears that deceased, with six or seven others, after keeping up the festivities occasioned by Mr Bastard's wedding, left the tavern at 3 a.m. on Friday morning, to return home, but, unfortunately they retired to an adjoining limekiln, where deceased sat on the rails and smoked his pipe, while his comrades slept. On awaking they found he had fallen over the kiln, a height of 21 feet, and they took him home insensible. Mr J. E. Adkins, surgeon, of Yealmpton was in immediate attendance, but he died the following evening. From the evidence of Mr Adkins (after having performed a post mortem examination) deceased by the fall fractured the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae, which lacerated the spinal cord and caused his death. The deceased was highly respected, and it is a pity h should have met his untimely death under such distressing circumstances. he was about 23 years of age. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 October 1861
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Case Of Drowning. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, at the Fisherman's Arms, Lambhay-street, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., on the body of PETER DART JILLARD, a little boy who was found drowned on the previous day. - JOHN DART JILLARD said: I am a master mason, residing at 20 Lambhay-hill. The deceased was my son, and was about nine years of age. he went to the Bethel School. I have boats in the fishing line, and sometimes the deceased would go in these boats for amusement. he left my house about half-past twelve o'[clock in the afternoon of Saturday last. On Sunday morning, about two o'clock, finding that the boat was made fast to Mr Stibb's vessel, just off the Commercial Wharf steps, I thought he must be drowned. A young man named Dennawick and myself dragged for the deceased and found the body on Sunday morning, about half-past eleven o'clock. He was dead, but dressed as he was on Saturday. There was a mark across his nose and over his eyes, as if he had received a blow in falling. There was also a mark around a portion of the neck. I am not aware that anyone owed him any grudge, or ill-used him. - George Mitchell, about ten years of age, said: On Saturday afternoon last, the deceased and I launched a boat from the basin, at the head of Mr Luscombe's wharf. The boat belonged to the deceased's father. The deceased procured a paddle from his father's house. A man put us in his boat to the boat we were going to. It was then getting dark. We went to different fishing sloops, and got some gurnets and pouting. The last sloop we left was the Sarah, belonging to Mr Stibbs. We went to the James and Mary. Deceased went from the boat into the James and Mary, and told me to make fast the painter. I did so, and he went on board first. I followed him in two or three minutes. I did not hear any splash. I fastened the boat by the painter on the right hand side. When I got on board the sloop I did not see the deceased there. It was dark. I called out, "PETER JILLARD;" but no one answered. I searched about the sloop for him, and then I saw two men in a boat. I called to them, and one of them came on board. I asked them to let me come in their boat and after going to another sloop they put me on shore. I did not tell them I had missed JILLARD, There was not any quarrel between me and the deceased, and I think he fell overboard by accident. I am quite sure I did not see him fall. We were generally good friends. I was frightened when I did not find him on board. - Samuel Gordon said: I belong to one of the pilchard boats, called the Hero. On Saturday night last, about seven o'clock, I was in a small boat off the Commercial Wharf. I heard the last witness crying in a boat made fast to the James and Mary. I went to him and took him from that boat into the one which I was in. I asked him how he got there. He said he came off in the boat with another boy. I then asked him where that boy was. he told me he did not know. He was still crying, and appeared frightened. I asked him if he knew the boy's name that he was with, and he told me he did not. I landed him at the inner steps of the Barbican, with a little string of fish. The James and Mary was lying about 200 feet from the Commercial Wharf. If there had been a quarrel on board the vessel persons on the wharf could have heard it. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was found Drowned, but how he became drowned was unknown to them.

Adjourned Inquest On The Bodies Of Two Men Killed In A Quarry. - Yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock, the adjourned Inquest on the bodies of EUSEBRE MARTIN and MAXIMILIAN WINSBOROUGH, who were killed through the falling of a mass of stone in Rumple Quarry on the 14th inst., was resumed at the River Ford Inn, Plymbridge, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., jun., Deputy Coroner. The Jury first assembled at the quarry for the purpose of viewing the scene of the accident. William Pearse, a quarryman, deposed that the mass which fell was of a brownish-yellow hue, and a back of that colour was not so safe as a blue back. He did not think the part which fell was as safe as were some other portions of the quarry. Charles Saunders was called, and stated that he had worked on the part in Rumple Quarry which fell, for about two months. He intended to have left shortly, not on account of the unsafe nature of the part on which he worked, but because he could get higher wages elsewhere. In the afternoon of the day on which the accident happened, Pearse came to him and they had some conversation as to the safety of the ground on which witness was working. In answer to his (Saunders's) question, Pearse replied that he "did not think very much of it." He wrought it between a fortnight and three weeks ago, when a portion of the top was blasted, in order to see whether it would come away. On the 14th he had been blasting about two hours and a half, when he heard a small piece of rock fall at his side, and immediately afterwards he heard, to use his own expression, a terrible crack, followed by the descent of a mass of stone. He called out to the others, "Look up, chaps, there's something coming." Four of the men were at work - himself, Atwell and the two deceased. MARTIN always thought it safe; he had no misgivings as to its safety. Never having worked in a quarry before, he placed confidence in the statement of MARTIN, who had had many years' experience. Edwin Sellick, a lad 17 years of age, stated that he blasted a hole in the top of the quarry between a fortnight and three weeks ago, for the purpose of dislodging a portion of the earth. He could see nothing of the crack which was the cause of the fall. He had several times heard MARTIN say "it was safe enough; it would never fall." He had never heard any complaints as to any part of the quarry being unsafe. One part only was considered unsafe, and this was dislodged by the deceased MARTIN some time since, after which no danger was apprehended. - The Coroner here proposed to call James Sellick and the man Atwill, who had both been injured. It was stated that the men had been confined to their room ever since. The Coroner, attended by the Foreman of the Jury, went to the bedside of the men, but they were not in possession of any additional evidence. - William Weeks, said he was the co-lessee of the quarry, with his father. He saw the portion which fell on Saturday evening the 12th October, and intended to descend the ladder, but in consequence of a representation from the men that four holes were ready for lighting, he desisted. He saw not the least indication of danger then, nor had any complaints ever been made by anyone that the portion of ground was unsafe. A hole was made for the purpose of dislodging some earth, to avoid danger, it was but a small piece, and after its removal nothing was apprehended. He saw the crack in the morning of the accident, but did not believe there was the slightest danger from its appearance. James Soper, the former tenant of the quarry, was next called. He said he gave it up about three months ago. Weeks commenced working the part which fell when he left the quarry. When he left it looked very well. On the Sunday morning before the accident happened, he took a walk round the quarry, and looked at this particular part. He had been acquainted with quarries all his life-time, and had worked Rumple Quarry for eleven years. He thought this particular part dangerous because it overhung so many feet. He believed the surface of the rock was seven or eight feet beyond the perpendicular where the men were working. The ground was weak. He, however, attributed no blame to Mr Weeks, the fault was rather to be attributed to the deceased, who had worked in a quarry all his days. - The Jury, after a brief recapitulation of the facts by the Coroner, returned a verdict of Accidental Death, the Foreman stating his opinion that the majority of quarries were worked in a very unsafe and unsatisfactory manner, and without any especial reference to Rumple Quarry, believed that there existed a necessity for an appointment of an inspector of quarries and mines. He further bore testimony to the handsome conduct of the Messrs. Hodge, of Pounds, who not only rendered every assistance at the time of the accident, but every day since had done everything in their power to alleviate the sufferings of the survivors. The widows of the unfortunate men who were killed are reduced to poverty through this deplorable accident.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 November 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide In Devonport. - An Inquest was held on Saturday before Allan B. Bone, at the Devonport Guildhall, on the body of JAMES THOMAS, who died on Friday from the effects of having cut his throat on the previous Wednesday, under the circumstances already reported in the Western Morning News. The deceased, who was 49 years of age, had been for about three months chapel-keeper at the Ker-street Wesleyan Chapel. He had been poorly and low spirited, but went to bed on Tuesday night in his usual health. In the morning his wife was alarmed by hearing a gushing sound, and on obtaining a light she found deceased had cut his throat with a razor and was bleeding profusely; she got assistance, and the wound was sewn up, but he died on Friday. Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 November 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In The Dockyard. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury, at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, concerning the death of THOMAS FRITHAY, who had died from injuries received whilst in the discharge of his duty in Devonport Dockyard on Tuesday last. The deceased was a leading man of labourers, and was about 52 years of age. On the 29th ult. he was employed, with others, on lump No. 5, in lowering some moorings, and whilst so engaged a portion of the chain attached to the moorings became entangled in some of the lowering apparatus. The deceased, finding that the operations of the men were thus interfered with, stepped forward to disentangle it, and succeeded, but before he had time to step back to his original position he was struck by a portion of rope known as the pennant. So severe was the blow that catching the unfortunate man upon the ribs he was knocked up into the air a height of eight feet, when he fell upon his temple, which bled profusely. He was immediately attended by the dockyard surgeon, and then placed on a litter and conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, where after lingering a few days he expired. As there was not the slightest blame attributable to anyone, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 November 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident On Stonehouse Hill. - An Inquest was held yesterday at 2.30 p.m. at Reed's Rose and Crown public-house in Pembroke-Street, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of a little girl about five years of age, named KATE SLEEMAN, who was run over by an omnibus on Saturday fortnight and died on Sunday last. From the evidence adduced it appears that on Saturday fortnight last, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the deceased and several other little children were playing under the archway at the head of Stonehouse-hill and whilst an omnibus was passing through the left archway from Devonport to Plymouth, driven by a man named Joseph Medlin, the deceased ran across the archway, passing under the belly of the left horse. As soon as the omnibus had passed over the child, Medlin, knowing that she was not in a position for the wheel's to pass over her body, pulled up. The conductor, named Harris, picked the child up, and placed her on a dwarf-wall in the archway. Two lads named Jackson and Ford, who were passing at the time, went to the deceased, and Jackson took off his coat, wrapped her up in it, and then both of them conveyed her to her mother's house, in Fort-street, Devonport. Medlin, the driver, said he was not going beyond five miles an hour when he entered the arch. He did not stop immediately because he thought by moving on a little he should prevent the child from getting under the wheels. He believed the injuries upon the child were done by the horse's feet. Frederick Row, surgeon, said that he was called for on Saturday fortnight last, during the afternoon, but not being home Mr Swain attended to the deceased, but he went to her in the evening and found her undressed lying in bed. On examination he found that there had been serious injury on the chest, several ribs had been fractured, collar-bone broken, and there was evidence of laceration of the lungs. The child at the time was in a very prostrate condition and there was every appearance of her dying speedily. He attended her regularly until the time of her death, which happened on Saturday last. The cause of death he believed was violence producing injury to the lungs. He could not conceive that the wheel of the omnibus had gone over the child, for if it had she would have been instantly crushed to death. He thought that whilst the omnibus was passing over her the low step for the passengers to get into the omnibus might have done the injuries she sustained. The step-mother of the deceased said that the deceased had dinner with her about half-past one o'clock on Saturday fortnight last, and she thought that she went into the yard afterwards to play, but instead of that she must have strolled out with her brother and other children. The Coroner, in summing up, said that he thought it was very much to be regretted that children of such tender age should be let wander about streets unless they had someone to take care of them. The Jury imputed no charge against Medlin, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed their opinion that they would be glad to know if there would be something done with a view to render archways safer.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 November 1861
PLYMOUTH - The Accident In Union-Street. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM HENRY WIDGER, aged 12 years, who unfortunately met with his death under the circumstances detailed in our yesterday's impression. The Jury was composed of tradesmen resident in the neighbourhood in which the occurrence took place. - The Coroner opened the proceedings by recapitulating the facts on which evidence would be offered, and observed that the Jury were to divest their minds of all the reports they had heard respecting the matter. - Richard Morris, porter at the South Devon Hospital, said the deceased was brought to the institution about six o'clock on Tuesday evening, suffering from fracture of the skull. He died in about five minutes, and before the arrival of Mr Fox, surgeon, who came in about a quarter of an hour. - JOHN WIDGER, father of the deceased, and corporal in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, residing at Stonehouse, said he had four children now living; the deceased was 12 years of age, and about five o'clock yesterday afternoon he gave him a penny and permission to go to Plymouth fair. - Charles Masters, a boy 12 years of age, who said he could neither read nor write, knew nothing about prayers, and had never been to school, stated that he, the deceased, and another boy named Venn, about five o'clock yesterday afternoon agreed to go to Plymouth fair They all came in on the right side of Union-street, and when they had come nearly to the top of the street, a drunken sailor tried to strike them, which induced them all to run, and the deceased in crossing the street was struck by the near horse; he fell down and the wheel passed over his head. The omnibus was going to Devonport, and it proceeded on without stopping. He was picked up bleeding very much, and was quite speechless. The omnibus was going faster than a trot, and it was rather dark. A lady called after the omnibus driver, but he could not tell whether he heard her or not, he went on. - Mr Richard Henry Rodds, a clerk in the County Court, said he was going to Stonehouse about six o'clock, and was outside Mr Harford's shop when the omnibus passed, and went on towards Devonport without stopping. The boy was left in the road, and a crowd immediately gathered round; witness believed that neither the driver nor the conductor were aware of what had happened. The omnibus was running at its usual pace - not at all in a manner that might be called fast. - He subsequently told the driver of the occurrence and he appeared much concerned. - William Barrett, the driver, was next examined, and stated that the omnibus was driven by him at a slow rate, in consequence of another vehicle being a short distance ahead. He had driven an omnibus for 13 years, and no accident had ever happened before. When he drove the omnibus on he had not the slightest idea that anything was the matter, or he should immediately have pulled up. - The deceased's father said he had known Barrett for some time, and he believed him to be a very careful man. His son, too, had been a shipmate of his. - The Jury upon hearing this at once came to the conclusion that the death of the boy was purely an accident, and a verdict to that effect was returned. Some conversation then took place respecting the absence of proper lights at the spot where the boy was killed. Just at the corner of Union-street all is darkness, which is rendered most inconvenient, the eyes up to that point having the full glare of the shop gas lights resting upon them. Nothing definite was arrived at.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 November 1861
EXETER - Suicide By Hanging. - On Saturday last an old man named RICHARD PEARCE, a labourer, hung himself to the stairs of his house in Alphington-street, St. Thomas. He was discovered by his son, a little boy 11 years of age, hanging by a rope suspended from the banisters, and in a sitting attitude. About three months since the deceased fell from a hayrick and hurt his foot, which prevented his attending to his labour, and it is supposed that this preyed upon his mind. At the Inquest held at the Buller's Arms on Monday last, the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 November 1861
MARLDON - Coroner's Inquest At Marldon. - An Inquest was held at the Ship Inn, Marldon, yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, on view of the body of MRS ELIZABETH BARTLETT, who died from the effects of having caught her clothes on fire under the circumstances detailed in the Western Morning News of the 4th inst. MARY BARTLETT, the daughter of the deceased, stated that on the night of the 2nd deceased retired to her bed about nine o'clock, and at half-past ten she heard her calling, and went to her room, when she found the bed on fire. She made an alarm, and Andrew Legg came and took deceased out of the bed, and removed her to the adjoining room. She was sensible, and said she caught the bed on fire in trying to light her candle. Andrew Legg corroborated this statement. Dr Goodrige, who attended the deceased, was called on the night of the 23nd, and saw her about midnight. She was much burnt on the hands, face and legs. He attended her until her death, which resulted from burns. The daughter stated she frequently slept in the same bed as her mother, who was infirm, but did not on the night of the accident. The Jury, having regard to the age and infirmity of the deceased, expressed surprise at this, and found a verdict of "Died from the Effects of Burns."

PLYMOUTH - A Boy Drowned At Lary. - An Inquest was holden yesterday, at Browne's King's Arms Hotel, Britonside, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, o the body of WILLIAM JOHN GOFFIN, who was drowned on the preceding day. GEORGE COFFIN, the father of the deceased, said his son, who was about 13 years of age, had got his living for the last 12 months as a seaboy in the barge Tavy. This barge was employed in conveying sand from the Lary to Plymouth. He left home at half-past six yesterday (Monday) to go to the barge at Lary. About ten o'clock, Mr Henry West, the owner and master of the barge, came and told him his son was drowned. He went with Mr West in search of the body which was found about three o'clock by George Adams. There were no marks except those made by crabs on the face. George Adams, a seaman, said he picked up the body about 200 yards from the Saltram side of the Lary. In his opinion the boat of the Tavy was not seaworthy. Henry West deposed that after he and deceased had got the barge under way and set all the sails, the boy, of his own accord, went into the boat that was towing astern to bail her out. A bight of the painter caught in some timbers of the vessel, which gave the boat a sheer, whereon she filled with water and sunk. He told the deceased to hold on by the painter, and he did so for a time, and then let go to get hold of a part of the boat highest up out of the water; he was then washed over the stern of the boat. He (witness) let go the painter, thinking the boat would swim, and the deceased catch hold of it. He also tacked the barge, to try to pick up the deceased, but she would not go around quick enough. He hailed Norman's barge, which was near him, but before Norman's boat had time to get to the deceased he sunk. Witness then brought the barge to an anchor, and came to Plymouth and communicated the circumstance to the deceased's father. He believed that if a bight of the painter had not caught in the timbers, the accident would not have happened. He was quite certain the deceased went into the boat of his own accord. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 15 November 1861
NEWTON ABBOT - Death In A Waggon. The Removal Of A Pauper. - An Inquest was holden in the Board Room of the Newton Abbot Union Workhouse yesterday afternoon, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of GEORGE CONIAM, aged 28 years, formerly a soldier and a resident of Bovey Tracey, who died on the previous day, whilst being conveyed from that place to the Newton Workhouse, as reported in the Western Morning News of yesterday. The following persons constituted the Jury: Messrs. James Thomas (Foreman), John Davis, Robert Lavis, Valentine Hills, John Searle, David Vile, Richard Snell, John Dickes. Philip Shapter, Henry Richards, Peter Bearne, John Vevasor, and Henry Thomas. The Jury having viewed the body, which presented a very emaciated appearance, Susan White, the wife of the porter of the union was examined. She stated that on Wednesday morning, between 11 and 12 o'clock whilst the Board of Guardians were sitting, the Bovey Tracey carrier, Mr Holmes, pulled his waggon up before the union gates, and upon seeing her, exclaimed "Oh for goodness sake make haste, for there is a man here in the waggon who is either dead or dying." She immediately procured assistance and under the direction of the Governor, the deceased was taken into the house. She could not say whether he was dead or alive at the time, as there were so many people around the vehicle that she did not see the poor fellow until he was removed from it. There were five or six passengers in the waggon besides the deceased, and some of them remarked that they had had a great deal of trouble with him on the road. None of the deceased's relatives accompanied him to the Union. One of the women passengers remarked that it was a shameful thing to remove the deceased from his bed on such a cold and stormy day. The deceased had no order with him to be admitted into the house when he came. The witness, in answer to the Coroner said, that it was the rule that all paupers should have an order either from the overseer or the relieving officer of the district before they were admitted. - Mr Moxey, the governor of the Workhouse, said that when he heard the condition the deceased was in from the woman in the waggon, who had got him in her arms, he sent for some wine to give him directly. Before, however, he had time to have him taken out of the waggon he heard the woman say that he was dead, and he believed her statement to be true, for he did not see him breathe afterwards. The deceased was taken to the Union hospital and Dr Gillard sent for. - Dr Gillard was next examined and stated that he was unable to state the cause of death unless he made a post mortem examination. - As none of the friends of the deceased were present, nor those who accompanied him from Bovey Tracery, the Coroner, in compliance with the wishes of the Jury, adjourned the Inquest to Tuesday next, in order that the attendance of those parties might be secured. Dr Gillard was also instructed to make a post mortem examination of the body in the meantime.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 November 1861
PLYMOUTH - A Man Drowned In Sutton Harbour. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at Browne's King's Arms Hotel, Briton-side, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the circumstances attending the death of SAMUEL BENNETT, who was drowned on the previous day in Sutton Harbour. - WILLIAM BENNETT said: I am a quay porter, and have known the deceased for twenty years. The deceased was also a quay porter, and was about thirty-two years of age. He and I owned a boat seventeen feet long. On Thursday evening she was alongside the Custom House Quay. The deceased and I, about half-past six o'clock, went on board, to remove her near Guy's quay, and moor her there out of the way of the fishing boats. It was dark, but the moon shone out occasionally. After we got into the boat I weighed the stone by which she was moored. The deceased and I were then in the boat, in which there was one paddle. The deceased took that paddle in his hand, and got up on the stern thwart with our boat in tow, and he began to scull. I was sitting forward. In about three minutes we were approaching Guy's Quay, when, I think, the oar slipped and the deceased and the oar fell over the boat's quarter. He was about four or five yards from the boat, and I had nothing in the boat which could reach him, and immediately jumped overboard to try to save his life. I caught hold of him and made an alarm, and I then became insensible. After I came to my senses I found myself in a boat with Mr Rowe, the waterman, and others, and when sufficiently recovered I walked home and went to bed. The deceased and myself were good friends, and we had no quarrel. The deceased could not swim, but I could, and I believe it to be an accidental death. - Nicholas Lee said: I am a seaman and about half-past six o'clock on Thursday evening I left work from a fruit vessel, lying at the North Quay. I was going to my home by Vauxhall Quay, and just as I came to the spot where the vessels unload potatoes I heard a cry of "man overboard." I ran towards the cry, and when at the South Devon Wharf I obtained further information, and I went to the Barbican and procured drags. I then went to the Custom-house Quay and got into Mr Rowe's boat; another man, named May, was in the boat. We proceeded quickly towards Guy's Quay and began to drag, and in two minutes we got the deceased's body into the boat. He was dead. We then took the body into the Three Crowns public-house, and I desired a doctor should be procured, but none came. I believe the body was removed from the Three Crowns the same evening to his residence in Exeter-street. - The Coroner said he thought there was great credit due to William Bennett for jumping overboard to try to save the deceased, and also thought the same was due to the last witness for doing what he did. - The Jury, without a moment's hesitation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 November 1861
NEWTON ABBOT - The Death Of A Pauper In A Waggon. - An adjourned Inquest from Thursday last on the body of GEORGE CONIAM, who died whilst being conveyed from Bovey Tracey to Newton Union, was held in the Boardroom at the Union Workhouse, by A. Cockey, Esq., District Coroner, on Tuesday afternoon. The following additional evidence was adduced:- ELIZA CONIAM, a married woman, said that the deceased was her brother-in-law, and had resided with her about three weeks previous to his death. The deceased, who was a soldier, belonged to the Coldstream Guards, and had been invalided home, and since that time to the day of his death had been with witness. When he first returned home from the regiment he told her that he was in the receipt of 7d. per day, but he did not receive any portion of that amount whilst he was stopping with her, nor had he any other means to support himself with. She, being in difficult circumstances, and having a large family, told the deceased that her husband could not afford to keep him in the house. She also requested him to write to his brother at Torquay, soliciting assistance, but as he omitted doing so, she wrote for him herself. Receiving no assistance from his brother, she related the circumstances to the relieving officer, and on the Saturday previous to the deceased's death, Mr White called and saw him. The deceased remained in a garret, she having no other room for him. The deceased told Mr White that he was prepared to go to the Union when Mr White pleased for him to do so. On that occasion Mr White gave her an order for 2lbs. of meat and left. Mr White subsequently called and said that the deceased was to be sent to the Union on the following Wednesday by Holmes, the carrier. Dr Haydon, who had been visiting the deceased, saw him for the last time on Sunday night. Dr Haydon attended the deceased about a week after he returned home. She told Dr Haydon, when he last saw the deceased, that they were going to send him into the Union on the following Wednesday, and he made no reply whatever. No material change took place in the deceased from the Sunday to the Wednesday when he was removed, nor did he express a wish to remain, but, on the contrary, was very willing to go into the Union. She applied to Mrs Baker, the overseer's wife, and the daughter gave her a note for Holmes to convey the deceased to the Union. On the Wednesday morning the deceased got up and partook of bread and butter and tea as usual. She then left him in charge of her husband, having previously provided a blanket, a shawl, and two pillows for the use of the deceased on his way to Newton, for the purpose of walking to that town in order to receive him and get him a cup of tea. She was not aware that anyone had offered to provide the deceased with a room for a week or two. - Dr Haydon stated that he had known the deceased for 17 years. He saw him as he considered on the Sunday week, and not on the previous day as alleged by the last witness. He was then very ill, being in the last stage of consumption. The garret in which the deceased slept, and which his uncle now slept on the floor, was by no means fitting for sick persons. It was a very small room, and it was also intensely cold. He certainly was not aware they were going to remove the deceased on the day in question, and had he known it he should have opposed their doing so. The day, too, was so inclement that it was quite inhuman to send the deceased away. - Dr Gillard stated that he had made a post mortem examination of the body, and found that the lungs were very much deceased, and he considered that the deceased died from natural causes, viz., consumption. There was no doubt, however, that his death was accelerated by his removal during such boisterous and severe weather, although under any circumstances he did not consider he could have lived much longer. - Mr Joseph Holmes, the carrier, Mrs Elizabeth Sellick, and the Rev. John Keller, who accompanied the deceased to Newton, were then called. They proved that the deceased was not in a fit state to be removed. One of the witnesses characterized it as morally monstrous and most cruel to remove a man in such a condition; and said that deceased was evidently in a dying state before he was put into the waggon. So offensive was his breath, indeed, that the passengers had to place their handkerchiefs before their mouths the whole of the way,. Just before they got to the Union a marked change was seen to take place in the deceased, and by the time he arrived at the Union gates he fell back into the arms of one of the women passengers and expired. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned the following verdict:- "That the Jury are of opinion, after hearing the evidence adduced, that the deceased died from Natural Causes, viz., Consumption, which death was accelerated through removing him to the Union during inclement weather, but since that removal took place in compliance with his own wishes, the Jury do not consider that any blame is attached to anyone." The Inquest occupied four hours.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 November 1861
PLYMOUTH - Death From A Fall. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD JEFFERY, a mason, aged 63, who came by his death through falling from the roof of a house. The deceased resided in Tin-street, and on the 15th inst. he was observed on a ladder which was leaning against the roof of a building at the back of the premises. He was endeavouring to fasten the top of the ladder, so that he might be enabled to repair the roof, but unfortunately he missed his hold, and both he and the ladder slipped down, the deceased receiving severe internal injuries. He was immediately conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, where he was attended to by Mr Fox, surgeon, but no hopes from the first were entertained of his recovery, and he lingered on until Thursday. The Jury at once returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 November 1861
EXETER - Verdict Of Manslaughter. - An Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on Thursday by H. Hooper, Esq., the City Coroner, on the body of MARY ANN RICE, aged 44. It appeared that deceased had cohabited with a man named Scown, and about 4 months ago she was received into the Devon and Exeter Hospital with a broken jaw, which as she gave out arose from an accidental fall against a table. Whilst in the Hospital she told a nurse that Scown pushed her against the table and broke her jaw. She told others that he had kicked and injured her. These statements were corroborated by the evidence of the neighbours, by whom she was known to be ill-treated by Scown. She left the hospital on the 29th of August, but returned there again on Tuesday last. The House Surgeon at the hospital stated that the jaw never united, that her lungs were much disorganised, and her constitution generally bad. He attributed her death to constitutional disease, aggravated by pain and inability to take proper nutriment on account of the broken jaw. The Coroner, in summing up, said the tendency of the evidence was to show that death was accelerated by the ill-treatment of Scown. The Jury after brief consultation, returned a verdict of Manslaughter against Scown, who was thereon committed for trial, bail being taken for him - himself in £100 and two sureties in £50 each.

EXETER - Complaint Against The Hospital Surgeons. - Mr Hooper held an Inquest at the Topsham Inn, on Thursday, on the body of WILLIAM LANDRY, a sawyer. LANDRY was engaged on the preceding afternoon, with a man named Satterly, in making a sawpit at Mrs Newton's, on the Haven Banks, and whilst engaged in attempting to fix the cross-pieces on the uprights he fell into the pit and the cross-piece on him. The cross-piece was about 3 cwt. He was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital immediately after the accident. The House Surgeon was out, and although all the attending surgeons were sent for, not one could be found. The man died on his way to the hospital. - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, said it was a very serious thing that although there were so many surgeons attending the hospital, none of them could be found when their services were required. He considered that as the house surgeon resided upon the establishment for the purpose of being upon the spot in case any accident was brought in, it was his duty to get some other surgeon to take his place if he required to leave the hospital for any length of time. The Jury in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," fully concurred in the remarks made by the Coroner and expressed a wish that they should be communicated to the surgeon. The Coroner assured them their suggestion should be attended to.

Western Morning News, 27 November 1861
KENTON - Child Murder At Mamhead. - A Coroner's Inquest was holden at the house of Mr Samuel Cornish, farmer, of Westleigh Barton, in the parish of Kenton, on Monday evening, before Mr Crosse, County Coroner, on view of the body of the female infant child of SUSAN PULLEN. The evidence went to prove the statement made in the Western Morning News of Monday. On Friday evening SUSAN PULLEN, who was a servant in the house of Mr Cornish, having complained of being poorly was sent to bed; and on Miss Cornish passing PULLEN'S bedroom door, about ten o'clock that night, she was surprised to hear the crying of an infant. Miss Cornish at once told her mother what she had heard, and Mrs Cornish immediately went to PULLEN'S bedroom. She also heard the infant cry and saw it in bed with PULLEN. She desired her to take care of the child, and told her she would send for a nurse and the doctor. She had suspected PULLEN of being pregnant. Mrs Cornish sent for a woman, and the next morning she sent for Dr Pycroft. The child was not quite dead when Dr Pycroft came. Dr Pycroft having made a post mortem examination, said he found each side of the infant's skull broken as if by violent blows. There were also other marks of violence having been used. - The Jury, after an Inquiry extending over five hours, found a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against SUSAN PULLEN. The unhappy young woman being too ill to be moved, is in the custody of the police at Mr Cornish's house.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 November 1861
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock, at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, to Inquire as to the circumstances attending the death of JANE TURNER, who was found dead in her room in East-street, yesterday morning. GEORGE TURNER, the son of the deceased, said that he was an able seaman in H.M. Navy, and had been invalided home from China. His father had been dead nearly three years, and he had resided with his mother for about six weeks. The deceased was about forty-nine years of age, and was a laundress. Her health was bad, and she was subject to hysterical fits and palpitation of the heart. On Wednesday afternoon, about half-past four o'clock, he took tea with her and then left the house and went to the Morley Inn. At nine o'clock he came home and stopped about five minutes, and the deceased then appeared to be as usual. He left her again and went into the Morley Inn, and about a quarter before twelve o'clock she came to him and asked if he was coming home. He told her he would be home in a few minutes, and she went away immediately. Just before twelve o'clock he left the Morley Inn, which was three or four doors from his own house. The front door of his house was open and he went through the passage and up over two pair of stairs and into his mother's room. The door was open, but there was no candle burning. The fire was burning, and he saw the deceased lying down by the fire on her right side. He spoke to her and caught hold of her to lift her up. She did not answer him. He lifted her up and put her on the bed and called Mrs Gale, a neighbour and Mrs Bartlett, another neighbour, also came, and her husband went for the doctor. Before the doctor came he found she was dead but not cold. The candlestick was on the floor. Mr Eales, the surgeon, came a quarter before one o'clock yesterday morning and said she was dead. He believed she died from the visitation of God. Mrs Gale and Mrs Bartlett were examined, and proved that the deceased was subject to fits, and Mrs Gale said she had seen the deceased for half-an-hour in a fit. Both of them stated that the deceased's son was always very kind and affectionate towards his mother. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 November 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident On Board H.M.S. Revenge. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at 1.30 p.m. at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of GEORGE BENNETT, who died from the injuries sustained by a fall on board H.M.S. Revenge, on the 16th November inst. - Thomas King said that he was captain of the main top of H.M.S. Revenge, now lying in Hamoaze. He had known the deceased about 17 months, who had been in the ship since last March twelve months. The deceased was an able seaman, and was about 36 years of age. On the 16th November instant, about a quarter before two o'clock in the afternoon, he was in the main top. The deceased was also in the main top. He ordered him to take some yarns off the topmast back stay. The deceased then placed himself on the top rail, which is about three feet above the top, and he saw him reach forward and upwards for the purpose, as it appeared to him, of reaching the said yarns. In so doing the deceased overbalanced himself and missed his hold, slipped and fell down on the quarter-deck. When the deceased reached forward he attempted to lay hold of the yarns with his right hand, and at the same time he was holding on with his left hand by the topmast back stay. He believed that the deceased expected with making a spring that his feet would have come down upon the main top rail, in which case he would have probably been able to retain his hold on the back stay. The deceased was perfectly steady and sober, and was fully experienced and quite competent for the duties which he had to perform. No one touched the deceased at the time he made the spring, and he believed his fall was entirely accidental. Witness and George Tucker, a leading seaman, were both within five feet of the deceased. They tried to lay hold of him when he slipped, but failed. The height of the top from the quarter deck was 60 feet. The deceased was carried to the sick bay immediately, where he was attended to by the surgeon of the ship, and within half-an-hour after witness accompanied the deceased to the Hospital. He saw that the deceased's chin was cut underneath. All his teeth were loose, and he bled from the nose and chin. - George Tucker gave corroborative evidence. - William Roche, an assistant surgeon in the navy, said he was on duty at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on the 16th of November inst., and some part of the day (he could not remember which) the deceased was brought to the hospital and placed in the casualty ward. He examined the deceased and found him to be suffering from fracture of the right thigh, a comminuted fracture of the knee-cap, and a compound comminuted fracture of the upper and lower jaws. There was also symptoms of concussion, but he was not insensible. The deceased was quite unable to understand and answer a question. The deceased was attended to by Dr Beith, the deputy inspector of the hospital. He saw the deceased every day up to the day before his decease, which was on the morning of the 27th inst., about four o'clock. He attended a post mortem examination of the body, and he believed the deceased to have died from the effects of the fractures and injuries above described. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 2 December 1861
CORNWOOD - Inquest at Cornwood. - An Inquest was holden at a quarter past seven a.m., on the 29th of November at Chubble-hill Cottage, Haugher Down, in the parish of Cornwood, on the body of PHILIP HORTON, senior, by Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner. Jurymen sworn - W. Thompson (Foreman), R. Mudge, senior, R. Mudge, junior, J. Vivian, J. Sandover, J. Cole, R. Vivian, J. Northmore, W. Hillson, W. Kingwell, W. Walk, T. Horton, and G. Hillson. - The Coroner in addressing the Jury, said they were all aware of the circumstances which had brought them to that place. The body of the deceased, P. HORTON, was found drowned. There was no reason to believe he came to his death by violent means; but it was necessary for them to be called together to hear the evidence. - They were then directed by the Coroner to view the body, which having been done, and the livery being identified, William Vivian deposed: I keep the Royal Oak Inn, in the parish of Cornwood. I knew P. HORTON very well. He lived at a cottage near Haugher Down, his own leasehold property. He was in the employment (as carpenter) of Lady Rogers, at Blachford; he had been in that service more than 30 years. He was given to drink. He came into the Royal Oak at about 5 o'clock on the evening of Tuesday last. He was not sober. He remained until about half-past 9. He had one glass of grog in my house. He asked me for more at about 8 in the evening. I told him I thought he had had enough. I then made him a cup of tea. - The Coroner told Mr Vivian that he deserved great credit, and he only wished there were more landlords like him. - Witness continued: Deceased was a very old man. I have heard and believe he would have been 77 years of age next month. He was a strong, hale old man for his age. He left my house in company with W. Walk at half-past nine. I asked Walk to see him over Langham Bridge, which is about one-eighth of a mile from the Royal Oak, and half a mile from the deceased's cottage. Langham Bridge is between my house and his. I saw him no more alive. W. Walk promised me to see him over the bridge. I have known the deceased come back to my house after leaving it several times. - By the Jury: He drank the cup of tea, but would not have anything to eat. - William Walk jun., being sworn, said: I live at Bridge Farm. On Tuesday night last I was at the Royal Oak and saw the deceased there. He was tipsy. The landlord asked me to see him over Langham Bridge, and I consented to do so. He caught hold of my right arm by his left and we walked on until I saw him over the bridge. I then said, "PHILIP you can go home by yourself now." I don't remember his saying anything in reply. I let him go, and he went on towards his home. He was safely over the bridge. I saw him about two or three land yards past the bridge. I then went home. He could not walk without staggering, but he appeared to me to be able to take care of himself. He was quite alone when I left him. He was very deaf and seldom had much to say. The bridge is on the public highway; for about one and a half land yards the parapet of the bridge is about eighteen inches high, and for about another yard it is but a few inches high and slopes away to the level of the road and forms one side of the highway. I consider it dangerous to children and persons who are unable to take great care of themselves. There have been four accidents within the past twelve months, by persons falling over the low parapet of the bridge. The present is the fourth case. I have heard various complaints of the state of the bridge. The bridge is in very good repair, but is dangerous from the lowness of the parapet. I never saw or heard anything of the deceased after I left him. - John Stephenson, being sworn, said: I am a husbandman living with deceased. He was a widower. He lived with his daughter. I am her husband. I saw the deceased last alive on Tuesday morning when he went away to work. He did not come home on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning I went to seek him. I found his dead body lying in the River Yealm, near Langham Bridge on his left side, not above a land yard from the north side of the bridge, just under the road. His clothes and hat were on. The body showed no marks of violence. The clothes were not cut, torn, nor disordered at all. I saw no reason to think that anyone had done him any harm. The body was brought home to Chubble-hill Cottage. - Peggy Ford, on being sworn, said: I am the wife of Richard Ford, labourer, living in the village of Cornwood. On Wednesday at about 10 o'clock a.m., I came to Chubble-hill Cottage, and laid out the body of deceased. I found no marks of violence on him. I searched the clothes and found in the pocket a purse containing five shillings, a fourpenny-piece and a threepenny-piece; I also found his spectacles and case, his pencil, a door key, carpenter's rule and some carpenter's tools in his pocket. The clothes were quite sound, and did not appear to have been in any way pulled about. - ARTHUR HORTON, on being sworn, said: I live at Moor Cross, in the parish of Cornwood. The deceased was my grandfather. On Thursday morning last, at about 11 o'clock, I found the compasses now produced about a land yard above Langham Bridge. - R. HORTON, of Moor Cross (brother of deceased), carpenter, said: I think the compasses produced belonged to the deceased, although I cannot positively swear to them, there being no mark. - The Jury, on being asked by the Coroner, said they considered the parapet quite unsafe for public travelling, being on the direct road from Ivybridge to Tavistock; they also considered that the parapet should not be less than four feet high. The bridge was renewed and enlarged about 6 years ago, at the expense of the late Judge Praed of Delamore. - The Coroner, on addressing the Jury, cautioned them as to their verdict. It was probable that, according to the habit of the deceased, he retraced his steps, and accidentally fell over, but there was no evidence to show this, neither was there evidence to show that anyone did him any harm; therefore they could not give a verdict as to how he (deceased) came there. The Coroner then spoke at some length on the effects and consequences of the vice of drunkenness. - Verdict - "Found dead in the River Yealm, near Langham Bridge, but by what means he came by his death there is no evidence to show."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 December 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest At Devonport. - A. B. Bone, Esq., held an Inquest at the Devonport Guildhall, yesterday, on the body of an old woman named MARY ANN MORGATE, who lived in Monument-street. On Thursday week last the poor woman was descending the steps at St. John's Chapel, Devonport, when she fell, sustaining injuries which resulted in her death. Verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Determined Suicide At Devonport. - Yesterday morning between seven and eight o'clock a man named SPURRELL, residing at No. 1, Canon-street, Devonport, was found suspended by the neck at the foot of his bed, and quite dead. Deceased had not been seen by anyone since about six o'clock the previous (Sunday) evening. On Monday morning it was observed that deceased was not out as usual, when his daughter-in-law proceeded to his room and found him as above described. An alarm being raised, he was immediately cut down, when it was discovered that he had attempted to cut his throat, a large wound being inflicted just under the chin, and a quantity of blood lying on the floor. It is supposed that, having failed to destroy himself by this means, he procured a rope and completed the horrid deed. Mr Annis, surgeon, of St. Aubyn-street, Devonport, was sent for and promptly attended; but life was extinct some time before his arrival. Deceased was about 66 years of age, and had been superannuated from H.M. Dockyard. - An Inquest was held in the afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., and a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 December 1861
STOKE DAMEREL - The Death Of A Drunkard. A St. Austell Man Drowned In Morice Town Canal. - An Inquest was holden yesterday afternoon, at the Ferry House Inn, Newpassage, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., borough Coroner, to Inquire as to the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS SALTER LEWARNE, who was found drowned in the Morice Town Canal on Saturday morning last. - James Pascoe, a licensed victualler, carrying on business at Tamar Wharf, said: The deceased had lodged with me for the last two months. I last saw him between 9 and 10 o'clock on Friday night. He was then in my house drinking whisky grog, in company with some sailors. The deceased, who was sober when he left the house, said he was going into the town to get his money. I believe he received a weekly allowance from his father on Fridays. He did not follow any business, and was given to drink. The deceased left the house by himself. He used to talk about how badly his father and sister served him. The deceased paid him 2s. 6d. per week for his bed. - Thomas Parker said: I am master of the merchant schooner Adventure of Plymouth. On Saturday morning last, about half-past one o'clock, as I was standing on the quay of the Morice Town Canal, I heard a woman call out, "A man in the water." I looked, and saw the head of a man floating on the surface of the water just at the head of the Tamar Canal, close to the quay. Having got a boat-hook, I hauled the body of the deceased in, and deposited it on the quay. The body was entirely dressed, but there was no hat on. The clothes were all buttoned up, and in an orderly condition. I saw no marks of violence on the body. On Friday night, between nine and ten o'clock, there must have been nine to ten feet of water in the Tamar Canal. - Eliza Lee said that on Saturday morning, between 10 and 1 o'clock, she saw the head of a man on the surface of the water in the canal. She called to Mr Parker, the last witness, and she saw P.C. Mitchell come down and take charge of the body. - Henry Authers: I keep the Lamb Inn, in Queen-street, Devonport, and have known the deceased since Lady-day last; he used to lodge with me. I saw him on Friday morning last, between 11 and 12 o'clock. He was quite sober then. He visited me nearly every day, and used to read the newspaper and the deceased told me he was very lonely home. The deceased also told me his mind was agitated about home. - Charles Truscott said: I am a clay merchant, residing at St. Austell, in Cornwall. I have known the deceased from a boy, and am intimately acquainted with his family. The deceased was the son of HENRY LEWARNE, a retired currier, of St. Austell. He was forty-seven years of age last March. He learnt the business of a currier with his father, who, when the deceased was about 26 or 27 years of age, gave him a part of the business, viz., the shop part. The deceased was always very dissipated, and much given to drink. The deceased gave up the business, and his father employed him as a currier, and paid him wages: but at length his conduct became so bad that his family were afraid of him. His father then made him a weekly allowance, and the deceased lived at St. Austell a considerable time, but things went on so bad that his father asked me to take charge of him. The deceased was allowed 9s. per week, which was afterwards reduced to 7s. per week, and the father used to provide the deceased with clothes. I believe the deceased left St. Austell about four years since. The deceased was a habitual drunkard. For the last three months the deceased had had remittances amounting to 7s. per week in postage stamps, which were addressed to him at his lodgings. Last Friday 7s. worth of stamps were sent to the deceased. I addressed the envelope, and I believe my wife wrote on the envelope in his absence that the deceased's application to me should be attended to. About two years ago the deceased's uncle, MR LEWARNE, bequeathed to the deceased an interest in Lower Bloyn Mill, situate in St. Austell parish, the value of which, if the property could be let, would be about £8 a year. I am one of the trustees of the mill, but have never been able to let the mill since the death of the deceased's uncle. I now produce a letter written by the deceased, which I received by post on Thursday last. - The letter was then handed to the Coroner, who read it. It stated that the writer was very hungry, and had no clothes hardly to put on; that he received the 7s. worth of stamps weekly, but asked what was it to live upon during the week. When he exchanged them for money he received 6s. 9d., and by the time he had paid 2s. 6d. for rent, he only had 4s. 3d. to live upon during the week. The deceased wished Mr Truscott to sell the mill and send him some more money, for he said what he received was not enough to keep him. He ought to have 1s. per day to keep him. - Mr Truscott then said: According to the will it is not in my power to sell the mill, and I have not had time to answer the letter to tell the deceased of it. About three or four months ago the deceased received from his friends about £3 worth of clothes, and about a month previous to that the deceased received a parcel of shirts, stockings, and a quantity of under linen. - Eliza Belyea said last Friday afternoon just before four o'clock the deceased left her house. He used to come to her house nearly every day. The deceased told her that the last two months he could not sleep by night, his mind was in such a state. He also told her that the last witness had some property belonging to him, and if he had sold it he should be able to pay his debts. He should then go to Jersey, and then his mind would be different. He was at present quite ashamed to walk through the streets. He was dying almost for want of food. The deceased sometimes would swear about his father, and call him all the rogues he could think upon. The deceased said many times that he should destroy himself if the property was not sold. The deceased used to come to her house very often and have something to eat, saying that he was starving, and on Friday night last, when he left her house, he asked her to lend him a penny, and she lent him 6d.; he shed tears over it, and said, "I shall never make you any amends for your kindness, but you shall hear something of me before Monday." The deceased used to write letters for people, and he used to get drunk with the money. About four years ago she saw him tied down upon his bed; he was then suffering from delirium tremens, from the effects of drunkenness. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was found dead in the canal, but by what means he came to his death there was no evidence to show, and expressed their opinion that the quay should be better protected for the safety of the public.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 December 1861
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Suicide. - Yesterday evening, an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ROBERT MADDICK CARNE, 62 years, who committed suicide by hanging himself in his workshop in St. Andrew-street, under very distressing circumstances. - ELIZABETH CARNE, widow of the deceased, said she resided at No. 2, Halwell-place, Granville-street, Plymouth, and the deceased, who was 62 years of age, was a hatter by trade, and dealt in rabbit skins. He left the house shortly after breakfast this morning, and took his dinner with him to go to work, saying, "he should be home to tea at five o'clock." She did not hear of his death until between twelve and one o'clock. He was anything but cheerful; in fact he has been very melancholy for about three months. He always fancied he should come to want; that was a delusion. Witness said they had enough for three years to live on, if nothing else came in. Occasionally he would become comfortable for a fortnight at a time. Last Thursday he was taken light in his head, and was obliged to go to bed; on Saturday he was worse, but on Sunday he became happier. When he returned last night, witness asked him how he was, and he said "I am better in health if it was not for circumstances." She said, "O don't begin with that again," and nothing more was said. I did not believe the deceased to be of sound mind at intervals. - ELIZABETH CHUBB, his daughter, said the deceased was very frequently in low spirits. Sometimes he talked of going to America with some hats and caps for the miners, and he was told it would be a failure, on which he became very desponding. - ELIZABETH CARNE, niece to the deceased, residing at 24 St Andrew-street, and where deceased had a workloft, deposed to finding him hanging from a beam in the loft about 12 o'clock when she went up to put some clothes on a line to dry. His brother was in the house at the time, and he at once cut the deceased down. He was quite dead. - The Jury, without any hesitation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Death From Chloroform - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ROBERT GREY, sailor, who died under very painful circumstances, in the Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Tuesday morning, previous to his undergoing an operation. It appears from the evidence of William Skinner, an inmate of the hospital, that deceased told him his name and age, and that he (deceased) was a native of North America. Previous to his (deceased) entering the hospital he was in the Crediton Union. The deceased has friends in Liverpool. He wrote to them on Monday last. - From the evidence of Mr James, surgeon to the Hospital, it appeared the deceased entered that institution on Thursday last, the 5th instant, suffering from a disease that had occasioned sores on his body. On Sunday he was operated upon, and on Tuesday his sores seemed disposed to expand. Deceased was informed that it was necessary that he should be operated upon by strong nitric acid, the effect of which when applied is eminently painful. Deceased said he should not be able to bear the pain, upon which chloroform was applied in an apparatus with a large amount of atmospheric air. The apparatus that was used was invented by the late Dr Todd, for the administration of chloroform. The first dose was a very small one, only a little more than half a drachm; that had little or no effect. A second dose was then applied, when the struggling, or second stage commenced. Deceased inhaled the chloroform for half a minute, when his features assumed a palid livid hue. Mr James had one hand and a pupil the other. Mr Huxley, the house surgeon, was applying the chloroform. Mr James exclaimed, "His pulse does not beat." The chloroform was discontinued, and remedies immediately applied for his reanimation, but without effect. - A post mortem examination of the body was made, and every organ of the body was minutely and the heart microscopically, examined, but nothing was found in them to show that deceased died from the effects of chloroform. The blood was in a fluid state, and in both cavities of the heart there was seen no blood that was not in a fluid state, as from the chloroform. Chloroform has been administered many hundreds of times in the hospital without ill effect. The witness Skinner was having twice the quantity that deceased had every day. The medical men pronounced that deceased died from paralysis of the heart, induced by chloroform. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 December 1861
BIDEFORD - Fatal Accident At Bideford. - On Wednesday evening a man named GEORGE HARVEY met his death at the Railway-station, under the following circumstances:- Mr Johnson, shipbuilder, despatched some of his men to the station to unload a timber-laden truck. No sooner had they begun their task than a large piece fell on a man named HARVEY, killing him instantaneously. His remains were taken to his home to await the Coroner's Inquest. On Thursday an Inquest was held before G. L. Pridham, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The deceased has left a wife, but no family.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 December 1861
EXETER - Melancholy And Distressing Suicide. Brutal And Heartless Conduct Of A Father. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Double Lock public house, about two miles from Exeter, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of a young woman named PIPER, about 19 years of age, who drowned herself in the Exeter Canal on the 19th instant, through the brutal conduct of her father. The facts of the case will be gleaned from the following evidence. - Mary Ann Best, a young woman residing in Waterbeer-street, Exeter said she knew the deceased, who lived with her parents in an apartment in the same house, that her (the witness's) parents occupied. The deceased's father had been in prison for three months, having only come out of gaol about one week, during which time he had been living with his wife and daughter. He had always been a very cruel parent to the deceased, and when drunk would turn her out of doors, and threaten that he would do for her. At such times witness's parents would take the deceased into their apartments, when she would threaten to drown herself. She said she would do this about a fortnight since. The last time witness saw her alive was Tuesday night at nine o'clock, at the New London Inn. Witness asked deceased to go home with her, but she said she could not go until ten o'clock, upon which witness replied "I must go," and so they parted. Before parting, however, deceased said "Good night, and I might say good bye," and upon witness asking her what she meant, she replied, "If you wait long enough perhaps you will see." - The Coroner: Was there anything in the deceased's conduct which justified the father in turning her out of doors? - Witness: I don't know that he had any reason for so doing. He was always very cruel to her. - The Coroner: do you consider it was through the cruelty of her father that she committed this rash act? - Witness: I do. - A Juror: Do you think it was premeditated? - Witness: I do; for she used to tell me that the sight of her father was too much for her. She had a very kind mother. - The Coroner said he could not take down as evidence anything the witness thought. - MRS HARRIETT LOUISA PIPER was next examined. She deposed as follows: The deceased was my daughter. She has not evinced anything strange in her manner until within a few weeks since, when she seemed unusually merry- singing that I could hardly stop her. My husband has been a very cruel father to her. He has turned her out of doors at night, and I have heard her say that if he ever came home again from prison and treated her badly she would drown herself. He has left home since her death; his conscience, I believe, would not allow him to remain home. The deceased has told me she could not pass through again what she had already borne from him. She was not so merry on Saturday, when my husband came home, as she had been before. She seemed depressed in spirits, and cried because he had returned. On Sunday night last, my husband and the deceased had some words because she came home late, about 11 o'clock. She had been with some friends, but he would not believe it, and when she assured him that she had, he ordered her not to answer him or else he would give her a b...... good thrashing, and would tear her clothes to pieces. The deceased replied that he should never do that again, for she would rather drown herself. She then left the room and slept in the stairs all that night until five o'clock the next morning. She told me on the following day that she did this because she was afraid of her father. On Monday she had some breakfast and complained of being cold. I sent her to Mr East's, boot and shoemaker, to inquire about some work, but she returned and told me she could not obtain any work, as Mr East did not intend to take on any more hands until after Christmas. Upon this her father replied that he knew she would not get any work because she wanted to keep up the Christmas holidays, and he should remember her as soon as he got into work. She did not sleep home that night, and I did not see her again until five o'clock on Tuesday night. He then became very angry with her, and said he would not give her anything he worked for. Deceased told him she should not want it, and with the same she left the house looking exceedingly wild and dejected. I have not seen her alive since. The body I have seen today is that of my daughter. She was a member of the Bristol Prudential Insurance Company, for which she used to pay 1d. a week. She had been a member of it about two months. Her executors or representatives were entitled at her death to receive £8 11s. - P.C. Harris here stated that it would be his duty, on the part of the parish, to make a demand for this money. - The Coroner told the Jury that had nothing to do with him. All he wanted to find out was whether the deceased's father was wretch enough to drive her to commit this act for the purpose of receiving this money. - Witness: Oh! he's a wretch, sir. - Examination continued: My husband has always treated her very cruelly, and I believe he wanted to driver her to something. My daughter joined the Assurance Company of her own accord, and I used to pay the penny weekly for her. - The Coroner: Do you believe he treated her worse since she had been a member of the company than before? - Witness: I can't say that; but when I told him what had happened to my daughter, and that I had seen her mantle and bonnet, he said, "I am d...... glad of it, and if it is she who is drowned I'd stay up all night to make her coffin. Now I shall be happy." (Sensation.) - The Foreman: Since her death has he mentioned anything about the insurance money? - Witness: Not that I know of. I suppose my husband slept home last night, but I don't know. I slept at my sister's, for I was afraid what he would do. About nine months since he broke in my ribs, and tore up everything my daughter had. He was committed to gaol for nine months on account of it. I believe my daughter was overcome with trouble, and that she destroyed herself when in an unsound state of mind, for I do not believe she knew what she was about lately half the time. - P.C. Harris, of the Devon County Constabulary, said that from information he received on Wednesday morning, that a mantle and bonnet had been picked up in the Haven Banks, he sent a constable down to learn the truth of it, he himself being bound over to attend at the Castle of Exeter. On the following day the last witness identified the clothes as her daughter's. Having got permission from the Council he had the Exeter Canal dragged, and the deceased's body was found. - The father, SAMUEL E. PIPER, was present during the search and he did not seem the least concerned. In his absence he tried to take the earrings out of his daughter's ears. (Indignation.) - A Juryman said that he heard the father a second time propose to take the earrings out of his daughter's ears; in fact it was almost the first words he uttered when the body was discovered. He (the Juror) replied that if he attempted to do so he would kick him into the canal where his daughter had just come from. - The Coroner said he should not have wondered if he had done so, for he could easily imagine that the feelings of any Englishman would not have been kindly at such an exhibition of heartless conduct on the part of a parent. - The Coroner then summed up the evidence and in the course of his remarks he said that of all the melancholy cases which had come before him this was the most distressing. If it were true that the father had driven his daughter out of her mind he did not know how they should meet the case. He could only wish that their verdict would reach him, but he was afraid it could not. All they had to Inquire into was how this girl came into the water. - A Juror: Although her father did not actually throw her into the water he was the means of it. - The Coroner: There can be no doubt of that. - Another Juror asked whether they could not record such a verdict as would mark the feelings the Jury entertained of the case, so that some further steps should be taken against the father. - The Coroner replied that as there was a reporter present he thought the best thing they could do was to leave it to that gentleman to report the case fully, so that the facts might come before the proper authorities, who would, or ought to, take the necessary steps to prevent this man from acting in a similar manner towards other persons. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," which met with the approval of the Coroner. - The public officer then made an application for the policy of insurance, so that the parish, which had been put to the expense of providing the coffin, might be able to draw the money from the company. - The Coroner at present refused to sign any certificate. - Several of the Jurors expressed their opinion that the mother of the deceased had not stated all the truth, and they thought it looked very strange that she had been in the habit of paying the 1d. per week into the company for her daughter. One Juror said he believed something more would arise out of this Inquest, and the Coroner replied that he was therefore very glad they had returned the verdict recorded by them.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 December 1861
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday evening before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, at McLean's beer-shop in Hampton-street, on the body of WILLIAM SMALLRIDGE, a hardware dealer, who resided in Hampton Court, Hampton-street. Deceased, who was 61 years of age, formerly carried on business in Southside-street as a tallow chandler, but became reduced in circumstances. Latterly for several years he had carried on a hardware stall in the market. He was last seen alive on Saturday afternoon between three and four o'clock. In the evening between seven and eight o'clock, one of his sons on returning home found the deceased suspended from the handle of the staircase door. The unfortunate man had used a piece of sash line, the loop which encircled his neck being only about three feet and a half from the ground. The son stated to the Jury that his father had recently on two occasions broken a blood vessel in his head, which he considered had weakened deceased's intellect. Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 December 1861
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Of A Seaman On Board H.M.S. Emerald From Suffocation. Heroic Conduct Of Two Of The Seamen. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK PARFIT, who died from suffocation on Wednesday night last. From the evidence of the several witnesses belonging to H.M.S. Emerald, viz., William Duncan, William Paget, --- Winnacott, John Pickets, and James Boys it appears that the deceased, who was generally a sober man, shortly after seven o'clock on Wednesday evening last left his mess to go into the head, but the head being full he turned back again and went into the fore chains on the starboard side. Duncan, soon after the deceased went into the fore chains, heard a splash in the water, and he immediately called out "A man overboard." Paget being on the main deck and hearing the cry of "A man overboard," ran to the gangway and jumped overboard, a height of about 20 feet. The night was very dark and Paget had to swim several yards before he got to the deceased, and when he got to him he found Winnacott had hold of him, but the deceased was under the water. Paget lifted him up and he and Winnacott swam to the cutter with the deceased. They got the deceased into the cutter and took him on board the ship and he was taken into the cockpit and the surgeon sent for. The Coroner, in addressing Paget and Winnacott, said: I confess I feel that the thanks of all persons who have any feeling of humanity about them are due to you, and I have much pleasure in thus publicly expressing my highest approbation of your very noble conduct. I think it is highly to be commended, and I should not do justice to my own feelings if I did not make this expression to both of you. - John Coffin, the surgeon of the Emerald, said: On Wednesday evening last he was in the gun-room at dinner, when he heard the cry of "Man overboard," and he was told by the first-lieutenant that the man was being brought down to the cock-pit. He then went down to the cock-pit, where he saw the deceased lying on the cock-pit deck. The men were removing the wet clothes which he had on, and he had the deceased wrapped up in blankets and placed in a cot and he attended to the deceased to give him such restoratives as were necessary. About nine o'clock the same (Wednesday) night he left him. The deceased was then breathing regularly, and the skin had become of its natural temperature. About an hour afterwards he saw the deceased again, who was then going on very well, breathing natural, pulse regular and his skin natural. The deceased was not sensible, but was like a man asleep. Shortly after that he went to bed, and he had only been there about three quarters of an hour when he was called by an assistant-surgeon, whom he had left with the deceased. He went to the deceased and found him lying on the deck of the cock-pit, and his breathing had ceased. He found the mouth, nostrils and gullet full of vomited matters, such as large pieces of meat and other food. He postulated the deceased, and used what was called "The Marshall Hall Method of Resuscitation," but without effect, and the deceased exhibited no symptom of life. He believed the deceased died from suffocation, caused by the blocking up of the air passages by vomited food. He believed that the immersion in the water would not have caused the deceased's death. When he came down the last time to the cock-pit he saw vomited matters on the deck and he also saw the deceased's mouth and nose full of the same sort of material, and his eyes were shut. He was conscious of a spirituous smell in what the deceased had expelled from his stomach,. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from the blocking up of the air passages by vomited food, and attaching no kind of blame to anyone. The Jury also expressed their admiration of Paget's and Winnacott's noble conduct, for the way in which they had exerted themselves to save the life of a fellow-creature. - There was a sovereign due to the surgeon for his attendance at the Inquest; but Mr Coffin declined to take it, and desired that it should be shared between Paget and Winnacott, as an evidence of his admiration of their heroic conduct.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 December 1861
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Ivybridge. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on Saturday evening, on the body of GEO. MAY, a paper maker, in the employ of Mr John Allen at the Ivybridge Paper Mills. On the previous Friday fortnight, the 20th inst., the deceased was working in a new part of the works, where some carpenters were working in the roof over him about the shutters of a ventilator, when one of the shutters fell upon him. Directly after the accident the deceased was brought into the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he lingered until Saturday morning, when he died. From the evidence given at the Inquest, it appeared that the shutter that fell was eight feet long and two feet wide, of three-quarters inch stuff, with an iron pivot about three-quarters of an inch long, fastened on an end of the shutter. Two carpenters were taking it out of the ventilator when one of them who, from the height of the shutter from where he was standing, had but an imperfect hold of it slipped his hold and let go his end; the other carpenter held on for a short time, but finding it was over-balancing him let go also. The shutter in its descent glanced from off a beam down upon the deceased's head, the pivot being driven into his head. The deceased put up his hands and lifted the shutter off. From where the carpenters were at work they did not see deceased either before or when the accident occurred. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Deceased who was a steady man and much respected has left a widow and three children.

Weston Daily Mercury - Friday 3 January 1862 TAVISTOCK - Coroner's Inquest. At Lane-head yesterday, an Inquest was held by the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of JOHN COLE, a miner, who was killed by an accident at Wheal Crelake Mine, on Tuesday morning. An account of the unfortunate occurrence has already appeared in our columns. After a short investigation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury - Saturday 4 January 1862
PLYMOUTH - Death In A Railway Carriage. - An Inquest was held on Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock, at Mr James's Brunel Arms, Millbay, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Henry Branson was the Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a seaman supposed to be JOHN NOLAN, who was found dead in a railway carriage on the arrival of the down mail train, at Plymouth, at 5.45 that morning. The Jury proceeded to view the body, which was lying in a second class carriage at the Millbay Railway Station. There was a cut over the left eye, about an inch and three-quarters in length. - The first witness examined, was Mr Francis Pickersgill Cockshott, who said: I am traffic superintendent, South Devon Railway, and reside at Clarendon Place. In consequence of information I received this morning, I went to the railway station, at half-past six and found the body which has been seen by the Jury, laid in a compartment of a second class carriage, which had come from London to Plymouth by the mail train, which is advertised to leave Plymouth at 5.45 a.m. Having ascertained that the body had been examined by Mr Rendle, the surgeon, I had the doors of the carriage locked, and gave information to the Coroner. There were two bags of seamen's luggage in the same compartment with the deceased. With the hope of identifying the body, I then had one of the bags opened, and found a jacket, such as is worn by a petty officer in the navy. On the arm there were two gold anchors, and on the left breast of the jacket there was a Sebastopol medal, a Baltic medal and a Turkish Crimean medal. I also found the book I now produce, having the name and addition, "JAMES NOLAN, H.M.S. Narcissus, January 21, 1861," and "JOHN NOLAN, No. 2, Victoria Terrace, Cambridge Heath, London," and also a letter dated Haslar Hospital, 13th December, signed John Andrews, and addressed Dr Edmunds, H.M. ship Victory. (The book referred to seemed to be a memorandum book, containing a few memoranda). - The Coroner read the letter, of which the following is a copy:- "H.M., 13th December. - My Dear Sir, - I have discharged the bearer cured of his disease; and as he is weak, will you allow me to ask your assistance on his behalf, that he may have a month's leave, which will tend more to recruit his strength than remaining in the Hospital, or on shipboard. - I am, faithfully yours, John Andrews. - Dr Edmunds, H.M.S. Victory." - Examination continued: I sent the book and letter to the Admiralty at Devonport. They received a telegraphic reply from Portsmouth, stating that JAMES NOLAN was paid his wages for Narcissus on the 19th instant and went on leave the same day. From Haslar Hospital they say _ "JAMES NOLAN, yeoman of signals, late of Narcissus, appears to have been discharged from Hospital on the 13th December, to Victory, cured. Nothing is known at Haslar of his friends except that he belonged to Plymouth." I was present when Trengrove, constable, examined and searched deceased's body today. He found the ticket-of-leave, which I now produce, being No. 148, from the commanding officer of H.M.S. Victory to the bearer, JAMES NOLAN, from the 19th December 1861 to the 29th of December, 1861, when he was to return to the Royal Adelaide, which is now in Hamoaze. There was also found in the pockets of the deceased £1 6s. 9d. in silver, 1s. 5d. in copper, a silver watch, silver guard and plated Albert chain, a small photograph of a female in a case, boatswain's whistle, pipe and a second class sailor's ticket from Bristol to Plymouth, issued for the mail train, on the morning of the 30th December. This ticket has not been marked at Collumpton, or any other station. - The Coroner: That will show you that he could not have been seen. - Mr Cockshott: It ought to have been marked at Collumpton, where all the tickets of the down night mail train should be checked and marked. This evening I saw in the compartment of the carriage where the deceased lay a quart stone jar of gin, partly full and a rug and great coat laid on one of the seats. The two bags of the deceased in the compartment are marked "J. NOLAN;" they have been opened in my presence, and I have examined the contents, and find nothing further to identify the body. - Henry Tucker said: I am a policeman at the South Devon Railway Station. I was on duty this morning when the mail train arrived. It came in at 5.45. I collected the tickets. I opened the door of a second class carriage and saw a man lying on the floor on his belly. I thought he was asleep. I asked him for his ticket three or four times, but received no reply. Another porter was standing by my side, and I directed him to take the ticket, and I went to collect other tickets. After I had done so, I came back to him, and asked him if he had got the ticket. He said no, he thought the man was dead. I told the porter to shut the door, and let the train come into the platform. That was done, and occupied two or three minutes. I got down to the platform, the door was opened, and the same porter went into the compartment, and he reported the man dead. I then let out the other passengers and reported the circumstance to Mr Gedye, the station-master, and Mr Gedye came. I went into the compartment with him and found the deceased lying on his belly. There was blood about the left eye. I had a lantern with me. There was no portion of his dress disturbed. Mr Rendle, the surgeon, came shortly after, and when he came the body was lying in the same state as I found it. Both windows of the carriage were closed when the train arrived at the ticket platform. - Mr Charles William Gedye said: I am station-master at the South Devon Railway Station at Plymouth. In consequence of information I received I went this morning to a second class railway carriage. I saw the deceased lying on his face. I had assistance, and we lifted him to see if there was any life, but he was dead. I sent for Dr Rendle, and before he came I had deceased laid on his back. Dr Rendle came and examined the body in my presence. The deceased's clothes were not in the least disordered. When I first saw him his arms were under his body. - The Coroner: There is no injury to the knuckles: I saw that myself. - Mr Gedye: No. The bags were one on each seat, and there was not the slightest appearance of a scuffle. - Samuel Goodhind said: I am a guard in the South Devon Railway Company's service. About 20 minutes past three this morning I joined the mail train at Exeter. I did not see the deceased at Exeter. Where I first saw him was at Newton. He was in a compartment by himself. He was lying down on the bottom of the floor. I could not tell whether he was alive or dead; I thought he was asleep. I did not open the carriage door. I did not look into the carriage again until I arrived at the Plymouth Station, and deceased was found dead. I was riding in the third carriage from the deceased. The train stops at Dawlish, Starcross, and Teignmouth, before it arrives at Newton. Only two passengers got out at Newton, and none at either of the other stations. The windows of the deceased's compartment were closed. They were also closed at Exeter when I took charge. I am certain no one got out of the compartment in which deceased was between Exeter and Newton, but I think two other persons left the second or third compartment from deceased, at Newton. They were both civilians, and appeared very respectable people. One was lame. There was a trap there to meet them. - By the Jury: No one got into, or came out of, the deceased's compartment between Newton and Plymouth. - William Cheeseman said: I am a guard in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company. About 12.40 today, just a minute or two before starting from Bristol, I saw a man with a sailor's bag on his shoulder, get into the compartment of the carriage in which the deceased's body was found. I drew the attention of the other guard, William Panes, to it. I never saw anything of deceased until his body was found dead at Plymouth. I did not see anyone get in or get out of the deceased's compartment. There was not any scuffle or quarrelling amongst the passengers; if there had been, I must have heard it. - William Panes said: I am the passenger's guard o the Bristol and Exeter Railway. This morning I saw the deceased, about 12.35, in a compartment at the train at Bristol. He had his luggage with him, which consisted of a white bag and a dark one. There was a man outside the carriage drinking with the deceased, who was inside. They drank out of a stone jar. Just as the train was about to leave deceased shewed me his ticket; he wished the other man goodbye, and I locked the door and started the train. I am quite certain he was the only person in that compartment. At the Weston Junction, I looked into the compartment and saw deceased lying, stretched out, on the seat, with his head resting on one of the bags. At Collumpton, I told the man collecting the tickets that I had seen deceased's ticket at Bristol, and it was all right for Plymouth, and as he was asleep, he need not disturb him. I do not know whether the collector went in. No one could have gone in or come out of that compartment of the carriage without my knowing it,. There was no noise or quarrelling during the journey between Bristol and Exeter, where I left. The windows of his compartment were closed at every station. - By the Jury: Deceased was lying on the seat nearest the engine. - By the Coroner: When I saw him lying on the seat his head was to the south. - Mr Edmund Marshman Russell Rendle said: I am a surgeon practising at Plymouth. This morning about ten minutes to six I was called to see the deceased at the railway station. I went there. I saw Mr Gedye. I found the body lying on its back on the bottom of the floor of the carriage. The deceased was quite dead - perhaps within two hours. The chest was quite warm. There was no rigidity in the muscles. There was a wound over the left eye-brow, about an inch and three-quarters long, going down to the bone. In the centre of the wound it was a little deeper. The bone was not bare. There was some clotted blood about the wound, and some had dropped on the floor of the carriage. On the floor projecting from under the opposite side to where the deceased had been lying, there was an iron covering for the wheel-box of the carriage. He must have been alive when the blow was produced. I think the probable cause of death was that deceased had been drinking, which had produced some degree of congestion, and that whilst asleep, in some movement of the carriage, he was thrown off the seat and the side of his head came in contact with the edge of the wheel box, probably causing concussion or compression of the brain. I am not certain whether there is any fracture of the bone, but death might take place without a fracture. Supposing he was a healthy man, that is the most natural supposition. He had some gin with him. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased was found dead in a railway carriage, that he had been drinking, and whilst asleep, in some movement of the carriage, accidentally fell off his seat and the side of his head came in contact with the edge of the wheel-box, probably causing concussion or compression of the brain."

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall From The Roof Of A House. - An Inquest was held at Bustin's Wine and Spirit Vaults, Octagon-street, yesterday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of a little boy named JEREMIAH HOLLAND, whose death had resulted from a fall from a house-top on the previous day. Several witnesses were heard, and it appeared, from their evidence, that the deceased was about six years and ten months old, the son of a widow named ELLEN HOLLAND, who lived at the back of No. 26 King-street West, and obtained her livelihood by unloading potatoes from ships at the quays. On Thursday afternoon he was playing with several children at "hide and seek", and was seen, about two o'clock, leaving over a rail surrounding the flat roof of the house No. 1, Ellis-street, at the back of Jay's Court, by a little girl named Ellen Vosper, who was standing in the yard below. He appeared to be watching where his play-fellows ran to, and while doing so, he slipped. He caught hold of a slate and called for his sister, but the slate almost immediately gave way, and he fell into the court below. He was able to speak, and was taken by his sister and a woman named Murphy to the house of Mr Stevens, surgeon, who told them to take him to the hospital. The woman saw he could not live, and brought him towards his home, but before reaching it he died. Shortly before the accident occurred he had been seen by an inmate of the house going towards the door leading on to the roof, but she had sent him away. Children frequently went on to the roof to play, but were sent away by the occupants of the house. The girl Vosper said all deceased's play-fellows had left him before he fell, and, therefore, none of them could have pushed him over. It was stated there was no lock or fastening to the door leading to the roof. - When all the evidence had been taken, the Coroner addressed the landlord of the house from which deceased fell, and the house occupied by his mother, a man named Bate, and told him he must have the property put into a proper condition, so that the loss of human life could be prevented. If children could get to the roof they would play there, and their lives must be protected. He (the Coroner) was not sure that he (the landlord) was not liable to an action, if the mother of the deceased thought fit to institute proceedings against him. But he must remedy something even worse than this. The house in which deceased had lived was in a most horrible state - the drainage bad, and abounding in filth. It was not fit to live in, and it would be his (the Coroner's) duty to report its state to the proper authorities, in Plymouth, immediately. The children living there were in such a squalid condition that, should the place be visited with any infectious disease, such as cholera, there would be a vast loss of human life. If it was not improved the town would take the matter in hand, and charge him with the expense. The place was the worse he (the Coroner) had seen since Upper, Middle and Lower Lanes had been altered; and he would not have believed that there was such a place within the precincts of the borough. The drainage was bad in the extreme, and although the inhabitants were poor, they paid well for their occupations, and their lives must be preserved. - The Jury fully concurred in the opinions expressed by the Coroner, and suggested that the rails round the roof of the house should not only be made stronger and higher, but placed closer together; and that a fastening should be placed upon the door leading to it. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Ivybridge. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Plymouth, on Saturday afternoon last, before J. Edmonds, Esq., on the body of GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN MAY, who had died at the Devon and Cornwall Hospital, that morning, about one o'clock, having been there since the 20th ultimo, suffering from a fracture in the skull. - William Henry Chamberlain said: I am a carpenter, and work at Mr John Allen's mills, at Ivybridge. I have known the deceased about six years. He was a journeyman paper maker, about 31 years of age, and has left a wife and 3 children living at Ivybridge. On Friday, the 20th inst., about two o'clock in the afternoon, I was standing on the floor of the machine house, about ten feet from the deceased, who was oiling the machinery in the drying room. The ventilator of the house is closed with a wooden shutter, which is hung on iron pivots, and is eight feet long, two feet wide, and three quarters of an inch in thickness. Two men, named Crispin and Windsor, were engaged in removing the shutter on a scaffold erected over the place where the deceased stood, and fastened on the binding beams of the roof. I heard the shutter falling and saw it, after striking a cross beam, fall on the deceased's head, with the end downwards; one of the pivots sticking in. He lifted it off, and placed his hands on his head. Assistance came directly. Dr Hartley was sent for, and by his directions deceased was sent to the Devon and Cornwall Hospital. I have no reason to believe that the falling of the shutter was anything but accidental. There are about 300 persons employed at the mills. - Philip Windsor, a labourer employed at the paper mills, said he was on the scaffold referred to n the 20th ultimo, removing the shutter of the ventilator with Richard Crispin, sen. They had removed it from its place, and each had hold of an end of it, when it suddenly slipped from his (witness's) hands. Crispin held it about a second, and it then fell. It weighed about 30 lbs. Witness did not know deceased was below, and did not see him struck. Had not the slightest hesitation in saying that the occurrence was purely accidental. Had always been on friendly terms with the deceased. - Richard Crispin, senior, corroborated this statement, adding that he held the shutter until he was nearly overbalanced. - Mr Michael Pattison, the engineer of the establishment, in answer to a Juryman, said he knew the last two witnesses had not been drinking on the day in question. He believed there had been no negligence on their part and that the occurrence was perfectly accidental. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - A Man Drowned In Sutton Harbour, Plymouth. - An Inquest was held on Monday evening at seven o'clock at the King's Arms Hotel, Briton Side, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM HENWOOD DOWN, who was found dead in Sutton Harbour on Sunday morning last. - Constant Le Courtour said: I am a seaman belonging to the smack Princess Alexander, of Jersey, now lying in Sutton Harbour. On Saturday night last, I was on board my smack, lying near the north quay. I was in bed. About ten minutes to eleven I was awoke by hearing the cries of a man overboard. I jumped out of my cabin as fast as I could, and went on deck. I saw deceased in the water; he was then about two feet from the quay. I threw a rope on top of him, but he took no notice of it. I then jumped over the bow, in a schooner's boat, but he had sunk and I could not save him. I got on board my own vessel again, at about ten minutes past eleven o'clock. Information was immediately given to the authorities of what had happened. About half-past seven yesterday (Sunday) morning, deceased's body was taken up by a boat-hook. It was landed, and taken to deceased's residence, No. 2, Gascoyne-street. When I first heard the deceased, he was crying out loudly. In my opinion he accidentally fell over the quay. - JOHN DOWN said: I am a carpenter, and reside at No. 3, Moon's-lane. The deceased was my brother. He was 31 years of age, and was a journeyman carpenter. I last saw him alive on Monday last. Deceased has left two children. I have not the slightest reason to suppose that he drowned himself. I think he accidentally walked over the quay. - P.C. George Rider, No. 47, said: I received information of the death yesterday morning at 6 o'clock, when I came on duty. I assisted the first witness in recovering the body. There were 7s. 7d. in the pocket of the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury - Monday 6 January 1862
WALKHAMPTON - A Man Burnt To Death. - On Saturday last, an Inquest was held at Walkhampton, by the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of FRANCIS SOWDEN, a miner, who was burnt to death, whilst in a state of intoxication, on the previous day. - From the evidence brought forward at the Inquest, it appears that the deceased, in company with a friend of his, had been drinking during the whole of Thursday evening, at the public house, Walkhampton, and that they left there together at about eleven o'clock at night, in a deep state of intoxication, to proceed towards their respective homes. Having to pass the house in which his friend, whose name is William Rowe, lodged, SOWDEN was asked in to have some supper. The people in the house did not get up; the drunken men, however, succeeded in obtaining a light, and fumbled about for the supper, of which they partook. SOWDEN then lit his pipe and smoked for some time; but feeling drowsy, both he and his friend tumbled down on the floor of the kitchen, and went to sleep. This was about half-past one o'clock on Friday morning. Shortly afterwards the other inmates of the house heard groans proceeding from the kitchen, but thinking that they were merely sounds emanating from the sleep of the inebriated men, they took no notice of them for some time. These noises, however, did not cease, but continued in a much louder tone, and one of the other lodgers went downstairs to see what was the matter. As he neared the kitchen, he smelt very strongly something burning, and when he opened the door a fearful spectacle presented itself. The man SOWDEN was lying on the floor in a mass of flame, and Rowe lay a little distance from him apparently in a state of suffocation, the room being filled with a stifling smoke. The man dashed a portion of his clothing, which he carried in his hand, upon the face of SOWDEN, to save it from further damage from the fearful element, and called for assistance. When the other inmates arrived upon the spot, the clothes of the unfortunate man was entirely burnt from his body, and his flesh charred in a dreadful manner. He still breathed, but he was in great agony. Rowe was quite unconscious; and, and it not been for the timely arrival of help, would have perished from suffocation. SOWDEN was immediately conveyed to his home at Huckworthy-bridge, where he died a few hours afterwards. Rowe has nearly recovered, through medical skill, from the effects of the smoke; but his mind was so fettered with drink at the time of the fire that his evidence is of no consequence. How the clothes of the deceased caught fire there has been no evidence to prove; but it is presumed that not knowing what he was about when he fell asleep, he put the pipe which he was smoking into his pocket, the tobacco being still on fire. - The Jury, after duly considering the evidence adduced by the witnesses, returned a verdict of "Burnt to Death whilst in a state of Intoxication; but there was not sufficient evidence to prove in what manner his clothes caught fire."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 7 January 1862
EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Infant. - On Monday morning an Inquest was held at the Honiton Inn, Paris-street, on the body of LOUISA JANE HOLLAND, an infant aged four months, who died in her mother's arms on Saturday morning, at about five o'clock. This being the third case of children dying of the same disease, the Coroner ordered Mr Perkins to make a post mortem examination of the body, which he did, and found the child healthy. The right lung was a mass of inflammation, the left lung healthy, the lower portion of the windpipe was stopped up with bronchial matter; he had no doubt that the child died from suffocation produced by the child's not being able to clear the matter, by having the use of only one lung. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 8 January 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Staddon Heights. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances of the death of JAMES DUKE, who had died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on the previous morning. The evidence adduced went to show that the deceased was about forty-two years of age, and in the employ of Messrs George Baker and Son, contractors and builders, of London. He was engaged on the Government works being carried on by that firm on the Staddon Heights and on the 20th of December last was driving a horse and waggon along the tramroad near Staddon Point. An incline commences at this place, and it is usual for the horses to be taken from the waggons, which are allowed to roll down the hill without them. The deceased went towards the waggon he was driving, which was loaded with limestone, to take off the horse, but as he got in front of it, his foot slipped over the rail, and he fell on his left side. The wheel of the waggon passed over his left leg, and nearly smashed it to pieces. A man who was with him obtained assistance and he was carried to a neighbouring stable, where he was seen by Mr Wilson, surgeon, who directed him to be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. He was at once removed there, and attended by Dr Whipple, who found it necessary to amputate the limb. He was quite sensible, and blamed no one for the accident, but died about one o'clock on Monday morning He leaves a wife and six children. The Jury unhesitatingly returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury - Thursday 9 January 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Child. - J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of a child, about six weeks old, the son of a mason named SULLIVAN, living in King-street, at Bustin's wine and spirit vaults, Octagon-street, yesterday afternoon. It was shown that the mother went to bed with the child about eight o'clock on the previous night, and awoke about one o'clock in the morning, when she found that its hands and head were quite cold. She obtained assistance and it was found that the child was quite dead. It had had a cold for a few day's previously The mother had shown great affection for it both before and after its death. A verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 20 January 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident Near Hooe. On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Victoria Inn, Hooe, before Allan Bone, jun., Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM COOK, who had died on the previous day from injuries received on a tram-road, connected with Government works at Staddon. The first witness heard was Joseph Thomas, who said he was in the employment of Mr Baker, the contractor, and had charge of the machine up which stone was taken to the new works at Staddon. He Kept time. Had known the deceased and had worked with him for about four months. Deceased went to work on the previous day about seven o'clock in the morning, and commenced working a waggon up and down the tramway. The line was a double one. About eleven o'clock witness met deceased taking up a waggon fully loaded. witness talked with him, and almost immediately after leaving him, heard a scream, and on looking round, saw deceased on the ground, and the waggon thrown off the line. Witness went for help. Deceased had been up the line three times previously that morning. There were two tons and a half of stone in the waggon, which was loaded to the top. - James Walters, labourer, in the employ of Mr Baker, said he was a signal-man on the incline referred to. About eleven o'clock on the previous day deceased came with a waggon, fully laden, up to the signal station, about half way up the line. He (deceased) was walking between the two roads by the side of the waggon. He put his left foot on the "near metal," a short distance before the waggon, and tried to reach his can, which was on the top, on the stone in the waggon. He could not reach it the first time and stood on his toes. As he was in that position the waggon came upon him, and threw him down, the wheels passing over him. Witness ran to assist him, but he could not speak, and gave no signs of life, with the exception of opening his mouth twice. He was removed to his home, and visited by a surgeon. The rails of the line were dry, and in good order. The line had been used for three or four months. Deceased and witness were sober, and on good terms with each other. - William Miles, the foreman of the works, said the incline spoken of was little more than a mile long. There were two lines, and the gauge was about 4 feet 8 inches. The waggons were drawn up by a steel wire rope, an inch in diameter, and a "whim," worked by horses at the top. When the driver was at the bottom on the incline he shouted to the signalman half way up, who shouted to the man in charge of the horses and whim at the top to draw up the waggon. The lines were in good order, the metal being new. There was a space of four feet between the two lines. The whim was a temporary arrangement. - It was suggested by the Jury that it would be better to supply the signalman with flags as a substitute for the present mode of communication with the man in charge of the whim. - RICHARD COOK stated that the deceased was about 30 years of age. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 21 January 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Suspected Child Murder At Stoke. - A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest at the Devonport Guildhall yesterday afternoon to Enquire into the circumstances attendant upon the death of a new-born female child, which had been found dead on the previous day, and was suspected to have been murdered by its mother, HANNAH BROWN, a servant in the employment of Mr P. Pearse, solicitor, of Penlee Villas, Stoke. The Jury having viewed the body, heard the evidence. - Elizabeth Statton, the first witness, said: I am a single woman, engaged as cook in the house of Mr Pearse of Penlee Villas, Stoke. The only other domestic servant employed in the house is a housemaid, named HANNAH BROWN, who has been there since the 12th of September last. She has slept in a bedroom by herself, and I have slept in the room next but one to it, an empty room being between the rooms. Between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock, on Friday morning last, I saw the housemaid come over the stairs into the kitchen with a pail, containing the carpet of her bedroom, in her hand. She took it into the passage or verandah behind the kitchen, having pumped some water into the pail, and there washed the carpet. I suspected something, and went out to see what she was doing, and saw her take the carpet from the pail. I saw some bloody liquid running from the carpet, and said to her, "I fear, ANN, there is something very wrong about you." She said she hoped I would not think so. The carpet was in two pieces, and she hung them up, having washed them. I thought, at this time, that she was not so stout as she had been. She went through nearly all her work that day, and attended table at dinner at six o'clock,. She had complained on the previous day (Thursday) of being unwell, and said she had a cold. She went into her bedroom, which was near the kitchen, three or four times during the day, and remained there on one occasion for longer than an hour. On Saturday she did all her work. On Sunday morning my suspicions were fully aroused, and I went into her room between eleven and twelve o'clock. She was downstairs before eight o'clock, and went about her work, and went out before eleven o'clock, saying that she was going to chapel. Whilst she was away, I went into her room and saw a box behind the door. I tried to open it, but it was fastened. I lifted up one end of it. [The housemaid was brought in at this stage of the proceedings and seated near the witness.] I thought there was a lump in it, feeling something heavy in it. I did not shake the box violently, but merely lifted up one end, and then the other. I don't think my movement of the box caused what was in it to roll from one end to the opposite end. When Mrs Pearse came home from church, I told her and she sent for Mr Swain, the surgeon. On Saturday morning I had told the housemaid that I feared that what I had told her on the previous day was quite true. She said she hoped I would not think so; there was nothing wrong about it. Mr Swain came about two o'clock. I went into the housemaid's bedroom, and found her there. I told Mr Swain had come and wanted to see what she had in her box. She said she had done wrong, and hoped he would forgive her. She gave him a key, with which he opened the box I had moved. I saw a baby in the box, but no clothes. There were a few things in the box, and the baby was covered up with something. - Mr Paul William Swain, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: On Sunday afternoon last, about two o'clock, I went to No. 10 Penlee Villas, the house of Mr Pearse, solicitor. The last witness told me she had reason to suppose the other servant had had a child. I went with her to a bedroom, where I saw the housemaid, now present, seated on a chair, weeping bitterly. I made a remark - "This is a mysterious case," or something of that kind. She said, "Oh, I have done wrong," several times. I said, "Has a child been born, and if so, where is it?" She made no reply, but immediately took from her pocket a key, which she gave to me. There was in the room a box, covered with blue paper. I opened it with a key. It was two-thirds empty, but in one end of it was a large bundle of linen. From it I saw the hand of a child projecting. I then partially removed the linen, and found the body of a full-grown child. I examined it. The child appeared somewhat discoloured and was quite naked. The mouth was open, and the limbs stiff. I made no further examination of it at that time, but re-locked the box, and took charge of the key. I then said it would be necessary to send for the police. The housemaid said, "Oh, not the police!" I said it was imperative and sent for the police, and left the house. I returned about four o'clock the same afternoon, and saw in the same room Mr Superintendent Edwards and the housemaid. The box was on the floor tied round with cord. I left the room, leaving them there. This morning, about nine o'clock, I saw in one of the chambers at the Guildhall the same box, containing the same child, which was brought by Mr Edwards. He opened the box, and I examined its contents. I examined the body of the child, which was wrapped in several folds of line and a petticoat, and concluded that it had come to maturity. It was partially discoloured in patches. The nails were fully developed and the hands firmly clasped. I have seen such discolouration - which is the result of death - in children who have died under no suspicious circumstances. The body did not appear to have been disturbed from its original position in the box. There were some white marks around the back of the neck, but they did not extend to the front, and I believe them to be the fold marks of the skin, and not the result of anything put round it. The nostrils were firmly compressed. The mouth was vertically open (instead of the transverse way), as a mouth would open by pressure on either side. There was considerable discolouration on the inner membranes lining the cheeks, and also on the gums. This was perceptible, more or less, all round the mouth, but was more marked on the insides of the cheeks and gums. When a child dies naturally, or is stillborn, the mouth generally closes partially, and, if open, is open transversely; but in the present instance it had the appearance of the cheeks and nostrils having been forcibly compressed. The appearance of the inner membranes of the cheeks and gums would lead to the opinion that the child was alive when the face was compressed. On opening the chest, which was well developed, the heart and lungs presented themselves in the usual situation, but the lungs were not sufficiently distended by air to fill the cavity of the chest completely. Where respiration has been perfect, the lungs completely occupy the whole cavity of the chest; but on examination of bodies of children who had died a day or two after birth, I have seen cases in which the lungs presented the same appearance as in the present case. I put the lungs and heart into water, and the lungs were sufficiently buoyant to float themselves, and to cause the heart to float also. I then cut the lungs into small pieces, and every piece floated in water. I conclude from these facts that the child had breathed, but that the perfect act of respiration had not been thoroughly established. There was no appearance of a blow or injury on the external surface of the skull; but on removing the scalp I found a fracture or bending on the right parietal bone, forming a triangle, whose base was the sagittal suture; the apex of the triangle was towards the right. I can have no doubt that the bone was broken to a certain extent, but it is so membranous and soft that a comparatively small pressure might affect it. A fall upon the apex might cause the appearance. The brain was entire, and natural in every way. There is no impression in my mind to connect the appearance in front of the face with the injury at the back of the head. - The Coroner: What, in your opinion, caused the child's death? - Witness: It is a difficult matter to say. I may have ideas, but not opinions. I believe the child was born alive, and breathed once or twice, but not much more. The appearance of the mouth and face were such as a forcible pressure would produce,. I don't see how it should have been produced naturally. - The Coroner: Is there any appearance of death by suffocation? - Witness: The general impression upon my mind is that suffocation was the cause of death. It is only an impression. - The Coroner: Would the compression of the face referred to be calculated to produce suffocation? - Witness: Certainly, by closing up the air passages. I should think the entire exclusion of the air for five minutes would be sufficient to produce death. I don't think respiration was ever complete. I have not the least impression that the fracture on the head itself caused the death of the child, I only think it material as connected with probable violence - the pressure upon the face. I examined the prisoner this morning, and found about her indications of a recent delivery of a child - within the course of four or five days. The child was not at all decomposed, but it must have been dead twenty-four hours to be so cold and rigid, and it may have been dead three or four days. - Mr Superintendent Edwards said he went to the house mentioned about four o'clock on the previous afternoon, and saw the prisoner (HANNAH BROWN) in the kitchen. He told her that he had reason to suspect that she had recently given birth to a child, and she then began to cry, and said she hoped she would not be punished. He asked to go to her bedroom, and she took him there; and she said the box in the room was hers, but there was nothing in it. He forced open the lid, and discovered the body of a new born child. The prisoner then said she meant there was nothing but the body of the child there. He then removed her and the box to the Guildhall, and delivered the body of the child to Mr Swain that morning; it was the same which the Jury had seen. He found in the box two medicine bottles, one of which had a label, marked "tincture of steel." There was no label on the other bottle, but it contained a white liquid. There was also a pint bottle, which was empty,, He asked the prisoner if she had prepared any clothing for the child, and she said she had not. - Jane Webber, the female searcher at the station-house, said the prisoner had slept in a room at the station on the previous night, and had said to her that the baby was born alive on Thursday morning, but she could not say how long it lived. She did not know whether it was a boy or a girl, and she did not know much about it. She was confined in the bedroom. - This was the last witness, and the Coroner having summed up, the Jury after a short consultation, returned a verdict to the effect that the child was born alive, but how it came by its death there was no evidence to show. - The prisoner will be brought before the magistrates at Devonport this morning, to answer a charge of concealing the birth of the child.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 22 January 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. The Inquest Yesterday. - The Inquest on the body of the waterman, JOHN THOMPSON, the owner of the boat which was so unfortunately sunk in the Sound on Monday morning, and from which several men were drowned, was held yesterday afternoon at the Mutton Cove Inn, Mutton Cove, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Henry Mitchell was Foreman. - The body was lying in an out-house near the Inn, and the Jury proceeded there to view the body. On their return, John Waterfield was called, and said: I am an ordinary seaman, now serving on board H. M. lighter Coronation, at the Royal William Victualling Yard. Yesterday morning, about from nine till one in the afternoon, the lighter was lying alongside H.M.S. Revenge, just inside the Breakwater, close to the west end. There was a strong breeze from the south-east. I was on the deck of the lighter about eleven o'clock, when I heard a cry from the quarter deck of the Revenge, that a boat had capsized on the bridge. I and two other men belonging to the lighter manned her boat, and pulled towards the bridge. The first thing I saw, when we had proceeded about three-quarters of a mile from the ship towards the bridge was the mast of a boat. I saw no boat, but there was a man clinging to the mast. The mast was floating about, and a sail was furled to it. We caught hold of the man, and in hauling him into the boat found that another man was clinging to his coat. We looked around and saw the Revenge's boat as we were hauling the two men in. The second man clung to the first with a sort of death grasp. I saw THOMPSON (the deceased) floating on the water, and called to the men in the boat belonging to the Revenge. I had seen THOMPSON before many times and knew him. He was floating with his two wooden legs above the surface of the water, but his head was under water. He was about three boats' lengths from us. I shouted that there was a man floating on the water, and the crew of the Revenge's boat pulled towards the deceased, and dragged him into their boat. As we found there was plenty of assistance we took the two men we had picked up on board the Revenge immediately. I don't know whether they survived. - The assistant-surgeon of the Revenge, who was present, here stated that both the men referred to were alive. - Witness, continuing: Just after we got our men on board, I observed the Revenge's boat alongside, and saw men carrying the deceased towards the sick bay. I followed to the sick bay, and saw the deceased there, and the assistant-surgeon now present also. I saw that they made attempts for about an hour to revive the deceased. The surgeon and two other men were employed, but without success. I saw nothing of any boat from whence the deceased might have been capsized. That is all I know about it. - The Coroner: Is there any other witness? - The constable replied that there was no other, at present. He had understood from the secretary at the Admiral's office that the two men summoned from the Warrior would be sure to appear, but they had not yet arrived, and the Warrior was getting under weigh. He had sent to Millbrook to see if another man who had been in the boat could come, but the surgeon had sent word that he was too ill to appear. The two men on board the Warrior were in the boat when it capsized. - The Coroner: Then I am afraid we shall have to adjourn the Inquest to get the witness at Millbrook. Just let us see someone who saw the boat leave the shore. - The last witness said he had heard that the boat had been found, and taken into Millbay. Several of the Jurymen here stated that a steamboat - the Pike - was just coming from the Warrior. - The Coroner: Then we shall, perhaps, be able to hear the men. We should be able to send them back in a quarter of an hour. - The Assistant-Surgeon, Rinso Robert Siccama, was next examined. He said: I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and assistant-surgeon of Her Majesty's Ship Revenge. Yesterday, the 20th instant, I was on board the Revenge, then lying inside the Breakwater in the Sound. At about between half-past ten and a quarter to eleven o'clock in the morning I was in the sick bay. A man, having two wooden legs, was carried there at that time. It was the deceased. Life was quite extinct; he showed no symptoms of vitality. His face was pallid, and surface cold; no pulsation or action of the heart being perceptible. His clothes were on, but they were quite wet. He was immediately stripped and wrapped in blankets, and we attempted to restore animation by artificial respiration, and continued for about three quarters of an hour to use all the usual means to restore life, but without effect. The man was dead. - By the Coroner: There were no external marks of injury upon him. I don't remember whether his hands were shut, but his eyes were open. I think his wooden legs were calculated to keep his head under the surface of the water when he was floating. - Henry Richards said: I am a waterman, and live in Morice-street. Yesterday morning a little after ten o'clock, I heard a waterman, named Dawe, shouting out that there were too many men in a boat. I then went to the head of the quay at Mutton Cove, and there saw THOMPSON, the deceased, a waterman, of Millbrook. He was in a waterman's boat, about one hundred yards from the quay. I told him to put something in his bunking hole, which was nearly level with the water. The boat was very deep in the water, which came up to about three inches from the top of the gunwale. I think there were nine or ten men in the boat; I counted nine. The length of the boat, I should think, was 16 feet, and eight passengers are allowed by the rules to go in such a boat. There was a man, not a passenger, with THOMPSON, but whether he was a waterman of not I don't know. He (THOMPSON) told me to mind my own business, and said that he knew what he was about. I heard him tell one of the passengers to shift forward, and I saw them pulling away. THOMPSON was steering, I think. The passengers were sailors. The wind was rather strong, and it was rough outside the Island. There ought to have been a stormy flag up, but there was not, although it was hoisted afterwards. I saw no more of the boat, and have not seen THOMPSON or the boat since. - By the Coroner: The men in the boat appeared pretty steady. Bruce and his brother appeared to be sober. - The Coroner: There is no chance of these men coming, I am afraid. - The Constable: The Warrior is gone. - The Coroner: I suppose this man at Millbrook saw the whole affair? - The Constable: He saw it all, but he is very unwell. His daughter is below. - By the direction of the Coroner, the daughter of the man referred to (Brace, the brother-in-law of the deceased), was called up, and she said her father was very unwell when she left home in the morning. She thought he would be able to come out in about a few days. - The Coroner: I am afraid we must adjourn the Inquest. - The Constable said he had not heard of any other men besides those referred to who had seen the whole affair. - The Coroner: Gentlemen, we must adjourn this Inquest until this day week, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at the Guildhall, and then we shall be able to hear this man - Where is the Warrior gone? - It was stated that the Warrior had gone to Lisbon; and was going out to Halifax. - The Coroner: It is a very fortunate thing this man is here, who will be able to tell us something about it. The Jury having been bound over to appear on Monday next, the court adjourned. - The Assistant-Surgeon of the Revenge returned his fee to the Coroner to be applied for the benefit of the family of the deceased. - The Coroner thanked him for his kindness and agreed to carry out his desire.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 January 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - Yesterday afternoon J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, on the body of GEORGE STEER, late an engine-driver on the South Devon Railway, who had died from injuries received that morning on the line, near the South Devon Railway Station. Mr George Stephenson was chosen as Foreman of the Jury. Mr F. P. Cockshott attended as the representative of the South Devon Railway Company; and Mr Wright as representative of Messrs. Evens and Co., the contractors for the supply of locomotive engines and engine men. The Jury proceeded to the South Devon Hospital to view the body and returned to the Guildhall. - Thomas Lloyd was the first witness called. He said: I am a railway engine driver, in the employ of Messrs. Evens and Co., contractors for providing locomotives and men for the South Devon Railway. I have known the deceased more than two years. He was a railway engine stoker or fireman, in the same employ as I am. He was about 23 years of age, and unmarried. I was working with him all last night. We came down by a goods train from Exeter, and arrived here at 5.36 this morning. About a quarter to seven o'clock deceased and myself arrived with our engine at the turntable, at the engine shed of the Plymouth station. There is a line of railway running over the turntable. Deceased and myself were on the turntable, turning our engine round, which is done with a "crab" or "winch" fixed on the turntable. I did not see or hear anything approaching, but in a moment I found myself in the pit of the turntable. I looked around and saw the deceased fall down by my side. Another engine, driven by Samuel Bradford, now present, in coming from the goods station to the turntable had run into the side of my engine and knocked me and deceased into the pit. I suppose the handle of the winch struck the deceased; I saw he had received a dreadful blow on the head. He was speechless. I got assistance and carried him into the shed. The medical man, Mr Pearse, came and deceased was then taken to the South Devon Hospital. I accompanied him there. Within a minute after it happened Samuel Bradford came to me, and said, "It is a bad job." The body the Jury have seen is that of GEORGE STEER, the deceased. - At the request of the Foreman, the witness explained the construction of the turntable, and the position of the engine. - By the Jury: It was not dark at the time - just daylight. - I think deceased must have received a blow from the handle of the winch, and I heard his head strike against the stone of the pit. - Edward Escott being sworn, said: I am a railway engine stoker, in the same employ as the last witness. This morning Samuel Bradford, now present, and myself were about to take the 7.15 a.m. goods train to Exeter. About ten minutes after six o'clock, Bradford got on an engine near the signals at the engine shed, and I accompanied him. We had formed the train, and intended going up the line to get coals and water. Bradford drove the engine. I saw an engine ahead, but could not tell whether it was on the turntable, or over the pit, which is the other side of the turntable. I had just put on fresh coal, and my eyesight was affected for a few minutes by the fire. I saw the engine distinctly, when the front of our engine was between seven or eight feet of the turntable, but that was too late to stop her, and in a moment our engine struck against the other. Bradford then got off and assisted deceased from the pit. I saw a great deal of blood about his (deceased's) body, and he did not speak. - By the Coroner: We made no signal that we were going to the shed; it is not the practice to do so. The portion of line on which this happened was in the engine-shed yard, and not on the regular line. - By the Jury: We were driving very slowly. Had the other engine been over the pit, it would have been further from us, and we should have had time to stop, The gas-lamp at the turntable was not lighted. If it had been, we could have seen the other engine distinctly. - Thomas Stevens said: I am a labourer in the same employ as the last witness. This morning, about a quarter to seven, I was on the coal stage. I heard two engines come in contact and heard Lloyd said, "Bradford, you have killed my mate." I went to the place and saw deceased in the pit, and saw Bradford go there. Deceased was speechless, and much injured about the head. It was coming daylight and there was good moonlight. I could see an engine at the distanced of a hundred yards. The gas-lamp is not lighted when it is moonlight. - By the Jury: I should think Bradford could see as far as I could. - Mr Cockshott: There was a haze over the moon at ten minutes to seven. - Henry Pethick said: I am a switchman on the South Devon Railway, I was on duty this morning at the switches leading to the engine-shed. At a quarter before seven, I saw Samuel Bradford driving an engine past my box. It was going very slow. It was moonlight, and sometimes darker than others. There was a shower just before the engine passed, and it was dark for a minute or two. The gas was not burning at the engine-house. If it had been I could have seen the engine which was over the turntable plainly. - The Coroner: If the gas had been lighted, would this have happened? Do you think it might have prevented this? - Witness: I think it might. If it had been lighted, Bradford must have seen the engine earlier than he did. - By the Jury: My box is about 300 yards from the table. - Nathaniel Lewis was called, and said: I have charge of the engine-yard at the South Devon Railway Station by night. The gas-light at the engine-shed was burning at five o'clock this morning. I then thought it was light enough and turned it off. I left a quarter past six. It was not then daylight, but moonlight. It was showery, and the moon was obscured at times. It was light enough when I left to see an engine at the distance of a hundred yards. - By the Jury: I put out the light at my own discretion. The light is about eight feet higher than the turntable. - Mr Cockshott explained that the gaslight referred to was placed upon the water tank, which was near the turntable and engine-house. - Richard Morris, porter at the South Devon Hospital, said: The deceased was brought to the hospital about half-past seven this morning. He had sustained serious injuries in the head. He never spoke and died about ten minutes after ten o'clock. - The Coroner asked the Jury if they wished to adjourn the Inquest to inspect the premises, but the Jurymen thought it was unnecessary. - Mr Francis Cockshott said: I am the superintendent of the South Devon Railway. I left my house this morning at ten minutes to seven o'clock, to go to the station. I noticed that it had been raining, and that there was a mist driving across the moon from the north-west, which slightly obscured the moonlight. About five minutes after seven I was in the telegraph office, and was told an accident had happened in the engine-house, and I proceeded there. The body of the deceased had been removed. - By the Coroner: I have heard the evidence of the stoker Escott, and I think that the glare from the fire box prevented Bradford and Escott from seeing the engine on the turntable. The engine which they were on was preparing to take a goods train to Exeter, and would have a large fire. I know from experience that the glare from the fire fox of an engine, when the door is open, will prevent the engineman and stoker from seeing objects distinctly, except in broad daylight. The moon was obscured until a quarter past seven. - By the Jury: If the lamp had been lighted it might have assisted the engine driver to see the other engine; but I don't think the man is to blame for putting it out. The lamp in question was placed there about eighteen months since to light the turntable, but the men put it out when they think proper. The light from the fire would affect both the driver and stoker. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that the question for consideration was whether the engine driver Bradford had used due and proper caution or not. There were many things favourable to him. They had Mr Cockshott's evidence about the light of the morning. The most important evidence was that of Escott, and Mr Cockshott, who was a practical man, stated that both engine driver and stoker would be affected by the light of the fire. If they thought Bradford had not used proper care he would be liable to a charge of manslaughter; but if they considered that he had then it would be simply a matter of accidental death. - The Jury, having consulted together in private for a considerable length of time, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and accompanied it with the following recommendation:- "That, in order to prevent similar accidents, the Jury recommend to the South Devon Railway Company, that a sufficient light be kept constantly burning near the turntable from dusk to broad daylight, irrespective of any discretion on the part of their servants to distinguish the same." - The Coroner observed that he agreed with the Jury, and Mr Cockshott undertook to convey their recommendation to the company.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At The Dockyard. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of JAMES PHELP, a seaman, of H.M.S. Lapwing, who had died on the previous Monday, at the Naval Hospital. - Edward Welch, a waterman, said he was on board the Lapwing, in the basin of the Devonport Dockyard, some days since, when he saw the deceased fall from the prow, one end of which rested on the vessel, and the other on the shore, into the water. Assistance was rendered, and he was brought on board. There was no one near enough to touch him when he fell off. - Henry William Chapman, first class ordinary seaman, serving on board the Lapwing, in the basin of the Devonport Dockyard, said the deceased had been a shipmate of his for three years. On the previous Thursday, about five o'clock in the evening, he saw the deceased, who was quite steady, come from the lower deck to the upper deck. About ten minutes afterwards he heard a cry of "A man overboard." He ran to the gunwale of the ship, and saw a man in the water of the basin. He jumped into the fender, which was in the water, between the ship and the quay, and from there jumped into the water. He caught the man, who was sinking, by the collar, and, with assistance, got him on board the ship, from whence he was carried to the surgery in the Dockyard. He was insensible when taken from the water. The men on board the ship were hoisting tanks from the after-hole, and getting the ship ready for paying off. The prow is a proper one, about three or four feet wide, with cross-pieces nailed on, and a hand-rail to prevent persons from slipping off. At the time deceased fell the tide was only half up, and the prow had spring in it, in consequence of not resting properly on the shore, but it was not dangerous. When the deceased was taken from the water he had a wound over his eye, and was supposed to have struck against the fender in his fall. - Richard Pasley Lawrenson, assistant surgeon at the Royal Naval Hospital, said the deceased was brought to the hospital on Thursday evening. He was insensible. His body was warm, but his hands and feet cold, as though he had been in the water some time. He became sensible in the morning, and complained of symptoms of inflammation of the lungs, of which he died on Monday morning. Immersion in water would be likely to produce influenza of the lungs. It was very rapid in this case. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death;" and through the Coroner expressed their admiration of the conduct of the witness Chapman.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 24 January 1862
PLYMOUTH - An Artilleryman Drowned In Sutton Harbour. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of an artilleryman named WILLIAM HOLMES, who had been found dead in the water in Sutton Harbour that morning. - William Thomas Putt, a licensed waterman, said he was in a boat in Sutton Harbour, between Guy's Quay and Vauxhall Quay, about a quarter to eight o'clock that morning, when he saw about ten yards from him, and twenty yards from Guy's Quay, the body of a man about six feet below the surface of the water. The tide was more than half flood. Witness called assistance, and went towards the body, which he found to be that of an artilleryman, standing erect. The man who had come to his assistance, pulled the deceased out of the water by the hair of his head, without any difficulty. His mouth and eyes were open, but there were no marks of violence upon him, nor was he in the least disfigured. He was removed to the dead house. - William Slade, sergeant of the 5th Brigade, No. 2 Battery, said the deceased was a gunner in his regiment, and about 40 years of age. The deceased was on leave on the previous day. He drank occasionally. Witness had examined the body, but found no marks of violence upon it. - James Walker, battery sergeant-major, said the deceased was on duty with him on the previous afternoon. That was the last time he saw him alive. His general character was good. He had served in India, in the Lancers. When he was drunk he rolled about very much. - The first witness Putt, stated to the Jury that there was nothing on the quays to prevent persons falling into the water, and no life-buoy or rope to throw to them. He thought the Sutton Harbour Company were to blame, and that their attention should be called to the matter. - The Coroner observed that there was no evidence to show that a life-buoy would have been of any assistance in this case, but should any such case come before him, he would take care to communicate with the Sutton Harbour Company. - This witness also stated that he was near the spot where deceased was found about half-past five that morning, but the body was not there then. When the body was removed from the water, a quantity of air escaped from the mouth, and he (the witness) considered that this being in the chest, had caused the body to remain in an upright position. - A verdict of "Found Drowned; probably walked over the Quay accidentally," was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 29 January 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. The Adjourned Inquest - Yesterday. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of the waterman, JOHN THOMPSON, the owner of the boat which was so unfortunately sunk in the Sound on the 20th instant, and from which several men were drowned, was held yesterday afternoon at the Devonport Town Hall, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Henry Mitchell was Foreman. - William Bruce said: I reside at Millbrook, in the County of Cornwall. I am a naval pensioner. On Monday week last I left Millbrook at about a quarter to nine o'clock in the morning, in the boat of the deceased. We went to Mutton Cove. - The witness seemed to give his evidence in a very unwilling and contradictory manner, and The Coroner: You have just taken a solemn oath to speak the truth, and the whole truth, and that I will have you know. We do not want any mistakes. I expect that you think you are answerable for what has happened, and under that impression we might be an hour procuring that testimony which might be taken in a quarter of an hour. The deceased THOMPSON, had the management and direction of the boat - is that not so? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: Then that relieves you from all responsibility; you are not liable. Was it not a fact that you came down from Millbrook that day with the intention of being with him (deceased)? - Witness: I came down as a passenger. - The Coroner: Did you not intend to be with him during the day? - Witness: No, sir. I came down as a passenger, as I wanted to see the Warrior, not having seen her before. - Witness's examination continued: We arrived at Mutton Cove at about 10 o'clock. I did not leave the Quay. Deceased remained in the boat. His brother went up into the town after some gear for the boat. We then shoved off with some more men in the boat. - The Coroner: More men; we have not heard about any men yet? - Witness: He came down with the gear and then we shoved off to the Warrior. - Q.: Was there anybody in the boat besides you and THOMPSON? - A.: Yes, sir. Q.: How did they get there? - A.: We all got into the boat. Q.: Who were they? - A.: I don't know their names. Q.: Who are they? - A.: Men belonging to the Warrior. Q.: Now tell us how the people got into the boat. How long after the gear was fetched did they get into the boat? - A.: In about a quarter of an hour after. There were eleven of us altogether in the boat - I, the deceased, his brother, two blue marines, and the remainder were sailors belonging to the Warrior. - Q.: What was the size of the boat? - (Witness did not answer.) - The Coroner: Are you deaf? - (Witness did not answer again.) - The Coroner (loudly): Are you hard of hearing? - Witness: No, I am not. - The Coroner: Then if you can hear the question why don't you answer it. You are about one of the worst witnesses I ever examined. There is no getting anything out of you at all. You can make a guess at it I should think. Was she 10 feet long? - Witness: Yes, and longer. - After some trouble the witness stated that the boat was about 16 feet in length, and his examination was continued as follows:- The boat was in proper repair, and did not take in water. All the persons came into the boat at the same time. The deceased had two wooden legs. THOMPSON pulled one oar, and I pulled the other. THOMPSON pulled the near oar. I believe they were all sober. No liquor was taken into the boat to my knowledge. I did not see any taken in. THOMPSON was quite sober, and so was I. Deceased's brother GEORGE steered the boat. Deceased's brother was a shipwright of the Warrior. The weather was rather rough, and the wind was blowing from the South East. It was flood tide. The boat was pretty low in the water. I should think the gunwale of the boat was about 6 inches from the water. All the persons in the boat sat down. I and the deceased pulled out so far as the outer end of Drake's Island. About five minutes before we set the foresail the deceased handed the mizen aft to his brother, who was steering, to ship it, and he did ship it. About five minutes after the mizen was shipped, the deceased said, "Now we will make a stretch off for the Warrior," and then I set the foresail by his direction. We sailed under the foresail and mizen about half way between Drake's Island and the Warrior, which was lying about 500 yards inside the midship part of the Breakwater. The sheet was not belayed. The deceased held the sheet. He was sitting with his face aft and the oars in. Then a sea struck her on the port quarter, and the greater part of the sea came on board, and then she made a "list" to starboard, which half filled the boat. She made another "list" a'port and filled, and went down. She did not turn over, she sank right down. We were all in the water immediately. I swam as well as I could. I did not see THOMPSON in the water. I was away from the stern sheets altogether. I was right in the bow of the boat when she filled. When I rose out of the water there was not a soul near me. I kept myself afloat until a boat from the Revenge picked me up, and took me on board the Revenge. I did not see THOMPSON at all afterwards. I was sensible, but much exhausted when I was taken on board. I have no idea how long I was in the water; but the captain of the water tank, who picked up two men, said they must have been in the water more than three-quarters of an hour. When I got on board the Revenge, I was taken into the sick bay and dry clothing was put upon me, and I was put before the galley fire to warm myself. I did not see anything of THOMPSON then. I remained on board four hours, and then left the ship and came ashore at Mutton Cove with the bombboat woman, from thence home. I did not see THOMPSON at all, he was taken ashore before I recovered. I saw the dead body on Sunday last in his own house at Millbrook. He was buried at Maker on Sunday. There was no quarrelling or larking in the boat, or anything of that kind. The sea was very rough and the further we went out the heavier sea there was. We were close on the wind at the time of the accident. The man at the helm was steering properly, he kept the sheet full. He seemed to understand his work very well. We did not see any squall coming on at all. We continued to be deep in the water, the same as when we started. The boat has been recovered and is now at Mutton Cove. - By the Jury: Somebody cautioned us when we left Mutton Cove. Did not hear anyone say to deceased that the water was coming in at the bunking hole. - The Coroner (to Mr Dunbar, Inspector of Boats and Wherries): How many was this boat licensed to carry? - Mr Dunbar: Eight, sir. She is only licensed to go into the Harbour. She is not licensed to go into the Sound. - A Juryman: I did not understand, until now, that the boat was under sail at the time of the accident. In Waterfield's evidence it was stated that when the marine got upon the sail, it was furled to the mast. - The Coroner read Waterfield's evidence, and found that such was the case. He (the Coroner) thought it very likely that when immersed into the water the sail would become furled to the mast. - By the Coroner: We were outside the bridge a good way. - The Coroner: Then the bridge had nothing to do with it? - The Coroner: Where is THOMPSON'S brother? - Witness: He is gone out in the Warrior. - The Coroner then summed up as follows: You have heard this; it is for you to say whether you are satisfied with Bruce's testimony If so, you will return a verdict of accidental death, or, rather, accidentally drowned. It is very much to be regretted that watermen should take into their boats a greater number of persons than the law allows. It is also much to be regretted that this boat, which was only licensed for the Harbour, should have been taken by the deceased into the Sound. However, whatever amount of negligence there may have been in the case, poor THOMPSON, who is dead, was the responsible party. Had THOMPSON been saved, inasmuch as he had the management of the boat, and took into it an excessive number of passengers, and the boat being a boat not fit for the work, and going into the Sound, the weather, too, being rough, I think it very probable that I should have had to request you to consider whether the negligence was so gross as to have authorised a verdict of manslaughter. But you see poor THOMPSON, who was the person wholly responsible for the proper care and caution, has paid the penalty of his negligence, poor fellow, and has forfeited his life, so that I see no reason why you should not return a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." I suppose that must be your verdict. - The Coroner asked Mr Dunbar whether it was his duty to be in attendance to see that watermen did not carry a larger number of passengers than they were licensed, on occasions like this? - Mr Dunbar replied that he was supposed to be at some place. He was at Newpassage watching the same thing, and was returning when he was informed of the accident. - The Coroner: Do you, in those cases, when you know of them, represent them to the Commissioners? - Mr Dunbar: I report these cases to Mr Jago. - The Coroner: The Solicitor to the Commissioners? - Mr Dunbar: Yes. - The Coroner: Are they dealt by? - Mr Dunbar: They are when I have got a clear case. - The Coroner: Was there not a waterman committed from here for manslaughter some time ago? - Mr Dunbar: Yes. Bruce was in the same boat. - The Foreman: The Jury entirely acquit Mr Dunbar from any blame in the matter. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and appended the following remarks to their verdict:- "At the same time, the Jury recommend that an additional officer, to act as inspector of Boats, should be appointed and be in attendance on occasions like the present, in order to see that boats do not carry more than their licensed number. The Jury are inclined to think that if this boat had had no more than the limited number in her at the time of the departure, this melancholy accident would not have happened. They cannot leave this court without expressing their highest approbation of the bravery and energetic conduct displayed by the three men composing the crew of the lighter Coronation. They entirely exonerate Mr Dunbar from any blame whatever."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 3 February 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At The Plymouth Foundry. - An Inquest was held at Martin's Wine Vaults, Courtenay-street, on Saturday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of THOMAS HAYNES, who had died on the previous day. - Thomas Floyd, a pattern-maker, said he had known the deceased, who was about 50 years of age, and in the employ of the Plymouth Foundry and Engine Works Company, Limited, about five years. On that day week he had seen deceased at work in the shop in Russell-street, at a turning machine, about half-past three o'clock in the afternoon. Witness heard the gouge, with which the deceased was cutting a rapidly revolving "boss," catch in the wood of the boss, and, on looking round, saw deceased falling backwards. The boss had separated into two pieces, and witness saw both of them fall to the ground. Witness assisted deceased to rise, and afterwards walked home with him to Union-place, George-lane. Witness afterwards saw Dr Randall at the house, and knew that deceased died on the 29th ult. The boss in question was joined in two pieces with glue, and had been previously used with safety. It was the duty of deceased to judge whether it was safe or not. Witness believed that deceased's gouge had caught in one of the joints of the rim of the boss, and had so put additional pressure upon the glue joining the pieces together. The glue was probably damp, and having given away, one of the pieces had flown up, and struck deceased on the head and knocked him down. Witness had been a pattern maker 13 years, and had no hesitation in saying that the affair had been a pure accident. - Mr George Down, the foreman of the works, said the deceased had been desired to go to the hospital, to which the company subscribed, but he had refused and he had been, with difficulty, persuaded to call in a surgeon. They had no idea that the injuries were so serious. The company had done something for deceased's widow and family of seven children. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 4 February 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - A Soldier Drowned AT Mutton Cove. Unprotected State Of The Quay. - An Inquest was held at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stoke, yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of CORNELIUS DACEY, a private of the 37th Regiment, whose body had been found dead in the water at Mutton Cove, early on the previous morning. It was stated that about half-past six o'clock on Saturday evening, an engineer at the Steam Flour Mills, Mutton Cove, named James Chilton, heard, as he stood with his back towards the quay, about to lock up the gate, a splash in the water. He ran to the edge of the quay and saw an object in the water, about eight yards from the quay, but he could not distinguish what it was, although he believed it to be the body of a man or woman. He called some men from the mill, and on his return saw the object moving in the water, and heard a voice call out "Oh!" but it sank from view before assistance could be rendered. Information was given to the watermen near, and they dragged for the body for a considerable time without success. On Sunday morning, about half-past one o'clock, George Luscombe, a custom-house officer, and a waterman, named Willcocks, found the dead body of a soldier of the 37th Regiment on the beach at Mutton Cove. Intelligence was conveyed to the police-station and Raglan Barracks and the body, which was properly dressed, with the exception of the cap, which was missing, was taken to the dead-house at the Military Hospital, Stoke, and there viewed by the Jury. From the statements of Joseph Garnham, a comrade of the deceased, and Colour-Sergeant Huckstable, the sergeant of his company, it appeared that the deceased was about 22 years of age, had been in the army about four years, and had served in India about two years. During that time, he had, although a sober man, been in almost constant trouble for such offences as staying out late at night, disputes with non-commissioned officers, &c.; and since his return home had been on a short allowance of money in consequence of his debts. He was of a somewhat gloomy and sullen disposition, and appeared to dislike his profession. John Foley a private of the regiment, heard him say on the 31st ult., when the sergeant was making memoranda as to the relatives of the soldiers, "I may as well leave my kit to you, sergeant, as there's nobody else." On the same day, when his debts were mentioned to him, he said, "I shall soon be out of them altogether." For some time past he had held little communication with the men of his company, and said last month that he would "as soon be dead as alive." On Saturday last he neither ate his dinner nor tea, and when met near the Gunwharf, about a quarter to seven that evening, by his comrade Garnham, who then saw him for the last time, he gave no reply where he was going, although, apparently quite sober. it was stated, with reference to the quay at Mutton Cove, that the nearest light or lamp was about twenty yards from the quay, and that there was not sufficient light to enable a person approaching the quay to see the edge of it. Although it was a public thoroughfare, and two persons besides the deceased had been drowned there within the last twelve months, and the attention of the authorities had been drawn to the subject, there was no chain or protection to prevent persons from falling into the water. - The Jury returned a verdict, to the effect that the deceased was Found Drowned, but how he came by his death there was no evidence to show; and recommended that precaution should be taken to prevent persons falling over the edge of the quay into the water.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 14 February 1862
MARY TAVY - The Accident At Wheal Friendship Mine. - Yesterday Mr Vallack, the Coroner for the district, held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM STOCKER, at the house of the deceased, Lane-head, St Mary Tavy. A Jury of twelve was summoned, Mr Merrivale acting as Foreman. Only one witness was examined, and no facts were elicited beyond those already known. The Inquest lasted but a short time, and resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at a beer-shop in York-street, by J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES GIDLEY. The deceased was a regrater in the market, and about 58 years of age. On that day, while standing near the stable in William-street, h complained of great pain about his shoulders, and suddenly fell down dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 17 February 1862
ST MARY CHURCH - Inquest On The Two Men Drowned At Babbicombe. - An Inquest was held at the Carey Arms, Babbicombe, on Saturday afternoon last, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of ROBERT HARRIS, one of the two fishermen who were drowned between Wednesday night and Thursday morning last, the particulars of which have already appeared in the Western Daily Mercury. The Jury were composed of the following:- John Weymouth, Foreman; Arthur Hill, William Smith, jun., William Edgcombe, Charles Grover, James Shenner, William Gasking, and Robert Edwards. - John Peate, sailor, said that on the previous Thursday, about 11 o'clock, he was on Babbicombe Hill, when the wife of the deceased asked him if he had seen her husband. He replied "No;" and on asking when she saw him last, she said on the previous night at ten o'clock, when he had gone out to look after his crab-pots. About one o'clock he saw RICHARD, the son of the deceased, who had been out in a boat on the Torbay side of the water, and he said he had not seen his father. He (witness) then went again on Babbicombe Hill, and saw a boat belonging to the deceased lying bottom upward. He then went back to the son, and went with him and some others to the Bell rock, where they found the boat about thirty yards from the shore. HARRIS was in the water close by, entangled amongst the lines and quite dead, but they could not find Bray. He thought the boat was not fit for crab-potting, as it was not large enough. There were no sails in the boat, and the wind was not blowing hard t the time. It was impossible to tell how many of the pots had been taken into the boat before the accident occurred, but there were eight close by. He never knew an instance before of a man going out so late at night about crab-pots. The wind came on to blow a little about four o'clock in the morning from the eastward. - A Juryman here stated that the wind was blowing rather hard from the east from about half-past 1 to 1 o'clock. - Henry Turner, proprietor of the Roughwood Inn, and one of those who went out in the boat, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. On arriving at the spot they found everything but one paddle, which had, however, been picked up afterwards. He had searched all along the shore for Bray's body, but without any result. :The boat in which the two men went out had often been used for the purpose, but was not, he considered, safe. - MARY HARRIS, the widow of the deceased, deposed to having parted from the two men shortly after ten o'clock on Wednesday night, when she saw them for the last time. Deceased and Bray were on very good terms, and had never had an angry word. - The Jury after a short discussion, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 19 February 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Catdown Quarries. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, yesterday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of JOHN ROOK, who had died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on the previous night, from injuries received. The deceased was about 52 years of age, and had been a limestone quarryman in the employ of Messrs. Sparrow, Brothers and Scott about twenty years. On Saturday, the 8th inst., he was at work at a clay-soil quarry at Catdown, digging out clay rubble for conveyance to the quays for shipment. A companion saw that the ground about twelve feet above him was giving away, and called out to warn him. He ran towards a cart that was near, but the clay, amongst which there was stone, fell upon him and covered him to his middle. His companion escaped unhurt, and obtained the assistance of other workmen, who drew deceased from beneath the earth. He then said he thought his thigh was broken, and was taken to the Hospital in a cart, when it was found that his conjecture was correct. He gradually became worse and expired on Monday evening about seven o'clock. It was supposed that the frost and wet had had an effect upon the earth which fell. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 24 February 1862
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Fatal Accident Near Buckland Monachorum. - An Inquest was held on Saturday morning, at nine o'clock, at the Crown Inn, Buckland Monachorum, before A. B. Bone, jun., Esq., Deputy Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE FOX, who met with his death on Wednesday evening last, from a tree falling upon him. The Jury was composed of the following gentlemen:- Mr Richard Read (Foreman), and Messrs. John Brown, Jacob Northmore, John Tozer, John Spry, Richard Undworth, Robert Luscombe, Samuel Cock, Joseph Rowe, Thomas Austen, William Worth, Richard Bryant and John Cocks. The following evidence was adduced:- William Sleeman stated that he was a farmer, renting Torr Farm, in the parish of Buckland. On Thursday, the 20th inst., the deceased, who was a carpenter, came to his farm to take down an oak tree, which was in a hedgerow, in a field called Garden Park. witness went with him to the field for the purpose of helping him. They used a saw commonly called a "cross-cut" saw. They did not cut off any of the tops or lops preparatory to sawing the tree down. They commenced their work about three o'clock in the afternoon, and worked on until six o'clock. During the afternoon deceased went home to procure some wedges. The tree was a short, stumpy one. They began to "cross-cut" the tree rather south of the hedge, which ranged from east to west. The stem of the tree was about 8 feet in height. They began to work first inside the hedge and cleared the ground 6 inches. They then commenced to "cross-cut" it as soon as they could. The tree fell towards the east, and they were endeavouring to throw it west. Witness was some distance from the tree at the time it fell; h was removing the saw. There was an orchard adjoining the field, but witness was in the field. The stock must have slipped on the ground; that was the only way in which he could account for the accident. The deceased was standing on a hedge, which was about six feet in height, driving the wedges with the mallet. There were three wedges under the tree, one on the north side and two on the eastern side. Deceased was on the south side of the tree driving in the wedge which had been put in on the east side About 8 feet from the base of the tree was a large limb coming out from the south side. When deceased heard the tree cracking he stepped back, unfortunately, and turned his face towards the orchard. If he had moved a step in the opposite direction he must have been saved. He thought the tree would have fallen west, but the tree fell towards the east, on the top of him. Witness thought the stock was about 15 or 18 inches in diameter. The limb of the tree crushed deceased, who never spoke after the falling of the tree. He groaned twice. Witness procured help from the neighbours, but they were not of sufficient strength to lift the tree off from the body of deceased. Additional assistance was then procured and the tree was lifted off from the deceased. About six or seven minutes elapsed before the body was taken out. They did not saw the tree to take him out; it could not have been done in as short a time as it took to have the tree lifted. The limb of the tree struck him on the back. He groaned and moved his head after being taken out, and his eyes were open. The tree was lying across him on his back rather below the shoulders. No blood came from the mouth, and his face turned very black. Witness sent for a doctor immediately, and he arrived at 8 o'clock; the accident happened at 6 o'clock. The deceased was removed on a shutter to witness's residence, where he remained until the doctor arrived. He was afterwards removed to his own residence. The deceased was an exceedingly steady and sober man. The doctor said the cause of death was suffocation. - Jane Marks stated that she resided at Anderton, close by where deceased lived. She knew him well; his name was GEORGE FOX. About 8 o'clock on Thursday he was brought to his residence. He was quite dead. Witness had since examined the body, and found a large bruise on the left side, between the shoulder-blade and the hip, and the skin was broken. There was no bruise on the middle of the back. - John Sleeman gave evidence in corroboration of the first witness. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said their verdict must be one of accidental death. If there was blame attached to anyone - but there did not seem to be any - it must be to the deceased himself, for he was a carpenter, and must have known the nature of the work he had to perform. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury - Wednesday 26 February 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Late Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. - It will be remembered that an account of a fatal boat accident in the Sound, by which six persons lost their lives, was given in our impression of the 21st of January. Eleven persons (three more than the proper number) embarked in a waterman's boat for the purpose of reaching the Warrior, but the boat having capsized on the south-east of Drake's Island, the deplorable accident we have referred to took place. On Sunday last, the body of one of the victims of this occurrence - a marine artilleryman, named FREDERICK SHIELDS - was picked up off Bovisand, by a coastguardsman named Charles Bean. An Inquest was held on the body yesterday afternoon, at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The body was quite beyond identification, but was found, from the initials on the belt and a letter found on the body, to be that of the unfortunate man SHIELDS.

TEIGNMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Monday, at Bentley's Commercial Hotel, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., the Deputy Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM SAUNDERS, a labourer in the employ of Mr Brocks, who came to his death by falling over some steps on Saturday night last. The Jury was composed of Messrs. John Boyce, Foreman, Benjamin Cox, John Price Tothill, Jason Marles, John Truman, Samuel Tucker, John Bulkely, Richard Ward, Wm. Cole, John Carpenter, William Elford, and George Bentley. From the evidence, it appeared that the deceased went, on Saturday night last, to the house of Miss Ford, at Throne Park Villa, with two baskets of apples from his master, and that, on returning in the dark, he fell over four steps leading from the carriage drive to the footpath. He was immediately seen by Mr Francis Douglas Harris, surgeon, who, not considering the injury done to be very serious, had him put in a fly and driven home, but he expired before reaching his house. On examining him after death, it was found that the vertebrae of the neck were partially dislocated. The Jury agreed that no blame was to be attributed to anyone, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held on Monday evening at the Harvest Home, Tavistock-road, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK HORE. - John Steer stated that he resided at Vine Cottage, Glanville-street, Plymouth. He had known the deceased for about 30 years; he was a house carpenter (master) and about 39 years of age. Deceased was a single man, and so was witness. He had lived with witness about two years and a half. In his habits, deceased would turn the night into the day; he was lively and fond of amusements and excitement. He would drink as much of an evening at a sit as would make an ordinary man drunk. On Tuesday morning last, the 18th instant, the deceased told witness that he came home about six o'clock in the morning. He told this between 12 and 2 in the afternoon. He then complained to him of being very queer, and said he had been tasting some champagne, but did not like it. He did not go out that day. On Wednesday, witness went to Yealmpton, and did not see deceased until he returned at eight o'clock in the evening. He then breathed very short. On Thursday last, he got up about one o'clock in the morning, and said he was better, but witness knew he was worse. Witness told him that he had a slight inflammation on the lungs, and he had better have a doctor, but he refused to have any. Witness saw in the course of the afternoon that he was becoming worse, and about three o'clock witness went to Mr Rowe's, the druggist. He told Mr Rowe that deceased had a pain in his left side. Mr Rowe gave him some mustard to make a poultice and witness, on his way home, met deceased's brother, WILLIAM HORE, and informed him that the deceased was very ill. Witness got home and applied the poultice immediately. The poultice remained up for about two hours. Witness left him about 10 o'clock, and then went to bed. On Friday, the 21st instant, when witness got up, between six and seven o'clock, deceased said he was better. At breakfast time he got up and appeared better. At dinner time witness came in from the garden. The deceased then looked very bad. Witness's sister said, before deceased, "He says he has been dreaming and tossing all night." Witness urged him to have a doctor, but he refused. On Saturday, the 22nd, the deceased got up about nine o'clock; he looked worse instead of better, and witness then began to think deceased was not in a right state of mind, and told him he should get a doctor today, whether or not. At dinner, witness's sister and deceased were together. He said to witness, "What's Dick about." Witness said to his sister, "I think he is a little bit out." She said, "I think so too." He said he would go out. Witness said he should not, and told his sister, in deceased's presence, to keep him there. Whilst witness was in the workshop, deceased came there, and talked to him incoherently about his fetching Mr Eales. Witness went for the doctor at three o'clock, and returned again at about five o'clock, as he heard deceased was out of his mind. On his return, he found Mr Square, the surgeon, had been there. Witness said to deceased, "Fred, why did you go down into the shop sharpening knives?" He answered, "I have put up with it years enough." Witness asked him what he meant, and he replied, "Anything you like." Mr Square came again that evening, about seven o'clock, and prescribed a mixture, which witness got made up by Mr Rowe, which was given to deceased. The nurse came about a quarter to twelve o'clock. On Friday he complained of having a nasty cough, but witness did not hear him cough. On Friday he thought deceased was becoming insane, and on Saturday he was quite sure he was so. His circumstances were comfortable, and witness did not think he had anything preying on his mind. Deceased never ate much. - Jane Steer said she was the sister of the last witness, and had known the deceased for about two years and a half. On Friday last she saw deceased about nine o'clock in the morning. he said he had had a very bad night, and had been dreaming. On Saturday morning he got up between nine and ten o'clock, and he said he had been dreaming and throwing his arms about all night, and was very stiff. He said he could not wake himself up, and witness advised him to wash his face. He looked very dull about the eyes. He said, "I see your father in the garden," but witness was quite sure that her father was not there. She thought then that deceased was out of his mind. In about half an hour after witness's brother went to fetch a doctor deceased went down into the garden. Witness did not know he was gone, and looked for some time in the house for him, and then went to the workshop, where she found him standing with a penknife in his hand, and his throat cut. She sent for her father and brother. Deceased walked with them into the house. No other person could have done any injury to the deceased's throat but himself. - Mr William Joseph Square, a surgeon, residing in Portland-square, Plymouth, said that on Saturday afternoon, about a quarter past four, when in the street, he was called to the deceased at Vine Cottage. He found him in his bedroom, which was on the ground floor. He was near the bed, in a sitting posture. Witness's attention was immediately directed to his throat, in the upper part of which he found five very small wounds. The most important was on the right side, and near, but not over, the carotid artery. There was a very small quantity of blood on the skin and hair of his throat, and the orifice of his right nostril was stained with blood. The wounds were apparently inflicted with a very small, sharp instrument. He was taciturn and morose in his manner. His pulse was firm and good, and he appeared to have lost but very little blood. Witness went with Mr Steer, sen., into the workshop at the bottom of the garden, and on the work bench were a few spots of blood, a penknife, another small knife, a chisel, and a hatchet, smeared with blood. The wounds were, in his opinion, inflicted with the penknife, as its size corresponded with the wounds. Witness believed that one of the wounds penetrated the pharynx, as there was blood in the nostril. Witness placed deceased on the bed, directing that he should be undressed and taken care of. He prescribed no medicine, but said he should see deceased again in the evening. He did so about seven o'clock; he was in bed and totally incoherent, and incapable of answering witness's questions. Witness procured all the necessary information as to the deceased's habits, and prescribed for him, according to his (witness's) judgment. There did not appear to be any immediate danger. He saw him the next morning between nine and ten o'clock; he was then dying. In his opinion the deceased would not have died of the wounds, independent of other causes. - Richard Steer gave evidence relative to the insanity of the deceased. - The Jury after a lengthy consultation, returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased was ill on the 18th instant, brought on by excessive drinking and irregular habits, and so continued up to the time of his death, and that on the 22nd instant, he, not being at the time of sound mind, but lunatic and distracted, stabbed his throat with a penknife, thereby inflicting upon himself diverse wounds, but which were not mortal, or tending to cause death, and that the said FREDERICK HORE died on the 22nd instant, of the said excessive drinking and irregularities."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 1 March 1962
NEWTON ABBOT - Death Of A Child From Burning. - An Inquest was held at the Union Inn yesterday (Friday), before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of WILLIAM DOWN, aged 5 years, the infant of a widow, living in East-street. From the evidence adduced it appeared that the child was alone in his mother's kitchen, when - from his own statement made before his death - he took up some paper and cut it with a pair of scissors, with which he also put it to the fire, the paper ignited, but the child could not remove it and then rubbed it about his apron, which immediately caught on fire; the child ran to the house of a neighbour (Mr G. Whiteway) in whose kitchen was his mother. Mr Whiteway seeing the child's clothes on fire ran to a clothes line and took down a flannel petticoat, with which he extinguished the flames, but not until the child's shoulders, arms, hands and side of his face were much burnt. Mr James Ponsford, of Wolborough-street, druggist, was soon in attendance, and applied an embrocation to the wounds, but the poor little sufferer lingered until Thursday morning, when he died; he had not been left alone more than 10 minutes previous to the occurrence of the melancholy accident. Mr Ponsford gave it as his opinion that the child died more from fright than from the injuries of the burning, as he remained quite sensible until his death. The above facts having been proved by the witnesses - G. Whiteway, S. Marshall and Mr Ponsford, - the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Death From Apoplexy In Plymouth. A Scene At The Coroner's Inquest. - An Inquest was held last evening, at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of PHILIP HEYDON, who, it was supposed, had died from the effects of the injuries he received from falling over some stairs. - Mary Bennett said: I am the wife of Joseph Bennett, and reside at No. 21, St Andrew-street, Plymouth. I have known the deceased four or five years. He was a journeyman baker and about 47 years of age. His general health was good. I reside in the same house with him. He had a little shop below and a little room behind, in which he and his wife slept. They kept lodgers, who slept two pair of stairs up. My bedroom is on the first floor. I went to bed about half-past ten o'clock on Monday night last. Just after, I heard deceased come upstairs. He was up there about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. I heard him wish the lodgers good night, and heard him going over the stairs. When about four or five stairs from the bottom I heard him fall. I think he remained in the passage about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. I heard his door open, and I suppose he went in. I do not think anyone came to the deceased. Shortly after deceased fell I heard a quarrel amongst the lodgers - they were fighting. Deceased's wife went up to them and restored peace. Between eleven and twelve o'clock, on hearing the row, I went down to deceased's room and called to MRS HEYDON to come up to the lodgers. I went back to my room and then heard the chimes going twelve. Just after that MRS HEYDON went up. About seven the following morning she told me deceased was very ill, and wanted Mr Laurence to go work for him. I did not see her again for the day. - Elizabeth Stitson was next examined, and said: I am the wife of Andrew Stitson, who is a mason, and reside at No. 10 St Andrew-street. I have known the deceased many years. His step-daughter had a room in the house in which I reside. On Tuesday morning last, a little before eight o'clock, the deceased crossed St. Andrew-street, from No. 21 to No. 10. I saw him going up the stairs of No. 10; he was almost doubled up. He said to me, "Mrs Stitson, I am very ill." I opened his daughter-in-law's room for him and he went in. I saw his wife, and she told me she had bathed his bowels and put linseed meal poultices all night. She said it was a stoppage. She never told me he had fallen over the stairs. - Richard Cook said: I am a seaman pensioner, and reside at No. 10 St Andrew's -street. I have known the deceased about fifteen months. On Tuesday afternoon about a quarter past 5, I assisted deceased's wife in getting him into bed. The surgeon was present. I observed a scratch on the left side of the nose and another on the right shin. I saw him die about a quarter before 6 on that morning. - Mr William Bray Stephens was then examined, and said: I am a surgeon, and reside at No. 6, Flora-street. I have known the deceased a couple of years. I am surgeon to a club of which he is a member. About a fortnight or three weeks ago I attended the deceased; he had fallen down. He was well enough to come to me. He was completely cured of that. Last Tuesday, about half-past 9 in the morning, I was called to see the deceased by his wife. I went to No. 10 St Andrew-street, a little after 10 o'clock, and there saw deceased in bed, undressed. He was quite sensible, and I observed a scratch on his nose. I asked how it happened. Deceased's wife, in his presence, told me that during her absence to call me he fell, in endeavouring to get out of bed. The deceased did not make any observation. The deceased's wife, or any other person, never in my life time told me that deceased had fallen over the stairs. He complained of pain in his bowels. I prescribed for him, and said I should call again at one o'clock. I called accordingly and found the bowels relieved. He was quite sensible then. I gave further directions, and called again between five and half-past and then found him out of bed, in a fit of apoplexy. I assisted in getting him into bed, and saw him die. Deceased's step-daughter and Jane Lucey came to me for a certificate on the following morning for the registrar. Up to that time I had no notion that the deceased had fallen over the stairs, and I gave a certificate that he died of apoplexy in nine hours. The deceased was subject to giddiness. A blow from falling over stairs might produce apoplexy. - The court was then cleared, and, after a deliberation between the Jury and the Coroner, the court was re-opened, and it was decided, to clear up some doubts in the case, to hear the evidence of the widow of the deceased. - MARY HEYDON was accordingly sworn, and said: I am the widow of the deceased. On Monday evening last - I cannot speak the exact hour - my husband went upstairs. I heard a noise as if of a person falling over the stairs, and directly I heard the noise I opened the door. I saw my husband had fallen down. He was lying in the passage, and had fallen over three or four stairs. He was getting up when I came out. I took him by the hand, and he got up in a moment. When I took him up I asked him if he had hurted himself. He said he had not hurted himself much. I took him into the room, and he sat down in a chair; he sat there for about half-an-hour, when he went to bed. We went to bed, and went to sleep. About two o'clock in the morning he awoke me and said he was bad. He complained of pain in his bowels. I had an opening pill on the chimney-piece, and I gave it to him. He said he was thirsty, and drank a bottle of ginger beer. I applied linseed meal poultices to his bowels, and that gave him ease. He got up between six and seven o'clock, and dressed himself to go to work. I would not allow him to go, and said I would get another man to work for him. I then fetched the doctor. - The Coroner: Why did you not tell the doctor that he had fallen over the stairs? - Witness: I did not think anything at all about it, sir. - The Coroner: You did not tell the doctor anything about it then? - Witness: No, sir, I did not. - The Coroner here intimated to the deceased's sister, who was present, that she could ask the last witness any question if she chose, whereupon she said to the witness - MARY, you told me you had told the doctor the first time that he had fallen over the stairs. - The Coroner (to deceased's widow): Did he drink at all? - Witness: He did drink a little, but I have seen him worse. I can't say he did not drink anything. He was subject to get faint and giddiness and apt to fall down when he had a little drink. - The Coroner: So would any man. - By the Jury: We took our supper together that night. Deceased drank a glass or two of beer with the lodgers. - Q.: You heard the first witness say deceased remained in the passage ten minutes or a quarter of an hour? - A.: I think she must have mistaken another man for my husband. MR HEYDON did not remain there two minutes. I came there immediately. - A Juryman: It appears strange to the Coroner and Jury, from the statement of the first witness, that your husband should have been allowed to stay there a quarter of an hour or ten minutes. - Witness: He did not stay in that place a second. - Another Juryman remarked that it was strange that deceased should have crossed the street to another house the morning after the accident. - The witness said her husband went over there because it was more comfortable than his own house. - By a Juryman: I did not lay the deceased on the floor. - The deceased's sister (to Witness): You told me you told the doctor that he had fallen over the stairs. - The witness, who had been crying bitterly all the time she had been giving her evidence, here broke out in a great rage, and said: I never told you that I told the doctor so. you have not been near your brother for the last four years ...... - The Sister: I know I have not. - The Witness: Oh! you good-for-nothing wretch, you have robbed me all you can. - The Coroner: Stop, stop (To the Officer of the Court): Take her out. - The Witness: She has nearly stripped me naked, the wretch, she has! She has gone into my bakehouse and taken my bread from me. - The Sister: I have taken what is my own. - The Witness: You are a bad woman, you are. Oh! you bad woman. This is the way you all come upon me in my affliction. Oh! you dishonest woman, you bad, bad, woman! - The Officer of the Court: You must be quiet. - The Witness: I will not. I cannot help it. The base wretch! - The Coroner: If you do not be quiet, you must be removed. - The Officer (after vainly endeavouring to persuade her to be quiet): It's impossible to keep the woman quiet. - The Coroner then ordered her to be removed from the Court. - This having been done, the Coroner briefly summed up. He said the only question for the Jury to consider was, whether the deceased falling over the stairs was accidental or not. He had not the slightest doubt that the deceased had been drinking at the time, and that his fall was quite accidental. - The Jury then returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased died from Apoplexy, probably caused by his accidentally falling over the stairs."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 3 March 1862
PLYMOUTH - Death of GEORGE LEACH, Esq., and Inquest On The Body. - We record with regret the death of GEORGE LEACH, Esq., a gentleman who has been well-known for very many years past in the county of Devon, as a faithful and zealous supporter of the Liberal party and promoter of its principles, a prominent public man, and a liberal contributor to the charitable institutions of the locality. For a long series of years MR LEACH was the senior partner of the firm of LEACH, Little and Woolcombe, solicitors, Devonport, now known as Little and Woollcombe; and from that firm he retired about twenty years ago. In 1832 he contested the borough of Devonport, at the first election after the passing of the Reform Bill and the enfranchisement of the borough. His opponents were Sir George Grey, Bart., and Sir E. Codrington. They were all Liberals, and the contest was a severe one, resulting in the return of the two gentlemen last named. At the next election MR LEACH again came forward, but, in accordance with an agreement between himself and Tuffnell, he did not go to the poll. Since MR LEACH'S retirement from active life, he has lived upon his means as a man of considerable property. His health has generally been good, and he has continued to take an interest in those political and public affairs that engaged his more active labours formerly. As a landlord and an employer he has been greatly esteemed; and his contributions to the philanthropic societies and establishments of the county have led to a still wider appreciation of his many merits. In the latter part of last year, MR LEACH suffered from congestion of the brain and partial paralysis, the permanent effects of which have been weakened intellect and occasional insanity. Since October last he has been under constant medical treatment; and during the last few weeks his movements have been closely watched. But on Thursday afternoon he left his house in Lansdowne-place unobserved, walked across the Hoe and was seen going towards the Citadel. In crossing the field between the Hoe and the Citadel, the unfortunate gentleman either fell or threw himself over the cliff, and thus lost his life. Diligent search was made for him during Thursday evening and the whole of Friday and on Saturday morning his body was found, quite dead, and somewhat bruised, in a cavity in the rock, beneath the cliff, partially submerged in the water. It was conveyed to the deceased gentleman's house, and information of the circumstances sent to the borough Coroner. The circumstances themselves are more fully detailed below. - The Inquest. - J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, summoned a Jury to meet him at No. 6 Lansdowne-place, where the body lay, at seven o'clock on Saturday evening. The Inquest was held at that hour, and the following gentlemen were sworn as Jurymen:- Mr W. H. Hawker, jun., Foreman; Mr Thomas Nicholson, Colonel W. H. Fisk, Mr E. R. Brown, Mr R. K. Geldard, Mr H. Keen, Captain J. H. G. Trist, Rev. W. Harpley, Mr R. E. Waddington, Mr J. Honey, Captain J. F. Trist, Mr E. H. Barwell, Captain Goldfinch, Mr T. T. Shawfield, Mr J. Bunce, Captain R. W. Thomas, Mr J. Shilston, Mr E. Edwards. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said they were met to perform a very painful duty - to Inquire into the death of MR GEORGE LEACH, a gentleman probably well known to them all; and of high character and reputation, and great age. He believed the deceased had not of late had his ordinary good health. Witnesses would be called to show in what state of health he had been; that he left his house on Thursday last; and that he was seen about half-past five on that part of the Hoe leading to the Citadel. Every enquiry had been made since that time, he believed, until about eleven o'clock that (Saturday) morning. The Hoe constable (Kessell) had been very active in the search, and he found the body at the time mentioned in a cave under the cliff, near the Citadel, where the tide ebbed and flowed. The body was well known, and it was removed to the deceased's house. Some silver was found in the pockets. The first question for the Jury to consider would be, whether the deceased had destroyed himself or had been destroyed by any person. If they thought he had destroyed himself, the next question would be as to the state of mind in which he was at the moment when he committed the act. That he had been found drowned they could have no doubt; but he thought they would trace enough to show that he had not been killed by any person. Witnesses would tell them what had been his habits for a month or six weeks past, and probably the medical man who had attended him would be called. - The Jury having viewed the body, witnesses were examined. - Mr George Jackson said he was a solicitor, residing at No. 1 Hoe Park Terrace. He had known the deceased by sight for many years; and saw him last alive about half-past five o'clock on Thursday afternoon last. Witness was walking up the hill from under the Hoe, in the carriage road, and in a line between the obelisk and the flag-staff at the Citadel he saw the deceased lowering himself from the Hoe over the bank into the road, by swinging himself under the rail. His view of the deceased was very rapid; and, after passing on, he thought it strange that MR LEACH, whom he understood to be very weak, should be there, and he turned round. The deceased was then on the footpath, on the Citadel side of the road, walking along. As he seemed to be able to walk, witness passed on. Deceased appeared to have his hand upon the rails at the time. - Robert Clifton, servant of the deceased, was sworn and said he had been in the service of the deceased 30 years. He last saw him alive about five o'clock in the afternoon. He was then in the drawing-room. Witness went out and left him there alone, and returned about half-past five. Deceased was not then there. Witness looked through the house, but could not find him. He had enquired for him at other places since. Witness and another man servant attended upon deceased in turn. He had always had someone to walk with him when he went out, during more than a month past; being considered too infirm to go alone. Witness had thought that at times the deceased was a little out of his mind, and he was alarmed when he missed the deceased. Witness had slept in the room with the deceased lately; and sometimes he would be restless in his sleep. No one called to take MR LEACH out on Thursday evening. MR LEACH had been very infirm for some time; but he would be able to walk across the Hoe by himself. He did not require support in walking, and his sight was not bad for a gentleman of his age. Witness would not have prevented his going out, had he seen him; but would have gone with him. - Mr John Whimple said: I am a surgeon and reside at 14 Devonshire-terrace. I have known the deceased many years and attended him since October last. He then suffered from congestion of the brain and partial paralysis; from which he recovered, but with weakened intellect, that showed itself in his pecuniary matters and in weariness of life, as he could be no longer useful to society. These pointes induced me to put a watch on his acts. All necessary precaution was taken, fearing that he would damage himself. From this state he very much recovered during the last month; the only weak point remaining being that of his weariness of life. I saw him last alive on Thursday morning. On my entering the drawing room he was particularly bright and cheerful, and accounted for it by telling me that two of his old servants had been married. He said he had risen early to shake them by the hand and wish them every happiness. When I was half way downstairs, after I had left him, he called me back, and, putting his hand on my shoulder, asked me how long I thought it would last. I don't know whether that referred to the time of his existence, or to the notion he had taken up latterly that he had a cancer in his stomach. I told him that I could not answer his question, and that if I could I would. He did not appear to be depressed at all. I left him a little before twelve o'clock. I have seen the body of the deceased this evening, and have examined the head, externally. I found a small lacerated wound on the skin of the nose; the skin of the face and forehead a good deal rubbed; and the body has all the external appearance of being drowned. The deceased had made an attempt to destroy himself on the 19th of December. The mark on the nose of the body appears to have been caused by a blow, probably received in falling off a rock; but the others are such as would be caused by washing about in the water. I can positively state that at times, since I have been attending the deceased, he has not been sane on all points. My fear would be that he drowned himself when in an insane state of mind. There was not the slightest ground for the fancy that he had a cancer in his stomach. I recollect his saying to me, "I have a government annuity of £500 a year, and when I die that will be lost; and how can I live and keep up the same establishment if I lose that?" - William Martin Rickard, clerk to Messrs. Little and Woollcombe, at Devonport, said he had known MR LEACH upwards of 40 years. He had been a retired solicitor upwards of 20 years, and was latterly a landed proprietor, and possessed of a Government annuity. He had resided at No. 6 Lansdowne-place since the beginning of November last; and was 79 years of age. The body viewed by the Jury was that of MR LEACH. - Edward James Kessell, Hoe constable said: On Friday morning I heard that MR LEACH was missing; and I looked round the rocks under the Hose. This morning I went again, not being satisfied with the first search. I found the body in a hole, under the rocks, about midway between the road that leads under the Hoe and the flag-staff at the Citadel. It would take about one-third of the tide to come up to the hole. This morning the tide was low, but the hole was not dry. The body lay on the face, partially afloat. I got assistance, and we removed the body in a boat. I searched the body, and found in the left-hand trousers pocket a purse containing 11s. 3d. in silver. There was nothing in any other pocket. There was only one shoe on the body, and no hat. There was no eye-glass. - The Coroner recapitulated the main points in the evidence; and the Jury, having considered their verdict, found - That the Deceased, not being of sound Mind, threw himself into the sea, under the Hoe, and was Drowned.

EXETER - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at the Half Moon Hotel, on Saturday evening, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, touching the death of JOHANNAH HEATON, aged 62 years, whose death took place under the following circumstances:- It appeared that the deceased was mistress of the Free School at Broadclist, and had come into town on a visit to her daughter who resides in Paris-street. The daughter asked her, as she was going out, to call upon the housekeeper at Messrs. Green and Bennett's, drapers, High-street, with a message. The housekeeper invited the old lady to partake of something and having eaten a small piece of meat and drank about half a glass of beer she suddenly fell down. Medical assistance was immediately sent for, and Dr Woodman shortly arrived, but the unfortunate woman was dead. A verdict in accordance with these facts was returned.

DAWLISH - A Coroner's Inquest took place on Saturday last before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of MR WILLIAM HOLE, yeoman, who has lately been residing at Dawlish, and who, before that, was a tenant under the late Sir Robert Newman, for many years, at Mamhead Farm. It appears that the deceased, as was his custom, went to see the sheep and lambs in a field near the Teignmouth Road, belonging to his son-in-law, Mr R. Lamacraft, butcher. This must have been about six o'clock on Wednesday evening last. As he did not return at his usual time, search was made, and he was found on his face and hands, quite dead, about two o'clock the next morning. Mr J. F. Knighton, surgeon, in his evidence, said he attributed death to some latent affection of the heart, and internal congestion. The Jury found a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 8 March 1862
PLYMOUTH - Strange Death At The Catdown Lime Kilns. - On Tuesday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM COOK, a man about 35 years of age, who had died on the previous day. The Jury having viewed the body at the Dead House, heard the witnesses. - William Martin, a lime burner, in the employ of Messrs. Sparrow and Scott, said the deceased had been in the habit of going to the lime kilns, at Catdown, about six o'clock in the evening, for the last four months, and was generally found there in the morning, when the men went to work. He would then go away. Witness had found him there about six o'clock on the previous morning, when he was lying as usual on the ground, about six feet from the edge of the lime kiln, apparently resting himself. About four o'clock witness aroused him and asked him why he remained there, and did not go to the Workhouse. He gave no answer, but arose and smoked a pipe of tobacco, and then laid down again. About half-past five o'clock witness feared something was the matter with him, and removed him to about 18 feet from the kiln, into fresh air. He then went to the house of Mr Harper, surgeon, who was not at home, and then went to the police-station and gave information. P.C. Strang went back with him to the lime kiln, and the man was then dead. He had never complained to witness of poverty. - P.C. Strang deposed to finding the deceased quite dead, and to finding in his pocket two-pence, a razor, and a knife. he was not badly dressed, and had on a clean white shirt, and one shoe and one boot on his feet. Snow and rain had fallen on the previous day, and the wind had been very strong. - JOHN COOK, a labourer in the dockyard, said he was the brother of the deceased, but had known little of him for the last eight years. He was single, and a man of dissipated habits. He had occasionally been employed in a blacksmith's shop, and also in mending shoes. He had never complained to witness of poverty. - The relieving officers of the poor, Messrs. Pardon and Ash, whom the Coroner had desired to be present, said the deceased had never applied to them for relief, and stated that persons were constantly applying to them who had been in the habit of sleeping at the Catdown lime kilns. They complained of the kilns being the resort of all kinds of persons of indifferent character. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died by the Visitation of God, but that his death was accelerated by his lying in the open air, exposed to the inclement weather and the effluvia of the kiln; and accompanied their verdict with a recommendation that the attention of Messrs. Sparrow and Scott should be drawn to the necessity of placing a fence round the kiln.

PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident In The Sound. - The body of the last of the men drowned by the swamping of a boat in going from Mutton Cove to the Warrior, in the Sound, on Monday, the 20th of Jan. last, was picked up on Thursday floating in the water, and brought ashore in Sutton Pool. The body was greatly disfigured and far advanced in a state of decomposition. It was conveyed to the dead-house in St. Andrew's graveyard, Westwell-street, to await the Coroner's Inquest. - The Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner. The Jury viewed the remains, which were identified by three seamen named Crabb, Williams and Thompson, belonging to the Warrior, as those of JOSEPH EDGCUMBE, also a seaman of the ship. The clothes of the deceased, the peculiar formation of his feet and his knife, upon which his name was engraved, led to the recognition. The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held last evening, at seven o'clock, at the Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Francis Foale was the Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a child named THOMAS JOHNSON HALL, aged about seven weeks, who was found dead in bed that morning. - ELIZABETH ANN HALL stated that she was an unmarried woman, residing at No. 16 Stillman-street. Her father, who was dead, was a stonecutter, and lived at Penzance. She was about 23 years of age. The deceased was her child, and was seven weeks old. He was weak from his birth. she had not nursed it from the breast. She retired to rest at 12 o'clock on the previous night, and about half-an-hour afterwards she fed the deceased with bread and milk. Another female named Agnes Ann Hicks slept in the same bed as witness. Witness took the deceased on her left arm: he appeared comfortable then, and she went to sleep. She awoke that (Friday) morning between four and five o'clock, and deceased was then alive. She went to sleep again, and awoke between six and seven o'clock. The deceased was lying on her arm. She held him up, and found he was dead. She told Agnes Ann Hicks that her child was dead and called for Mrs Collins, the landlady of the house. She came directly and the child was quite dead. When in the bed, the deceased was on the side nearest the wall. She did not think that anyone had injured the child. - Corroborative evidence was given by Agnes Ann Hicks, and Mrs Collins. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead without any marks of violence."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 14 March 1862
TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Accident At Devon Great Consols. - The Inquest. - Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon an Inquest was held by the Coroner (A. B. Bone, Esq.) at the West Bridge Cottages, on the body of WILLIAM COCK, a miner, who was accidentally killed at Wheal Maria Mine on Tuesday last. - Mr William Clemo, an agent of the mine, attended, and produced a plan of the Wheal Maria shaft, showing the position of the spot where the deceased was working at the time the accident occurred. He stated that the ground upon which the deceased was working appeared to have been perfectly safe. - JAMES COCK, brother of the deceased, deposed that he was working with the two WILLIAM COCKS, when the ground they were standing upon gave way. He was very close to the place and saw them fall. In his opinion there could be no blame attributed to anyone. - Samuel Webber, a miner, said he was engaged in the mine at the time of the fatal occurrence. He was working a short distance from the deceased and heard the noise of the falling earth. He went as quickly as he could to the spot and found the deceased, WILLIAM COCK, lying upon his hands and face, apparently dead. The other young man was much injured, but was trying to rise upon his feet. This was about nine o'clock in the morning. The deceased, though not killed upon the spot, was quite unconscious from the time of the accident till his death, which took place in the afternoon of the same day. - The Jury, after considering the evidence adduced by the witnesses, returned a verdict that "WILLIAM COCK died from mortal injuries received through an accidental fall of earth at Wheal Maria Mine."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 15 March 1862
NEWTON ST CYRES - An Inquest was held yesterday (Friday) afternoon, at Mr Sheers' Crown and Sceptre Inn, before R. R. Cross, Esq., on the body of an old man, named WILLIAM CLATWORTHY. Deceased was at the Three Horse Shoes' Inn, had a fight with his brother, fell on the fender, went home, and died a fortnight after; but being in an enfeebled state from drink, and there being no external bruise, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died of Inflammation of the lungs from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 17 March 1862
BERE FERRERS - Fatal Effects Of A Scuffle At A Public House. - Coroner's Inquest. - On Thursday last an Inquest was held at Beeralston, before the Deputy Coroner (A. B. Bone, Esq.) and a highly respectable Jury - Mr J. Borley acting as Foreman - on the body of JOHN ROWE, a miner, who met with his death in consequence of injuries received in a scuffle with a man named John Langman, at the Commercial Inn, on the 28th ultimo. - From the evidence brought forward it appears that ROWE had been drinking with Langman, and a dispute had arisen about the singing of a song. ROWE caught Langman in his arms and carried him out of the public-house into the road, where they were found by P.C. Horswell wrestling. The policeman separated them and ordered Langman to go home, which he did. When the deceased returned into the Inn his companions observed that he was severely cut about the forehead, and the upper part of the nose and that he was bleeding profusely. ROWE treated the injuries he had received in a very trivial manner, and attended his work, as he was wont to do, for several days. Eventually, however, the wounds upon his face became worse, and R. Jackson, Esq., surgeon, was sent for. The deceased was found, upon the arrival of this gentleman, to be suffering from lock-jaw, the effects of which caused his death on the 10th instant. The deceased, we are told, leaves behind him a widow and four children. - The Jury, after duly considering the lengthy evidence adduced, returned a verdict that "JOHN ROWE died from Lock-jaw, caused by an accidental wound upon the nose, received in a scuffle with John Langman, on the 28th ultimo."

BRIXHAM - An Inquest was held at Ash's Waterman's Arms, Upper Brixham, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, to Enquire into the death of a young man named JAMES ELLIOTT, son of MR CHARLES ELLIOTT, farmer. From the evidence of Mr Gilbert, Wheaton Baddley, it would appear that on Thursday, the 13th, he was proceeding down North Field-lane, when his attention was attracted to a cart laden with wood going at a furious rate. He succeeded in stopping the horse, and then heard a groan coming from a distance up the lane. He went to ascertain where the groaning came from, and discovered the unfortunate deceased seated on the ground. He asked him how it happened, and found the horse had knocked him down, and the wheel had passed over him. On examining him, he found no bones broken. He then left him, and went to deceased's residence, and called assistance, and he was placed in a cart and taken home. Mr Brooking, surgeon, said that he was called to see the deceased, and found him suffering from internal injuries, caused by the wheel of a cart passing over him. He applied the usual remedies, but the man died at five o'clock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 18 March 1862
PLYMOUTH - The Foundered Vessel - Inquest On The Body Of One Of The Crew. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held on the body of one of the crew of the mackerel boat, the Crystal Palace, of Hastings, which was overwhelmed by a tremendous sea during the gale on last Sunday week. It will be fresh in the recollection of our readers that the entire crew, consisting of eight individuals, perished on that occasion. - The Jury, under the presidency of J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, assembled in the Guildhall, at five o'clock, and after the viewing of the body the examination of the witnesses commenced. - GEORGE E. BULLON said:- I am a fisherman. The deceased, JAMES PETERS, was my half-brother. He was also a fisherman, lived at Hastings, and has left a wife and two children. The last time I saw him alive was on Thursday, the 6th instant. On the following Saturday I saw the Crystal Palace go out for mackerel. The deceased was, I suppose, in her. About daybreak on the following morning the wind commenced to blow in a furious manner and increased to a regular hurricane. About eleven o'clock the Crystal Palace was visible just outside the breakwater. The waves were running mountains high at the time and the vessel was struck by a tremendous sea and went down at once. There were eight men on board her, including the master, and all of them were drowned, so far as I am aware. They were all experienced men, and knew their duties. On the following day the vessel was recovered, not far from where she had capsized, and brought into Sutton harbour. I saw the body of deceased at the dead-house, and am sure it is that of my half-brother. I was present when the police officer searched the body. The 4d. in coppers and the pocket handkerchief produced were all that were found. The body of deceased is the only one yet recovered of the men lost in the Crystal Palace. - William Hockins, fisherman sworn:- Today I went out dredging, between the breakwater and the new fort at Mount Edgcumbe. I drew up the body now lying at the dead-house about twelve o'clock. The drag caught in the shoulder of deceased, and the body rose up perpendicularly. I towed it to shore, and gave it to the charge of P.C. Friar. The body was found just within the limits of the Sound, and was no doubt that of one of the crew of the mackerel boat that went down in that locality on Sunday week. - P.C. Friar (16B) said - At half-past two o'clock this afternoon I received the body from the last witness. I found upon it 4d. in coppers and a pocket handkerchief, which are now produced. - The Coroner remarked that there could be no doubt on the minds of the Jury as to who deceased was, and how he came by his death. Most, if not all of them, were personally aware of the terrific nature of the gale in which the Crystal Palace foundered, and the evidence clearly showed that death in the case under investigation was not attributable to any negligence, criminality, or want of experience on the part of anyone, but simply to the tremendous sea which struck the boat. - The Jury at once returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 19 March 1862
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Suicide Of The HON. MISS REAY. - An Inquest was held at No. 10 Windsor Terrace, yesterday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attendant upon the death of the HONOURABLE MISS CLARA MACKAY REAY, daughter of LORD REAY, who had died on the previous day. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- Mr Samuel Cave, Foreman, Mr Bengamin May, Captain George Goldfinch, Mr Henry Spearman, Mr Jeffery Hardy, Mr John Stacey Bunce, Mr Edward Burnard, Mr Robert Dunn, Mr Charles Gideon Edwards, Mr John Wheeler Webber, Mr Henry Steadman, Mr Isaiah W. N. Keys, Mr George Browse, Mr William Tucker Shapter and Mr Thomas Holman. - The Coroner observed to the Jury that they were convened to Enquire into the cause of the death of CLARA MACKAY, one of the daughters of LORD REAY. It had been reported to him on the previous day that the deceased had jumped out of a four or five pair of stairs window at the back of the house, and had sustained very serious injuries. Surgeons were procured, but death supervened in four or five hours from concussion of the brain. She never spoke after the fall. He believed there was no supposition that deceased went to the window for a legitimate purpose, and accidentally fell out. It was a most unfortunate occurrence. The deceased was a very good, worthy, pious woman, but had been subject since her womanhood - she was about thirty-nine years of age - to fits of acute melancholy, and that had affected her so much that she was obliged to be sent at one period to the lunatic asylum at Plympton. She had returned to her family, and had since been of great comfort to her father and mother. Within a fortnight or three weeks the unfortunate drowning of a gentleman of the neighbourhood had produced an effect upon her mind. On the previous morning she had been seen by her father, and then made some incoherent remarks about supposing she should be obliged to go t Australia, which was, of course, a delusion. He (the Coroner) had seen his lordship, who had stated that if he was obliged to be examined he had a duty to perform, and would do it; but he was of the advanced age of 82, and if possible they would spare him that painful duty. The serious question for the Jury to consider was the state of mind in which the deceased was when she committed the act. His opinion, the result of a long experience as the Coroner of the Borough, was that the distinction between sanity and insanity was so slight that they might always give the inevitable doubt in favour of its victim. The Coroner, after some further observations on this point, referred to the death of Sir Samuel Romilly, and said that of course the verdict would be their (the Jury's) own. He added that he had been told by LORD REAY that they had been a very united family. The Jury then proceeded to view the body of the deceased in the room which had been occupied by the deceased as a bedroom and from the window of which it was stated she had thrown herself. The window was at least forty feet from the ground. Across the lower part of it was a slight iron bar, but this had not been broken. On their return to the room below, the evidence was heard. - Emma Jewell was sworn and said:- I am housemaid at LORD REAY'S, who resides at No. 10, Windsor-terrace. I have lived there about one year and ten months. The family consisted of LORD and LADY REAY, of two daughters, one of whom was the deceased, one son, and three female servants. The deceased was about 39 years of age. Last Thursday she said she felt very much grieved in her mind. She would not say for what. Yesterday morning I took her breakfast to her bedroom, which is four stories high. She said she would take it, as it was her papa's wish, but did not want it. At her request I carried her a cup of batter, and she pasted some paper on to the wall of her room. About a quarter after eleven o'clock I went into her room to look for the key of LORD REAY'S wardroom, and she asked me what I was looking for. I told her, and she said, "Whatever you want get; you know where it all is, for I shall not be with you long." I did not find the key, and left the room. The sash of the window was then up. In less than five minutes I was alarmed by the cries of the cook. On my going downstairs the other servants had brought the deceased into the kitchen. I had received directions from LORD REAY to be very attentive in looking after her, and also from MISS GRANVILLE MACKAY. I have heard that the deceased was at the Lunatic Asylum at Plympton before I came to live here. Since last Thursday I have seen her crying at times, and walking about the room rubbing her hands, and seeming very much distressed. She was a religious woman, and the attachment between her parents and herself was mutual. When she said, "I shall not be with you long," it was not spoken as if she was in her senses. I can positively swear she was not in her senses when I quitted the room. On Saturday night last she said, "I know Emma you are a good girl, and I hope you will never have in your mind such thoughts as I have. I have not bodily sickness; it is my conscience; I keep on grieving." She cried a good deal, and put her hand to her head. She was then in a very melancholy state. The body which the Jury and Coroner have viewed in my presence is the body of the deceased. - The witness stated, in answer to questions from the Jury, that the deceased took her meals alone, by her own wish. She (witness) had attended deceased constantly on the previous morning, and when she left her the last time should have sent someone to her had she not been suddenly called away to answer a bell. Before she had finished she heard the cries of the cook. - Sarah Cox said: I have lived as cook at LORD REAY'S two years. Yesterday morning, about half-past eleven o'clock I heard a noise. I went downstairs to put away some meat, and saw the deceased lying senseless on the stones outside the kitchen, under the window. I made an alarm, and my fellow-servant Elizabeth Beer, and myself, took her into the kitchen. Medical men were immediately sent for and soon came. Being cook I saw very little of the deceased. When the doctor came deceased was removed from the kitchen to her bedroom. She never spoke. - Dr Charles Hingston said: I am a Doctor of Medicine and reside at Plymouth and have known the deceased about ten years. I attended her several years ago. She was then suffering from acute melancholy. At my request she was removed to an asylum at Plympton. I cannot positively say how long she was there; I think six months - it may have been more. She returned from the asylum at the end of 1856. Last Thursday the deceased came to my house with her sister. She complained of threatenings of her old symptoms, which consisted chiefly of sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and distress of mind. I prescribed for her, and endeavoured to cheer her up, but felt very uneasy about her. Her sister called upon me the next day (they wished me not to come to the house in order to spare LORD REAY'S feelings) and spoke of her as better. On the third day (Saturday) I was requested to see her at this house. She was in bed, but considered herself better, having slept well. I then left her with fresh medical advice, promising to see her in two days, but begged them to let me know should she require any services in the meantime. I heard no more of her until I saw her yesterday, dying from the fracture of the skull, produced by a fall from her bedroom window. She was insensible from the first, and died at twenty-five minutes to six in the evening. I think that when the servant Emma Jewell left the room she was under a paroxysm of acute melancholy, and was insane at the moment when she jumped out of the window. The witness added that he understood that the deceased had appeared somewhat better, and that her family were off their guard. She had spoken in the manner mentioned by Emma Jewell previously. She had asked a daughter of witness, speaking of the death referred to by the Coroner, whether she would be surprised if she (deceased) did the same. - It was stated that the deceased lady had attended the geological lecture at the Mechanics' Institute on Wednesday last. - The Foreman said he considered the evidence to be so conclusive, particularly that of the last witness, that he thought it would be unnecessary to pain LORD REAY, or any members of the family, by asking them questions, with reference to the melancholy event. - The Jury were unanimously of the same opinion, and, without the slightest hesitation returned a verdict to the effect - That the deceased not being of Sound Mind, but Lunatic and distracted, threw herself from a window, four stories high, by which means her skull was fractured and of which injuries she died.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 24 March 1862
TEIGNMOUTH - An Inquiry into the cause of the death of SAMUEL VICARY was instituted before Francis B. Cumming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, at the Dawlish Inn, on Saturday afternoon. The evidence of George Rogers, a porter in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, corroborated by Charles Jones, engine-driver, and JAMES VICARY, foreman porter and uncle to the deceased, showed that on the 15th instant the deceased, whose duty it was to attend to the engines on their arrival, was running across the platform towards the engine of the train, which was then coming up. He stumbled in something and fell between the platform and the rails; the side bar of the engine struck him as he fell and turned him on his back, and the driving-wheel of the engine passed over his foot. The train was stopped almost immediately, and the deceased was put into a carriage and conveyed to the Teignmouth Infirmary. Mr f. D. Harris, house surgeon to the Infirmary, gave evidence to the reception of the deceased into the institution. His foot being much mangled it was found necessary to amputate, and this was done by Dr Magrath. Surgical attendance was also rendered the following day, but mortification to the stump ensued, and death followed. He died on Friday afternoon at three o'clock. The Coroner briefly summed up and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Fatal Accident At The "Western Times" Office. - A melancholy accident, terminating fatally, occurred on Friday afternoon, at the Western times' Office, Exeter. The supplements of the paper were commenced being printed at noon on Thursday, and nothing unusual was observed till half-past one on the following day, when an immense volume of steam was perceived to be issuing from the boiler house, at the window of which the engine boy made his appearance, and requested to be taken away. On entering the lace a sad spectacle presented itself, the boiler having burst, and two or three persons being apparently injured. MARY ELIZABETH COLEMAN, a little girl who had brought her brother's dinner, was severely scalded, as were also the engineman and a boy, some of whom were immediately conveyed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where every attention was paid to them, and others to their homes. The poor girl expired at eight o'clock on the evening of the same day, and the other injured persons were greatly suffering from their injuries. On investigation being made, the boiler was found to have burst at the end. It was erected about the year 1846, and had since been under the inspection of Mr A. Bodley, who last examined it in December. It appeared that a leakage was seen on Thursday, by one of the men engaged in lighting the fire, who failed to inform anyone else of the circumstance, which was not known by Mr Latimer, the proprietor, till after the accident had occurred. The papers were afterwards printed at the Gazette office, by the kind permission of Mr Wescomb. Mr Latimer has contributed the expenses of the funeral of the deceased. Arrangements have been made for the erection of two new boilers. Besides the persons taken to the hospital two others were slightly injured. - The Inquest. - Was held at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalene-street, at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., and a large and respectable Jury, Mr William Carter, draper, Fore-street-hill, Foreman. - The Coroner objected to Mr Richard Southwood being on the Jury, he having been employed at the Western Times office, between five and six years since, remarking that he thought it would be very much better to have an independent Jury. - The Jury having been sworn, the Coroner further remarked that as it was a most important Enquiry he hoped he should have the best attention of the Jury, as well as the attendance of all necessary witnesses, in order that the matter might be fully Enquired into. For that purpose it might be necessary to adjourn from time to time, and he should feel it his duty to adopt that course if he found it necessary to do so. Their first duty would be to view the body, which was lying at the hospital. - After the return of the Jury, the following evidence was taken:- CHARLES FREDERICK COLEMAN said he was a clerk of the parish of St. Olave, and a bootmaker by trade, and resided at 32 Bartholomew Yard. The body which had just been viewed by the Jury was that of his daughter, MARY ELIZABETH COLEMAN, who was about ten years and ten months old. She lived at home with witness, and on the previous day she left home about one o'clock to carry a dinner to her brother, who was an errand boy in Mr Latimer's office. She was then in her usual good health; and soon after one o'clock he was informed by a woman named Taylor, residing in Friernhay-street, who came to his house, that a sad accident had happened at Mr Latimer's, and that one of them had been injured. He went towards the office, and on his way met his son ALBERT in Friernhay-street, who said that POLLY and not JAMES had been injured, and directed him to go to the hospital, where he immediately went, and where he found the child in bed. He only saw a part of her face. She was very much scalded about the face and body, and the left eye was closed, but she was very conscious, and begged t be put into a cold bath. She died about eight o'clock in the evening, in the presence of witness. - Solomon Govier said he was a printer at the Western Times Office, and resided in Twiggs'-square, St. Sidwells. About half-past one on the previous day, he was working in the machine-room when he heard a slight noise as of an explosion. The machine-room was separated from the boiler-room by a thin partition. There was a glazed window in the partition, in which was a trap door, which fell back, and was fastened with a button. Almost directly upon hearing the noise, he saw a boy named Francis Stamp, who was in the engine-room, put his head through the trap-door. He said to witness and another man, named Bickham, who was in the machine-room with him, "Pull down the window and let me out." They broke in the window and took out Stamp. He saw steam issuing from the trap; the boy said nothing, but rushed out to the front, as if with the intention of obtaining aid. After taking out the boy, witness went into the boiler-room and found it full of smoke and steam, and heard the cries of a little girl. He could not see anyone nor anything there, and he felt about in the dark, and from the sound he found the girl, who was about four feet from the boiler. He took her up and carried her out, and then sang out for someone to take her from him, which was done by a man named Webber. He afterwards went back into the room, but could see nothing, and was obliged to return from the quantity of steam and smoke. The girl at first cried out - "Kill me! kill me!" but did not say anything afterwards. - By a Juror: There was water floating about on the floor, and witness was scalded. The room was about ten feet square. he could not see the engine-man when he went in. - Robert Webber said he was a porter in the employ of Mr Davey, oil and colour man, who resided next door to the Western Times Office. About a quarter past one on the previous day Mrs Davey called him and told him to go to Mr Latimer's. He went immediately, through the printing office, and up a flight of steps and met a man with a child in his arms. Seeing a stand with some coats hanging on it, witness took one and placed it round the child, which he took away towards the hospital. On reaching Mr Vickary's, ironmonger, he met a cab and took it in the vehicle to the hospital, where he laid it on the bed and left it there. On the way to the hospital the child kept crying out, "Put me in a cold bath," but said nothing else. - In answer to the Coroner, Mr Latimer was sworn, and said the boiler-room and machine-room adjoined each other. He thought it was in 1846 that the engine and boiler were erected. A young man by the name of George Hookins, had charge of the engine, and was in charge the previous day; there was also a machineman who had charge of the machine, and who, being a superior, had a general supervision, and the boiler and engine were under the charge of those men. The previous day the engine was at work, but there were frequent stoppages, from the nature of the work. About that hour it was usual to receive a telegram from mark Lane with the price of corn, and the machine was stopped for the purpose of inserting it in the paper. There were three or four lads employed about the machine-room, apart from the engine-room, and the custom was for the engineman to open the furnace doors, and the lads being all idle at the time, when it was cold, gathered round the fire-place. The engine was under the charge of Mr Bodley, and had been for several years, and was inspected by him in December last. Mr Bodley had told witness that he could repair the boiler, but he had determined not to use it again, but to have an entirely new one. In December last it was reported sound, and some repairs were then made to it, the boiler being improved up to 80 lbs. pressure, but it was ordinarily worked at about 25 lbs., which would do the work. If he (witness) found [large portion of the text faint and unreadable] The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman observing that not the slightest blame could be attributed to Mr Latimer or anyone in his employ.

SALCOMBE REGIS - Sudden Death At Salcombe. - A man named JOHN PERRING was found dead on Wednesday last in a coal barge at Frogmore near Salcombe, and on Friday an Inquest was held at Trinick's Union Inn, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury. - William Damerall, a labourer, living at Frogmore, stated that he had been at work with the deceased on Wednesday morning unloading a barge of coal; he left deceased at about 5 o'clock in the morning, and went with a cart load of coal to the stores of Mr Gard, a distance from the barge of about 200 yards, and on his return he found the deceased sitting on his heels with his head dropped forward, and on trying to raise him up found that he was dead; witness immediately procured assistance and with James Fairweather conveyed the body to Salcombe. - James Fairweather, on being sworn, stated that the deceased left him on Wednesday morning at about half-past three, they having slept together that night; deceased had not had anything to eat or drink that morning, nor had he complained of being ill. - James Gilbert Martyn, surgeon, residing at Chillington, stated that he was called to see the deceased before his removal from the barge and found him quite dead; he had examined the body but could not find any marks of violence, nor did the deceased appear to have struggled; he could not give any opinion as to the cause of death, but should think it resulted from natural causes; he saw nothing to make him suspicious. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 26 March 1862
BRIXHAM - Committal For Manslaughter At Brixham. - An Inquest was held at the Lord Nelson Inn, yesterday morning, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of JOHN MARTIN, late landlord of the Tower Arms, who had died on the previous Sunday. From the evidence of the wife of the deceased it appeared that on Tuesday night last two men, named respectively William Voysey and William Shears, went to the Tower Arms about eleven o'clock in a state of intoxication. They asked for drink, but the deceased refused to supply it to them, and requested them to leave, advising them to go home as they appeared to have had drink enough. They refused to go, saying that it was not time to close, and declaring they would have drink. witness assured them it was too late, but as they still refused to go the deceased endeavoured to push Shears out of the house. A struggle ensued and Shears struck deceased a heavy blow on the eye. A considerable quantity of blood flowed from the wound thus produced. Deceased became ill and died about ten o'clock on Sunday morning. Mr Brooking, surgeon, stated that he had made a post mortem examination of the body, and found that death had resulted from a severe blow on the eye. The Jury immediately returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence and William Shears was at once given in custody on a charge of Manslaughter.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 29 March 1862
DARTMOUTH - Coroner's Inquest. The Late Gale. - An Inquest was held on Thursday evening at seven o'clock, at the Marine Tavern, before J. M. Puddicombe, the Coroner for this Borough, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES HENRY MOSES, who was drowned in the gale of Thursday, the 20th instant, in attempting to return to a pilot cutter in an open boat after having put a pilot on board a barque. The Jury having viewed the body, the following witnesses were examined:- Robert Kerswill said: I am a pilot belonging to Dartmouth. The accident happened on the 20th instant. I was in command of the pilot cutter Fanny, belonging to Dartmouth. We were in the Range coming round one of the Rock buoys and on the look-out for vessels. There was a very heavy gale blowing. The deceased, JAMES HENRY MOSES, was on board assisting to work the Fanny. Myself and deceased left the Fanny and endeavoured to board a barque. We reached the barque in safety, and I got on board her. I desired deceased to hold fast where he was by the ship's side, which I thought he was doing until I saw him going astern of the barque. A few minutes afterwards I spoke to him on observing that he had left the barque and was attempting to reach the shore. He was on the boat by himself. I called to him and he answered he was all right. I heard nothing more of him until I was told in the harbour that he was drowned in the attempt to land. - Manoah Kerswill: I am a pilot belonging to Dartmouth Harbour. I was on board the smack Fanny on the day of the accident. I observed the deceased in the boat after he had put the pilot on board the barque endeavouring to reach the cutter Fanny. He failed in this in consequence of the gale. I could not go to his assistance. He was drowned in attempting to land in a cove called Compass Cove on the coast. - James Stephens: I am a boatman belonging to Dartmouth. In consequence of the deceased having been drowned when out at sea, I have endeavoured to find the body during the past week. On Thursday myself and others found the body near the place where the accident happened. - This being all the evidence, the Coroner briefly summed up. He said it was one of those deaths which sometimes accidentally happen in seaport towns. He thought from the evidence that they could return no other verdict than that the deceased was accidentally drowned. The Jury having consulted together for a few minutes returned a verdict accordingly, namely - "That the deceased, JAMES HENRY MOSES, was Accidentally Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 1 April 1862
BRAMPFORD SPEKE - Military Funeral. - The body of the man ROBINSON, belonging to the 6th Carabineers, who was drowned on Wednesday last, after attending the Brampford and Speke and Stoke Canon Races, was recovered on Saturday morning about 100 yards from the spot where he fell in. The Inquest was held the same afternoon at the Agricultural Inn, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., when it transpired that the deceased whilst in a state of intoxication, went to the river's bank to wash the mud from his boots and trousers, and that he fell in. Every effort was made to save him, but without avail, although the deceased was one of the best swimmers in the regiment. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." His body was afterwards removed to the Topsham Barracks, and yesterday afternoon he was buried in Heavitree churchyard, the band and a firing party of the regiment attending, in the presence of thousands of spectators. We understand that the deceased had been in the service several years, and that when sober he was a most quiet and orderly soldier.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 9 April 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held last evening, at the New Town Inn, York-street, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of AMELIA ANN BICKFORD, a child eleven days old. - The Coroner, on opening the Enquiry, observed that there could be no doubt that the deceased had died a natural death, but it was necessary that enquiries of this kind should be made, and it very often prevented crime. He should endeavour, if possible, to dispense with taking the depositions of the mother of the deceased, as she was in a very ill state. - Grace Harris said she was a married woman, and was the wife of John Harris, a labourer, residing at No. 28 York-street, Plymouth. She had known the father and mother of deceased for nine months. The father was called WILLIAM BICKFORD, a rag store labourer. they resided in the same house as witness. The deceased was eleven days old that day. Mr Rundle, the surgeon, attended the mother when she was confined. Deceased never had much power of sucking or feeding. Witness washed and dressed the deceased after the first four days of its birth. She undressed the deceased on Sunday night and put it to bed with its mother. Yesterday morning, at about six o'clock, witness was called, and went into the mother's room, when she saw the child was dead, in bed with the mother. The child was not cold. The mother appeared a weak woman, and was not now well. She was very much distressed at the death of deceased. They had four children besides. Witness was sure no one hurt the deceased, and had not the least doubt that the deceased died by the visitation of God. There were no marks of violence on the body. - The Coroner said, if necessary, they could have the evidence of the husband of the mother of the deceased. They had got very good secondary evidence indeed. It was utterly impossible to examine the mother in the state she was at present, as it might be productive of most serious results. - The Jury expressed themselves satisfied with the evidence adduced, and thought there was no necessity to examine either the husband or mother, and at once arrived at a verdict of "Found Dead in Bed, by the side of its mother, without any marks of violence." - The Coroner remarked that the deceased, although only eleven days old, weighed twice as much as the body of a child three months old, on whom an Inquest was held on Monday evening.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 12 April 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - A Child Scalded To Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock in the Town Hall, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a child named WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN, about two years of age, who had died on Sunday last, from the effects of having thrown a quantity of hot water on itself. The Jury proceeded to view the body, which was lying at No. 18, Mount-street, Devonport, and then returned to the Town Hall, where the following evidence was adduced:- ELIZABETH MARY ALLEN said the deceased was her son and was called WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN. He would have been two years old on the 17th of this month. She resided at No. 18 Mount-street, Devonport, with her husband and family. Her husband was a ropemaker in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport. On Friday evening last, about 6 o'clock, witness was in her own room, in company with the deceased, her baby, who was about six months old, and her husband. They were partaking of tea. She had the baby on her lap when the deceased asked for some more tea. She took the teacup from his hand and put it on the table, and went to the fire-place, the baby being still in her arms She took a kettle of boiling water off the fireplace, and poured some water into the cup. She turned her back again to put the kettle back on the hob of the fireplace, the teacup with the hot water being on the table, when she immediately heard the deceased scream out, and on turning round towards him the teacup was upset on the table, and she perceived that the front part of the dress which the deceased had on was wet and smoking. There had been but very little water in the teacup, which she had intended to fill up with milk. Witness called Mrs Hall, who lived in the house, and she (witness) looked at the child, and found it scalded over the front part of his bosom. Mr Butcher, the surgeon, came, and attended on the child until the time of its death, which happened on Sunday last, at about half-past two o'clock in the afternoon. The child was very well before. She had previously taken him in from the door, where he was playing, to give him his tea. - MR ALLEN, the father of deceased, corroborated the testimony of his wife. - Ann Hall was then sworn, and stated that she was a widow, living at No. 18 Mount-street, Devonport, for the last six months. She had known MRS ALLEN during that time and before that. She was a very kind and attentive mother to her children. On Friday evening last witness was in her own room, when MRS ALLEN called her. She went into her room, where she found MRS ALLEN, her husband, the deceased and her baby. The father had the child on his lap. Witness examined the child, and saw that it had been scalded on the chest and breast. The scald was about the size of a woman's hand. Witness fetched Mr Butcher, the surgeon, who examined the child, and attended on it to the time of its death. The deceased was the eldest child, and could articulate but very few words. The Jury at once found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death - Misery And Crime. - At six o'clock on Monday evening an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SELINA ANDREWS, aged 11 weeks and 3 days, who died suddenly on Saturday last. - Jane Davies deposed that she met the mother of the child, MARY JANE ANDREWS, in Catte-street, on Thursday night and at her request took the deceased child to dry nurse for the night. The child appeared ill at the time, but it ate some food heartily. On the following day the mother came to witness, gave her 6d. and asked her to continue to take care of the child until another nurse was procured. On Friday and during the night the child also ate heartily, but on Saturday morning early witness found it in convulsions and it shortly afterwards died. - Cross-examined by the Coroner: I am the mother of 10 children. It is very difficult to bring up a child by hand. - Mary Ann Harris, wife of Charles Harris, deposed that some six weeks previously she was given the child to nurse, by its mother. It was partly fed by hand and partly by its natural aliment, for about three weeks. Witness then gave it up, as the mother did not pay sufficiently for its nursing. The child was thin and small when witness parted with it; but it was in good health. I think the mother was frequently in want of food. She is an unfortunate, and the child was born in the workhouse. - Elizabeth Launden had also had the child to nurse for a time and given it up in consequence of irregularity of payment. The mother seemed very poor. The child was thin and small. The mother did not want to take it, but witness put it on her bed. - Jane Elliott deposed that on the previous Saturday fortnight the child was brought her in all but a dying state. She nursed the child to the following Friday, and it became much improved. She then gave it up as the mother did not pay for it. Witness consented to again take charge of the child, and kept it until the Wednesday before its death, when she finally gave it up to the mother, whom she advised to send it to the Workhouse. She (the mother) appeared very fond of the child, but was very poor. - MARY JANE ANDREWS, 18 years of age, without any fixed residence, deposed that she was the mother of the deceased, and had been confined at the Workhouse on the ?] of January. She left the house three weeks afterwards. The child was a small one, but healthy. She had frequently been in want of the necessaries of life when she left the Workhouse, and had no means of paying for the nursing of the child. - Cross-examined: My father is a labourer on the quay. I have no mother. I applied to the workhouse for assistance for the child, but was refused relief by Mr Ash because I had not sworn to the father of the child. I applied twice for assistance and was refused on each occasion. - A Juryman said that it seemed a great piece of impropriety on the part of the Workhouse authorities to have allowed her to come out in such a short space of time after her confinement; and still more so to refuse her relief because she had not sworn the child, which perhaps, under the circumstances, it was impossible to do. - The Coroner reminded the Jury that, so far as the Workhouse authorities were concerned, they had only one side of the case before them. If the Jury wished to see Mr Ash the case could be adjourned. - The court was then cleared, and after a brief discussion, the mother of the deceased child was again called in and closely questioned as to her application to the workhouse for relief. It then appeared that she had refused the note for admission into the house tendered by Mr Ash. - The Jury expressed itself perfectly satisfied with the conduct of the Workhouse authorities. The Coroner then summed up; he pointed out that the child had been neglected from its birth and bandied about from one nurse to another until the termination of its brief existence. But the question was whether there was any criminal neglect, and if so, upon whom could it be fixed? Neglect there certainly had been, but it was extremely doubtful whether it was criminal, or to whom it could be attributed. To him it appeared that the child itself died from convulsions, brought on by unsuitable food. The Jury agreed with the Coroner and a verdict of "Death from Convulsions" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 14 April 1862
HENNOCK - A Man Killed In A Mine At Hennock. Coroner's Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Palk's Arms Inn, Hennock, near Newton, on Saturday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Richard Brizzo was Foreman, on the body of a miner named WILLIAM ORCHARD, employed in the Frank Mills Mine, in the parish of Christow, who met with his death on Thursday last by the explosion of a hole which he was tamping in the mine. - James Tonkin, employed in the same mine as the deceased, was working with him at the time of the accident, and at the Inquest deposed as follows:- On Thursday last, about 11 o'clock in the forenoon, I and WILLIAM ORCHARD were at work in the Frank Mills Mine. He was tamping a hole which we had bored 16 inches deep. The hole was charged with, I think, about 9 inches of powder. He was tamping it with a sludge which came out of the hole with a tamping bar and a hammer. The powder suddenly exploded. I can't say what caused the explosion. There was a fuse in the hole, but no light had been applied to it, nor had that place been blasted before. On the explosion taking place the deceased was knocked off the stage he was standing on. I went to him, and he groaned several times, and then said, "Lord have mercy upon me!" He then appeared to be choking and I ran to get assistance. John Reed came back with me and deceased had then fallen back, and I noticed that his bowels were much injured, they were protruding. He never spoke after. I think he groaned once or twice. I think there must have been a train of powder in the hole, and that the bar he was using must have struck fire against the side of the hole and caused the powder to ignite. Deceased was quite sober. He was taken out of the mine as soon as possible, but he was quite dead before we could take him out. - Mr J. P. Nicholls, the captain of the mine, was then sworn, and corroborated the evidence of the previous witness, and also agreed with him as to the probable cause of the accident. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 April 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Cecil-Street. - An Inquest was held at the Wheat-Sheaf Inn, King-street, yesterday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of GEORGE COOPER. The deceased, who was a discharged sergeant of marines, and had been in receipt of a pension from Greenwich Hospital for nine years, was 54 years of age, and had occupied a room in the house of Mr Rogers, 42 Cecil-street, three years. His wife was dead, and he had lived alone for nine months. For some time past he has been suffering from ill-health, but refused to have medical advice; he was rather eccentric in his habits, and did not like to receive visitors. On Sunday night Mr Rogers sent him up some warmed ale, and in the morning the servant knocked at his door to enquire, as usual, his state of health, but received no reply, and Mr Rogers applied, with the same result. Information was sent to the house of his son (ship's corporal to the Impregnable), at Stonehouse, and the son's wife and mother came. In the presence of the latter the door was burst open and the deceased was found dead in his bed. Mr Pearce, surgeon, was sent for, and gave it as his opinion that he had been dead six or seven hours. There were no marks of violence upon his person. A verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned.

WIDECOMBE IN THE MOOR - Suicide By Hanging At Widdicombe. - An Inquest was held on Monday last, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., at Widdicombe, near Ashburton, on the body of WILLIAM FRENCH, of Dunstone, who committed suicide on Friday last, by hanging himself in an outhouse adjoining the farm of his son-in-law. - The deceased lived with MR RICHARD MANN, his son-in-law, and was about 54 years of age. On Friday last, he partook of his dinner as usual, with the family and men, and then appeared in his usual health and spirits. He went out after dinner, and nothing was heard of him until about four o'clock when one of the deceased's grand-children discovered him hanging by a rope from a beam in an outhouse in the farm courtlage. The child immediately gave an alarm, when two men, named Joseph Warren and John Ireland, proceeded to the building, and immediately cut the deceased down, but life was then found to be extinct. A medical man was sent for, but the deceased did not breathe after he was cut down. The deceased has been once or twice insane, the last time being about two years since, when he was attended by a medical man, and he was also generally of a rather desponding temper, and appeared in low spirits previously to the committal of the rash and fatal deed. He was also rather excitable after having partaken rather freely of drink. No cause was assigned for his having committed the act, and he was also described as being on very good terms with his family. - The Jury returned, under the circumstances, a verdict of "Suicide under Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 17 April 1862
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Lower Lane. - J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Guildhall, on the body of JAMES MASEY MCCARTHY, who had died on the previous Monday at a room in the house No. 8, Lower-lane. - The Coroner, in stating the facts of the case to the Jury, said the deceased had been in very reduced circumstances, and had pledged some articles which had been entrusted to him. On Saturday last he purchased, at a shop in this town, some oxalic acid, which was much used for domestic purposes, and was sold perhaps too freely by the druggists. The deceased had this poison in his possession from Saturday until Monday, and it would be for them to judge of the state of mind in which he had been when he took it. - The Jury proceeded to Lower-lane to view the body, and on their return MARY ANN MCCARTHY, the wife of the deceased, was called, and said she had been married to him nearly 15 years. He was a journeyman tailor, and about 61 years of age. Their son was eight years of age. Her husband had been very fond of drink, or he might have done better. Since within a few months of their marriage they had been in distressed circumstances. She knew that before the death of the deceased he had pledged the cloth of a coat he had to cut out. They had had high words about it. On Friday last he expressed a desire to have the cloth back, and she sold two chairs for 1s. and gave him it to redeem the cloth, but he went to a beer-shop and spent it. About eight o'clock he went home tipsy. On Saturday morning they quarrelled because he would not tell her where the cloth was, as she was uneasy about it. On Sunday he was very low-spirited. On Monday they had a slight difference about the cloth. The deceased and witness had no dinner that day. About a quarter past three in the afternoon deceased said he felt inclined to have a nap and she and the boy might go out for half an hour. They did so. She owed a fortnight's rent for their room (14d. a week) and she expected a distraint. As she was going home a little girl told her she must make haste home, but did not tell her what was the matter. On arriving she found deceased upon the bed and vomiting. In a few minutes Mr Derry, the surgeon, came. The deceased told the latter that he had poisoned himself. He lingered until twenty minutes before eight on Tuesday morning, when he died. After his death she found the paper she now produced in his pocket. [The paper read as follows:- "I JAMES MASIY do her By sertify that the Act that I commited is my Own act and All the Pawning has Been Done By My order against the Will of my wife JAMES MASEY MCCARTHY Son and the Boy to Pat And I hope that he will take warning By fate May God Bless you all."] - Caroline Dolbere, the next witness, said she resided in the same house as the last witness, and had known the deceased several months. On Monday last she was in her own room, and, at a quarter before four o'clock, she heard someone sick. The deceased knocked at her door, and said, "I want you; follow me." She followed him into his own room. He looked pale. He had been vomiting, and vomited again, but refused a cup of tea which she offered him. He asked her to fetch his wife and child. She called in Mrs Scantlebury, and went for the wife and child, but not finding them, returned to the house, and was told the deceased was very ill. He was still vomiting; he gave a paper to Mrs Scantlebury, and said, "I have taken poison." She went for Mr Derry, the surgeon, and he came immediately. Before she went for the surgeon the deceased said, "I am dying." On Tuesday morning he told her there was something heavy on his mind; he also said there was something in his pocket. - Emilia Scantlebury deposed that on the Monday afternoon the deceased took her hand, put something in it, and shut it, and then said, "I have poisoned myself and that is the paper I had it in." He added that he had done something he ought not to have done. She asked him what he had done, and he said he had put away something which could not be redeemed. - Mr R. H. Derry, surgeon, stated that he saw the deceased just after four o'clock on Monday afternoon. He found him lying on a straw bed, vomiting frightfully; but after a few minutes it ceased, and he asked what was the matter with him. He said he had poisoned himself with oxalic acid. Witness said "How much?" and he said, "A pennyworth." That would be about half-an-ounce. He complained of a fearful burning in his throat and stomach. Witness applied remedies, and asked him why he had done such a foolish act; and he said he had put away some cloth with which he had been entrusted to make a coat. Witness told him not to bother about that, for if he would give him the ticket he would have it immediately sent for. Deceased said he could not do that, it was gone altogether. Witness procured further remedies and applied them, and in a short time the sickness stopped the pain abated, and the deceased slept. Witness left strict instructions as to what was to be done during the night with Mrs Dolbere, and also found, on making enquiries that the wife and child were in the greatest poverty, and at once wrote to Mr Ash, the relieving officer, who immediately relieved them. Witness then left, and as he was going to see the deceased in the morning he was informed that he was dead. The deceased died by poison - witness should say by oxalic acid. It was sold by druggists for various domestic purposes. Did not think the deceased had taken more than half-an-ounce. - By the Jury: The remedies had been to a great extent successful when he left the deceased at night. Hoped to have saved him. Oxalic acid was variable in its effects. - A Juryman said he considered that Mr Derry's offer to redeem the articles was very creditable. The Jury and the Coroner expressed a similar opinion. - The Coroner observed that the note produced certainly commenced as though the mind of the writer had been affected, for he did not give his full name. - Mr Ash, the relieving officer, said that during the three or four months the deceased had been on his books he had known him by no other name than MASEY. He had once been committed to prison for an offence. - The Coroner stated to the Jury that there could be no doubt that the deceased had poisoned himself; the question for them to decide would be his state of mind. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 21 April 1862
BERE FERRERS - The Late Fatal Boat Accident At Calstock. Coroner's Inquest. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held at Easonadge Farm, Beerferris, before A. B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, and a highly respectable Jury, on the body of MR GEORGE RICH, a farmer and cattle dealer, who, it will be remembered, met with his death in attempting to cross the river Tamar at the Calstock passage, on the 24th ultimo. The deceased had taken his horse into the passenger boat, and had proceeded a few yards across the stream, when the boat was capsized by a sudden movement of the horse. The body of the deceased was not found till Thursday last, when a man named Hutchings discovered it floating a short distance from the spot where the accident occurred. The body was identified by relatives and friends, and a sum of money which the deceased had taken with him when he left his home - upwards of £13 = was found in his pocket, with only 10d. deficient. - The Jury, after examining the witnesses, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning." The Foreman, with the consent of the Jury, added to their verdict that they considered it highly desirable that a proper person should be placed in charge of the ferry; the man at present occupying it being too old to perform safely the duties entrusted to him.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 29 April 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Working Men's Reading room, Shaftesbury Cottages, yesterday afternoon, on the body of ELIZABETH HUMPHREYS, who had died on Saturday. - George Hancock, junior, said he had known the deceased about twelve months. She was about forty-eight years of age, and the wife of a sergeant in the 77th Regiment of Foot, in India. On last Monday evening the deceased went to his house, 39 Shaftesbury Cottages, about six o'clock, to lodge. She was very excitable, and had suffered from heart complaint. Last Saturday evening she was in the town three times, and expected a new bonnet to be sent home about nine o'clock. It did not come, and she felt disappointed, and became a little excited. A few minutes after ten o'clock she left the house and again went into the town. Some time afterwards witness heard that the deceased had fallen in the street. He found her in Tavistock-road, opposite the reservoir. He got her home with assistance. She was then speechless and died about ten minutes to eleven o'clock. A surgeon's assistant was present. - James Coles, a mason, said he was going up the Tavistock-road about twenty minutes after ten, and saw two or three people together near the reservoir, and saw the deceased fall on her back. He lifted her up and found she was groaning and suffering from pain. She did not smell of spirits or anything of the kind, and was speechless. By the direction of Mr Adams, a surgeon's pupil, waster was thrown in her face, but on her partly rising she again fell down. The last witness came and she was removed to his house. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased, who had suffered from disease of the heart several years, and was excited by disappointment, had Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - The Supposed Murder In Stonehouse-Lane, Plymouth. Verdict of Manslaughter Against The Prisoner. - The Inquest. - The Borough Coroner (J. Edmonds, Esq.) held an Inquest on the body of THOMASINE PITCHER, at the Guildhall, at four o'clock in the afternoon. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- Messrs. T. Jarvis (Foreman), T. H. Seymour, J. Hawkings, J. H. McKeer, J. Heard, E. Frith, T. H. Walters, J. V. Luxmoore, T. M. Vicary, G. Gillard, W. Heath, W. H. Rowe, S. Steer, J. W. Murlis, W. H. Stone, and R. W. Winnicott. - Before hearing the evidence, the Coroner addressed a few sentences to the Jury, in which he simply stated an outline of the facts detailed in the evidence given before the magistrates. - Mr Inspector Thomas, who had been requested by the Coroner, in the early part of the day, to give the governor of the gaol notice that he wished the prisoner to be present at the Inquest, stepped forward and said that Mr Sims had requested him to present his compliments to the Coroner, and say he had no power to bring the prisoner to the hall. - The Coroner reserved his observations upon this subject, and went with the Jury to view the body at 77 Stonehouse Lane. There was a large crowd of people about the house. Upon the return to the Guildhall, The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he had no doubt they would recollect that about sixteen months ago a man named Hacked, a soldier, killed his sergeant, and that at the Inquest held upon the body the magistrates refused to allow the prisoner to be present. Representations were made to the Town Council upon the subject, and great excitement prevailed in the town. In consequence of the course adopted by the magistrates he (the Coroner) tendered his resignation; but it was determined by the Council that in future the police should be subject to the orders of the Coroner in such cases, and he withdrew his resignation on the distinct understanding that in all such cases the prisoner was t be permitted to be present before the Jury. On Tuesday evening Inspector Thomas and Detective Julian reported to him the death of the woman PITCHER, and he told him he would attend to it in the morning. He had issued his warrant for summoning the Jury. At ten o'clock that (Wednesday) morning, he came to the Guildhall and told the Superintendent of Police, Mr Codd, that he wished the prisoner to be brought to the Inquest. Afterwards he informed Mr William Luscombe and Mr John Burnell that he had told this to Mr Codd; and he did not understand from them that there would be any difficulty in the matter. About two o'clock he received a communication informing him that the prisoner had been remanded, and that the magistrates had issued their warrant for his immediate removal to the borough gaol. Upon this, he had endeavoured to find Mr Sims, the Governor of the gaol, and he had sent Inspector Thomas to request him to bring the prisoner; but Mr Sims had stated that he had no power to do so. The case was now before them, but the prisoner was not present. He liked to see justice done, and he thought every man ought to be present when witnesses were being examined about a matter that concerned him so seriously; in order that he might hear what they said and have an opportunity of cross-examining them. He should have thought that, so far as the magistrates were concerned, his (the Coroner's) character, and the manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office, would have been sufficient to ensure a compliance with his wishes, in a matter so reasonable. He had been deliberating whether he should go on with the Inquest under these circumstances; but considering the state of decomposition in which they had found the body, it was important that he should give an order for its burial on Thursday; and on this account he had determined to proceed. - Witnesses were then called:- Lavinia Dingle said: I am married. My husband is called John Hart Dingle. He keeps the Traveller's Rest beershop in Stonehouse Lane. We have only lived there a month. I have seen the deceased, and her husband there often during that time. I have frequently seen the deceased drunk; and I have seen the prisoner drunk three or four times. They came to my house yesterday about eight o'clock in the morning, and they remained there all day. They began drinking beer when they came in. About 11 o'clock they were both tipsy - she worse than her husband. She took up a large knob of coke and threw it at him. It did not strike him, but struck the wall, and made a mark there. They were then in the back room. She pulled him by the hair, and struck him on the head; but he did not touch her. She wanted more drink, and my husband would not let her have it. My husband brought her a jug of cold water, and she lay down on the settle, and fell asleep. She remained asleep about an hour and a half. During that time her husband left the room, and sat down in the little room by the bar, where he continued drinking. Then she awoke and went to her husband, and cursed and swore at him, and Detective Julian, who was passing, came in to interfere. Then my husband put her into the back room, and she was quiet for some time. I think she went to sleep again. Her husband remained in the bar, drinking, but he did not drink much then. The next thing was that she came out of the back room again and went into the little room where her husband was, and struck him repeatedly with her fist. He did not touch her, and when she came out I put her into the other room. He wanted to follow her, but I would not let him. I held the door in my hand, and prevented his following her for a few minutes. She was very violent inside, and swore what she would do to him; and then she pulled the door out of my hand. I slipped back with her pulling. As soon as her husband saw the door was open, he went into the room where she was. I remained in the bar and don't know what went on after that. There were two men - Thomas Richards and George Godbeer - in the room at the time and another woman, named Mary Burt. The next thing I know is that I was called in some time after, and I found the deceased very ill. Her husband and several others were there. I asked Burt and another woman to take the deceased home. As they were taking her out of the back-door, I saw blood about her stockings and the lower part of her dress. She was then alive, but insensible. On my return to the taproom, I saw a great deal of blood under the table. When I went in and found the deceased so ill, her husband was lying on the settle. He was drunk and asleep. I forgot to say that, in the morning, before she threw the coke at her husband, she took the poker, and tried to beat him with it. I prevented her from doing so. I have seen the body seen by the Jury; and it is that of THOMASINE PITCHER. - By the Foreman of the Jury: The prisoner was in a passion when he went into the taproom. - By a Juryman: He was not obliged to go into the taproom in self--defence. - Eliza Marshall was then called, and repeated the evidence given by her before the magistrates in the morning. She added that she had seen the body of the deceased, and identified it as that of the woman she had seen prisoner striking and kicking in the beer-house. - In answer to a Juryman, this witness said that, at the time when the prisoner was kicking his wife, there were many persons in the front of the premises, but no one came in. - Mary Burt, who was examined before the magistrates, was next called, and repeated the substance of the evidence then given. - Mr Pearse, the surgeon, was also called, and detailed the facts which he had stated at length in his examination before the magistrates. He added that the wound which he believed to have been the cause of death was about an inch in depth. Since the proceedings before the magistrates, he had made a post mortem examination of the body. He did not find any internal injury; but the symptoms showed that nearly all the blood had left the body He was of opinion that death had been accelerated by the mental excitement under which the woman was suffering at the time of her death. Had she been in a passive state, the blood would not have flowed from the wound so rapidly, and prompt medical aid might in that case have saved her life. His opinion was that the woman died from haemorrhage. The wound was such as might have been caused by a violent kick from a boot or shoe. - John Manning, a police constable, repeated the evidence reported in the proceedings at the Police Court. - Detective Julian said: Yesterday I was on duty in Stonehouse-lane between 3 and 4 o'clock, and was passing by the Traveller's Rest, when, hearing rather loud talking, I went in and saw the deceased there. She was very drunk. I also saw her husband, who was a good deal in drink. I saw Mary Burt, who had been drinking, the landlady and several others. The landlady said she wished I would keep the people quiet, and I said they were in her house, and she must keep them quiet. The landlord said - "They are quiet now," and I then left. Between 6 and 7 I was on duty in Union-street, and heard of the occurrence, and I went to the back door of 77 King-street. There I met Manning coming out with the prisoner. We took him to the Octagon station, and on the way the prisoner said - "Mr Julian, I never touched her nor kicked her at all. Many people have died sudden; and she has died sudden." He appeared to have been drinking a good deal, but the fright had partially recovered him. He was brought from the Octagon station to the Guildhall station in a cab. I searched him, and he was locked up, a man being put into the cell with him. Afterwards I went and took possession of the body of deceased, and locked the door. I went again to the house today at three o'clock, with Mr Pearse, the surgeon, when he made his post mortem examination; and I remained there while it was made. Last night I went to the Traveller's Rest, and saw marks of blood on the floor; and afterwards I went into the prisoner's cell, and took possession of his boots, which I now produce. [The boots were Bluchers, and were lightly made.] - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said: Now gentlemen of the Jury, the case is before you. I suppose, from the evidence, you will have little doubt that it is a case which will amount to what is called manslaughter. - not to murder, but manslaughter - the lesser crime; and it will be your duty to send the prisoner to Exeter to meet his trial. - The Jury deliberated and found a verdict of Manslaughter. - The Foreman (Mr Jarvis) said he thought the Jury ought to express an opinion upon the subject of the prisoner's absence. - The Coroner observed that he agreed with Mr Jarvis - the case was one in which they might fairly express an opinion. The prisoner ought certainly to have been present. With regard to himself, it would not at all rest there. He held the Inquest under protest, and meant the matter to go before higher authorities. He had held the Inquest because he was anxious that the woman should be buried; and that she should not be buried until the facts of the case had come out. He hoped the Jury would act without reference to himself, for he was old enough and sufficiently well known to be certain that the town would protect him - (hear, hear.) - Mr Viccary thought some note should be appended to the verdict, with regard to the manner in which the Excise granted beer-house licenses. Mr Seymour was of opinion that the matter was sufficiently notorious already.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 2 May 1862
TAVISTOCK - Coroner's Inquest At Tavistock. - On Tuesday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Royal Hotel, Horse-bridge, before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury - Mr E. Martin being Foreman - on view of the body of JOHN WHITE, who met with his death at the Devon Great Consols early on Sunday morning last. - It appears from the evidence, that on Sunday morning the machinery underground at one of the shafts of the Devon Great Consols somehow got out of order, which caused the pumps to work very irregularly. Upon perceiving this, WHITE went down to remedy the defect. He reached the 40-fathom level, and then ascended about two fathoms to put a pin right in a plunger-valve. It seems he got up to the valve and removed the pin, but before he could complete his work it is supposed - for no one witnessed the sad event - that he fell from the spot where he was operating to the planking of the 4-0-fathom level (about 12 feet), where he was found lying on his back quite dead, upwards of an hour afterwards, by William Stevens and Edward Coombe, two miners who had seen him depart upon his errand. - Captain Clemo, in his examination, stated that it was generally arranged in mines that the men should work in pairs, so as to enable them to render assistance to each other in case of any mishap underground. A man named Williams ought to have accompanied the deceased; but he had neglected his duty, and had, for his negligence, been summarily dismissed. - The Jury, after an interval of a few minutes, returned a verdict of "Found Dead; but how or by what means, there was insufficient evidence to show."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Waterman. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Robin Hood Inn, New-street, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of SAMUEL AVENT, a waterman, about 36 years of age, who had died suddenly in his boat on the previous evening. - Nicholas Bennett said: I am a waterman, and reside at Prospect-row, Millbay, Plymouth. Between seven and eight o'clock last evening I went off in my boat to the Cape mail-steamer, Dane. She was lying between the Island and the Main. I saw deceased alongside her in his boat. He had one passenger (Mr Cluness, reporter for the Western Daily Mercury) in her going to the steamer. My boat was alongside his. The deceased said to me, "I am very ill; I want a glass of water." I said, "If you want it, I will take care of the boat whilst you go on board the steam-boat." Deceased was then alone in the boat. He said to me, "I wish you would jump into my boat and put me ashore." I was put in his boat, and left my own there with my partner. Deceased said to me, "I am a dying man." I urged him to rally. I wanted him to steer the boat, but he said, "I can't." It was a fair wind and I set the canvas, and steered the boat. Deceased sat on the stern-sheets. In coming on shore he shivered, fell down in the bottom of the boat, and said, "My poor wife and family; may the Lord have mercy on my soul!" I think he then died. I arrived at the Barbican and landed the deceased's body, and it was immediately carried to his residence, No. 30 New-street, Plymouth. - Samuel Jenkins said: I am a waterman, and reside at No. 12 Lambhay-hill. I have known the deceased for the last three or four years. He was a boatman. The boat was called the Swan. He plied her himself. He has been in a bad state of health for several months. He had a wife & four children, & was anxious to work for them although he was ill. He had been brought in, in his boat several times ill. Last evening I was in my boat at the Barbican when the last witness arrived with the deceased at the Barbican Quay. The deceased was lying at the bottom of the boat and dead, with his head towards the stern. I assisted to take the body out of the boat. Deceased was about 36 years old. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 5 May 1862
TAMERTON FOLIOT - A Child Burnt To Death Near Tamerton Foliott. A Caution To Mothers. - An Inquest was held on Friday afternoon, at Dunborough Farm, in the parish of Tamerton Foliott, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr Edward Maynard was Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZA ANN HILL, a child about three years of age, who had died on Wednesday last, from injuries she received in consequence of her clothes catching fire. - WILLIAM HILL was sworn and said: I am a husbandman, and live at the cottage called West Broadley, in the parish of Tamerton Foliott, in which cottage the deceased now lies. The deceased, whom the Coroner and Jury have just seen, is my daughter, ELIZA ANN HILL. She was three years old last July. On Wednesday morning last, at about 7 o'clock, I went away to my labour. About 11 o'clock in the morning, whilst I was at my labour, in afield about one hundred yards from my cottage, I heard my wife screaming and I went home and saw the deceased child in her arms. I saw that the face of the child was burnt, and I afterwards saw that the neck and breast of the deceased were burnt very much. Mr Langford, the surgeon of Knackersknowle, saw the deceased about one hour afterwards. The deceased died on the same day. - MARY ANN HILL was then examined, and said: I am the wife of WILLIAM HILL, now present. I live with him and my children at Broadley Cottage. On Wednesday morning, a little after 11 o'clock, I went away to get a little drop of milk, a few gunshots from my cottage. I left the deceased in the kitchen, playing to and fro. No one else was in the kitchen. One of my children, aged 8 years, was outside the cottage. There was a fire on the hearth, but you could not see any fire without touching it. The deceased was very well when I left her. I told her not to touch the fire, and she said "No mother." There is no cottage near to my cottage. No grown up person was in the house. There was no one about the house but the children. The child was three years old last July. I returned home in about 20 minutes and when I came into the court I saw smoke ascending from the wall, and I found the child under the wall of the garden lying on her face and hands, and the flames were over her head. She was quite still and quiet. The clothes which were left on her were burning. I stripped off the remaining clothes, and ran with her into the house. The child was conscious and she said "I want to drink." She was severely burnt about the face, neck and shoulders, and part of the breast. Mr Langford, the surgeon, saw her and dressed the wounds. She died the same day at 5 o'clock in the evening. The kitchen was the same to all appearances as when I had left it. The deceased had on a linen apron and a linen frock. - The Jury, after some consideration, returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased's death was caused by Accidental Burning. The Jury were unanimously of opinion that the mother was very much to blame for leaving the child in a room where there was a fire without anyone to take care of it. - The Coroner concurred in the opinion expressed by the Jury and addressed the mother in severe terms on her conduct.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 7 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - A Cornishman Drowned In Sutton Pool. - Yesterday afternoon J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall on the body of JOHN SINCOCK, which had been found in Sutton Pool on that morning. From the evidence adduced it appeared that the deceased was a master mason, and resided between Roche and Bugle in Cornwall. On Saturday evening he entered the train at the Bodmin Road Station and came to Devonport with a miner named Dyer. They came to Plymouth on Sunday morning and on Monday night went to the Anchor and Hope, on the Barbican Quay, having been drinking all the day. The deceased went in and out of the house continually, and Dyer fell asleep. Deceased gave a waterman named Houghton a glass of beer about ten o'clock, and, while they were drinking together, deceased asked him if he had ever seen him before, and, on his replying that he had never seen him until a few minutes before, said "When I go out of this house it is a great chance if you ever see me any more." He then went out and Houghton went on to the quay in about a quarter of an hour, when he heard that the deceased had been missed. A Custom House officer said he had seen him go down the steps, but he had not seen him return, and therefore thought he must have fallen overboard. Houghton procured drags and searched for some time, but at length came to the conclusion that the deceased could not have fallen over. Some time after this, P.C. Fryer saw a dark object floating on the water outside the southern steps of the pier, and called Houghton, but he had then disappeared. About two o'clock they saw this object near the steps, and Houghton, having obtained a boat hook, drew the body ashore. It was then removed to the dead-house, Westwell-street. In an account book in which Dyer had seen the deceased wrote on Monday, and which was found upon the body, was the following entry:- "This is all ELIZA SINCOCK'S fault to drive them from my wife and home this 5 day of May 1862." It stated that a person standing on the steps mentioned might easily fall into the water. - The Jury did not think that the deceased's observations to the waterman on this entry showed that he intended to destroy himself, and returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was Found Drowned, but there was no evidence to show how he came by his death.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Seaman Drowned At North Corner. - An Inquest was held at the Steam Packet Inn, North Corner, Devonport, yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of HUGH WILLIAMS, a seaman of H.M.S. Warrior, in Hamoaze. The body was identified by the master-at-arms of that ship, who stated that the deceased was generally a sober man. From the other evidence adduced it appears that he had been seen drunk on that morning about one o'clock, and going towards the quay at North Corner, Nothing more was heard of him until half-past four o'clock, when his body was found floating in the water off the Quay with a bruise over one eye. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, and the Jury appended to their verdict a strong recommendation that posts and chains should be put up on the Quay so as to prevent any accidents occurring from its unprotected state. - A coffin was made on board the Warrior and covered with black cloth at the expense of the messmates of the deceased. It was brought on shore about four o'clock yesterday afternoon, and the body was then conveyed to Stonehouse by a party of seamen from the ship, under the command of two officers.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 9 May 1862
ASHPRINGTON - Coroner's Inquest At Ashprington. - An Inquest was held at Mrs Ashwick's Waterman's Arms Inn, Ashprington, yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to investigate into the cause of the death of a child named LOUISA FISHER, aged 8 years, who died on Tuesday morning last, at Washborne. - Mr P. P. Nind, of Harbertonford, surgeon, had made a post mortem examination of the body, and discovered a slight quantity of lymph about the heart, which he considered was produced from inflammation, but yet was insufficient to cause death. He considered that her death had been occasioned by inhaling a poisonous gas, which would depress the system and the heart's action. He could not discover any signs of poison having been administered. - The premises in which the deceased lived with her parents, and two other children, were in a very dirty condition, both inside and out, and noxious matter in a large quantity surrounded the dwelling, which had been left there by a previous tenant. The family had only entered the house on the evening of Friday last, and on Monday evening the deceased and the other two children were taken seriously ill, but no medical attendant was called in until after the death of the deceased. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the opinion of Mr Nind: that the deceased died a Natural Death, caused by inhaling impure air.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 10 May 1862
ILSINGTON - Charge Of Manslaughter At Ilsington. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at the Star Inn, in the parish of Ilsington, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of a man about 60 years of age, named PETER WINN, of the village of Halford, who died on Monday last from the effects of blows received on the 24th of April last, in a scuffle with a man named Edward Easton. The deceased had gone to reprimand Easton for assaulting his son, when some angry words passed between them and eventually a scuffle ensued, in which the deceased received a blow in the abdomen, besides other parts of the body. In the following week, WINN summoned Easton before the magistrates at Newton, upon which occasion Easton was convicted of the assault and fined. On the deceased's returning from Newton he was heard to say that he was a dying man, and the day following his having made use of this expression, he was taken very ill, and vomited a large quantity of blood; and he continued to vomit and pass blood up to the time of his death. - Several witnesses were examined at the Inquest, who proved the fact of Easton's having struck the deceased, and also as to his subsequent illness. A post mortem examination of the body was made by N. J. Haydon, Esq., of Bovey Tracey, who found a quantity of blood passing from the mouth, and also found signs of decomposition over the lower part of the abdomen. There was considerable infiltration of bloody serum over the region of the umbilicus, which extended in patches over the right side of the abdomen, one especially large spot over the right hypocondron, which was the spot where the deceased had described the blow as having been struck. There were no corresponding marks on the left side. An effusion of blood was found between the layers of the abdominal muscles, and about a pint of blood in a fluid state was found in the stomach. The whole of the inner surface of the stomach was highly congested and infiltrated with red fluid. There was also a deposit of red fluid in the small intestines, and various other evidences which led Mr Haydon to conclude that death had resulted from the effects of the blow acting upon a previously diseased constitution. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter against Edward Easton, who was forthwith committed to take his trial at the ensuing assizes.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 12 May 1862
CHUDLEIGH - Sudden Death At Chudleigh. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Chudleigh, on the body of a lady named KENDELL. Deceased had been out for a drive in her carriage, accompanied by a lad about fifteen years of age, and on her return, as she was driving through the street, she was observed by several persons to fall from her seat to the bottom of the carriage. Some hastened to her assistance, and she was conveyed to her residence, when Dr Haydon and Mr Lillies, surgeons, were soon in attendance, but their assistance, we are sorry to say, was of no avail, as it was found that the vital spark had fled. The deceased lady, who was much respected, was about fifty years of age.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 13 May 1862
NEWTON ABBOT - Determined Suicide. - On Saturday RICHARD WOTTON, between 50 and 60 years of age, residing in East-street, committed suicide by hanging himself, on Hennaborough Farm, near the Nunnery at Abbotsleigh, and about two miles from Newton, belonging to Mrs Beazeley, of the Globe Hotel, in whose employ he had been for a number of years as hind. In the morning he was engaged on the farm with two other men named Vicary and Demeral. About ten o'clock they left and went to another part of the estate, and did not return until about half-past three in the afternoon, when they found WOTTON was not there, but had left his tools. Proceeding up the field, they discovered the deceased lying against the hedge with his face downwards. On coming up to him they discovered he had hung himself to a small branch of a tree by a large piece of cord. The deceased, who was standing on his feet at the time, was quite black in the face and dead. He could not, however, have been there long, as it was stated by Vicary that he saw him at work about half-past one o'clock. The deceased was immediately cut down, and a vehicle having been obtained, he was conveyed to his home, in East-street. An Inquest was held yesterday at the Beer Inn, East Street, Newton Abbot, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., when a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy And Fatal Accident At The Great Western Docks. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall at five o'clock yesterday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN WILLIAMS, who died from injuries he received that morning, in consequence of a railway truck passing over him. - Richard Morrish said he was the porter of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he resided. About 9 o'clock that morning the body of the deceased was brought into the Hospital, suffering from the injuries he received from the trucks. He spoke several times after he was brought in. He was not bleeding when he was brought in. Dr Hingston saw him. Dr Square was sent for, but deceased died before he arrived. He died about 10 o'clock and was sensible at the time. - James Bartlett, a porter in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, said he had known the deceased for upwards of three years. He was about thirty-one years of age. he was "the way-bill" man and in the employ of the Great Western Docks Company. When home he resided at No. 7 Martin-lane. He had left a widow and two children. That morning, at about half-past 8 o'clock, witness, the deceased, and Edward Carroll, were engaged in running two empty railway trucks from the South Devon Company's yard into the Great Western Docks. The trucks were going very steady, and much slower than usual. The weighing house was inside the Dock wall. Witness did not see deceased come out of the weighing house, but he saw him go over to the turn-table and take the "sprag" to "sprag" the trucks. A "sprag" was a large piece of wood which they inserted between the spokes of the wheels to stop the truck on the turn-table. Witness saw deceased try to put the "sprag" between the spokes of the wheel. He missed the spoke of the wheel, which caught the point of the "sprag" only. The hind part of the "sprag" fell to the ground, and deceased held on to the "sprag" instead of dropping it. In consequence of this proceeding deceased was thrown in between the two trucks, and the fore wheel of the second truck passed over the lower part of his body. The deceased then turned round on his back, and the hind wheel of the same carriage passed over the calves of his legs. Witness got assistance, took up deceased, and carried him into the weighing house, where they laid him down. He was conveyed from thence to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on a stretcher. He was sensible, spoke, and did not blame anyone. For two years and a half it had been witness's duty to run the empty railway trucks, and he did not think anyone was to blame for deceased's death. Witness had seen deceased "sprag" for the last two years. He believed his death to be purely accidental. Deceased was a good man for work and steady. - Edward Carroll, a porter in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, gave corroborative evidence. - The Jury at once arrived at a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Filder, the Secretary of the Great Western Dock Company attended on behalf of the company.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 16 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In The Plymouth Workhouse. - An Inquest was held last evening at five o'clock in the Committee-room, at the New Workhouse, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Mark Blackmore was chosen Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES ALGAR, a journeyman tailor, about 709 years of age, who died suddenly on Tuesday evening in the Workhouse. - William Poole was the first witness examined, and stated that he was the porter at the New Workhouse, Plymouth. He had known the deceased for fourteen or fifteen years. He was a journeyman tailor by trade and about 70 years of age. He had been admitted into the House twice or three times. On Tuesday night, at about twenty minutes past 5 o'clock, witness admitted the deceased into the Workhouse, under an order of Mr Ash, the relieving officer. He was to be admitted as a vagrant for one night only. The general order was for one night only. He appeared then as witness had seen him on many occasions. He suffered from asthma and disease of the heart for several years. Permission was given by the master (Mr Truscott) for the deceased to be put in the receiving ward. He went there and had his supper, consisting of milk and bread. He did not ask to have a surgeon sent for. Witness believed deceased had a wife and two children. About eight o'clock the same evening, witness went into the receiving ward, and saw the deceased in bed. He asked deceased how he was, and he replied that he was very short of breath. They wished each other good night and witness left. One other man, named John Dawe, slept in the same ward. Witness was quite sure no one injured the deceased, & in his opinion he died from disease of the heart, by the visitation of God. - John Snell, an inmate of the Workhouse, stated that he had known the deceased about eighteen months. His health was generally bad, and he was short-breathed. Witness went into the receiving ward on Wednesday morning, at about half-past six o'clock, and deceased was then asleep, lying in the proper position. About half-past seven witness went into the ward again, and found his position altered. His head was where his feet should have been, and the clothes were stripped from the bed. He was dead, though quite warm. Witness was quite sure no one could have injured the deceased. John Dawe was asleep each time witness went in. He reported the death to Mr Truscott, the master of the House, immediately, and he at once came to see the deceased. - John Dawe, the man who slept in the same ward, was called, but he knew nothing of the death of the deceased. - Mr Cosens, one of the Jurymen, wished to know why the surgeon of the establishment was not present? - The Coroner said he had not thought it necessary that the surgeon should attend. He (the surgeon) could only tell them that deceased suffered from asthma and disease of the heart, and, probably, he died from disease of the heart. He could only give them his opinion, but could not state positively without opening the body. That he (the Coroner) was quite sure was not the desire of a Plymouth Jury, merely to satisfy a morbid curiosity, because the poor man was a pauper. If, however, they desired it, the Inquest should be adjourned to procure the attendance of the House surgeon, and enable him to make a post mortem examination. He (the Coroner) did not think it was necessary in the present case to have the attendance of the surgeon of the House. - Mr Cosens said he merely asked the question as a Juryman; he thought that because the man was a pauper the surgeon was not in attendance. He believed that such would not have been the case if it had not been a pauper. - The Coroner assured Mr Cosens that such had not been the practice during the whole of his experience, which extended over a very considerable period. - Mr Cosens expressed himself satisfied, and the Jury immediately arrived at a verdict of "died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 19 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - Supposed Suicide Of A Boy. - At the Guildhall on Saturday, Mr J. Edmonds, the Coroner, held an Inquest upon the body of JOHN HENRY DODDRIDGE, a boy about 15 years of age, taken out of the water at Guy's quay, near the Custom House, on the previous evening. The body had been conveyed from the harbour to the dead-house, in Westwell-street, and it had been there recognised on Saturday morning by the father of the deceased, a blacksmith employed in the Devonport Dockyard. The principal witness was Mrs Gent, baker, Fore-street, Devonport, who stated that the deceased had been employed by her as an errand boy during the last four or five months, and that he left the bakehouse on Thursday morning about eleven o'clock, saying that he would "go and fetch the dinners." Since that time she had not seen him alive. He had been a good boy. The evidence of the father added nothing to this statement, and the only other witness was the man who found the body. The Jury returned an Open Verdict - "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 20 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Cattedown. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall last night before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN CORY, who died on Saturday last from the effects of a fall which he received on the 8th of April last, in the dock at Cattedown. - Richard Morris said: I belong to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. The deceased was brought to the hospital about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 9th ult. with his left leg smashed. The leg had to be amputated the same day by Dr Square. Deceased was getting better during the first two or three weeks, but eventually became worse, and died on Saturday evening last. - JANE CORY said: I am the deceased's wife and live at Ashford, near Barnstaple. Deceased is about 52 years of age, and was mate of a schooner called Henrietta. I came to him three days after the accident, and I found him in the hospital. I stayed with him a fortnight, and then went home, and came again on Wednesday last. He told me he fell into the dock, but did not know how. - Thomas Haynes said: I am a shipwright, and reside at No. 4 Shepherd's-lane, Plymouth. I was passing from Plymouth to Cattedown on the 8th ult. The night was very dark, and a sailor said as I was near the dock, "Who goes there?" "A stranger," said I. He said, "Will you give help to a poor man who has fallen over the dock?" and I said "Yes," and went. There was also a man there with a lantern. We tied a rope round the sailor's body and let him down, and he brought deceased up, and I could see his left leg was broken. We sent for Mr Greenwood, who came about an hour afterwards and tried to set the leg, but failed. Deceased told me he tripped his foot in a stone and fell over the dock. I remained with deceased till two the next morning. - The Coroner and Jury gave witness much praise for his kindness towards the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Accidentally falling over the dock."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 21 May 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE - Inquest On A Boy of H.M.S. Impregnable. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Navy Hospital Inn, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, and a respectable Jury, Mr Thomas Bartlett, Foreman, to Enquire into the cause of the death of JAMES TOWNSEND, a second-class boy on board H.M.S. Impregnable. From the evidence adduced, it appears that the lad was between 14 and 15 years of age, and had been on board the training ship two or three months, during which time he had behaved very well. On Monday morning last, the deceased, together with several other lads, had to go into a boat to learn pulling. The boat is kept two or three feet above the water, and the deceased and his companions went into the boat previous to its being lowered. Before the boat was lowered the bolt at the stern of the boat broke, and that side fell down, and the sudden strain caused the bolt at the bow to break as well. The boys were very much frightened and thrown about and the deceased, who was leaning across one of the seats, was fallen upon by another boy named William Short. He was picked up breathing heavily, and was at once removed to the sick bay, where two medical men were immediately in attendance. Every means was resorted to for his restoration, but without effect, and he died in about a quarter of an hour, without having spoken a single word. The iron bolt was produced by Commander Francisco Tremlett, of H.M.S. Impregnable, and plainly owed its breaking to a flaw in the centre, which could not have been ascertained by external examination. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" without attaching blame to anyone concerned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 29 May 1862
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Death Of A Plymouth Gentleman. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Dock Hotel, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of MR PARMINTER CARDELL, a gentleman residing at Burgoyne Villas, Pennycomequick, who met his death under the following distressing circumstances. - William James said: I am a master mariner, and live at No. 1, Nelson's Cottages, East Stonehouse. I am master of the ship Whitehall, registered in Plymouth. Mr Richard Hocking is the owner. He invited some friends on board yesterday to dinner. There were both ladies and gentlemen, making a very respectable party. The deceased's daughter, son and nephew were there, and went ashore about 7 o'clock. The vessel was lying in the Great Western Docks, alongside the quay. Mrs Hockin and her son also went on shore at 7 o'clock. The gentlemen began to move from the cabin, to go on shore, about 9 o'clock. Five or six gentlemen had gone ashore before MR CARDELL left. About half-past nine o'clock the deceased was alone and going to leave the vessel. I was standing on the rail, port side, with a lantern. I offered him my hand, but he said he did not require it. I think he went two steps on the ladder and missed the next one and then fell from the ladder into the water, between the ship and the quay. I made an alarm at once. Many of the gentlemen were on the quay. Mr John Bromham went over the quay with a rope to his assistance. Mr Bromham held on the rope with one hand and with the other tried to keep him up. I pulled off my coat, got the end of the rope and made a bow line, and went down. I hooked him with my foot about 4 feet under water. I pulled him up with my foot, and got hold of the tail of his coat. I took a round turn of his coat in my hand and put my legs around his body, and called to the people on board to haul up. We were drawn by the people within, I should think, two feet of the edge of the Quay, when his coat came off and he again sunk in the water. I was so exhausted that I could not render him any more assistance. I called one of my men to go down by the same rope as I had gone down by. He did so, and was hauled up with him in his arms. Deceased was immediately taken to Mr Bulteel's surgery, who reported that life was extinct. The body was then removed to the Dock Hotel. There had been no angry words on board the vessel before the accident occurred. It was the happiest party I have seen for some time. When the deceased fell there was no one near him but myself. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that the deceased's death was purely accidental. He must have fallen about 18 feet. I never heard him speak after he fell. I should not think he was in the water more than five minutes. In my opinion he died immediately on falling in. I have known the deceased for 20 years. I should think he was about 50 years of age. - By a Juror: The vessel was about a foot or 14 inches from the Quay. - The Jury considered there was no need of further evidence, and returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 31 May 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Child Burnt to Death At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held at St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a child named JOHN BUTT, who had died from the effects of a burn he had received. It appeared, from the evidence adduced at the Inquest, that the deceased, on the 1st instant, was playing before the fire when he fell backwards towards the fire, and came in contact with a piece of wood, which was placed on the hob to dry, and knocked it into the fire. The wood jolted out a red-hot cinder, which fell on the child's neck, burning it fearfully. No notice was taken of the matter until a week after, when the mother took the deceased to a medical man, who prescribed for it. The deceased lingered until Monday morning, when death put an end to his sufferings. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 6 June 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES SAUL, who died suddenly on Wednesday night. The following evidence was adduced:- Jane Jeffery said: I am the wife of William Jeffery, journeyman carpenter, and reside at 12 Middle-lane Plymouth. I have known the deceased for years. He was married, but lived apart from his wife. I should think he was about 65 years of age, and a pensioner from Greenwich Hospital, and received £15 4s. per annum. I keep a lodging house for men. The deceased came to lodge with me about five months ago. He had been ill in the Workhouse, got better, and came out. His health had been failing him ever since he came out. Sometimes he lay in bed for two or three days together, but on Tuesday he appeared in his usual state of health. He took tea about three in the afternoon, and afterwards went out with another pensioner called Phillips, and they had some beer together at the Mechanics' Inn, St Andrew-street. When he came home I was out. I understood he went to bed about nine o'clock. Three other men slept in the same room with the deceased, called Elias Alger, Gilbert Luttrell and Caleb Gillard. I heard nothing more of deceased until this (Thursday) morning about half-pat five, when Alger informed me he was dead. I went to his room and saw he was dead, but warm. I slept downstairs. The deceased's room is two pair of stairs high. There had not been any quarrelling in the house. I am sure he had not been ill-used by anyone, and in my opinion he died a natural death by the visitation of God. His wife never came to my house to see him, but his daughter did, and she was there on Wednesday afternoon, and brought him down some soup about two o'clock. - Elias Alger said: I am a quay porter, and lodge at the house of the last witness. I went to bed on Wednesday night between nine and ten o'clock. My bed was in the same room as the deceased. He was then awake, and the room was dark. I was tired and went to bed and fell asleep. I awoke about half-past five this (Thursday_ morning, when I discovered he was dead. The two other lodgers were also in the room.. I informed them of it, and then the last witness. I have lodged in the room with deceased for the last five months. His health failed very much. He was a quiet man. I never saw him quarrel, and I don't think anyone hurted him. - Gilbert Luttrell said: I am a quay porter, and have lodged with Mrs Jeffery for about a month. Between nine and ten o'clock on Wednesday night I went to bed. The deceased was in bed in the same room, and it was dark. At his request I got two candles, and lighted one, and went to bed. I had been drinking and fell asleep, and did not awake this (Thursday) morning, when the last witness awoke me, and told me the deceased was dead. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

PLYMOUTH - The Late Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL PYNE, a seaman, lately belonging to the Hydrus, fishing boat, of Brixham, who was drowned with the mate of the Hydrus on the 14th of May. - William Henry Mills said: I am a fisherman's labourer, and reside at No. 7 Castle-street, Plymouth. I have known the deceased about four or five years. He was a sailor of the trawl-sloop Hydrus, about forty tons. When the deceased was home he lived at Brixham. He was about nineteen years and eight months old. I know that the deceased and Henry Ratley, the mate of the sloop, were drowned in the Sound on the 14th of May. When Ratley's body was recovered I assisted in conveying it to the deadhouse. The body of the deceased, SAMUEL PYNE, was landed at the Barbican, in this Borough, on Wednesday afternoon, at four o'clock. I assisted P.C. Fuge in cutting off the pocket from the deceased's trousers. there were in it, three threepenny pieces, one penny, some tobacco, and a bag. I know him by a buckle round his waist, a peculiarity on the left sole of his foot, and a small metal basket suspended round his neck, which the deceased told me he had had given to him by a young woman at Brixham. He had a small silver ring which he wore on the third finger of the right hand. From this evidence and by his dress, I am positive that deceased was one of the men so drowned on the 14th of May. - P.C. Fuge deposed to searching the body, and finding the articles mentioned by the last witness. - Samuel Crocker, a waterman, stated that he resided at 40 New-street. On Wednesday afternoon he was on board one of the hulks in the Sound, lying off Jenny Cliff. From information he received he went in his boat in search of deceased's body. He found it just rising, and towed it to the Barbican P:ier, where he landed it, and gave it into the charge of P.C. Fuge. - The Coroner said he had the particulars of the Inquisition held on the body of RATLEY; and the Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." They (the present Jury) could not arrive at that verdict now, as they had not the evidence before them to shew that such was the case. They could, however, meet the case by returning a verdict of "Found Drowned." The Jury then returned a verdict in accordance with the directions of the Coroner.

EXETER - Coroner's Inquests At Exeter. Absent Jurymen And Inattentive Nurses. - An Inquest was held at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalene Street, yesterday afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, touching the death of WILLIAM MILTON, aged 23 years, a servant with Mr Rowe, a farmer, at Narracott, in the parish of Spreyton. It appeared that on the 28th of May the deceased was driving his master's waggon laden with manure from Crediton to Yeoford, when on getting down to put the drag under the wheel, the whip fell upon the fore horse, which started off, and deceased, who was intoxicated, falling at the same time, the wheel passed over him. The horses dashed on with the waggon at a terrific pace; and ultimately upset in the hedge, the wheels breaking off; but the deceased was left on the road, where he was shortly after discovered by a woman named Lang and a man named Levett. He was removed to a neighbouring house, and afterwards to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it was found that he had received severe injuries, and where he lingered until Wednesday last, when he expired. The house surgeon added that, when the deceased was brought in, he was covered with dirt and vermin; in fact, he never saw a man in a more filthy state in his life. The Foreman and the Jury remarked upon the latter statement, and observed that it should be publicly made known. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Melancholy Suicide. - A second Inquest was held at the London Inn, before the same gentlemen, at 6 o'clock in the evening, touching the death of CHARLES BLUNDEN STRONG, aged about 60 years, who had committed suicide on the previous day. The evidence of Robert Sutton Manning, the waiter at the hotel, and other witnesses went to show that on the evening of Tuesday, a solicitor, residing at Sidmouth, and who was of eccentric and intemperate habits, walked into the house, having only just before arrived by the Sidmouth mail cart. He said that he should want a bed and went out, being apparently in good spirits; but he returned at about half-past ten o'clock, when another waiter saw him in the coffee room, reading a letter, two cards or letters being on the table before him. He then fell off to sleep; but in a short time afterwards he intimated that he should retire to bed, and was shown to his room by the chambermaid, Susan Southcott, being then more sober than usual; in fact having had nothing to eat or drink at the hotel during the night. About a quarter of an hour after he had retired, Hansford, as was usual with deceased, went to his room to see if his candle was extinguished. He knocked at the door, but receiving no answer, he opened the door and found the room in darkness. He did not get up the next morning, and about two o'clock in the afternoon Darby (the boots) went to his room, and failing to get an answer when he knocked, he pushed open the door and spoke, but received no answer, and he then put his hand upon him and found that he was dead. An alarm was raised and medical assistance sent for, when Mr T. W. Caird, surgeon, arrived, and from the appearances judged that death had taken place about nine hours previously. There was nothing unusual about the bed clothes, but the arms were outside the clothes, and were somewhat spasmodically contracted. From the appearance of the body he thought that the death had been a violent one, and he proceeded to examine the room. On the dressing table he found a skin cap and a leather cap which are usually tied on a phial bottle, and on the bedsteps, within reach of the bed, was a wet glass, with a small blue ounce phial in it. The stopper was in the phial, which contained about thirty or forty drops of prussic acid; a label bearing the words, partly in Latin, and partly in English, indicating that it contained prussic acid. It was, however, such as was supplied to the profession, and to the trade; but not to private individuals and from 50 to 60 drops would produce death, in the absence of any antidote. He made a post mortem examination the next morning, and found that death had resulted from prussic acid, and, from the quantity, almost immediately after it was taken. Three letters were found in the pockets of the deceased by Thomas Hambly, bar clerk at the hotel, one directed to Mr R. Wreford, solicitor, of Exeter; the other two being addressed to himself from his trustee, relating to some property, and showing that he was in embarrassed circumstances. Mr Wreford said that the deceased confided his affairs to him, and he had lead a gay life, having spent all his own money and that of his wife. A cousin of his died some time since, from whom he expected a large sum of money; but being disappointed, it had preyed upon his mind and spirits. he had for some years been in straitened circumstances, and once, when he was abroad, he had been under restraint from outrageous conduct. He had also threatened to put an end to himself if he had had the pluck, and he believed that if he had come into the property, he would not have committed suicide. The letter addressed to him said that if he would call at the London Inn on the 4th inst. he would find all that remained of him. He alluded to his debts amounting to £300, and made some remarks as to how they should be paid, and directing that the expenses of the funeral should be paid out of the money found in his pocket, which amounted to £1 5s. 9d. The Jury retied for about twenty minutes, and then returned a verdict that the deceased destroyed himself by taking prussic acid whilst in a state of Insanity. The proceedings occupied about three hours and a half.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 7 June 1862
PLYMOUTH - The Late Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. - An Inquest was held on Monday at the Guildhall, before Mr Edmonds, Coroner, on the body of HENRY RACKLEY, mate of the sloop Hydrus, of Brixham. - William Ellis said: I am master of the Hydrus, of Brixham, of which ship deceased was the mate. He is about 238 years of age. On the 14th of last month we were sailing out of the Sound with a fair wind, when deceased, and Prynn, a seaman, fell overboard. I immediately brought the ship to, and got the boat out and sailed after them. When within 20 feet of deceased, he sank, and I saw no more of him. I came to port and reported the case, and went and searched for the body three days, without success. Deceased was a very steady man. - Francis Dunger, a seaman, belonging to the smack Elizabeth, of Plymouth, said that yesterday, about half-past ten in the morning, he was about a quarter of a mile from the Mew Stone, when he saw something floating in the water. He got into a boat and pulled towards it, and found it to be the body of the deceased. He took it in, and brought and landed it at the Barbican steps, where he gave it up to a police-constable. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BUCKFASTLEIGH - Coroner's Inquest At Buckfastleigh. - An Inquest was held at the Sun Inn, Buckfastleigh, yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, W. Coulton, Esq., Foreman, on the body of a man named WILLIAM WILLCOCKS, who died on Thursday last, from the effects of a serious injury which he received on the 28th of May last, when he became entangled with the machinery in the bark mill of Messrs. Hamlyn, of Buckfastleigh. - John Rockey, a workman in the mill of Messrs. Hamlyn, stated that on the 28th of May the deceased was at work in the bark mill grinding bark, at which witness was also engaged. At about four o'clock in the afternoon witness heard the deceased sing out, "Oh! my arm; Oh! my arm! Stop the Wheel!" Witness stopped the wheel as soon as possible, and then found that the deceased had caught his right arm and was dragged into the mill; the right hand was cut off. The deceased was got out from the mill with assistance and did not appear to be much hurt excepting in the arm. Doctor Kiernan was sent for and soon attended the deceased, both at the mill and the man's residence, to which he was removed. On examination he found that the deceased had lost his forearm entirely - up to the elbow - with laceration of the muscles of the humerus; he considered it necessary to perform an operation, which, with assistance, was skilfully performed. After this the deceased progressed favourably until Wednesday night, when - from gangrene having attacked the stump - he became worse, and gradually sunk until his death on Thursday, at noon. The deceased was described as a steady man, and was about 63 years of age, and the cause of his death was attributed to the injuries he had received and the shock to his system. The Coroner having summed up, a verdict was brought in by the Jury that the deceased died "An Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death By Drowning. - An Inquest was held at the Ferry Inn, Newpassage, yesterday, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of CHARLES BASLEY, a marine, lately serving on board the St. Jean d'Acre, now lying in ordinary: who came by his death at half-past six, on the 20th of May, by drowning. - George Sparkes said he was a marine on board the St. Jean d'Acre, and knew the deceased. They were engaged in getting up a boat on the 20th May, and one of the men threw over a rope for witness to get up with. He was nearly up when the deceased came down the tackle and jumped on to the rope a little above his head. The rope was jerked very much, so that both fell into the water. Witness saw deceased was sinking and he caught hold of him by the hair; but as he could not swim very well and was sinking with the deceased, he let go, and the deceased sank immediately. About the same time he observed a boat from the Cordelia, which picked him up. The deceased told him one day that he could not swim. - Robert Davie, boatswain, of the same ship, corroborated the evidence of this witness: as did James Horson, stoker on board; and John Cameron, boatswain of the Princess Royal, deposed that he picked up the body in the Hamoaze on Thursday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned; the Jury expressing an opinion that a life buoy ought to be kept on board every ship in ordinary.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 9 June 1862
TORQUAY - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held before E. P. Cumming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury at the Castle Inn, Union-street, on the body of MR FREDERICK WHITE, builder and undertaker, of Portland Row, who died suddenly at his residence, at about half-past six on Friday morning. Mr Stabb, surgeon, deposed that he was called in at an early hour on Friday morning and found that deceased had died before his arrival. He had known him well for several years, but had never attended him professionally; in fact, did not know that he was ever unwell. He felt no doubt in his own mind that deceased had died of heart disease, but could not speak positively without making a post mortem examination. Two neighbours deposed to being alarmed by MRS WHITE on Friday morning and finding MR WHITE apparently in a fit, lying on the floor and he died in a few minutes after. Deceased was a very temperate man, and was much respected in the neighbourhood. In accordance with these facts, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Death Of A Soldier. - An Inquest was held at the Eagle Tavern, Barrack-road, on Saturday, at one o'clock, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, touching the death of RICHARD ALIN, aged 18 years and four months, a bandsman in the 6th Dragoon Guards or Carabineers, whose death took place at the Higher Barracks, Exeter, from the effects of a kick which he had received from a horse, whilst on the route to Aldershott. The following evidence will show the particulars of the melancholy affair:- William Welch said he was the landlord of the Nag's Head, Crewkerne. The deceased, with other men belonging to the regiment, was billeted at his house on Sunday, the 25th May. At about a quarter to one on that day he (witness) went into the stable, where the deceased was engaged about his horse, to ask him about when he would have his dinner, when he heard a blow, and directly afterwards he saw him lying on the ground, by the wall. He (witness) then called deceased's comrades, who carried him out - he being covered with blood. He was taken into a room, and medical assistance called, when Mr Joliffe, surgeon, and the doctor of the regiment, arrived and treated him, when he revived, but did not give any account of the accident. He was placed in bed and remained in the house until about seven o'clock the next morning, when he was placed in an omnibus and removed to the station. He was not accompanied by any medical man, the regiment having left, the deceased being in the drawing-room, and seeing them depart. On the previous day the deceased said, "That brute kicked me, and you were standing by;" and, added the witness, it was the awfullest brute I ever saw in my life, and he ought to be shot. there was a wound in his temple, from which he was bleeding profusely. When the deceased was being removed he observed that he was very glad he was going to return to Exeter. Deceased was perfectly sober, not having drank a drop of anything during the day. - George Phillips, a private of the regiment, identified the body as that of RICHARD ALIN, late a private in the regiment. He (witness) still remained at the Exeter barracks on a sick furlough, and the deceased, who was brought into the Hospital on Monday last, had told him that the injuries he received had been occasioned by a kick from a horse. He did at 6 o'clock on the evening of Wednesday. - James Crigligton, sergeant and assistant-steward of the army hospital corps, quartered at Exeter Barracks, said that the deceased was brought into the hospital on the 26th ultimo, and was at first placed under the care of Assistant-Surgeon Davenport, when Mr Hartnoll, surgeon, took charge of him. - Mr T. H. Hartnoll, surgeon, stated that he took charge of the sick in the barracks' hospital on the 31st ultimo, the deceased being amongst them. He had a contused wound on the right temple, about an inch long, but he (witness) could not detect any fracture of the bone, and on the whole he appeared to be progressing favourable until Tuesday evening, between 8 and 9 o'clock, when he became more restless and excited, having then and previously complained of pain in the back and head. He saw him again between 9 and 10 o'clock, when he was in a state of stupor and could not be roused, the pupil of the left eye being particularly dilated - in fact, he was labouring under pressure on the brain; and he lingered until 6 o'clock in the evening, without rallying, when he died. He had since made a post mortem examination of the head only; there was not any fracture of the skull, but there was about half an ounce of pusulent matter on the right hemisphere, which evidently caused compression on the brain, and hence death. The matter found inside corresponded with the wound outside, and the latter was likely to have been caused by a kick from a horse. - This being the whole of the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from a kick received from a horse. Two or three of the Jury wished to append to their verdict a recommendation to the colonel of the regiment that the horse should be destroyed; but as it could not be shown which animal had inflicted the blow, the suggestion could not be adopted. - The deceased will be buried at the Cemetery at 3 o'clock today, when the Volunteers will attend.

EXETER - Another Melancholy Suicide. - A second Inquest was held at the North Devon Inn, Paul-street, at six o'clock in the evening, on view of the body of SAMUEL WIDGER, a retired farmer, aged 47, who resided near Ashburton, and who committed suicide by cutting his throat that morning at Mr Tancock's lodgings, Paul-street. There was a large attendance of Jurymen, Mr Philip Wish being the Foreman: The Jury went and viewed the body at Mr Tancock's. The appearance was very shocking; the neck presented a deep cut, almost from ear to ear, and the wind pipe very much protruded. There was a large quantity of blood in the room, and the body lay on the floor, the clothes being off. - The following evidence was adduced:- Wm. Tancock stated that he was a hairdresser, residing in Paul street, and he let apartments. He did not know the deceased. He was sent to his house by a person named Tuck on the previous night, about nine o'clock. Mrs tuck was in the habit of sending lodgers to his house, when her own was full. Deceased sat talking with witness and Mrs Tancock until about half-past ten, when he asked for a candle and went to bed. He said he had been to the great Epsom Races. He said he had not been betting. He asked him if he had been successful or not. He replied, "I never do anything in that way." They had a glass of beer each; he was quite sober when he came. There was nothing in his manner to create mistrust; he was quite cheerful. Never spent a more pleasant hour with any person. He saw nothing more of the deceased until half-past four o'clock this morning, when he was called by a young man, named Fletcher, who slept in the same room with the deceased - in a double-bedded room. He went to the bedroom. He saw the deceased lying on the floor; he was lying on his side, and he saw him put back his hand to remove his shirt. The blood was flowing very freely from his neck. He did not see any weapon in the room. He went immediately for Mr Webb, and by the time he returned, the deceased was quite dead. - Mr Easton jun. (A Juryman) said the knife appeared very small to create so large a wound as appeared in the neck. - John Fletcher, a compositor, lodging at Mr Tancock's, slept in the same room with the deceased. The deceased was in bed when he went to the room. He conversed with the deceased for a quarter of an hour after he got into bed. His conversation was principally about the Derby Races. He appeared cheerful. About half-past four this morning, he was aroused by something falling like water on the floor. He looked to see what it was; and he saw the deceased sitting on the side of the bed, and the blood was flowing very freely from his neck. He instantly ran downstairs and told Mr Tancock of what he had seen. He heard something fall when he was downstairs. He returned with Mr Tancock to the room, and then the deceased was on the floor. He never heard deceased speak at all. Mr Webb, the surgeon, came soon after; and heard him say that he saw a penknife near the deceased. The deceased had only his shirt on. - In reply to several Jurymen, witness said that he only took a glance of the deceased, and then he ran downstairs. He did not hear any particular noise beyond the dropping of blood. He did not speak to the deceased; he was too much horrified. He could see the deceased quite plain. - Inspector Fulford produced the knife found near the deceased. The small blade was open; there was a quantity of blood about it. (The knife was handed round to the Jury; it was of the ordinary pattern, the small blade of which was quite sufficient to effect the wound in the neck.) - WILLIAM WIDGER, farmer, of Ashburton, stated that the deceased was his brother. His name was SAMUEL WIDGER. His age was about 47. He last saw the deceased about the middle of May, when he was living with him; but he left to go to the Great Exhibition in London. Deceased was a farmer, but had retired three or four years from business. He received a letter from the deceased stating that he was going to the Epsom races; and that he would return to Hereford on the 7th of June, respecting the purchase of a young bullock. He had heard the deceased say that he betted at races sometimes. He had been at Epsom before. He did not retire from business because it did not answer. When the deceased was a boy he met with a severe accident over his eye and he nearly died from it. The medical man then said that a little would upset him as he got older. He found that, as he got older, he became more irritable. When he had drank a little he would get very much excited. He thought the deceased had been affected by the kick. Very little drink would upset him. Heard him complain frequently of pains in the head. He thought that the blow in the head and the drink affected his temper and mind. - In reply to several Jurymen, witness said he did not know if the deceased had lost any money at the races; had heard him say that he had won money at the races before now. He could not recognize the knife produced; never saw him carry a pocket knife when out on the farm. - THOMAS WIDGER, another brother of the deceased, stated that he saw the deceased alive the first week in April. He knew deceased had a kick from a horse in his eye when about seven or eight years of age. Deceased was younger than himself. Deceased suffered a great deal from the kick. He would talk wild after he had drank a little; he thought that wildness had latterly increased. When in liquor he would talk of subjects he did not remember afterwards. Never heard him speak at all of destroying himself. Deceased was unmarried. He did not think money matters preyed on his mind. - By a Juryman: The deceased went solely to see the races; he had been there for the past three or four years. - [Mr Tancock here produced a gold watch and chain, a check book, and a purse containing £4 12s. 3d. found in the deceased's possession.] - The Coroner made a few observations to the Jury, who immediately returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 11 June 1862
TOTNES - At the Market-house Inn yesterday, an Inquest was held before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, Mr E. Evens, Foreman, to Enquire into the death of MR THOMAS BEABLE, of Ugborough, smith, who died suddenly at Totnes on Monday morning, as reported in our columns of yesterday. - Mr W. Oldrey, bailiff of the County Court, and Mr W. D. Narramore, clerk in the court office, gave evidence as to the entry of the deceased into the County Court office on Monday morning, between the hours of 10 and 11. Mr Narramore asked the deceased to wait until he was disengaged, when he would attend to him; but before he was ready to do so, the deceased dropped heavily by his side, and on being placed on a chair, he groaned two or three times; but before any restorative could be applied, or medical attendance afforded, life was extinct. - ARTHUR BEABLE, a son of the deceased, stated that his father had worked with him until about 9 on Monday morning, both at North Filliam, where he lived, and where he also had a shop for carrying on his trade, and also at Wrangerten, where he had another shop, and to which they had walked together from North Filliam. The deceased left Wrangerton for Totnes at about 10 o'clock, and intended to return by the midday mail train, for which purpose he had taken a return ticket. He appeared in his usual health, and better than he had been a few days previously. The only indisposition of which he had complained, was a slight giddiness and a pain in his chest, and he was also described as an abstemious man. - Thomas Edward Owen, of Totnes, surgeon, deposed that he was called into the County Court on Monday morning to see the deceased, whom he found quite dead; he could not, without making a post mortem examination, state the exact cause of death, but it might have ensued from one of three causes - disease of the heart, aneurism, or apoplexy. He did not believe it was from any other than a natural cause, but he could not say what, as he had not attended, nor did he know, the deceased. - One of the sons of the deceased, older than the one who had been examined, here stated that he recollected his father having been troubled with apoplectic fits about 20 years since, in consequence of which he had relinquished his business of a smith for some years, and turned his attention to farming, but that he had not had an attack for more than fourteen years, and was at the time of his death again following his previous trade. The deceased had been very healthy for many years past, and had only once been attended by any medical gentleman a few months since. Mr Owen said that he was still of the opinion at first expressed, and did not doubt that from some physical derangement some vessels might have bursted and caused an overflow of blood to the brain, which would produce sudden death. - The Coroner having summed up and expressed himself as satisfied with the opinion of Mr Owen, and also as considering a post mortem examination unnecessary, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes by the Visitation of God." The body was fast decomposing and much swollen and after the Inquest was removed for interment by the family.

EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner and a respectable Jury, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Holloway-street, on the body of WILLIAM BENNETT, who died from injuries received to his leg by falling from the shafts of a waggon on which he was riding in St. Sidwells, on Ascension Day, the wheels passing over his ankle. He was picked up and conveyed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he was attended by Dr Delagarde, and the house surgeon, who considered it a bad case. Erysipelas intervening, the poor fellow succumbed. After hearing this evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 16 June 1862
TEDBURN ST MARY - On Thursday last a man named WILLIAM PLYMSELL committed suicide by hanging himself to an apple tree, at Tedburn St. Mary. An Inquest was held on Friday, before R. N. Cross, Esq., and a respectable Jury, at the Red Lion Inn, Tedburn, when a verdict was returned to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide whilst labouring under Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 19 June 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the White Lion, King-street, Devonport, on the body of WILLIAM BUNKER, who committed suicide by hanging himself, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury of 23 men, of whom Mr Henry Vercoe was chosen Foreman. - AGNES BUNKER said: - The deceased was my husband. He was 33 years of age. He has lately been in the employ of Mr Baker, contractor. He has been in very low spirits for a long time, and on Monday night he came home, and said the horse he had given £37 for, was not worth much. He began to sob very much. I did all I could to console him. He fed his horse and went to bed. I awoke two or three times during the night and heard him sobbing. The deceased got up at five o'clock on Tuesday morning, and got some bread and fish. He directed me to bring his breakfast to Keyham Gates between eight and nine o'clock. He has been low spirited for two years since. He was very sober, and appeared at some times lost. He was a very nervous man. I waited 20 minutes at the Keyham Gates for him, but could see nothing of him. I heard nothing further of him until a Mrs Rowe came and told me that he had hung himself. - Rebecca Titherly, who had known the deceased about two years and a half, gave corroborative evidence relative t the state of the deceased's mind. - Sampson Dawe said: - I am a labourer, working for Mr Brooking, a forager. On every Friday, Saturday and Monday, I had to put two bundles of grass into the deceased's loft for his horse. I neglected to go on Monday, but I went on Tuesday morning at about half-past ten o'clock and drew the waggon which contained the grass in front of the loft door, so that I could reach the loft door by standing on the waggon. The loft is about eight or ten feet from the ground. I pushed back the door and saw the body of a man hanging to a principal or beam by a rope, which was tied round his neck. He was about five feet from the door. I went and called a policeman, who came in about three minutes afterwards. When we returned an artilleryman had cut him down. He was lying on the floor. - Thomas Voizey, a sergeant in the Royal Artillery, stationed at the New Granby Barracks, said: - On going to the Barracks on Tuesday morning I passed the deceased's stable in Geake's Alley. I saw a waggon at the door of a loft. The last witness said a man had hung himself. I then jumped up on the waggon into the loft, and, having procured a knife, cut the deceased down. The policeman then came and searched him in my presence. His feet were touching the ground, and he was resting on his toes. His knees were bent very much. There is an opening in the floor against which a ladder is placed to go into the stable below. There was found on deceased 14s. 6d. which was in his trousers pocket, a comb, lead pencil, tobacco pouch, and the bread and fish in his other pockets. He also had a pocket knife. - P.C. Mitchell gave corroborative evidence, and stated in addition that the first thing that met his eyes, on entering the loft, was a razor lying open on a bundle of forage. - The Coroner summed up at length, and explained to the Jury the law bearing on the matter. - The Jury, without any deliberation, returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased committed Suicide whilst labouring under a fit of Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 21 June 1862
EXETER - Extraordinary Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning before H. W. Hooper, Esq., and a Jury, of which Mr Richards was the Foreman at Snow's Blue Boar Inn, Magdalen-street, on the body of JOHN TANCOCK. As far as the case has gone at present, it is involved in a great deal of mystery, and is briefly as follows:- A man named Wills, known about Exeter as the crier of "Old Chairs to mend," lived with a woman, said to be his wife, in a room over Giles' cider shop, in Rack Street. A short time since the deceased, who is a nephew of Wills, came to reside with them. Mrs Wills taking another room for him on the same floor. The two men used to go out gathering broom together, and notwithstanding the circumstance that Wills's wife had two or three times left her husband to cohabit with TANCOCK, all three, up to the 20th May, drank and generally agreed well together. On that day, however, after having been drinking cider in Giles' shop downstairs, a quarrel ensued, and this was the first symptom of disagreement. All seemed to go smoothly again, as far as the evidence went, until the 26th, when it appears that Mrs Wills gave up the key of No. 2 to Mr Elliott, agent for the landlord, and on the 27th, while Wills and his wife were drinking at Giles', deceased came home and asked for the key, which was refused him. He then threatened to break open the door, and went upstairs, followed by Mrs Wills, who soon afterwards came down for Wills to go up and turn deceased out. Wills went up, and quarrelling was heard for half-an-hour, when Wills's wife ran down stairs with a poker bearing stains of blood, and begged Mr Giles to go up or murder would be committed. Giles requested her to go for a policeman, and she went out while he went upstairs, and on the landing-place found TANCOCK lying on the top of Wills, and the floor covered with blood. A stick also stained with blood was lying on the left side of TANCOCK. Giles lifted up the latter, who went downstairs without speaking, and walked straight to the hospital, where he died on Wednesday. Wills was so ill as to require help. Blood flowed from a large cut in the temple, and it was considered he was mortally wounded. The father of deceased, a labourer of Dunsford, and Mr Giles, and his wife, were examined to shew the cause of the quarrel, and it being stated that a militiaman saw a hatchet in one of the men's hands, the coroner adjourned the case until Saturday (this day) at eleven o'clock, for the attendance of this and other witnesses.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 23 June 1862
EXETER - Death From Intemperance. - An Inquest was held at the Fireman's Arms, West-gate, Exeter, on Thursday evening, on the body of an old woman named BETTY KNIGHT, who met her death under the following circumstances:- It appeared that the old woman had long been suffering from a decayed constitution, and on Wednesday, being drunk, a stone was thrown at her by some boys. The old lady subsequently fell, and, becoming ill, Mr Cumming, Surgeon, was sent for. He ordered nourishing food and stimulants to be administered, but she never rallied and Mr Cumming now stated his belief that she died from Natural Causes, accelerated by intemperance. A verdict in accordance with these facts was returned.

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - The Inquest On BENJAMIN CORBER. Verdict Of Felo De Se. - It is rare, indeed, that the suicide of a man in comparatively humble life, and in its minor incidents so common, excites so large an amount of attention and interest, as has that of BENJAMIN CORBER, which we recorded on Saturday as having taken place at Milton, near Buckland Monachorum, on the preceding day. Not only the immediate neighbourhood, but the whole district, was in excitement on the event - a fact which is only compatible with the supposed connexion of the deceased with a cold-blooded tragedy, which, in 1852, filled the locality with horror. That this murder is the immediate cause of the suicide of CORBER, whether he was the guilty man or not, is beyond question. - The village of Milton is a singularly wild spot. One who is an authority on such matters expressed the general appearance of the place tersely and forcibly when he told us that it was "the most cut-throat sort of place he knew." It lies completely out of the path of ordinary business or pleasure drives; its position appears to have been chosen from the fact that there a rapid stream rushes along at the foot of thickly-wooded cliffs. It is only to be approached by a narrow, tortuous, and precipitous lane, at the end of which is an wholly illegible sign-post, and consists of some thirty cottages, in all stages of dilapidation, from the house that, twenty years ago, was gutted by fire, within which trees have now grown up, to the really habitable inn, off which the heavy rains of the district have not yet succeeded in washing the coat of paint which was once bestowed upon it. In one of these tenements a scene was enacted on the 29th of October, 1852, which created intense excitement at the time, and of which, seeing that it is intimately connected with the tragedy of Friday, we will give an outline. In a very small and rude cottage, right in the centre of what we must call the village, lived an old lady, 65 years of age, named Mary White. She had formerly, in conjunction with her son, carried on a grist mill at Milton, but the son having married, differences arose that eventually led to a separation. The son continued in the mill, and the mother went to reside in a cottage near, and opened a general shop on a small scale. She had accumulated some little property, which she foolishly kept in cash in her house. The amount is not known; it was variously estimated at from £12 to £15. On the evening of the 29th she was seen in the shop, and the following morning, in consequence of her window shutters not having been taken down, the neighbours became alarmed, and after unsuccessfully trying the door, a ladder was obtained, and the neighbours on looking in through the window saw the body of the old woman on the bed, which was much stained with blood. On going in it was found that her head had been all but separated from the body, being attached simply by a bit of skin at the back of the neck. There was no evidence of anything having been taken from the room, but the money the old woman was supposed to have had was not to be found. The first suspicion certainly pointed towards John White, the son, who had been on bad terms with his mother, and who on bringing the chief of the police at Tavistock acquainted with the fact said there was "a woman," or "an old woman with her throat cut at Milton." The Coroner's Inquest, after an adjournment, resulted in a verdict of "Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown." - BENJAMIN CORBER, a man 35 years of age, had long been on intimate terms with the deceased, who had been accustomed to milk his cows for him. He was a small farmer and pig jobber, and lived at a house exactly opposite and within twelve feet of that of the murdered woman. Some suspicious circumstances appearing, CORBER was apprehended on the charge of murder. The two witnesses who were supposed t be able to give important statements against him denied on examination what they had formerly alleged and almost the only evidence against him was that, on the Tuesday after the Saturday of the murder, he paid to the Messrs. Eastlake £10 for rent, due to the Rev. George Hunt, although he was known not to have had anything like that sum a few days before the murder. It was proved, on his behalf, that on the Friday night - the night previous to the murder - he was very drunk; that he and a miner, Nicholas robins, had been drunk in Tavistock, had drank more at Buckland, and come to Milton late in the evening, drunk. The prisoner CORBER was committed for trial by the magistrates, but the bill against him was thrown out by the grand jury. - CORBER has since that date continued to live at the same house, and has been regarded, as we learn, with considerable aversion and distrust by his neighbours. It was generally supposed that two men were concerned in the murder; and CORBER and Robins were rightly or wrongly pitched upon by their neighbours as the culprits. That it was done by someone who knew the premises thoroughly there could be no question. Robins left the country: CORBER lived soberly and steadily for some years, having given up his drunken habits and become a teetotaller. Two years ago, however, he started a beer house - the second in the little village - and then his sobriety vanished and he again became a drunkard. This has especially been the case during the last two months. - A circumstance occurred last autumn which again drew down suspicion on the head of CORBER, and caused his neighbours anew to turn to him the cold shoulder. A man named Holwill, a leading stoker on board H.M.S. Indus, came before the magistrates at Stonehouse, and stated that in August 1860, when at Rio Janeiro, a man named robins told him that he murdered old Mary White at Milton, in Buckland, and that CORBER was wrongfully accused of the murder. Robins said he did the murder, and took away £75 from the house. Holwill said when Robins told this he was apparently sober, and he evidently knew the neighbourhood very well. When Holwill began to question him as to his connections in the neighbourhood, he refused to say any more; and the next time he saw him he pretended not to be able to speak English. Before leaving Rio, Holwill learnt that Robins had hung himself. CORBER'S sister interested herself to have Holwill's statement made public. Prior to this there had been several stories about the murder, but they had all left the affair as mysterious as it was before. CORBER has continued steadily to deny that he was connected with the affair. Of late, however, he has complained that he had something dreadful on his mind which would not allow him to be alone, that his life was a burden to him, and he wished he was dead; and only last week he told a neighbour that he should soon be dead; that "he should be in hell before Saturday night." Before that Saturday night came he had hung himself to a beam in an outhouse of his own dwelling, under circumstances fully detailed in the following evidence:- The Inquest. - Was held in the house of the deceased, the "Welcome Inn," in the village of Milton, on Saturday morning, before the Coroner for this portion of the county, A. B. Bone, Esq. The Jury comprised the following inhabitants of Milton and Buckland: Mr George Gidley, who was chosen Foreman; and Messrs. John Gusthan, Thomas Spry, Thomas Ford, Simeon Uren, James Beer, Robert Glanville, James Beer, jun., William Chowen, John Hamblin, Thomas Wheaton, William Lickman, Thomas Austen, John Brown, William Picke, Christopher Lethbridge, Philip Smallacombe, Saml. Venner, William Worth, William Gill, John Bryant, Edward Tavaner, and William Austin. - The Jury having been sworn, the proceeded to view the body. It was that of a large-made and full-grown man. Around his neck was discernible a very slight discolouration. The features wore an aspect of heaviness and at the same time of great determination. - The Jury then returned to the room and the following evidence was adduced. By her express and very urgent desire, the wife of the deceased was present during the whole proceedings. - SUSANNAH CORBER, the widow of the deceased, BENJAMIN CORBER, said: My husband was a farmer; he kept pigs and cows. He lived in the house where we now are at Milton, in the parish of Buckland Monachorum. His age was forty-seven years. His family consists of six children of whom four live at home with me. I last saw him alive yesterday morning, the 20th inst., about half-past seven o'clock. He had milked the cows and fed he pigs. After he had done that he was in the kitchen washing his face and hands, when he said he would go up to Mr Fowler's to return the horse which he had borrowed. Mr Fowler is a farmer, living at Tamerton. Deceased said if he could get a drink he would take his hat and go on, and I said to him that he had better take a cup of tea, which was then on the table, and that there was also a bit of fish on the table which he could have. He made no reply, but he went out of the kitchen by the back door, and I never saw him afterwards alive. He went out alone. He got up that morning between six and seven his usual time. He said nothing on getting up - he dressed and went downstairs without saying anything. He lit the fire in the kitchen as usual, and put the kettle on the fire. We were on very good terms, and had never had an angry word all the previous day. I have not had any angry words for some time, beyond my asking him not to drink. - Coroner: What have been his habits the last three or four weeks? - Witness: He has drank freely for some weeks past; he has frequently been the worse for liquor. He has been lately cross with me. - Coroner: Has he said anything to you lately about the state of his mind particularly? - Witness: A few days since he said to me, "Oh, I wish I was dead." I said, "That is a bad wish for you, with all your little children about you." He said "You could do better without me than with me." I said, "I am sure I could not." I have heard him say a good many times when he has been drinking that he wished he was dead. On the morning, soon after he went out of the house - I heard that he was dead. He would often say when he had drank that it was hard that an innocent man should suffer what he had done by being taken to Exeter. He said that he had been an innocent man, he was innocent of the murder of Mary White, and he said that Mr Beer and the witnesses had sworn false against him, and that Mr Gill, the magistrate, was an old rogue for listening to him. As soon as I heard the deceased was dead I went to see him. It was about ten minutes after he had left the house that I went to the pound chamber, at the back of the dwelling house, and saw my son JOHN, who is about seventeen years of age, supporting him. I said, "Is he dead?" and my son said, "Yes, he is." My husband's blood relations live at Plympton St. Mary. I have known the family a long while. - Coroner: Have you ever known any of his family out of their mind? - Witness: His brother was confined in the Devon County Asylum for a long time, and he died about three or four years ago in that asylum. - The Coroner: Have you ever seen anything to induce you to believe that your husband was out of his mind? - Witness: No, sir; I never saw any appearance of insanity about him, except that he was cross when he was in drink. - Coroner: At the time of the something of which he said he was innocent, was he given to drink? - Witness: Yes he was. He has always from a child been given to drink more than others. About three years ago he became a teetoller, and he kept to that for two or three years. He then broke out as he was before, and gave way as he used to. For the last five weeks he has given way a good deal. He has been lately saying that we were getting back in the world, and we should be in the Union soon. He said this almost every day lately. We had had bad luck lately, I believe. - JOHN CORBER, an intelligent-looking farm labourer sworn, said: The late BENJAMIN CORBER was my father, and I lived with him in this house. Yesterday morning I first saw him about 7 o'clock when he was milking the cows. I saw nothing peculiar or unusual about him then. He afterwards told me that I was to put the tackle (harness) on the horses; he meant the horses one of which was his own and one Mr Fowler's. He said he was going up to Mr Fowler's with a horse. I was not going with him, but my little brother was. I never saw him afterwards alive. - Coroner, to MR CORBER: When did his brother become insane, as near as you can judge? - MR CORBER: I should think that it is 10 or 15 years ago. He did 4 or 5 years ago. There was no particular circumstance which affected his mind that I know, except that he fancied he was become poor. - Examination of JOHN CORBER resumed: About a quarter of an hour afterwards, my younger brother called me from the kitchen; and, in consequence of what he said, I went from the house into the pound chamber, the door of which was open. I there saw my father hanging up by a rope, one end of which was fastened round the shelf on which they used to put apples; it was round the wall of the pound house. The shelf was about 7 or 8 feet high from the ground. The rope was fastened - one end round the beam and the other round deceased's neck. His body was quite still. He was then dead. He was down on his knees, and the body was leaning backward. There was no one else in the pound chamber. I then cut the rope with a knife and took the deceased down. I laid him down on the ground, and then called for assistance. Mr Samuel Quick, a neighbour, then came to the spot. The deceased was dressed just as I had seen him when milking the cows. He had no hat on his head. He had a hat on when he was milking. He had nothing in his hands. - Coroner: Do you know what rope it was he was hanging with? - Witness: It was a common cow slip that the cows are tied up with. He had no rope in his hand when I saw him milking. The rope was tight around his neck. - Coroner: Have you ever heard your father say anything that alarmed you? - Witness: No, sir. Coroner: Have you ever heard him say he wished he was dead? - Witness: No, sir - I went for the doctor at my mother's request, and Mr Willis, the surgeon, came about an hour and a half after. The doctor bled him in his arm. I did not see him bled. - By the Jury: Deceased was resting on his knees, and his feet were on the ground behind him; his toes down on the floor. - A Juror: Had the rope slipped, or anything, for I can hardly understand his being hung like that to be dead? - Witness: As he was hanging, the rope was tight round his neck. There was not much spare rope between the deceased and the ceiling. I cut the noose of the rope. - The Coroner: It is very possible that, when deceased became unconscious, his body was in a different position, so that he was suffocated. If the shelf to which the rope was attached was, as is said, about 6 feet 6 inches high, the rope would have come within about 3 feet of the ground. (To Witness): Did you see any stool or anything from which deceased might have slung off? - Witness: No, sir, I did not. The shelf now produced is the same I have spoken of. - Mr John Freeman said: I am superintendent of police for the H Division of the Devon County Constabulary. I produce the shelf which I have taken from the pound chamber of the house. I visited the chamber in the presence of the last witness this morning. I put the rope round the shelf, and asked if it was the same as that on which he had found deceased suspended; and he said it was. The shelf was fixed in the wall of the pound chamber at a height of 6 feet, and between 3 and 4 inches from the floor. One end of the rope was round a support of the shelf fixed in the wall. The spare end of the rope was about three or four inches long. The length of the pendant, perpendicular part of the rope without the loop was 2 feet 2 inches when the rope was round the neck. - A Juror: Deceased must have thrown his weight quite off his legs. - The Coroner: He must have bent his knees so as to bring the strain of the rope upon his neck. - Superintendent Freeman: The noose was not tight round his neck, but was quite loose. - A Juror: Then he must have thrown his weight on his neck in a very determined manner. - Superintendent Freeman: The door of the pound chamber could not be fastened on the inside. - Mr John Hodge sworn, said: I am a retired farmer, and live at the village of Milton. The deceased was a tenant of mine; he rented about twenty acres of land, and the dwelling-house in which his body now lies. His rent was back a little; at Midsummer there would have been twelve months' rent due. I never had any words with deceased: we were always particular friends. He has never said anything particular to me about committing this deed. I have never seen anything particular about him till the last few weeks. He was not minding his work as he used to, but as he was out drinking, I thought it was that. He was always a very steady man while he was a teetotaller. I saw him last alive last Wednesday; he passed by, and he nodded as he went on in a friendly way. I have not had any conversation with him for the last three weeks that I know of. I can give no further information about the matter. - Mr John Kinsman, sworn, said: I keep a beer-shop in Milton. There are two beer-shops there - the deceased's and mine. Deceased was in the habit of coming in to my house occasionally. During the last few weeks he has come pretty frequently - three or four times a week. I have seen him the worse for liquor, but not tipsy He has not said anything to me that was remarkable, except that in coming back from Buckland Fair last Monday night he said that the opening of this beer-shop was his ruin. He said he had lost £30 this year, and could not give any account of it. I have never heard him say he wished he was dead, or anything of the kind. I saw him yesterday morning, about half-past six, and then he seemed as usual - there was no difference about him. I said, "Good morning," and he did not take any notice: I don't expect he heeded me. He was alone. - Mr John Helson, sworn, said: I am a smith, living just below. I have known deceased 14 or 15 years. About the 16th of April last, I came home with him from Jump Fair. I assisted him home, for he was rather tipsy. - Coroner: Did he appear to you to understand what he was saying? - Witness: I don't know whether he did or not; he seemed to be tipsy. He said to me several times that he was dying, and that he would be dead and in hell before Saturday night. I persuaded him to look to something better, and not to give way like that. He did not say anything else. - The Superintendent of Police said that the house had been searched to see if there were any papers of importance, but none were found. - This being the whole of the evidence, the Coroner addressed the Jury. He said: Gentlemen, the circumstances of this case, serious as they are, are so very plain and simple that I scarcely think it necessary to read over to you the particulars of the evidence which has been adduced. The first point which it is your duty to determine is whether the deceased has taken his own life, and the circumstances are such as to leave you without any doubt on that head. The next question for your consideration is, whether evidence has been brought before you to show whether the deceased was at the time of committing the act in an insane state of mind. Gentlemen, it is my duty to tell you that, by law, every homicide is deemed to be felonious unless the contrary is shown; and, therefore, if a man either takes his own life or the life of another, the presumption of the law is that he has done so feloniously, unless that presumption is reversed by evidence proving that at the time the act was committed the person who did it was in a state of insanity. Mind, gentlemen, insanity by law does not consist in mere lowness of spirits or hypochondrias, but it means that the man is in that condition of mind which precludes him from making the necessary distinctions between right and wrong, and if he is proved to be unable to make those distinctions the law does not hold him to be responsible for what he does. The same conditions of mind which would excuse a man in the eye of the law for taking his own life would also be for him a valid excuse had he taken the life of another. The question for you to consider is, whether the deceased was in such a state of mind that had he committed a robbery or a murder or any other crime the law would not hold him responsible. There is not a particle of evidence in this case of insanity on the part of the deceased, unless we can accept as such what has been said by MRS CORBER with regard to his brother having been insane. But that does not appear to me to be evidence in this case at all. I confess to you, with some pain, that I can see no evidence to show the deceased to be insane. It is, however, for you to apply the law which I have to explain, and it is for you to return your verdict, and not me. At the same time, I must remind you that I have taken a solemn oath to discharge my duty, and that you have each of you sworn to perform yours, without reference to personal feelings, prepossessions, or preferences; that is your duty to your God, your country and to the law. I have now endeavoured to explain to you what insanity is and what the law is, and if there is no evidence that the deceased, at the time he hung himself, was insane, it will be for you to return a verdict of felo-de-se; if there is such evidence in your judgment, you will then return a verdict of temporary insanity. - The Court was then cleared, and the Jury were left alone. In a quarter of an hour the public were re-admitted, when The Coroner, addressing the reporters and public, said - It is right that I should inform you that the Jury have informed me that three of their number have important evidence to give. I have, therefore, thought it was desirable to discharge these three from the Jury, and will proceed to take their evidence. - Mr Thomas Spry, sworn, said: I am a mason, living in this village and deceased used to work for me occasionally on some ground which I rent. In the matter end of March last, at about half-past one in the afternoon, I called to deceased, who was in a field at work, and asked him if he and his men could come and take in a little hay for me, and he said he could not let his men go, and could not go himself, for there was something the matter with him that he was afraid to stay in the field by himself, or to take in the hay by himself. I met deceased last Tuesday below Littipits, and he said he was going to Bickham. At that time he was half a mile further from Bickham than he would have been at his own house. - By the Jury: There are two Bickhams - one Bicham's Bulteels and the other Mr Gill's Bickham, but he was not going towards either. - A Juror: He was then in the right road to go to Mr Gill's Bickham. - Another Juror: He was then going to borrow the horse of Mr Fowler. - Thomas Wheaton, residing at Milton, labourer, said that 3 weeks or a month ago he saw deceased at his house. Deceased said he was so bad he could not go into the fields to work or stay there; it was always troubling his mind. He said he believed it was owing to the false accusations which had been brought against him, and he should not live in that state of mind long. - Mr William Austin, sworn said: I live at Milton, and am a carpenter and wheelwright. The deceased has frequently been in my shop for 3 or 4 weeks past. He has had a deal of talk about this country and about other countries, saying that he had no heart to do anything here, as everything went against him. He said, "My head gets so muddly that I hardly know what I am about." - The Coroner then again briefly addressed the Jury, reading over the evidence which had been given by the three last witnesses. That evidence, he said, did not show that the deceased was out of his mind, it only indicated that he was uneasy, and that there was something pressing on his mind which caused him not to like to be by himself. Would that amount of evidence excuse a man from the commission of any crime, or warrant his detention in a madhouse? for if a man was insane he ought to be under control or restraint, and was not fit to be at large. - The Jury then consulted alone for another quarter of an hour, when the public were re-admitted and a list was handed in, which showed that of the 20 Jurors in the room, 18 were of opinion that the deceased was of a sound mind, and two that he was unsound. The two were Messrs. Hamblin and Ford. The Coroner said that the Jury had done more by that decision than they had any need to do. It was not necessary that they should have decided that the deceased was sane, but to say whether any evidence had been brought before them that he was insane - a widely different matter. The verdict, therefore, was as follows:- "That the said BENJAMIN CORBER did, at the parish of Buckland Monachorum, in the said county, on the 20th day of June, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-two, feloniously, wilfully and of malice aforethought, kill and murder himself, by hanging himself by the neck, against the peace of our sovereign lady the Queen, her crown and dignity." - The Coroner said that this verdict having been returned, it was necessary by law that the deceased should be buried between the hours of nine and twelve at night, within the twenty-four hours of the time of the verdict being given, and without the rights of Christian burial. It was necessary, therefore, that the body be interred that night, between nine and twelve. - Instructions having been given to the police to see this carried into effect, the proceedings terminated.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 24 June 1862
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Suicide Of A Young Woman In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Saltram Tavern, Sussex-place, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JESSIE FERRIS, aged 18 years, who had committed suicide on Saturday night, by jumping into the water under the Hoe. The following evidence was adduced:- MARY PEARCE said: I am the wife of EDWARD PEARCE and live at No. 8 Lower Batter-street, Plymouth. My husband is a labourer at Staddon Heights. The deceased was my daughter, an illegitimate child. She was about 18 years of age. She was a general domestic servant at a lodging house in Plymouth. She left that service a fortnight ago. Since that she has lived with me, and slept at my house. She intended going home to her grandmother, who lives two miles the other side of Modbury. She was brought up by her grandmother from an infant. The deceased left my house on Saturday evening at about 7 o'clock. She was not in company with anyone, and did not say what time she would return. She had told me that she was going to meet Brice, the soldier. She appeared in very good spirits when she left, but through the week, from Tuesday to Saturday, she was very low-spirited at times, and I saw her in tears, and she would get away to the top of the house alone. I asked her what was the matter frequently, but she would not tell me and expressed sorrow at having left her situation so quickly. My husband and myself waited up all Saturday night, and he went about the streets looking for deceased. The body, which the Coroner and Jury have viewed in my presence at the tool house under the Hoe, is that of the deceased. She told me that she was going to be married at the end of next month and intended to return to her grandmother until that time. She did not return home on Thursday night until half-past 12 o'clock. - George Brice, a private in the 1st Company of the Royal Engineers, bearing a good conduct stripe on his arm, said: I am stationed at Mount Wise barracks, Devonport. I have known deceased since the day after Good Friday last. I courted her and promised her marriage next month. On Saturday night last, about eight o'clock she came to me, and I met her at Devonport hill. I was in her company until half-past eleven o'clock, when I parted with her at Harvey's Hotel. We had been in a public-house at Stonehouse for about an hour and a half. I had some ale and deceased drank about half a glass. We parted down by Harvey's Hotel, opposite the Royal Hotel. Just before we parted she asked me if I would go to walk with her on Sunday evening. I answered her rather sharply I would not, but I said I might be out about six o'clock in the evening. She appeared to take it to heart. She grasped me by the hand; my time was up, as I had to be in my barracks at 12, and I pulled my hand away. I went on to Devonport, and I saw her turn and go up the street towards the Hoe. I did not observe anything particular in her manner all the evening until we parted. I never thought that she would have drowned herself. - Richard William Weale said: I am a boatman belonging to the coastguard stationed at Stonehouse Point. On Saturday night, just after twelve, I was continuing my duty under the Hoe. I was patrolling my guard from the eastward to the westward, and I was leaning over the wall of the ladies' bathing lace, looking on the beach. I saw upon the steps something dark. I examined it and found it to be a bonnet and a mantle belonging to a female. I could see or hear nothing then. I went a little further down, looking on the beach, but could see nothing. Looking along the eastward I saw something on the sea wall, but could not tell at that time whether it was one or two persons. I went on a little further to ascertain what it was, when I saw the deceased jump off the wall into the water of Plymouth Sound. As she jumped off the wall I heard a sigh or groan. I ran as quickly as possible to the spot, pulling off my clothes as I ran along, with the intention of jumping over to try to save her. When I got to the wall, I found it was a very difficult place, there being no way to get down unless I jumped off. The height of the wall was about 9 or 10 feet. It was then nearly high water. I saw the deceased in the water. She did not speak to me although I spoke to her. I found that my life was in danger if I went down, and I determined to get assistance. I think deceased was on the top of the water when I left. I went towards the Hoe Constable's residence, and met a man and claimed his assistance. We went together to Mr Kessell and he immediately accompanied me with the man to the spot, and recovered the body. There was no person near deceased when she jumped overboard. - Edward James Kessell said: I am the Hoe Constable. On Saturday night, shortly after 12 o'clock, the last witness and a man called John Brooks came to my house. I got out of bed, dressed myself, took a boat hook and grappling iron, and went to the ladies' bathing place. The last witness pointed out to be where the deceased jumped from. We used the boat hook and the grappling iron for half an hour, and at last got hold of deceased. She was quite dead. After considerable difficulty, all three of us at length got her body out of the water, and deposited it in the tool-house about two o'clock. I found in her pocket a purse containing half-a-crown, one penny, three half-penny gate tickets and a pair of gloves. - The Coroner then addressed the Jury, and said the main question for their consideration was the state of mind in which the deceased was when she committed this rash act. If they thought she was in a sound state of mind at the moment she committed the act, then their verdict must be that she feloniously destroyed herself, and the consequences must follow. - The Jury were unanimously of opinion that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity, and, accordingly, returned a verdict to that effect.

MANATON - Suicide Of A Young Woman At Manaton. - An Inquest was held yesterday before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, Mr Thomas Drake, Foreman, at the house of Mr James Stephens, known as Hedge Barton, in the parish of Manaton, on the body of a young woman aged 18 years, named ANN FRENCH, who committed suicide by drowning herself in a pond of water near the house on Friday last, it is supposed from fear of punishment for stealing certain money belonging to a young man who lived in her master's house, and of which she had been accused, the particulars of which will be found in the following evidence taken at the Inquest:- The first witness was Mr James Stephens, with whom the young woman lives as servant, who deposed as follows: I am a bailiff, and reside at Hedge Barton, in the parish of Manaton. ANN FRENCH, now lying here dead, and whose body the Coroner and Jury have just seen, was my servant. I last saw her last alive on Friday evening in my house a little after seven o'clock. I then left the house. About three-quarters of an hour after, I was passing a pond about a hundred landyards from the house, and I saw the body of a female in the water; I saw it was ANN FRENCH. I came into my house and got assistance, and took the body out; she was quite dead. The water was about two feet and a half deep. She was on her back. There is a wound on her throat, but insufficient to occasion death. I found a knife in her pocket, but did not discover any blood on it. I produce the knife; it is a small table knife. Henry Huxham, who lives as a servant with Mr Holloway in the house adjoining, lodges in my house. On Friday last he missed one shilling which he had marked. He came to me and told me of the loss. I called ANN FRENCH into the kitchen, and told her there was something wrong in the house. I did not accuse her of stealing the money, but I told her the money was missing, and said, "There must be a rogue in the house; if it is not you it must be my mistress or myself, because we are the only three in the house." I then asked her if she had any money marked like some pieces of coin I had from Huxham. I showed her the marked money. I said I should leek to see her money. She said she would get it directly, and with the same she went upstairs, my wife following her, and brought down all the money she had in her possession. There were two half-crows, and four shillings and sixpence in coppers. Huxham immediately picked out one of the shillings which was marked - and claimed it as his. He thought he had lost money before, and that caused him to mark it. ANN FRENCH denied taking the money and she seemed confused. This occurred the same evening - that is, on Friday - not more than five minutes before I left the house. She would not own taking the money, and I said, "I shall be obliged to get a policeman." I then left the house, and called to Henry Huxham, and said I should send for her father to take her home that night, which I did. ANN FRENCH did not know I had sent for her father. I had not observed any peculiarity in her mind before this time. She seemed very much excited about the matter. She was about eighteen years of age, and had lived with me about eighteen months. Her father came for her the same night, after I had sent for him to take her home, but she was dead before he came. Henry Huxham left the house with me, and was in my company the whole of the time, excepting about five minutes before I found the deceased. - Matilda Stephens, wife of the above witness, stated that she was present when the deceased was accused of stealing the money, and that she afterwards saw her go out at the gate, as she thought to fetch the geese. She was going in the direction of the pond where her body was found. I had not noticed any peculiarity in her manner. Previous to this accusation, she was always a lively girl. I saw her fetch the purse from a basket in her window, and my husband opened it as described. It is the same as produced. - Henry Huxham sworn, deposed as follows: Previously to last Friday I had lost some money, which caused me to mark some. On Friday I lost one of the marked pieces, a shilling. I told Mr Stephens of it, and I heard him speak to ANN FRENCH about it. She denied taking the money. Mr Stephens sent her to fetch her money, and, on her doing so, I recognised a shilling as my property. (The witness here described and identified it by certain marks he had made.) She still denied taking it, and seemed excited. Mr Stephens said, as I was leaving, "It will be the worse for you, ANN;" and to me he said, "You had better get a policeman." I then left, and Mr Stephens came after me and said he would send for her father. I did not see her alive afterwards. The money lost was left in my trousers' pocket, in my bedroom. She had occasion to go into my room to make my bed. - George Nelson Collyns, Esq., of Moretonhampstead, deposed as follows:- I am a surgeon, residing and practising at Moretonhampstead. On Friday evening last I was called to see ANN FRENCH. I found her quite dead. I examined her throat: there was a wound in it, but insufficient to cause death. The wound appeared to have been made by a blunt instrument. I think the knife now produced was very probably the instrument used. It was a stab and not a cut across the throat. The cause of her death was suffocation from drowning. - The Coroner summed up on the evidence offered as to the cause of death, and also as to the motive which might have influenced the deceased in meditating her own destruction in order to avoid the exposure of a charge for theft; but as no evidence or proof could be given as to her state of mind at the time, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased "Drowned herself in a certain pond, but that there is no evidence to satisfy the Jurors as to the state of mind of the said ANN FRENCH at the time she so destroyed herself."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Drowning At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held at St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, before the Coroner, Allan B. Bone, Esq., on the body of HUGH MCVAY, mate of the schooner Problem. - John Mines said: I am a labourer engaged in unloading the schooner Problem. On Saturday last I went to work on the quay at six o'clock, when the captain called to me and said, "Do you see that?" pointing under the ship. I looked down and saw the arm and leg of a man. I went to the police-station for a policeman and on my return I got under the ship, the tide having risen. I tied a rope to one of his legs and pulled him up. He has a bruise on his left eye. His right chest is very red, as if it had been much rubbed. - William Frost, a beer house keeper, said: The deceased came to my house last Friday evening, and he had a pint of beer, and left, saying, "Good night." - Henry Wheeler, captain of the schooner Problem, said he last saw the deceased, who was mate of the Problem, at about nine o'clock on Friday evening. He went on shore in the boat. The vessel was lying about six feet from Mr Roach's Wharf. Witness saw the deceased's "sou'-wester" on the quay. The planks were all ashore. He was a good sailor when at sea. - Sergeant Ockford said: On Saturday morning, at ten o'clock, I went to the quay and found the deceased lying in an outhouse. On examining the double-doors I found a staple on the top of the door, to which was tied a rope, so that anyone could catch hold of the rope and climb up the door. I searched the body, but nothing was found on it. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 1 July 1862
PLYMSTOCK - The Fatal Explosion At Lang's Quarry. - In our Friday's issue we recorded a most melancholy and fatal accident which occurred at Lang's Quarry, near Plymstock, in consequence of the explosion of a rock. A hole had been bored and filled with powder for the purpose of blasting. The match was applied, but the hole hung fire. Two men named THOMAS JACOBS and Samuel Bunker went forward to ascertain the cause, when the hole suddenly exploded; killing JACOBS on the spot and frightfully injuring BUNKER. An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon last, on the body of JACOBS, at Pomphlete, near Plymstock, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for this district, and a Jury, of whom Mr Samuel Perry was chosen Foreman. The above facts were deposed to and the Jury arrived at a verdict of "Accidental Death." On making enquiries we find that Samuel Bunker, the other man who was much burnt, is progressing favourably.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 2 July 1862
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On An Infant. Last evening an Inquest was held at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of an infant named JAMES RAINS. - Mrs Grace Wiseman, wife of Benjamin Wiseman, labourer, said that the deceased was about six months old, and was the illegitimate child of JANE RAINS, a servant. Witness took the deceased to nurse when he was five weeks old. He was an unhealthy child - very delicate. Witness dry-nursed the deceased with baked flour, corn-flour and bread and milk. She received 3s. 6d. a week for nursing him, which was paid regularly. The child became worse, and she took him to Mr Burdwood, chemist, of Frankfort-street, who gave her medicine, which she duly administered. By his recommendation, she took the deceased to Mr Jago's surgery, as it appeared to get worse, but the surgeon was out twice when she called. Two days after deceased became worse and died in her arms. - Mr James Burdwood deposed to having seen the child, and made up medicine for it and advised that if it did not get better it should be taken to a surgeon. - Jane Westham, wife of Oliver Westham, labourer, said she knew the child, by seeing it from her door since it had been nursed by Mrs Wiseman. It appeared a weakly child. On Friday last witness advised her to take the deceased to a chemist. She always appeared to take every care of the child. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 4 July 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident to An Artilleryman. - An Inquest was held yesterday on the body of JAMES CHARLES HORSWELL, 34, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner and a Jury, of which Mr Moses Delion was the Foreman. - MARIA HORSWELL said: I am the wife of the deceased; he formerly belonged to the Artillery, from which he has since been pensioned. On Friday last, he and myself went into Major Stawell's service, and on Monday morning he went out with a horse and on returning he said he had got on very well, but the horse was rather spirited. I think there was something the matter with deceased's heart. I know he had palpitation of the heart, and also asthma. He had been attended by medical men for that purpose. - Mr Jonas Stawell, barrack-master at Devonport, said: The deceased came into my service on Friday last; his wife - the last witness - had been in my service some time before, and on Monday he took out the horse. I last saw the deceased on Monday evening, at half-past ten. The horse was led into the yard by a man. I have had the horse 18 months or more, and I have ridden it myself. I think it is a steady animal; it is a strong trotting horse. - George Cragoe, a mason, said he saw a man on horseback as he was standing at the corner of the lane leading to the Block House at a few minutes before seven on Tuesday morning. It was cantering along when he saw it, and the man had one hand on the horses' shoulder and the other on the mane, with his legs out of the stirrups. About a quarter of an hour afterwards he saw, as he was going down Addington-street, a horse without a man on it. He found out who it belonged to and took it to Major Stawell's. - George Dyer said he saw deceased fall from the horse, and also watched him from the top of the street, and he appeared very much excited. Deceased had hold of the horse's mane with both hands, and on coming near witness the horse increased his speed and the deceased caught hold of him by the neck, and the horse dipped his head and threw deceased over on to the ground, where the deceased lay stretched out as if he were dead. - Mr John Sanders, builder, said he arrived on the spot soon after the accident occurred, and had him taken to the Mason's Arms in Navy row, where he died about twenty minutes after the accident. - William Wakeham said he cautioned the deceased on his getting on the horse, as he did not think he knew the way to ride a horse properly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 5 July 1862
PLYMOUTH - Recovery Of The Body Of One Of The Men Belonging To The "Crystal Palace." - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE SARGENT, whose body had been picked up that morning in the Sound, and who was supposed to have belonged to the "Crystal Palace," fishing boat, of Hastings, which foundered outside the Breakwater, on Sunday, the 9th of March last. Mr Robert Rooke was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The body was received at the Dead House, in Westwell-street, by the Coroner, Jury and Witnesses. The body was in a sickening state of decomposition, the legs and thighs being entirely gone. The flesh of the head was also gone, the skull only remaining. On returning to the Guildhall, the following evidence was taken:- Louisa Peters, the wife of William Peters, a fisherman, residing at No. 5, Parade, Plymouth, said she had known the deceased for about 15 years. He was a seaman belonging to the "Crystal Palace," fishing boat, of Hastings. George Page was the master of the boat. The boat was employed in the mackerel fisher. Deceased was about 32 years of age. when home he lived at No. 39, All Saints-street, Hastings. He has left a widow and two children, the last of whom was born on the day that he died - namely, the 9th of March. The body which the Coroner and Jury had viewed in her presence, at the Dead House, in Westwell-street, was the body of the deceased. She had washed his clothes many times. The body was very much decomposed. She knew him by the general dress, and the mark "G.S." on his inside flannel shirt. She was sure it was GEORGE SARGENT. She recollected the 9th of March last; it blew a gale from S.S.W. In that gale the "Crystal Palace" foundered outside the Breakwater, and all hands - seven men and a boy - she believed were drowned, including the deceased. - William Henry Mills, a fisherman's labourer, living at No. 6 Castle-street, Plymouth, said, in consequence of information he received he went to the Sound that morning, at about ten o'clock, and received the body of the deceased from William Macey, skipper of the "Star." The "Star" was then just inside the Breakwater. The body was picked up just inside the Breakwater. He delivered the body to P.C. Fuge. - The Coroner: Do they expect an award for picking the body up? - Witness: I don't know sir. - The Coroner: If they d I think they should have brought it in. - P.C. Fuge said he received the body of deceased between twelve and one o'clock that day. He caused it to be conveyed to the Dead House in Westwell-street. The last witness cut deceased's clothes open, and on the inside flannel shirt, he found two letters marked "G.S." The thighs and legs of the deceased were entirely gone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury of twenty-three, of whom Mr Robert was the Foreman, on the body of ELIZABETH GEACH, aged 56, who committed suicide by hanging herself on Thursday last. - Thomas Rennolls said: I live at the Boot Inn, Devonport and on Thursday morning, as I was going down Tavistock-street towards the Market, I heard the cry of a woman in one of the houses. I went a little way down the street when I heard somebody crying "Murder!" and I saw a woman running about. After some time I got her to show me to a room, where I saw the body of a woman hanging to a bedstead by a pocket handkerchief round her neck. I instantly cut her down. Her feet were hanging about 18 inches from the floor. I went for a policeman, and, on finding one, we went together to deceased's room, and sent for a doctor. - MARY SOMERVILLE said: I am the sister to the deceased, and she is a widow and has a stall in the Market. We slept in the same room, and on Wednesday night, between 11 and 12 o'clock, I was sitting there; my sister was walking up and down in a very excited state. She said we must not go to bed, for somebody was coming to turn us out of the house, and she would not have any bed to lay her head upon. In about an hour afterwards she said to me, "You had better undress the child and put him to bed," and added, "You won't see me any more." At two o'clock she came into my room and said, "If we do not meet again here I hope we shall in Heaven." I asked if she meant to destroy herself, and she said, "No, I do not mean to do so." She said she could soon stop that, and if I would not go to bed with her she would go by herself. She once said something about changing her clothes, for somebody was coming to take her away, and they should take her away clean. I afterwards heard a creaking noise, which I thought was her opening the drawers for the changes. I went to her door and looked through the keyhole, and I thought I saw her hanging, when I cried out for help. I do not know whether I opened the door or not. I opened the door at the top of the stairs with a knife, for she had locked it, and went upstairs and asked Mrs Pekin to come to her assistance, and she said he could not come. I went downstairs and a gentleman went up and cut her down. - Elizabeth Thomas said the deceased was a very sober woman, and she was a very good woman. On the Thursday morning witness heard a great noise and on going upstairs found that the deceased had hung herself. - Sarah Pekin said: On Thursday morning after daylight I heard the deceased say to her sister, "Why don't you come to bed, MARY?" Her sister replied, "I shan't." About six in the morning she came up to me for assistance, and I told her to go down to the front door and she could get plenty there. - Sarah Luke said: I keep a stall in the market next to the deceased, and we have known each other for ten years. Of late she has been in a bad state of mind, and on the morning the Freemasons walked she came to me and said, "What do you think I have been doing all night? I have been up and have been very busy. I have not had a minute to spare. I have been cutting up things all night, and have thrown them out of the window. I have had a very large fire all night, and have burnt a chair because they should not have it, and about three o'clock I went up in John-street and sat on a door-step and counted my money; but I feel better now." I think the deceased has been much better until Saturday, when she became in a very desponding state, frequently saying that she owed a great deal of money, and the bailiffs were coming to sell her things, so that she would have no bed to lay her head on. - Henry Davey said: I have served the deceased with potatoes for two years, and during that time she has kept up her payments very well. She hardly owes me anything. I have of late thought she was not in her right state of mind, as she has frequently ordered things and then sent all the way into Plymouth to stop them, and on my coming for orders she would want to know why I did not send the last. - P.C. Mitchell said: On Thursday morning, at twenty minutes before ten, I went to the deceased's room, in Tavistock-street, where she had hung herself. I took the pocket handkerchief from off her neck and in searching the room I found £11 10s. in gold, and 17s. 9 ½d. in silver and coppers. - Sarah Greenwood said she had known the deceased for forty years, and had always found her a very steady and honest woman. On Wednesday deceased came to witness's house, and said she was in great trouble - she was in debt everywhere. Everybody was talking about her, and saying that her landlord was going to turn her out of doors for rent. Her creditors were going to put her in the county court, and she was in great trouble. On coming in deceased would shut the door and keep on asking if anybody was coming for her. She would peep out of the door and throw her arms about as if she was out of her mind. - The Coroner having summed up at some length, the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased hung herself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity." - The Jury wished the Coroner to remonstrate with the deceased's sister on her conduct and she was, consequently, called, when, the Coroner censured her for her drunken habits, as deposed to by several of the witnesses, who had stated that she was drunk on Thursday morning, and that such was her usual practice. He had also heard that she went out sometimes and stayed for two or three days at a time, and one witness had said that she never saw her sober. He warned her that that was a very bad way of living; that she would be sure to come to some bad end if she did not change her mode of life. He did not think that any woman in her right senses would have allowed her sister to stay in a room all night after what she had said, and thus to have an opportunity to hang herself, knowing at the time the state she was in.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 8 July 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Another Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon on the body of JOHN KNAPMAN, aged 67, who had committed suicide by hanging himself at eleven o'clock that morning. A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, presided, and the Jury consisted of twenty-three gentlemen, of whom Mr Bond was the Foreman. - HENRY KNAPMAN, son to the deceased, said he was a sawyer in the Dockyard. He last saw the deceased at half-past nine yesterday (Monday) morning, when he was at breakfast with his mother and sister. The deceased seemed very well and ate very heartily. During breakfast time he said he wished to give up his pension and go to work. The deceased was formerly a smith in the dockyard, and has been pensioned about two years, He said if he did not go to work again they should starve. He had £39 11s. 2d a year pension. He very often went up to the yard gates and wanted to go to work. About 36 years ago he lost the use of one eye by a piece of red hot iron flying in it, which injured his brain. Witness went out at half-past ten till half-past eleven, when he went upstairs for a drink of water, and on opening the door he found the deceased hanging by his neck in one corner of the room. He called for his mother, who was in the room under, and cut the body down. Deceased was quite dead, but still warm. Mr Chapple, the druggist, came and a doctor. - MARY KNAPMAN, wife of the deceased, said that the deceased had not lately slept much at night, and at half-past five that morning he got up and went out. At seven she got up, and deceased was then sitting in the room. He told her he had been up to the Yard gates, and the policemen told him that if he came there again they would put him in the mad-house. After he had his breakfast, he said it was time for him to go to see the accountant of the Yard. He went downstairs, and witness went after him, and asked him where he was going, and he said he was going to give up his pension paper and going to work again. He gave her the paper and went back and sat down in the room while she was there. At eleven o'clock she wanted to clean up the room, and asked him to go upstairs, which he did. Some days he would not know any more than a baby what he was doing. About thirty-six years ago he had his eye burnt out in the Yard. About half-an-hour after deceased went upstairs, witness's son came in and went upstairs also, and directly he got up he screamed out for her, and on going up she found her son cutting deceased down. She sent for a doctor and Mr Chapple, chemist, came, and afterwards Mr Page, surgeon, but deceased was past recovery. - Joseph Horswell, a mason, said he had known the deceased for fourteen years, during which time he had been his tenant. Deceased had been at times in a very low state of mind. On going to his house sometimes, he would find the walls of the bedroom all chalked over, deceased having done it during the night. The family would often send for witness to talk to deceased, and sometimes deceased would send for him to come and see if the locks and fastenings of the doors were all right, so that no one could come in at night. - The Coroner having briefly summed up, the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased hung himself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Another Fatal Accident At Staddon Heights. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Samuel Bartlett was chosen Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS BUCKLEY, a mason's labourer, about 43 years of age, who died on Sunday morning from injuries he received from a fall while engaged in dragging a plank across a cutting, at Staddon heights. The Coroner and Jury having viewed the body at the Hospital, they returned to the Guildhall, where the following evidence was taken:- William Stacey said: I am porter at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where I reside. On Friday evening last, at about six o'clock, deceased was brought to the hospital in a cart, marked "Baker and Son, Staddon," accompanied by a large number of men. He was cut in the head, but it was not bleeding much. Mr Fox, surgeon, attended him. Deceased was sensible from the time he was admitted up to the time of his death, which occurred on Sunday morning, at three o'clock. He was about 43 years of age, and was a mason's labourer. He has left a widow and two children, living at 26 Granby-street, Devonport. Deceased's wife and daughter were with him when he died. - James Scagell said: I am a journeyman mason, and work for Messrs. Baker and Son, at Staddon Heights. they are the contractors there for building Government forts. Deceased had been in their employ one day before this happened. On Friday last, at about half-past two o'clock in the afternoon, myself, the deceased, and John Bevill, were employed in dragging a plank across the top of an open cutting, at Staddon Heights. The cutting was about 20 feet in height. I was on one side of the cutting and deceased was with me, and so was Bevill. We were dragging the plank across by a rope. I was on one side of the plank and deceased was on the other. When the plank came to a balance, it "swerved," and carried the deceased with it, and he fell into the cutting. If the plank had "swerved" the other side, I should have been the sufferer, and the deceased would have escaped. Deceased fell first on one of the shores, and then to the bottom, an depth, in all, of 20 feet. I went to him directly, with the other man, and found him sensible. His head was cut, I think on the crown. We carried him to the surgery, and from thence he was taken to the hospital. The plank weighed about 1 cwt. and 44 lbs. It was not too heavy for three men to manage. We were all willing to join in the work, and I did not apprehend any danger. In my opinion, his death was not the fault of any person, but was purely accidental. We were all sober at the time. - The witness was examined by one of deceased's friends as follows:- The plank was 19 feet in length, 11 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. Bevill held the rope. I cannot account for the plank swerving. I don't think the person who held the rope was to blame. I think this work was properly conducted, and we might take 1000 planks across again without any accident occurring. - John Bevill corroborated the last witness's statement. - James Miles, the Foreman of the works at Staddon Heights, attended, and said he thought that occurrence was purely accidental. He did not at all think anyone was to blame in the matter. These men performed this work without any instruction. - The witness Scagell was recalled, and stated that if it was required he could have had half-a-dozen men. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," being of opinion that no person was to blame in the matter.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 12 July 1862
Accidental Drowning At Pennycomequick. - An Inquest was held yesterday before Allan Bone, Esq., and a Jury, of which Mr Braun was the Foreman, concerning the death of RICHARD PEARDON, who was found in a pond at Pennycomequick, on Thursday. - William Roseveare, a dairyman, said: I live at Deadly, Stoke. I knew the deceased; he was a dairyman, and kept cows in a field belonging to me. He had kept his cows there for the last twelve months. I saw the deceased on Tuesday last, apparently in good health. I have not seen him alive since. I met his brother on Wednesday; he asked me if I would go with him to look for his brother. We then went to the field where deceased kept his cows to see if we could find him, and on going through the gate to go into the field we met Mrs Geach. Deceased's brother stopped talking to her, and I went around the field. When I came to the pond I saw a hat there. I went over and looked in. I then saw deceased's hair. I went back and told his brother that it was a bad job, for deceased was in the pond. We then got assistance and conveyed him in a cart to Pennycomequick Inn. The deceased was a quiet, sober man. I think he must have fallen in whilst attempting to wash his hands. - THOMAS PEARDON said: I keep a beer-shop in Navy-row. Deceased was my brother. He was a very sober man, and was 43 years of age. He had a wife and three children. On Monday week last I went with him to St Bude in his cart. He then complained of a sinking in his stomach. His wife came out to me on Wednesday, about seven o'clock, and told me that her husband had not been home since the morning. I then went away to look for him, but I did not find him until the next morning. - MRS PEARDON said: The deceased was my husband, and he lived in George-street, Stonehouse. He kept a dairy. The last time I saw him alive was on Wednesday morning. he then left to go to the field. I told him if he did not make haste he would not be home in time for dinner. He said "Yes". He seemed in good spirits. - William Roseveare, jun., said: I met the deceased on Wednesday morning, between twelve and one o'clock, in Cobourg-street. I asked him to have a glass of ale. We went into a public-house and had a glass of ale. He would not stay long, for he said he wanted to go to field, as it was near dinner time. He then left me. - Mrs Vanstone said: I keep the Duchess of Cornwall Inn and on Wednesday a little before one o'clock, the defendant came to my house and had a pint of porter and a glass of ale. I think he was quite sober. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found dead."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 14 July 1862
NEWTON ABBOT - On Saturday an Inquest was held by Brooking Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, at Bracewell's Bradley Inn, on the body of ESAU BOND, a boy of ten years of age. It appeared that the boy had been sent to the marsh on Thursday evening with a horse, and as he did not return a search was made for him, but without success; it was, however, ascertained that the horse had been put into the field. On the following morning his body was found lying in the mud forming the bed of the River Teign, close to the railway viaduct. It is supposed that the boy, who was blind of one eye, had accidentally slipped from the bank of the river, and was unable to recover himself. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 15 July 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall From The Rocks. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon before Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Henry Albert Lanstone was Foreman, to Enquire into the death of RICHARD OATEY, a boy of about 10 years of age, who fell off the precipice called Tinside, yesterday morning. - ANN OATEY said she was the wife of RICHARD OATEY, a labourer, formerly a miner, and the deceased was her son. He had not been to school for some weeks. This morning he was to go school but he went out before she spoke to him about it. At half-past 10 a little boy went to her and told her what had occurred. She went immediately to the hospital, where she found her boy, and stopped with him until he died. The deceased was in the habit of playing with a little boy called George Foster, and that morning they went to the Hoe together. The little boy lodged in the same house. Her husband was a copper-miner. - Wm. Stacey said the deceased was brought to the hospital at half-past 11 o'clock yesterday (Monday) morning. He was suffering from a severe cut on the side of the head. Dr Square attended him, but he died at 25 minutes past one at the hospital. - John Rossiter said he was a painter, and he was on the Hoe that morning in a hayfield near. At 11 o'clock he heard a boy coming up the field, crying out that a boy had fallen over the rock. He ran across towards the rock and saw the deceased lying underneath on some stones. At the risk of his own life he got over the rocks to where the deceased was, and found him lying with his head on a stone. He saw on holding up his head, that it was cut open and the brain protruding. He put him down and called for assistance. A man came down, and he borrowed a handkerchief to tie round the boy's head. The place where he found the deceased was at the bottom of Tinside; it was about half-tide. He took deceased in his arms, and went through the water, and up over a ladder belonging to some masons. He ascended with the deceased in his arms, with two men supporting him, and on getting to the top he took him to the hospital. Had the tide been high they could not have got at the body in less than an hour. - Mr Kessell said that just after 11 o'clock he went to the Hoe after hearing that a boy had fallen over the cliff. He went to get a boat, not knowing that there was a ladder so near. He then saw the last witness on the ladder. The cliff was 35 feet deep. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They also requested the Coroner make further enquiries into the case, as it appeared that there was no fence at the place to secure against accidents.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Child. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the death of a child named ELLEN DAWE. It appeared that the deceased, who was an illegitimate child, was accidentally run over by a horse and cart belonging to Messrs. Avery and Luke, brewers. Green-street, which was being driven at the time by a man named Climo. The Jury thought the death of the child was purely accidental, and a verdict to that effect was accordingly returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 July 1862
TOTNES - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr J. Wright was foreman, on the body of LOUISA HOPKINS, aged 55 years, wife of GEORGE HOPKINS, of Totnes, coltbreaker, whose death was accelerated by the effects of a fall which occurred about two months since, resulting in the fracture of her left arm. The deceased had been for some years paralytic and quite helpless and it is supposed that the accident hastening her death was caused by the incapability of her husband to assist her at the time of its occurrence. - Mrs Elizabeth Burdett stated that she had attended the deceased for some time previous to the accident, dressing and undressing her every day, as she was quite incapable of performing these duties. She recollected about two months' since putting the deceased to bed about 11 o'clock at night, at which time her husband was not home. The next morning, about five o'clock, she was called by the husband of deceased, who told her that his wife's arm was broken; he said that he had let her slip and twisted her arm. She went up to the deceased, and the husband went for a doctor. She had since attended to the wants of the deceased, who had been confined to her bed every since the accident. She had gradually sunk until Monday morning, when she expired. She had not told witness any particulars about the accident, but merely said that her husband had let her slip and twisted her arm. She did not care to say anything in fault of her husband, nor did she ever complain of his ill-treating her. - T. E. Owen, Esq., Surgeon, said that he was called by the husband of the deceased bout two months' since, in the morning between five and six o'clock. He went and found the left arm of deceased was broken. After he had dressed and set the arm, the deceased said that it had been broken by her husband letting her slip whilst assisting her. He did not believe it could have so occurred; a fall from the bed would have caused it. The upper arm was broken. The husband was the worse for liquor when he came to him. He had attended the deceased ever since until her death. She was afflicted with general paralysis, and he considered her death had been accelerated by the injuries resulting to her already weakened frame from the effects of the fracture of the arm. - The Coroner in summing up, stated that he had been obliged to hold the Inquest, as Mr Owen had refused to give a certificate of death. He did not consider that the evidence shewed any wilful act whereby the death of the woman had been caused, but it was very probable that her husband, who at the time appeared to be under the influence of drink, was attempting to assist her, and in his state of incapacity had allowed her to fall or slip from his hands, and thus causing the injuries which had accelerated her death. In the absence of any evidence of wilfulness or passionate action, he considered the Jury could only return a verdict of Accidental Death. - The Jury without any hesitation accordingly brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death." - We understand that the deceased and his wife lived on very affectionate terms, and she had every care and attention which his means would permit.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 24 July 1862
PLYMOUTH - The Distressing Suicide By A Young Woman. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon on the body of RUTH HOSKIN, who committed suicide by drowning herself under the Hoe on Tuesday evening. John Edmonds, Esq., Deputy Coroner, presided, and Mr John May was the Foreman. - JAMES HOSKIN, a gas plumber, and father of the deceased, said the deceased was his daughter; she was 19 years of age. He last saw her alive at eight o'clock on Monday, when she left the house with her cousin. She said she should be home at nine. She did not come, and he sat up till eleven o'clock, and then went to bed. his wife went out to look for her between eleven and twelve, but returned without seeing her. The next time he heard about her was that she was found drowned. About twelve months ago he set her up in business as a milliner. She would get very much excited sometimes. She was very weak in her head, so she was obliged to knock off work. They were all very good friends when she left the house. She was not in the habit of staying out late. He did not hear any knocking during the night. - Robert Robinson, a stoker on the South Devon Railway, said that on Monday evening he was on the Hoe, when the deceased came up to him at about a quarter to nine o'clock. She said, "Here is Mr Robinson." He left the Hoe about five minutes afterwards. Her cousin wanted to go home, but deceased said she was in no hurry, and the cousin then left. Deceased stayed talking with witness and another young man. As his companion wanted to go home they all left the Hoe together, and went down Union-street. She went to her own side-door about 12 o'clock and knocked. A woman passed at the time, and said "Holloa! what do you do out at this time of night?" and deceased told the woman she was going in to sleep at her house. They went to Adelaide-street and knocked at the doors of a few houses to find a person. It was then about three o'clock. A policeman then came up and he knocked at one door, but they could not find out the person they were seeking, and they went into Cecil-street again, and went to a friend's house there. During the evening she seemed very dull. Witness and deceased did not go into any house during the evening. Deceased said she should not go home. Witness knew her about twelve months ago - she used to be very lively then, but on this occasion she was low-spirited and dull. When she went into the house in Cecil-street he thought she was safe. When she said she should not go home again he did not know whether she meant that she would not go home that night, or would not go home at all. - Ann Sophia Sendly said that on Tuesday morning, at about three o'clock, the deceased came into her room. She asked who was there, and deceased answered that it was she, and came in and sat down. Deceased told her that she had been on the Hoe, and that when they got into Union-street they met a woman there, who asked them to go to supper, and they went; but on leaving she did not know it was so late, and on getting home, the door was not open. At half-past seven deceased awoke up, and witness asked her to go home and take down the shutters, and go to work, and she said "No; I shall not take them down any more." She went towards her home, but she did not go home, but instead turned down Eldad. On leaving, she said, "Good morning; I shall see you again before the day is over." About a week ago deceased said she and her mother-in-law had fallen out. - Clara Maud Veal, living in Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, said she knew the deceased. She was not at her house on Monday night. She never saw Mr Robinson. At ten o'clock on Wednesday morning, deceased came to her house and said she had disagreed with her mother, and she had been locked out. She was low-spirited and very pale. Deceased had been usually lively since she knew her. Deceased said she had had her share of disappointments. She had proposed to go to the Emigration Office and wanted to go to Australia, and the man at the office refused to take her on account of her trade. Witness agreed to go with the deceased, but she only did so thinking she would then be better friends with her mother. On getting to the door deceased wanted to get a newspaper. She asked for a pen and ink after dinner, but she did not know what she wrote. Deceased went away with witness's umbrella, because it was raining. On leaving, the deceased wished her good-bye, and promised to come at nine o'clock to sleep. Whilst at dinner, deceased seemed to be in deep thought. She left at a quarter past one o'clock. Witness had seen an umbrella at the dead-house, in Westwell-street; it was the same as the deceased took away with her. - Rosetta Bibbey, living in Cecil-street, keeping a beer-shop, said she knew the deceased, who came into her house on Monday at various times. On Tuesday, just before 12, deceased came in and said, "Have you heard anything opposite? I have not been home all night." She seemed low-spirited and complained about her head. She wanted a paper to look for a situation, but not getting one she went away. Deceased came again at two o'clock, when she took a newspaper away with her and promised to return at nine in the evening, but she did not come. Witness had examined the deceased at the dead-house, and there was no mark about her of ill-usage or brutality. Deceased told witness that her mother would not let her go out of an evening. - William Staddeford, a butcher, said he was at the West Hoe on Tuesday afternoon, about half-past two, and saw something floating on the water about thirty feet out. A wave struck it, and he saw it was a woman. A man was fishing, and he called to him, and he brought deceased in. Some men afterwards found a crinoline and the umbrella. He went and called a waterman's boat, and took deceased under the Hoe. He reported the affair to Mr Kessell, the Hoe constable. - Edward James Kessell said, from information he had received he proceeded to the West Hoe Terrace, and found the deceased dead on the rocks. He sent the man after a boat, as there was no means to get her out. In the deceased's pocket-handkerchief he found a paper, on which the following was written. On one side was, - "I have done the deed myself;" and on the other, "Robinson, remember me. - R. HOSKIN, 37 Cecil-street." This was written on a piece of a Western Daily Mercury. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury after some deliberation, returned a verdict that the deceased destroyed herself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity; also requesting the Coroner to express their disapprobation of the young man Robinson's conduct in walking with a young woman in the streets from nine till three o'clock, and for not himself knocking at the door of her house, at twelve o'clock.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 25 July 1862
EXETER - Coroner's Inquests At Exeter. Alleged Medical Neglect. - An Inquest was commenced at Ellis's Honiton Inn, Paris-street, yesterday morning, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, on view of the body of CAROLINE BRAY, a single woman, aged 32 years, whose death took place under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence:- PRISCILLA STONEMAN, the mother of the deceased, was the first witness called. She stated that she was a widow, and resided in Martin's Cottages, Marsh-place, Paris-street. She had formerly been a domestic servant (although by trade a lacemaker) but having taken a chill some time since, a weakness in the right hip was the result, and she was obliged to give up service, and latterly had earned her livelihood by plain work. Deceased was a single woman, but was in the family-way, and she considered she was more than seven months advanced. She had had very good health during her pregnancy. About half-past eight o'clock on Sunday evening last, she was taken sick, and vomited a little having just before eaten part of a cold baked potato, which she brought up. She was persuaded to go to bed directly for fear of consequences. Between two and three months previously she had engaged a midwife, but not a medical man. The sickness did not continue, and after she was in bed she appeared more comfortable, and drank a cup of tea, which produced more sickness, and it was rejected from her stomach. She then became more composed and between twelve and one o'clock witness went into the same bed with her. Deceased slept a little and was quiet until six o'clock, when she drank another cup of tea, and ate two "picnics." All day on Monday she complained of her head, and frequently took some arrowroot, with a little moist sugar, which she also rejected. Mrs Hooper, the midwife, was called in, in the evening, but deceased remained quiet. witness went to bed about half-past eleven, and about twelve o'clock she felt the bed and room shake. She asked what was the matter, but deceased was unable to speak. Witness thought it was a fit, although she had never had any before. Mrs Bolt, a neighbour, was called and came directly, and the deceased by that time had become sensible and was enquiring what the matter was. Mrs Bolt remained whilst witness went to the midwife, who had left. Mrs Hooper said she might depend upon it that it was not labour the girl was suffering from, but she was overcome with bile, and she would recommend her to get a doctor. The nurse went to her house immediately, whilst she went to Mr Hunt, surgeon, of St. Sidwell's. Mrs Hunt answered her at the door. Witness asked if Mr Hunt was at home, and she replied, "No, what do you want of him?" She further said that he was at Mr Samuel Perkin's, which was close by. Witness then left and went to Mr Perkins. He came to the door, and in answer to a question from her, he said that Mr Hunt was there, and asked what she wanted of him. She replied that her daughter was very ill. He then invited her in, and gave her a seat, telling her that Mr Hunt would be down directly. Mr Hunt did come down, and said, "What's the matter," and she replied that her daughter was very ill, and was in the family way. He then said, "I can't come to you; it is not my case; you must get a parish doctor. Who has she spoken to?" Witness replied "Mrs Hooper, the midwife," and he said, "Oh! I suppose Mrs Hooper scruples to get up." Witness replied in the negative, and told him that it was not labour, but an attack of the bile. He said, "Well, I can't go to her, it's not my case; you must get a parish doctor." Witness enquired if it was any difference if she paid him, whether it was a parish doctor or not, and he said, "It does not matter; you must go and get a parish doctor." Witness then went home, and repeated the conversation to Mrs Hooper, who was there, adding that she would pay him anything if he had come, even if she had sold her bed. Deceased was better then, and Mrs Hooper returned home, Mrs Bolt having also left, and witness fetched Mrs Shapland of Summerland-street. At four o'clock witness went to Mr Arthur Cumming, of Southernhay, he having attended her about 18 months since for a swelling in the leg as one of the surgeons of the Dispensary. He called out of the window to her. She asked him to go and see her daughter, and he said, "Who are you?" She told him her name and residence, and he said, "My good woman, you must fetch the parish doctor; I can't come." She had never paid him for his attendance. She did not tell him what was the matter with her daughter. She said, "Parish doctor?" and he said, "Yes, Mr Perkins, in South-street." She then left, and went on to Mr Perkins, it being then just after four o'clock. she rang the bell four times, and stood there about a quarter of an hour, but she got no answer, and returned home, when she found the deceased in a fit, Mrs Shapland being with her. Witness remained with her until nearly six o'clock, the deceased remaining in the same state. Mrs Shapland told her that she must fetch a doctor, or she would not be living long, and she again went to Mr Hunt's. She saw the servant, who went to her master's room, and returned saying that Mr Hunt said he could not come, and he had told her so the night before. Witness asked who she was to get, as no one would come, and the servant said, "Master says you must get the parish doctor, Mr Perkins, in South-street." Witness went again to his house and rang three times, when Mr Perkins opened the window, and on being told who she was, he told her to wait, and he would be down directly. He did come down, and she told him that she was there at four o'clock, when he said that he did not hear her, nor did he think one of his servants had. She explained what the matter way, and told him that her daughter was in the family-way. She said, "My daughter is very ill; she is in the family-way," and told him that she had been to Mr Hunt and Mr Cumming, both of whom had told her to go to him. Mr Perkins asked her the particulars, which she told him, and he made up a powder, which was to be given immediately, as it would soothe the fits, and a bottle of mixture, three table-spoonfuls to be given directly after the powder, and repeat it every two hours afterwards. He further said that she was to put her feet into warm water and mustard up to the ankles, if possible, directing her to let him know again at nine o'clock how she was, when he would come and see her. Witness gave her the powder and mixture, as directed, and it remained on her stomach, and allayed the sickness. At nine o'clock witness sent Mr Lewis' boy to Mr Perkins to say that she was very ill, and request him to come immediately, as he might not see her alive. He did not come, however, until between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, the deceased having died at ten minutes past twelve. When he came, Mrs Shapland said, "Oh, Sir, you are too late," and he went upstairs to look at the body. When he came downstairs, he said, "I shall take this medicine home with me," comforted her, and said if the nurse would come down to his house about five o'clock he would give her the certificate. The certificate was given and carried to Mr Norton, the registrar, Mr Perkins had never seen the deceased during life. - A Juror (Mr Rickard) asked the Coroner if it was usual to remove the medicine bottle. - The Coroner replied that Mr Rickard was as good a judge of that as he (the Coroner) could be. - In reply to the Foreman, the witness said that she did not offer to pay Mr Perkins, but after the death he said he should not charge anything. - Another Juror observed that it was a very serious case; and for a woman to be left for forty hours without medicine reflected great discredit on one, if not all three, of the medical men. - The Coroner said that although a certificate was given, he thought it was a proper case for Enquiry. - The Juror: I should think it was; if it was not I should like to know what was. - In reply to another Juror, the witness said that she did not ask Mr Perkins why he took away the medicine, because she was so excited, and she did not think anything of it until a lady - Miss Stoneman, a niece of Captain Tanner - advised her to report the matter to the Coroner. - Mrs Elizabeth Hooper, the midwife who had been engaged by the deceased said that she had seen her several times. She was in good health, and had gone on well during her pregnancy. This witness said that there was a great effluvia coming from the breath of the woman, much more so than ever she had known before. - By a Juror: She thought the case was very serious, and therefore strongly advised her to get a doctor. She did not think if medical advice had come in when called that life could have been saved, as the appearance of her was so bad. - Mrs Fanny Shapland, of Summerland-street, deposed to being fetched by deceased's mother, about one o'clock on Tuesday morning. She was then perfectly sensible, and said she was sick, refusing to have a cup of tea as she was afraid it would make her worse. Shortly afterwards she had a fit, and was in a stupor for many minutes. When she recovered she refused to take castor oil and another fit succeeded. The continued until about four o'clock, when the mother went again for Mr Hunt and Mr Perkins, returning without either, and the fits still continuing she went again between five and six o'clock, when she came back with the powder and mixture from Mr Perkins. The medicine was given, and it appeared to relieve her, for she became quieter. Deceased was not conscious after that time, and witness continued with her, when she died at ten minutes after twelve. - In reply to a Juror, the witness stated that the bottle was nearly full when Mr Perkins took it away. - The certificate of death was produced signed by Mr John Perkins, who certified that he attended the deceased and saw her on the 22nd July, and that the cause of her death was fits. - Several of the Jurors expressed a desire to have a post mortem examination made by an independent medical man - a suggestion with which the Coroner concurred. - Mr John Perkins was then sworn: He said he did not know the deceased. Just before 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning he was called by the deceased's mother. She rang the bell, and after answering it he came downstairs and let her in. She told him that her child had had some fits, and was very sick with pains in her head. She did not state that she was in the family-way; he had not the least idea of it until after she was dead From the answers to the questions which he put he told her that he believed she was suffering from indigestion and some biliary obstruction. He also told her to put her feet in hot water. He gave her a powder composed of three grains of calomel, a small quantity of soda, and a little bicarbonate of potassa, which he requested might be given directly mixed in a little sugar and water and a spoon. - By a Juror: He might have given the same if he had known she was in the family-way. - Cross-examined: He also gave her a mixture which was composed of magnesia, briar bonate of potassa, a small quantity of sulphate of magnesia and a little peppermint water. He requested her to give her the medicine every two or three hours, and let him know how she was at 9 o'clock. About that time he had a message to say she was just the same; and he requested that she would go on with the medicine, and he would see her as soon as he could. He looked upon it as a case of biliary obstruction, which would yield as soon as the medicine would operate. He then attended to his St. Sidwell's cases, which were numerous in his house at that period, prepared his books for the meeting of the Guardians, so as to be at the office before 12 o'clock, and hurried away to a case of emergency on St. David's-hill. It was not a case of labour, but of diseased wound, and it required attention. As soon as he had finished the difficulty he came down to see the deceased, when he found her dead. It must have been then close upon 2 o'clock, as he did not leave the other case until after half-past one. He then in conversation heard for the first time that she was in the family-way, and in consequence he said he should like to see the body, which he did. He was impressed that she was six or seven months gone, which he told the women downstairs. The mother told him that she had been suffering great anxiety of mind from the young man who had been a lodger in the house, and who was the father of the child, having neglected her and gone away, and which she had kept to herself for a long time. He stated that no doubt, from the brain being in that state of excitement, with biliary obstruction, had been the cause of fits, in one of which she had died. He also said that he had done all he could for her, and on reviewing the case he did not see that he could alter his treatment. - By a Juror: He believed the mother told him that she had been to Mr Hunt, but he could not say as she was very excited. - Cross-examination: He did not treat it as a pauper case, for if he had he should have waited for an order from Mr Sparkes, the relieving officer, except in a case of emergency. He, however, told the mother that on account of her trials, he should not make any charge, and seeing the bottle of medicine, and knowing it would be very useful to him in his rounds during the day, he took it away, thinking that, as he had given her attendance for nothing, he might as well have the bottle and medicine. He could not tell if he was asked for a certificate, but he said he would give her one, which he did. - By a Juror: He did not say to the mother that they must be cautious with a woman in that state; but he did tell her that she must give her everything almost cold. He did not think it was a serious case after he had been told that she had been to Mr Hunt and Mr Cuming. The mother did not tell him that the deceased was in the family-way. It was customary to send medicines without seeing the patient. - The Coroner said it was a very common practice, but whether it was proper or not was another thing. - Mr Perkins to Jurors: If a medical man had been called in, he did not think her life could have been spared. He did not believe in the bad smell which the nurse had described, although the biliary obstruction might make her breath foetid. All the medicine was used in his rounds the same day; there was no mistake about the mixing of it. The Coroner asked the Jury if they thought there was sufficient evidence to come to a decision then, or if they wished to adjourn for the purpose of having a post mortem examination. He also added that he highly condemned the common practice adopted by medical men of giving a certificate of death without having previously treated the deceased. - Mr Perkins said the medical profession were under the impression that they must give a certificate of some sort. - The Coroner: Then I tell you, you are wrong. I don't care what the medical profession think; but I tell you it is not necessary. - The Jury then unanimously agreed that a post mortem examination was necessary, and that it should be conducted by a medical man, altogether independent of those who had been named during the Inquiry. - The further hearing was then adjourned until six o'clock this (Friday) evening, one of the Jury commenting strongly upon what he termed 'the gross neglect of the medical men."

EXETER - Fatal Accident From Scalding. - A second inquest was held before the same gentleman, in the afternoon, at the Valiant Soldier, Magdalene-street, on the body of SIDNEY FRANK KELLEY, aged 1 year and 8 months, the son of JOHN KELLEY, a dairyman, residing in Bartholomew-street. It appeared that on the previous afternoon, the father of the child had taken a milk pan of hot water from the stove and had placed it on the ground, and whilst the child was running backwards "playing horses," the poor little fellow suddenly fell back into the pan. The father ran over and extricated it as soon as possible, taking off the clothes and rubbing it over with oil, but its screams and cries were so violent and the injuries so severe that he removed it to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it lingered until the next morning, when it died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 26 July 1862
EXMOUTH - The Disappearance Of MR JOHNSON. Inquest On The Body Yesterday. - The body of MR WILLIAM JOHNSON, who for the past three weeks has been missing, having at length been found by some fishermen at sea, the Inquest was held yesterday. The particulars of the case are so fully disclosed in the evidence that without further preface we proceed to give a report of the proceedings:- The Inquest was held yesterday morning at Bastin's Globe Hotel, Exmouth, before Spencer M. Cox, Esq., the able Coroner for this district, and a most respectable Jury, as follows:- Messrs. Thomas Benmore (Foreman), Nicholas Bickford, William Hawkins, James Foster, R. W. Litton, J. D. Dixon, James Grigg, Henry Winsor, John Melhuish, C. Baker, Henry B. Stark, Wm. Bounsall, and J. D. Nicks. - The Coroner, after they were sworn, briefly addressed them - urging them to put out of view all rumours that they may have heard out of doors, and to confine themselves entirely to the evidence. - The first witness called was George Trim. - The Coroner: Understand, I do not call upon you to give evidence if you object to it. - Trim: I do not object, sir. - Trim was then sworn and deposed as follows: I am a ferryman plying between Exmouth Beach and the Warren and I have done so for better than six years. I have known MR JOHNSON for 18 or 19 years. I saw him last about ten o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 30th of June, and on that morning, I ferried him across from Exmouth Beach to the Warren. I landed him at the big Warren, where he left me, and I never saw him afterwards. Deceased did not tell me where he was going, nor did I know. He made no appointment with me, except that he told me that he was going to ride up to Dawlish, & on his return back, by the last third class up train, that I was to look out for him to ferry him to Exmouth. Deceased never spoke to me on the way across, and did not, therefore, tell me where he was going. I considered that the train he named would arrive in Dawlish about ten minutes before eight p.m., and that he would take an hour to get from Dawlish to the ferry. I took a man, named Samuel Hitchcock, from the Warren Point to Exmouth beach, and landed him at the latter place at nine o'clock. I then ferried away to the Warren Point immediately, where I arrived in about five minutes. I went there to look for MR JOHNSON, but he was not there, nor was anyone else in sight. I did not get out of my boat, but stood on the boat's "thwart," and looked to see if anyone was coming, but as I have said I could see no one. I could see all the way over the Warren to the very end, but thus standing on the boat. I am now speaking of the big Warren point, but I could also see over Little Warren. It was spring-tide, and the boat was therefore high in the water. I remained until the mail train went up, which I believe is due about twelve minutes after nine at Starcross. I was at the Warren point not more than ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour, and I then returned to Exmouth Beach, where I hauled my boat up, with the assistance of Alexander Ferris and my brother Samuel. I told them that I had been to look for MR JOHNSON, at the Warren, but I could not find him. We then stopped at my little house and looked to see if he was on the Warren, but we could see no person. It was possible to have seen anybody within half-way down the Warren at that time. My brother and I then went into the Beach Hotel, where I stopped till about a quarter to twelve o'clock. My reason for so doing was that Mr Attwater, the old landlord was going out of the house and asked his old customers to have a glass of grog. My wife and mother had come to the house in question, and asked me how long before I was coming home, and I said "Well, 'tis open house here tonight, and I am going to have a glass of grog with the landlord." After leaving the Beach Inn, I went home with my wife and mother and went to bed. I have never given a different account of this affair to anybody, nor have I ever said that I saw MR JOHNSON on the Warren. I never knew until the next night, but what MR JOHNSON was home. - By a Juror: On my lat return from the Warren, I saw the Preventive Station Boat rowing towards the ferry. That was about 25 minutes past nine o'clock. The tide was highest at 9 o'clock. I did not speak to any of the men in the station boat, as they were not near enough. - Timothy Marshall: I am a fisherman living at Beer, and have charge of a fishing-boat there. On Wednesday, the 23rd inst., I, Francis Bartlett and John Potter, were fishing about ten miles S.S.W. off Beer Head, and about thirteen miles S.E. from Exmouth Bar. A Swedish barque, which had just left Exmouth, came alongside of us, and the captain said, "There is the body of MR JOHNSON floating some hundred yards from you; go down and pick him up, as there is a great reward offered." The vessel passed quick, as there was a smart breeze blowing at the time. We sailed in the direction indicated by the captain, and picked up the body in about half-an-hour. The body was floating on its face and hands, the tail of the coat being over the back of the head. We took the body into the boat, but did not search or examine it. We sailed back to Beer, and the body remained in the boat until P.C. Tucker came, who ordered it to be removed to the Dolphin Inn, which was done. I remained with the body until Mr Evans, the surgeon, arrived. P.C. Tucker searched it in my presence. All the clothes, except the hat, were on the body, and they were securely buttoned up. I saw P.C. Tucker take out of the deceased's trousers pocket three shillings and three sixpences; and out of his waistcoat pocket two half-sovereigns wrapped in white-brown paper, and a five-pound note were taken. I saw not the least mark of violence on the body of deceased. The barque spoke to us just before seven p.m., as far as I could judge by the sun. She had no boat towing at the stern, but they hoisted the ensign at the mizen peak, which was done to call our attention. - P.C. Samuel Tucker: I am a county police-officer stationed at Colyford. On Thursday the 24th inst., I received information from the last witness as to the finding of a body. I went to Beer, and on going to the Beach, I saw the body in a boat. Timothy Marshall was in charge of it and Bartlett and Potter were also there. I then took charge of the body and had it conveyed to the Dolphin. I there searched it in the presence of the three men. There were no marks of violence whatever that I could see on the body. The necktie was carefully tied round the neck and lay over his bosom. The coat - a dark cord alpaca one - was not buttoned up, but the tails were washed over the neck. The waistcoat was buttoned securely all down through; the trousers as well; and the shoes and stockings were on. The trousers and waistcoat were alike, and were made of kerseymere. In the left pocket of the trousers I found three shillings and three sixpences, which I produce. [The coins had changed colour by the action of the water - being very dark.] In the left waistcoat pocket I found two half-sovereigns, wrapped up in brown paper, and a five-pound Bank of England note, which was twisted in a very peculiar manner - so much so that I was obliged to break it in order to see the number. I found nothing else in the pockets - no pocket handkerchief or anything else. - P.C. 154: The deceased had a pocket handkerchief when he went away from Exmouth. - Witness continued: I found no marks on the linen of deceased. - Captain Dick, Deputy Chief Constable, said he had heard that MRS JOHNSON had stated that her husband was in the habit of carrying his pocket handkerchief inside his hat. - George Evans: I am a surgeon, residing at Seaton. I saw the body of the deceased yesterday afternoon. The head was very much decomposed, and there was no hair left on it. Some seaweed was adhering to the scalp; the eye-balls were protruding, and the whole features were so much decomposed that they could not be identified. The body and limbs were swollen a good deal from putrefaction, and the clothes were buttoned up, and were undisturbed in any way. I felt the head to ascertain if there was any fracture or violence to the skull, but could not discover any. About five o'clock the same afternoon, in pursuance of the Coroner's warrant, I made a post mortem examination. I first opened the head: the skull was perfectly white, and the whole of the scalp slipped off, on being divided. There were no marks whatever on the bones of the skull externally. I divided the top of the skull and found the brain perfectly decomposed - the whole being in a fluid state. I examined the internal surface of the skull, but I found no mark or fracture of any kind. I then opened the chest, but could find no mark of violence externally or between the skin and the bones of the ribs. The flesh about the chest was not so much decomposed as the head. The lungs were very much congested and collapsed. There was no water in the lungs. The right ventricle of the heart was large and flabby - the walls being thin, showing an increase in the size of the heart during life, which frequently occurs in old people. The right ventricle contained a great quantity of coagulated blood; the left ventricle being perfectly empty. The valves of the heart on both sides were perfectly healthy. The stomach contained a quantity of water and was in a very decomposed state. Both hands were stripped of muscle by decomposition and maceration. From the state of the lungs, the stomach and the heart, I am of opinion that the deceased met with his death from drowning. He certainly died from suffocation of some sort, and from the water in the stomach, I should say he died of drowning. Water could not get into the stomach after death. It is not usual for the blood to be liquid after a body had been in the water for such a length of time as deceased had. I should say there was quite a quart of blood in the stomach of the deceased. From all the appearances, then, which I saw on the body, I have not the least doubt but deceased was drowned. - George Alcombe: I am a police constable stationed at Exmouth. I knew the deceased. I examined his coat yesterday, and on the left side I found that a pocket had been cut outside, which had been sewn up again, and a pocket had been made on the other side. - Mary Ann Hatcher: I keep the Railway Inn, at Dawlish. I saw the deceased three weeks ago last Monday, about twelve at noon, on his way to Newton Bushel. He took a pint of ale in our smoking room, and a man, named Thirkettle, drank a part of it. He then left to go by train, being perfectly sober. About eight o'clock in the evening the deceased returned. I thought there was a change in his manner, but I did not see that he was very tipsy: I thought he had drank a little. I served him with some liquor: I think it was a glass of ale; he had no more than one glass of liquor. I don't know how long deceased remained at my house. I did not see him go away. Deceased spoke thick and looked down, as though he had had a little to drink. - Robert Wreford: I live at Mount Pleasant House. On Monday June 30th I was on the Warren with a gentleman named Treleaven. Dr Bucknill was also with him, and Mrs Bucknill, and her two sons were some way behind. I saw a man, whom I believe to have been JOHNSON, walking on the big Warren, at about eighty yards distance from me. He was walking in the proper path leading from Dawlish to Exmouth in the direction of the ferry, from which he was about two miles distant. The person was walking at a moderate pace, and I saw that he wore a light-coloured hat, was a man of about sixty, and had a rather long white beard. This was at ten minutes before nine o'clock. I did not notice anyone else in sight. P.C. Alcombe has since shown me a likeness of MR JOHNSON, and I at once recognised it as the portrait of the man whom I had seen on the Warren. I am confident from the likeness shown to me that it was that of the man I saw, but I was not sufficiently near to take any particular account of the features. I was near the caution-board on the Warren when I saw the deceased who was near some new boarding put up adjacent to Langstone Cliff. - William Hawley: I am the landlord of the Railway Hotel, Newton Abbot. On Monday, the 30th June I saw the deceased at my house in the afternoon, about four o'clock. He drank a glass of ale, and was then quite sober. Indeed, I have known the deceased for seven years, and I never saw him the worse for liquor in my life. He stopped at my house about ten minutes or quarter of an hour, and when he left he asked if I should be able to cash his cheque when he came back. I understood he meant a cheque for his old age pay from a club held at the Seven Stars. I had been in the habit of cashing similar cheques for him for several years. I said, "All right, Captain, I will." Just after five o'clock, deceased returned to my house and presented a cheque to me for £6, for which I gave him a £5 Bank of England note and one sovereign, as he did not wish for silver. I am sure it was a sovereign and not two half-sovereigns. I don't recollect where deceased put any of the money, but he left my house about seven o'clock. I don't know the number or date of the Bank of England note. I don't know, nor have a heard, whether there is any mark on the note found on deceased. The five-pound note produced as the word "Fice" upon it, in my handwriting, in one corner of the back. This note I changed for Mr Fice, and gave to the deceased. MR JOHNSON staid in my house an hour and a half; smoked a pipe, and drank two four-pennyworths of rum and water. He had staid as long in my house on previous occasions as he did on this, and drank as much. He was not in the least the worse for liquor when he left my house. Deceased gave me some silver to pay for the rum, and did not change the note or gold. - George Alcombe was recalled to prove that he had showed Wreford a portrait of deceased, which he got from MRS JOHNSON. - At the suggestion of a Juror, Mr Hawley wrote the name of "Fice," which corresponded exactly with that on the note found in JOHNSON'S possession. - BETSY CURTIS: The deceased was my uncle; I have lived with him for twelve years. On the day he left he wore grey trousers and waistcoat; but I cannot say anything about the pockets. The right arm, I believe, of deceased, was stiff. [This was said to be the reason why the pocket of the coat was altered, such alteration being observed in the coat found on the body.] My uncle wore a white Indian grass hat, and I saw him put his handkerchief into it. We expected deceased back before ten o'clock. He went to Newton Abbot after his old age pay; he had a sovereign with him when he left; and I think he had a little silver in his pocket - at least, I know that he changed a five-pound note on the Saturday previous, and gave my aunt four sovereigns. - A Juror said that deceased had to pay a half-year's contribution to the club before taking his old age pay, which would probably explain the circumstance of his keeping the sovereign. MRS JOHNSON had said the amount of contribution her husband had to pay was fifteen shillings. - The witness, in further examination, said that it was for the purpose of paying his contribution that the deceased had the sovereign. He was a sober man, and I never knew him so much the worse for liquor as to prevent him from doing his work of waiting at table, and so on. As deceased did not return, I went to the ferryman's house, and knocked to the door, but no one answered. I saw that there was a light in the house, but there are four families living there. I never saw my uncle in a fit. He had a brother who died suddenly at Kenton. - Trim questioned the witness as to her knocking at his door, and observed that when she went there neither her nor his mistress was at home. - Examination continued: I heard a noise in Trim's house, which I thought was the result of a chair being moved. I don't think the noise came from another house, but I cannot swear to that. My aunt has never seen Trim, and if that is reported in the papers it is a mistake. - Trim, in reply to a Juror, said he had children, but they were in bed on the night in question. - A Juror: One of the children might have moved the chair. - William Beavis, a bargeman, proved that on Wednesday evening after deceased was missed, he lost a small bit of a rope, which was in a lighter near the beach. He often missed line in this way. On the same night he found, in a boat on shore, a mast and sail, which did not belong to him. these, he believed, were boys' tricks, for they were often at them. - William Horn, who is a first cousin of Trim's, said that after he had been engaged in searching for the body on the 3rd of July, he had some conversation with Trim, who ferried him across from Exmouth to the Warren. As they were going over the water, Trim said that he went over after MR JOHNSON on the Monday night; that he (Trim) rode up the creek and remained there for ten minutes. He saw a man coming down the Warren; and he came away without him, landing at about ten o'clock on the Exmouth side. Trim did not say why he came away without the man, nor did witness ask him. On the 4th of July he went with Trim again in the ferry to the Warren. Witness said, "Trim, I wonder at your seeing a man coming down the Warren, and come away without him." P.C. Alcombe, who was present, said, "What do you say?" and he (witness) repeated what Trim had said. The police officer said to Trim, "Why you told me you never saw anybody coming down the Warren?" Trim replied, "Oh, yes I did." that was all the conversation that passed and Trim did not answer his question as to the reason for his coming across the water without the man he saw. - Trim said that what he told Horn was, that he fancied he saw a man on the Warren, but that he staid there ten minutes and found he was mistaken. - The Coroner said it was a singular thing that Trim should have said what Horn had alleged, and for the latter not to have asked him why he came without the man. - Horn: However singular it might be it is nevertheless quite true. - William Ching said that on the Monday following MR JOHNSON'S loss he was out fishing about 12 p.m. near the Preventive station. He saw a boat that was rowed in near the pole about five yards distant. Witness hailed the boat two or three times, without receiving any reply. He could not say who was in the boat, and he had never stated to anyone that Trim was in the boat. - Mr Hawkins, chief officer of the coast guard service, gave evidence relative to the possibility of a man's missing his way on the Warren, and walking into the water. - The Coroner summed up with considerable clearness and ability. As the character of Trim had been involved, he had deemed it his duty to have the case fully and thoroughly investigated. (The Jury applauded). The all knew that when a murder was supposed to be committed, or a person was missing, not only was curiosity excited, but sometimes indignation was aroused, and suspicion was fixed on an individual on the most trivial grounds. The evidence of Trim was natural and coherent throughout, and with regard to the few circumstances of contradiction in the statements of Trim and Horn, the Jury must remember how treacherous the memory was in matters of this kind. It was possible that Trim might have told a falsehood in order to clear himself from an unjust suspicion - for they knew that such cases did sometimes occur - although he did not think that Trim had done so. - Mr Bickford (one of the Jury) said that he was not aware that any "unjust suspicion" had been raised against Trim. He, therefore, thought the remark of the Coroner was uncalled for. Several Jurymen said that there could be no doubt about the suspicion which had been raised against Trim. - The Coroner said he might have been a little too warm on this matter, but, when a man was accused of so horrible a crime as murder, he did feel strongly: and had deemed it his duty to make the remarks he had. The Coroner then proceeded to show that the evidence was consistent with the supposition that the deceased had accidentally met with his death. - The Jury after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - The Enquiry lasted from 11 o'clock a.m. until 5 p.m.

STOKE DAMEREL - Drowning In Mill Lake. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Richmond Walk Inn, Devonport, on the body of a boy named THOMAS TURPIN, who was found drowned on Thursday in Mill Lake. Mr Robert Burt was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - James Correr, a boy about 13 years of age, said that on Thursday afternoon he was running across some timbers in the water above the Stonehouse Bridge Gate, when he saw a boy's face above the surface of the water, between two timbers. He immediately went in search of a policeman, and, on returning with P.C. Mitchell, he found the body in the same position as he had left it. A man who was near the spot took the body out of the water, and laid it on a plank, on which it was conveyed to the Richmond Walk Inn. The water was deep at the time, and the timbers were afloat. - William Bostick, a butcher, living at the Trafalgar Nursery, Stoke, said: The deceased has been in my employ for about sixteen months, and on Friday last I was at work in my garden between five and six o'clock in the evening, when I had occasion to go in search of the deceased. I went in search of him, and found him at the house of Mrs Murray, at the back of Trafalgar-terrace. I said to him, "What are you stopping here so long for? You have no business here." To this he made no reply. I told him that Capt. Chapman's strawberries and cream were waiting to be delivered at his house, and I gave him a slap on the side of the face, and told him to return to the shop. He did so, and on arriving at the shop I told him to deliver Capt. Chapman's goods, and other vegetables to Capt. Bruce's. He took them, delivered them, and returned with the basket. He has been a very good boy whilst in my service, and the deceased never made any complaint of the manner in which he was treated. He was in the habit of taking twopennyworth of scalded milk to Mrs Murray every morning, but he had no business there of an evening. In about half an hour after he had been sent with the strawberries, &c., he returned, and went into the kitchen to take his tea, in the middle of which he rose up and was going into the passage. I asked him what he was going to do, and he said he was going to meat the pigs. I said, "Never mind, I will do that; make haste and have your tea." I said to him, "What have you done with the milk you had left, for I gave you a quart more than you wanted to dip from?" He said he had none left. I said to him, "I think you are doing the thing that is wrong; but never mind now, in future I shall measure your milk every morning, and if the girl had not been gone I should have sent you home to your father." I then told him to take a gallon basket and pick some strawberries. He took it, and went into the garden and commenced picking some. In about twenty minutes afterwards I went into the garden for the purpose of helping the deceased, and found his basket at the end of a row of strawberries, with about two, two quarts of that fruit in it. Deceased was not there. I called for him, but I received no answer, nor could I find him, and I have not seen him since alive. - ROBERT TURPIN said: I am the father of the deceased; he is 11 years and 7 months old. I last saw him alive last Sunday fortnight. He was a very healthy boy, but not so very cheerful, and he was a boy who would not sulk at anything. he always spoke well of his place. - Maria Murray said: A few days ago the deceased came into my house with my children, whom he was in the habit of playing with, and sat a few minutes, when his master came in, and said, "You little scoundrel, where have you been this three-quarters of an hour?" and gave him two slaps on the side of the face, causing him to fall on the floor. I do not think his master hurt him; he got up and went away with his master. - Matthew Stephens said: I am one of the collectors at the Stonehouse Bridge Gage, and on Friday evening last, at eleven o'clock, I heard a loud splash in the water. I ran down to the water's edge, when I heard a loud groan and a great deal of splashing. I ran up on the bridge, but I could not see anything. I at first thought it was our dog, but I called him, and finding on his coming near me that he was quite dry, I became alarmed, and told the other collector, and then I went home. - James Crossing said: I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London. I have examined the body externally, and find it is generally discoloured, and on turning the head over I found a very extensive injury on the left side of the head. The body appeared to have been in the water some time; the mouth was shut and the tongue protruding between the teeth, the hands were open, and the left eye was completely disorganised, caused very likely by the fracture on the back of the head. One bone was completely driven into the brain, but it did not inflict any injury on it. I think the fracture was subsequent to the death. On an internal examination I found that the lungs were congested and the stomach nearly empty. There were no traces of poison whatever. The viscera was in a healthy state, and I think that the deceased died from suffocation, very probably from drowning. I think the deceased must have been dead for some days, as the skin is peeling off, as if the body had been long immersed. - The deceased's father said: On Saturday night last I was walking to look for my son when I saw a cap hung up on a post at the corner of the Park in the Stoke-road, which I think belonged to the deceased. - Mr Bostick said he did not think it was his because he had a cap with a small peak, and this one had a large one. - The Coroner having briefly summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned, but how the deceased came by his death there was no evidence to show."

EGG BUCKLAND - Death By Fire. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Egg Buckland before Allan Bone, Esq., and a Jury of which Mr Neal was the Foreman, to Enquire into the death of HANNAH COBER, who had met with her death by burning. - Philip Shee said: I am a farm labourer, and live next door to the deceased, and I have lived there for some months. About ten minutes to six o'clock on Thursday morning, the deceased came to my door and asked the time. I told her; she said, "Thank you," and went away. I was getting my breakfast about half-past six, when I heard someone screeching outside my door. I opened the door and ran out. I saw the deceased in a flame of fire. I took off some of her burning garments as well as I could, and wrapped a mat around her, which my wife gave me. I cried out to Mrs Moses to give me a damp cloth, and when I put the mat around deceased she fell down. We then helped her upstairs. - Mary Deberugh said: I live in the village. About twenty minutes after six I was in my room. I heard the deceased screaming. She was coming from her own house to the pump. She found she could not pump. She then went outside the door of the court, and I and others tried to put the fire out. She was very much burnt. I have known the deceased for many years. She was subject to fits. - ALEXANDER COBER said: I am the husband of the deceased. She was twenty-seven years of age, and she was subject to fits, and when she got them she lost her senses. I left the cottage to go to work; she seemed quite well and cheerful. I then went and got my horse and cart and returned to my cottage. The deceased came out after the milk, and she seemed quite cheerful. When I came home I found that she was burnt, and she died about five o'clock on Friday morning. - Elizabeth Folly said: I live in the village and I have known the deceased for a long time. About half-past six I went to the deceased's house, and I found she was in bed. She told me she had blown the fire up with some fresh coals, and took a sifter full out to light the furnace fire As she was going towards the door she was taken in a fit, but she did not remember when she let it fall. She did not remember anything more. I was with her until her death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Drowning On The River Tamar. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the White Lion Inn, on the body of RICHARD EDMUND SNELL, who was drowned in the River Tamar, on Tuesday evening. - Robert Harvey, a shipwright, said: I have known the deceased for six or seven years, and on Tuesday morning I saw him at Mutton Cove in the steamer Fairy. I saw him on the trip on the river several times, and when she left Calstock about five minutes I saw him speak to a companion, called Lux, who had been with him all day, and then go across the deck, and at the same minute I heard a cry that he was overboard. I ran to the side of the steamer, and saw him sink just as I looked over. A boat was lowered immediately and drags were procured, and we grappled for him for about one hour without success. He was about twenty feet from the vessel when he sank. The weather was fine and moderate when he fell overboard. The steamer was under full steam, but she was stopped almost directly at the request of the captain. - William Lux, a shipwright, said: The deceased has been my companion for ten years. On Monday night last I saw him, and he said he was not going up the Tamar on the next day, but he should come and see us off. On the next morning I saw him on the quay, and someone persuaded him to come on board, which he did. I accompanied him all the way up to Calstock, where he went on shore to get some refreshments. He had some cider and went on board at six o'clock for the purpose of returning. We sat down on the rail, abreast of the funnel. After he had been on board five minutes he left me. Just after he left me I heard a cry of "A man overboard!" I looked over the side and saw him in the water, but knowing he could swim I did not jump after him; but suddenly he sank. I think his death was accidental. When he fell I heard the splash, and he was not far from the vessel. We dragged for him without success, and we resumed our passage home. The next morning I proceeded to the spot, in the Princess, steamer, and grappled for him for about half-an-hour, when we caught him. We got him into the boat and brought him home. - George Mogg said: The deceased is my nephew, and he was 22 years of age. He has been employed for six months in the Dock Yard, as a hired shipwright, and he was discharged last Saturday with others. He suffered from the rheumatic fever and the heart disease which I attribute as the cause of his sinking so quick. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At The Gun Wharf. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Gun Wharf, Devonport, on the body of ROBERT GEORGE BLATCHFORD, a labourer, who fell from a flagstaff. - John Allan said: I am the master-carpenter in the Gun Wharf. This morning, at a little after 9 o'clock, the contractor for the repairs now being carried on in the Wharf came down to me and asked for the loan of a ladder to examine the flag-staff at the corner of the terrace, and I gave him one. I came up in a few minutes and saw the deceased up the post, within seven or eight feet from the top. The ladder was resting against the lower part of the pole. It did not reach one half-way up. The staff is about 50 feet high. When within seven or eight feet from the top deceased rested and commenced to descend. He came down very steadily for about eight or nine feet, but after that he seemed to have lost all command of himself, as he came down very rapidly. When he reached the top of the ladder he fell backwards, and his head came in contact with the granite stones which supported the staff, and from thence he fell to the grass. A man lifted him up and we saw his brain protruding. Dr Crossing was in attendance in a few minutes. I think it was an accident. - Jonah Deacon said: I am contractor for the repairs now being carried on in the establishment. As there was something amiss with the flag-staff, I sent for the clerk of the works at about nine o'clock, but he did not come. At that time five or six men came to work. They were labourers in my employ. I asked them if any of them would ascend the flagstaff, and cut down the block at the top. The deceased, who was amongst them, offered to ascend the staff, and commenced at once to ascend. I told him to wait till the clerk of the works came, and to go to his work, and when I required him I would call him. He told me he had gained prizes for climbing poles. He returned to his work, and I obtained a ladder from the last witness. The ladder reached about one-third the height of the staff. I called deceased, and he said he was glad I had got a ladder, as he could get over the little part better than he could the large part - meaning the bottom of the staff. I promised him something, in addition to his wages, for doing so. I told him that when he reached the top of the staff he was to endeavour to extricate the rope from the pulley; if he could not do so, to cut it down. He ascended the ladder and commenced to climb the post. When within six or seven feet from the top, he stopped, and commenced descending. He came down steadily for a distance of about ten or twelve feet, when he appeared to lose all command of himself. The upper part of his body appeared to come away from the pole, and when near the ladder he fell and came in contact with the granite stones below. I instantly went for a doctor, and soon returned with Dr crossing. The pole is about sixty feet in height. The diameter at the bottom is about twelve inches and at the top of the ladder it is about nine inches. The top of the post is about seven inches in diameter. I did not think it was a dangerous task for the deceased to undertake, as he has been to sea for two years. - David Dean, brother-in-law to the deceased, said deceased was 27 years of age. He had been two years at sea. He was a sober and steady man. He has left a wife and two children. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 30 July 1862
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Monday morning at the Devon County Prison, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., and a respectable Jury of the parish of Saint Thomas, on the body of EDWARD SWEENEY, a prisoner under sentence of six months' imprisonment for stealing a watch at Brixham, which imprisonment had expired on the 1st of this month, but in consequence of the ill-health of the prisoner it had been deemed advisable by the medical officer of the prison not to discharge him, and he died on the 25th inst., at 7.40 a.m. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that shortly after his admission he exhibited symptoms of illness, being still kept to hard labour until the surgeon certified that he was unable to bear it - this being in April. The deceased still lingered on, and ultimately died in his cell, it not having been deemed a case of sufficient importance to warrant his removal to the hospital; but whatever deceased asked for, on no occasion was it refused. The acting surgeon (Mr William James) tendered evidence to the effect that on first meeting him he considered him in the last stage of consumption. Having heard the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died by the Visitation of God in the Natural way to wit, of Consumption."

Western Daily Mercury - Saturday 2 August 1862
TORRINGTON - Child Found Dead. - J. H. Toller, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest in this town, on Wednesday, upon the body of the infant female child of ELIZABETH RIDGEWAY, single woman, which was found dead at its mother's breast, on the same morning. The medical attendant having given his opinion that death was caused by imperfect action of the heart, the Jury gave a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 6 August 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At The Great Western Docks. - An adjourned Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., junr., Deputy Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of CORNELIUS BRIAN. From the evidence adduced it appeared that the deceased was an Irish labourer, about sixty years of age. He and his wife were passengers to Cork, in the Albatross, one of the Cork Company's steamers, which was lying alongside the pontoon, at Millbay Pier. On Friday evening, shortly after eleven o'clock, the deceased was walking over a plank, which rendered easy communication between the vessel and the shore, when he fell off into the water. An alarm was immediately raised, and he was taken out of the water by a man named Wills. With assistance deceased was taken on board the Albatross and Mr Stevens, the surgeon was soon in attendance, but deceased died on the following (Saturday) morning, at about seven o'clock. Deceased and his wife were on their passage home, near Brennan, county of Cork. The Albatross sailed on Saturday morning, and the body was removed to St. George's Hall. The deceased was not seen by anyone to fall, but he told his wife that whilst in the act of crossing the plank he slipped his foot, and fell into the water. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 11 August 1862
EXETER - Shocking Accident. - On Friday an Inquiry was instituted before R. R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, at the Welcome Inn, Haven Banks, on the body of MARIA SOPHIA DAW, a little girl, twelve years of age, who met her death in the timber yard of Mr Stamp, on the Basin, on Wednesday last. It appeared from the evidence of a young man named Gilbert Scoins, a tin-plat worker, employed at the gas works on the Basin, that about one o'clock on the day in question he observed the deceased and two other little girls picking up chips near a timber wagon, which was being unloaded by two men named Napper and Slade, and that one of the pieces of timber fell on the child, smashing its head literally to atoms, besprinkling the bag which she carried with her brains, and killing her instantaneously. He at once rushed and picked her up, but the vital spark had fled. She was not heard to utter a single groan. The witness (Scoins) did not consider the men at all to blame, as from the position in which they were at work it was impossible for them to see the deceased, who had no right to be where she was. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and suggested that some means should be taken to prevent a recurrence of an accident so deplorable as the one they had met to Inquire into; but as it was a public thoroughfare no definite suggestion was arrived at.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 23 August 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Death From Drinking. - Yesterday an Inquest was held before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Brown Bear, Chapel-street, Devonport, on the body of ANN EDWIN. It appeared that on Wednesday last deceased went to the house of Emma Spiller, No 26 Chapel-lane, Devonport, and requested Spiller to fetch her some spirit. This request was complied with until upwards of a quart of spirit had been drunk. It appeared that deceased had been drinking for several days past. Deceased was put to bed drunk about nine o'clock on Wednesday night, and shortly after ten o'clock Spiller heard an unusual noise, and on going to deceased discovered that she did not move or draw her breath. Mr Butchers, surgeon, was immediately sent for, and on his arrival, found her to be quite dead. The verdict of the Jury was, that "Deceased had died from Excessive Drinking."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 27 August 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Dolphin Inn, Granby-street, before A. B. Bone, Esq., jun., and a Jury of whom Mr R. Burt was Foreman to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM CORNELIUS, occasioned by his falling from a ladder on the previous day. - John Smith deposed that on Monday afternoon the deceased, with a boy, was engaged to tar the roof of the house in which he lived, at No. 2, Dockwall. In the afternoon he tied two ladders together by a rope generally used for such purposes, and raised them to the side of the house. The smaller one was at the top. The deceased got up the ladders and drove a hook into the top of the window sash of his room, to which he tied a rope to keep the ladder steady. The ladders were lashed about half a dozen bars down. Deceased did it all himself. He went to the bottom of the ladders to get one to put on the roof of the house. He put it on his shoulder and began to ascend the ladders, and when nearly at the top, one of the bars gave way. There was a small knot in the side of the ladder on which the bar rested, and the weight of deceased and the ladder he had on his shoulder caused the knot to come out, the bar instantly coming out after it. This was the top ladder. When the deceased found he was falling he caught hold of the rope attached to the hook, which by the sudden jerk, came out and broke the top of the small or top ladder off. Thus the three ladders and the man fell to the ground. The deceased was quite sober. He had used the same ladders to colour the back of the house the week before. - Charles Parsons, an apprentice to Mr Perkins, and working with the deceased at the time of the accident, said the bottom ladder was a twenty-two-bar one, and the top an eighteen-bar one. The one he was carrying was an eighteen-bar one. He had previously told the deceased that he thought the top ladder would break, as when deceased was on it once it bent very much. On the Saturday night his master told the deceased to come up to Haddington-street and he would give him a long ladder. The deceased told witness he would try those two first, and if they would do, it would save them going up to Stoke after a large one. Had never seen deceased the worse for liquor. - George Perkins, of the firm of Perkins and Norman, corroborated the last witness's evidence with reference to having told the deceased to fetch a longer ladder from Haddington-street, the top ladder being used for laying on the roofs of houses, and not for tying to other ladders. Deceased had worked for Mr Perkins, sen., 15 years. Had never seen him the worse for liquor, and he has always been a steady and trustworthy man. - The wife of the deceased said he only lived about half-an-hour after he was brought home, and during that time all he said was, "The bars! the bars!" The Jury deliberated a short time, and returned a verdict of Accidental Death, adding that they did not think there was any blame attached to Mr Perkins or Mr Norman, as the deceased had done contrary to Mr Perkins' wishes.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 4 September 1862
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Accident To A Child At Tavistock. The Inquest. - On Tuesday afternoon an Inquest was held at No. 7 Westbridge Cottages, before the Coroner, Allan Bone, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury, of which Mr Richard Palmer acted as foreman, on view of the body of a little boy, four years of age, named ISAAC ALFORD, who was killed on the morning of the same day, by the accidental passing of a cart laden with stones over the lower part of his chest, which broke his chest bone and several of his ribs. - Selina Metherell, sworn, said: I live in Fitzford Cottage. This morning, at about a quarter to eleven o'clock, I was going down the New-road, towards my home, and I saw a horse and cart in the road without a driver. I was in front of the cart, which was going along the same way. I stopped to speak to a woman called Maria Welsh, and the horse and cart passed us. Shortly afterwards I heard screams proceeding from the direction in which the cart had gone, and I ran to see what was the matter. When I got to the spot I found that the cart had passed over little ALFORD. I lifted the child up a little and the only sign of life I discovered was that his eyes opened. I then left the child to the care of Maria Welsh, whilst I went to fetch its mother. When I returned again the child was lifeless in Mashford's arms. - Maria Welsh corroborated the evidence of the last witness, the only addition to it made by her being that after Metherell had been gone some time, the driver of the cart, Isaac Mashford, came running up to her. - Isaac Mashford, examined, said: I was taking a cart full of stones from the Duke of Bedford's quarry to Fitzford Cottages this morning, and when I got to the Bedford Hotel, I stopped my horse to speak to Mr Cole of the Bedford Hotel tap. John Cole told me something concerning his father at Jacobstow; and after a few minutes he offered me a glass of beer, which I drank. I said to Cole that I must make haste, for I was afraid my horse and cart had started and was down by the British School. I ran as fast as I could, and was met by a little girl, who told me that my cart had gone over a little child. I ran on and found the child lying on its back. I took the child up in my arms, and it expired immediately. - John Cole, sworn, said: I am the landlord of the Bedford Hotel Tap. This morning, at about a quarter to 11, my servant called me to draw a glass of beer for Mr Mashford. After he drank it, I spoke to him about my father, and offered him a glass of beer, which he accepted. - The Coroner, interrupting witness, addressed himself to Mashford, and said: You have made quite false statements respecting the beer, and Mr Cole's calling you at the steps to tell you about his father's affairs. It was your intention to go there for beer. By such inaccurate evidence as you have given you have endeavoured to throw dust into the eyes of the Jury. You are much - very much to be blamed for not stating the real facts of the case in a straightforward manner. - Mr Mashford said something in reply, but our reporter could not catch the purport of it. - Examination continued: When Mashford had drunk the beer he said he must make haste, or his horse would go away. Mashford stood at the bar and did not go into the kitchen. I was at the bottom of the steps and when Mashford got to the top he told me his horse was gone. - Sarah Wallcraft said: I am a servant of Mr Cole's. This morning I saw Mashford put his horse and cart by the side of the rails and he then came down the steps and asked me for a glass of beer. Master had the keys and I called him in from the stable to draw it for him. - The Coroner then addressed the Jury at some length upon the facts contained in the evidence which had been brought before them, and read the following clause in the Act of Parliament relating to turnpike roads as being applicable to the act of carelessness of the man Mashford: "If the driver of any carriage whatsoever on any part of any turnpike road shall, by negligence or wilful misbehaviour, cause any hurt or damage to any person passing or being upon such road, he shall, for every such offence, forfeit any sum not exceeding 40s., in case such driver shall not be the owner of such carriage; and in case the offender be the owner of such carriage then any sum not exceeding £5 - and in either of the said cases shall, in default of payment, be committed to the House of Correction for any time not exceeding one month." - The Jury after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death; but do not think such death was occasioned by the wilful negligence of Isaac Mashford, the driver of the cart." Some of the Jurymen, however, expressed themselves in strong terms with reference to Mashford's culpability.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 6 September 1862
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the Half Moon Hotel, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, and a very respectable Jury, of which Mr Bisney was chosen Foreman, on the body of JOHN CHARLES STEVENS, a linen draper, lately in the employ of Messrs. Green and Bennett, the well-known drapers of High-street, who dropped down dead on the previous day. The following witnesses were examined: - Mr Henry Bennett, of the firm of Messrs. Green and Bennett, said: I knew the deceased. He was a widower, and in my employ. He has been with me since February last, and he lived at my house. He was about forty years of age, and, previous to being in my employ, he lived at Wales and Edinburgh. Never heard him complain of illness, but he had an attack of bronchitis about two months since. - Samuel Norrington, an apprentice to Messrs. Green and Bennett, said: I took tea with the deceased at five o'clock on the previous day. I had no conversation with him after tea. Deceased went to church in the afternoon. - Mr Harding, wine and spirit merchant, of North-street, said: Shortly after seven last evening, while standing at the corner of the road leading from St. David's Church to the North Road, I saw four or five persons on the opposite side, near the entrance to Bury Meadow. I saw a man fall very heavily, and knock his head against the wall. I went over to him, and unloosed his collar; two men supported his head the while. I was greatly impressed with the idea that the man was dying and I sent immediately for Mr Webb and Mr Coad, surgeons. In the meantime, Mr Warren came, and examined him and the deceased expired shortly afterwards. I sent for a stretcher and had him removed to his home. - Mr Warren, surgeon, said: Last evening, about 20 minutes after seven, as I was going up the North Road, I saw a crowd of people collected in Bury Meadow. I hurried over to see what was the matter, and found the deceased lying on the path, his head being supported by some men. He was perfectly insensible, and his face was very pallid. He drew a few long gasps for four or five minutes, and then died. From the right temple there was a little blood truckling. I examined it, but could not find any fracture. I consider his death was occasioned by a sudden attach of apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died suddenly from Apoplexy.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 9 September 1862
EXETER - Coroner's Inquest At Exeter. A Child Drowned. - An Inquest was held before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, at the Round Tree Inn, yesterday morning, on the body of JOSEPH TOOZE, a child three years of age, who had been found in the mill leat on Saturday. It appeared that on that day the child had got out from its home and its mother, the wife of a labourer, went out to look for it. She could not find it, but on hearing someone cry out she went to the gratings of Mr Surridge's mill, and there found that one of his men had picked up the child whilst clearing the grating of weeds. Mr G. Pates, chemist, was sent for, and he, being of opinion that life was not wholly extinct, applied restoratives, but without the slightest effect. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - Another Melancholy Death. - A second Inquest was held in the afternoon, before the same gentleman, and a respectable Jury, Mr J. W. Havill, being the Foreman, at the Axminster Inn, touching the death of SILAS HILL, aged 53, whose death took place on the previous day under the following circumstances: It appeared that the deceased who was a tailor, residing at Heavitree, had for many years been greatly addicted to drinking. For about five weeks past he had been an outpatient of the dispensary, being treated by Mr H. T. Hartnoll, surgeon, for boils or abscesses, under which he was suffering. Previous to this, however, he had been treated by Dr Elliott, for disease of the heart, but he made no mention of that circumstance to Mr Hartnoll. On Saturday last deceased paid a visit to MR WILLIAM HILL, his nephew, residing at 16 Eaton-place, Exeter, and told MRS HILL that if her husband would come out to meet him on the next morning he would come in and see them. MR HILL did go towards Heavitree, but not meeting him he proceeded direct to his house, and the deceased left with him. On coming on the road deceased requested him two or three times not to walk so fast, as he felt unwell. They reached Eaton-place about 12 o'clock, and between one and two deceased had his dinner, which consisted of a mutton chop and some French beans, but no potatoes and a bottle of ginger beer, part of which he drank. Between three and four o'clock he again complained of illness, and said his heart was jumping. He then asked his nephew to lead him to the water closet, which he did, and left him; but finding that he stayed rather a long time he went to him and spoke to him, but received no answer, and he again left. He returned, however, a second time, and finding that deceased did not reply to a second interrogation, he took him in his arms and carried him inside, and laid him on the sofa, and thinking he was in a fit (of which he had often complained) he went for Mr Hartnoll, but no finding him at home he returned in a fly with Mr Harris, surgeon, who pronounced the deceased to be dead. - Mr Hartnoll having described the treatment given to the deceased, some of the Jury expressed a desire that a post mortem examination should be held, on the ground that there was no evidence to show how the deceased came by his death. The deceased had been treated by Dr Elliott for disease of the heart, but it was evident he had not mentioned the circumstance to Mr Hartnoll, who had treated him for abscesses. - The room was cleared to consider the question, and after about an hours' deliberation, the doors were reopened when the Coroner said it had been decided to adjourn the Inquest until the next day to admit of a post mortem examination being made.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 12 September 1862
BRIXHAM - Mr F. B. Cuming commenced his duties as Coroner on Tuesday last, by holding an Inquest at the Waterman's Arms Inn, Brixham, on the body of the man JAMES MICKLE, who was killed at Furzeham Common on Monday last, by the slipping of a quantity of sand in a pit in which the deceased was working, as reported in the Mercury of Tuesday. Edwin Putt, of Brixham, labourer, stated that he was at work with the deceased on Monday last at a sand pit on Furzeham Hill, shovelling out the sand, when the side suddenly fell in. The pit was about 12 feet deep, a little undermined, and from the top to the bottom was about two feet out of the perpendicular. Witness was caught by the legs. Deceased was quite buried. Assistance was quickly at hand, and many commenced digging, but the deceased was not extricated until nearly half-an-hour had elapsed. He was then quite dead. Onesimus Alfred Bartlett, of Brixham, draper, said that the deceased was in his employ. He told deceased to go on Monday morning and dig sand at the Furzeham Pit to keep the cart going, and if he could not do it himself he was to send for another hand from another part of the common; and also gave him particular instructions not to dig under, but to take off the head first, regardless of the labour, and pointed out particularly the danger of doing otherwise, owing to the softness of the sand. He considered there was no occasion for shoring, owing to the nature of the ground. - John Paine Stone, surgeon, stated that he was called to Furzeham Hill on Monday about half-past twelve. The body of deceased was stretched on the round. After ascertaining that he was dead, he examined the injuries, and was of opinion that death did not immediately result from them, but he was decidedly of opinion that death resulted from suffocation. Three ribs were fractured on the right side and there was a severe bruise on the right temple. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 13 September 1862
ASHPRINGTON - An Inquest was held at the Waterman's Arms Inn, Ashprington, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on Wednesday, on the body of MR SAMUEL WILLIAMS, whose death was caused by the accident which occurred to him on Tuesday week last - a report of which has already been published in our columns. Mr A. P. Lamble, of Dreyton, stated that he left Totnes on the evening of the Totnes market day with the deceased, his father, and Mr g. Hutchings, and rode up Totnes Down Hill. On arriving at the top of the hill the deceased and Mr Hutchings cantered off and on coming to the west corner the witness saw deceased lying in the road. - Mr W. T. Prowse, of Totnes, said that he was coming towards Totnes on the evening stated, and when he came near the steps leading to the path-fields he heard some horses coming at a galloping rate, and just as they turned the corner one of the horses fell, throwing its rider into the road. Witness went to see who the man was. He was lying on his face and hands quite insensible, and his face was covered with blood and dirt. Deceased's father came up, and said, "What's the matter?" and then got off and said, "Oh! it's my son!" Mr Hutchings went on to Bow, to send someone with a spring cart, and witness hastened on to Totnes for a medical man. The other two remaining with deceased. - T. E. Owen, Esq., surgeon, stated that he was called last Tuesday week to attend the deceased at Bow. He found him partially insensible, with bad symptoms in the head, arising apparently from injuries to the brain; he had a wound in the knee, and great ecchymosis about the eyes, and other wounds about the head; he was also attacked with vomiting and altogether in a dangerous state. He continued thus until Sunday last, when alarming symptoms set in. He held a consultation with Mr Hind, and they were of opinion that the termination would be fatal. The death arose from effusion of blood on the brain, the result of the fall. - Mr George Hutchings stated that, after they got to the top of the hill, they started off into a canter and then deceased's horse broke into a hard gallop. Witness was about ten or twelve yards behind him when he was thrown. He caught the horse and came back, and found the deceased insensible. Deceased did not appear the worse for drink. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 15 September 1862
PLYMOUTH - Death By Drowning. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Guildhall, Plymouth, upon the body of WILLIAM JAMES TRENT, a young man who was understood to have been drowned in the Sound while performing his duties as one of the crew of the brig Zoe, of Plymouth. The Borough Coroner, J. Edmonds, Esq., presided over the Enquiry. After the Jury had viewed the body, at the Dead House, in Westwell-street, and returned to the hall, two witnesses were called. - Samuel Caddy said he was an able seaman on board the brig Zoe. When at home, he lived at No. 30 Clarence-street, Plymouth. Captain Edward Bradden commanded the brig. On Tuesday, the 2nd of September, the vessel put into Plymouth Sound for orders, with a cargo of sugar. The deceased was an able seaman on board the brig. Whilst she was lying in the Sound on Thursday, the 4th, we were washing decks, between seven and eight in the morning; the deceased was assisting. A boy named Murray let the lanyard out of his hand and lost a water-bucket overboard. We tried to reach the bucket with boathooks, but could not succeed. The deceased then took off all his clothes but his trousers and jumped overboard. The weather was fine with a little wind, and the tide was running lack. He caught hold of the bucket and emptied the water out of it once. The bucket sunk again, and, although he touched it after that, he let it go and swam towards the ship Whilst swimming he sung out, "I've got my trousers on." We got a spar and threw it over the stern to him. he then cried out, "I'm drowning," and after turning round twice in the water he went down. Witness never saw him again. He had seen his body that day (Saturday). The deceased was a good swimmer; and witness did not apprehend any danger when he went into the water. The boats were all on board, as orders to sail were expected. Deceased was not ordered to jump overboard: he did it voluntarily. The captain was not on board at the time. He believed James Bickham, a waterman, picked the body up in the Sound that (Saturday) afternoon, and brought it to the Barbican; whence it was removed to the Dead House. Witness was of opinion that death was quite accidental. - This was confirmed by another of the crew; and a witness named John Burnson, a police pensioner, uncle of the deceased, and the person with whom the deceased lived when at home, identified the body and said the age of the deceased was 31 last March. Bickham, the waterman, proved that he found the body about half-past two on Saturday afternoon, floating in the Sound, between Bovisand and the east end of the Breakwater. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner remarked, at the close of the proceedings, that there had not been an Inquest held in the borough for more than seven weeks before this.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 16 September 1862
PLYMOUTH - Awfully Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, King-street, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of PHILIP GILL, an able-seaman of H.M.S. Cambridge, who had died suddenly on the previous day (Sunday). The following evidence was adduced at the Inquest: - SUSANNA GILL was sworn and said: I am a single woman, living at No. 3 Cecil-place, King-street, Plymouth. I reside with my mother, who has been a widow between four and five years. The deceased was my brother, and when ashore he lived with my mother. Deceased was an able-seaman belonging to H.M.S. Cambridge. On Saturday afternoon last, about two o'clock, the deceased came ashore on leave. He was then, apparently, in very good health. He slept at No. 2 Cecil-place, on last Saturday night, and breakfasted, dined and had his tea there on Sunday. I partook of all three meals with him. He had coffee, bread and butter and boiled hake for breakfast. he had breakfast about nine o'clock. He had for dinner a piece of roasted mutton, a few potatoes, and boiled kidney beans: that was about half-past one o'clock. Our tea consisted of tea and bread and butter: that was at five o'clock. About half-past five o'clock the deceased cleaned himself and came down to me and my mother while we were standing at the front door of 3, Cecil-street. Deceased then appeared in very good health. He was talking to my mother, myself and a neighbour. He was in very good spirits, and quite sober. At about six o'clock deceased fell down on the ground, quite speechless. He died immediately in the passage. Deceased was taken upstairs, and Mr Jago, the surgeon, came, but the deceased was quite dead, and had been so many minutes. There had not been any quarrelling in the family. I cannot account for deceased's death in any other way than that it pleased God to take him. I never knew deceased to be ill. He allowed my mother half-pay. He was a kind son, and was an affectionate brother. Deceased was about 22 years of age. - James Cansley was next examined and said: I reside at 2 Cecil-place, in the same house where the deceased died. I have known him and his family for about twelve months. I believe they lived happily together On Sunday evening he came downstairs, spoke to his mother and fell down. We got him upstairs and he moaned once. He was quite sober. He died instantly. I have no reason to believe that he died otherwise than by the visitation of God. The deceased was standing by inside the fore door when I came. - The Jury found a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Death Of MR NORMAN. The Coroner's Inquest. - Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the borough of Devonport, held an Inquest at the Pennycomequick Inn, yesterday afternoon, at half-past two o'clock, upon the body of MR WILLIAM THOMAS NORMAN, artist, late of Stoke. The circumstances attendant upon the finding of the body were detailed in the Mercury yesterday. The interest felt in the proceedings was manifested by the attendance of a crowd of persons around the inn. The Inquest last three hours and a half. - After the Jurymen were sworn, they viewed the body in a room upstairs. They then returned and witnesses were called. - John Bond Waycott said: I am a dairyman and live at Wellington-street, Stoke. Yesterday morning, about a quarter past six, I was going home from a field near the back of the Pennycomequick Inn, where I had been milking; and when I came to the gate of Mr Roseveare's field, close by the railway arch on the Pennycomequick Road, I saw the dead body of a man lying across the footpath. At first I thought he was drunk. I went to him. He lay on the Plymouth side of the arch, about two landyards (36 feet) from it, across the footway on the northern side of the road. He was lying on his back. The head was lying about a foot from the edge of the embankment, and the feet towards the water table, over the kerb stones. I felt his head and found it to be cold. I then ran towards the Pennycomequick Inn, and saw a man coming. I hailed him and he said he would call some other persons. I then returned to the body and waited till they came. The body was entirely dressed, but had no hat on. The top buttons of his waistcoat, which was made to button close, unbuttoned, and his shirt front was covered with blood. His trousers were unbuttoned in front. The collar of the coat was apparently dragged up. He had a light overcoat on above his other coat. The bottom part of his trousers was dragged up above his boots. The whole of his boots and part of his stockings - about 2 inches - were visible. His right hand was extended and clenched. The left arm was bent toward the body and that hand also clenched. There was blood running down by his side, by the side of his head to the ground. His face was towards the arch. I could not see where the blood came from. His clothes were altogether very dirty. The front of his waistcoat and coat was dirty, but not so dirty as the other parts of his clothing. His clothes were not torn; and no part of them was disordered except what I have mentioned. After seeing what I have described about the body, I went to the archway. At the eastern end of the archway nearest the body, on the corner of the archway, about 18 inches from the round, I saw a spot of blood, about the size of the palm of a man's hand, apparently splashed up. At the centre of the arch, under the arch, I saw another spot of blood of a similar kind. There was not much. There might be about as much as would fill a tablespoon. It was on the wall. On the southern side about 6 or 7 feet within the archway, I saw a hat. [The hat was produced. It was a round-topped felt hat.] It was bulged in on one side. There was a good deal of blood, both outside and inside the hat. I saw no blood on the road. When I found the body it was raining a little. Between three and 4 o'clock in the morning, it was raining heavily. It had been a rough night. I saw no marks on the road that showed a disturbance; and I think, if there had been any they would have been washed away. The road has been newly coated with stones. In the spot where the body was found, there was mud enough to dirty the body as I found it. The blood within the arch seemed to be as fresh as that on the body. There is a door near the place. It belongs to a man named Taverner, who keeps pigs there. I believe Taverner gets blood from the slaughter houses. - The Coroner: Did you see any blood near the door? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: I saw a spot of blood there just now, as I came along. - Acting Superintendent Bryant: I have understood, sir, that a pig was killed there on Saturday. - Witness continued: After I had seen these things several other persons came. The coat was pulled up under the shoulders. The legs were straight and the feet not far apart. I asked one of the people who came up to go for the police, and Hallett remained in charge of the body. - By the Jury: The body did not appear as if it had been dragged. - Inspector Bryant was called and said: I came to the spot just before eight o'clock. When I got to the archway, I observed Mr Edwards, the governor of the Devonport prison, with a hat in his hand. I afterwards found the hat on the ground. It is now in the same condition as the hat now produced. I believe this is the same. I then saw the deceased lying on the footpath, as described by the last witness. I directed that the body should be removed directly. I then took up the hat. I found the bulge already described upon the hat. The hat was saturated through with blood. I had the body removed to the Pennycomequick Inn, where it now lies; and I then found it to be the body of MR WILLIAM THOMAS NORMAN. - The witness described the condition of the clothes, and his description tallied with that of the last witness. He said he saw the surgeon examine the wound in the head. He saw the policeman Mitchell examine the pockets, where silver and copper to the amount of about 1s. 8d. were found. There was no watch. The clothes did not seem to be disordered. He found a spot of blood on the right side of the abutment of the arch at the eastern end about the size of a crown-piece, and about three or four feet from the arch; and a larger spot of blood about eight feet in, under the archway, towards the Plymouth (eastern) side. About two feet from the kerb, on some macadamised stones, he saw some blood; and upon removing the stones found some congealed blood beneath. This was a little distance from the end of the arch. - By a Juryman: The last mentioned spot of blood on the arch was about 13 feet from the body. It appeared to me the chief part of the blood was on the clothing. The front part of the clothes was saturated apparently with blood and rain. - Mr James Edwards, governor of the Devonport Prison, said: I got to the archway about a quarter before seven. I went from the Devonport Prison, and near the archway the body of a man was lying across the footpath upon his back. It was 16 yards from the archway. [The witness described the position of the body.] I then went to the archway, and saw a quantity of blood upon the rough stonework, about 14 inches from the ground. That was about 2 or 3 feet within the arch from the eastern end. The blood had run down the wall 4 or 5 inches. There were spots of blood on the footpath under the arch, to the right and left of this spot on the wall, at a distance of two feet on one side and three on the other. I then saw blood on the wall, nearer to the angle of the wall of the arch. That was a perpendicular stream. Round the angle of the wall, which forms part of the siding of the railway I saw another stream of blood, about 18 or 20 inches above the ground. I noticed marks on the footway, on some soft earth which had been cast up against the side of the bank, and traced them from about two feet from the opening of the arch to the spot where the body lay. The marks were such as served to show that some heavy substance had been dragged over it. There were marks like those which cloth would have made. About ten feet within the arch, from the eastern end, about a foot or 18 inches from the edge of the kerb, I found several spots of blood on the stones, within a circle of about 10 inches. On removing the stones on the surface, I found a quantity of congealed blood beneath. I afterwards saw on the wall of the arch, directly opposite this spot, a mark of blood and water and dirt, as if some clothes had been pressed against the stone. That was on the north wall of the arch. - By a Juryman: All the blood appeared to correspond in freshness. - By the Coroner: I saw the hat which is now produced lying in the centre of the road, and under, about the centre, of the arch, on the ground. It was 46 feet from where the body was lying, and to the west of it. [Witness described the condition of the hat.] The bulge which is now on the upper part of one side of the hat was then upon it. It was on the left side of the hat, supposing it to have been worn the right way. I examined the stones under the hat, but there was no blood upon them. The hat was partially saturated with blood. The hat was the same as that of which Bryant took charge. I saw the body removed to the Pennycomequick Inn. There was no blood on the ground beneath the body. There was a wound on the right side of the head, towards the top; and that part of the head was resting on the ground. Later in the day, on the ground where I saw the appearance of the body having been drawn along, and about two feet from the place where the body had been found, I found two small portions of blood, about the size of straws, lying crosswise on the road, and parallel with the disturbed surface. These portions of blood were each about half-an-inch in length. - By a Juryman: I should think the deceased could not have placed his coat beneath his head as I found it. - By the Coroner: At 11 on Saturday night and about 4 on Sunday morning, it was raining very fast, and blowing strongly. I saw the doorway near where the body lay, on the south side of the archway. It leads to a piggery under the arch. I saw, outside the door under the archway, at the extreme western end, and also in the piggery, a quantity of stale blood, mixed with grains. It was evidently not human blood. The door was I believe fast. - John Taverner, a youth, said: I work for my father, and he keeps the piggery inside the archway. he lives in King Street, Plymouth. We do not kill pigs there; but I put the slaughter-house wash there. There is often blood there. I took some there on Friday night blood and offal. The door is generally fastened with a hasp. - Henry Ralph said: I live at North Corner, in Devonport. I am lamplighter of the out-bounds of Devonport. At 4 o'clock on Sunday morning I left Devonport to go and put out the lamps. I went to the Pennycomequick archway and through it, I saw a man lying a little on the Plymouth side of the arch. He was on the footpath, between the arch and the lamp - not so much as 20 feet of the arch. He lay on his back, across the path. I took no notice of him, and went on. I heard him breathing, as I thought. It was raining in torrents. I was perfectly sober. - The Coroner: I have no reason to suppose you are not a sober man. But this was at 4 o'clock in the morning, a most tempestuous time, and a man was lying upon his back across the footway, alone; yet you, although you heard him, as you think breathing, had not the thought - had not the reflection - I was going to say, had not the feeling, but I suppose it was the utter want of all consideration, to see whether he was dead or alive, or was in need of assistance. - Witness: The man appeared to be breathing sir. - The Coroner: It is the most extraordinary case of apathy I ever heard of. - A Juryman: Had you your ladder with you? - Witness: No, sir, I had the rod. - The Coroner: Was it blowing at the time? - Witness: Not very hard. - The Coroner: Was it blowing at all? - Witness: Yes, a little. - A Juryman: What did his breathing seem like to you? - Witness: I did not stop half a second. - The Coroner: Within what distance did you pass? - Witness: I passed close along by his feet, on the footpath. there was just room for me to pass. - The Coroner: If this man was living when you passed him, you might have been instrumental in saving his life. Do you see that? But he is dead now. Did you pass on without stopping? - Witness: I merely looked at him and passed by. I fancied he was breathing as I passed. I took him to be, as I have seen many men, lying drunk; and of course I took no notice of him. The rain was falling upon him. It was dark, and I could not discern his features. - The Coroner: How far was the nearest light from him? - Witness: About twenty or thirty feet it might be. - The Coroner: there was no light upon his countenance? - Witness: No, sir. - A Juryman: Did you notice whether he had a hat on or not? - Witness: No, sir. - Mr Edwards (to the Coroner): It is rather important as a piece of evidence, sir, that the witness states that the man's feet were not extending over the footway when he passed. - The Coroner: Just so. (To witness): His feet were on the footway, but not over it? - Witness: Not over the footway, sir, because I could walk along. - The Coroner: Did you see any hat under the archway? - Witness: No, sir, I did not. It was between half-past four and a quarter to five, when it is not daylight. - The Coroner: did you pass the place again on your way back? - Witness: No, sir, I have to go to Milehouse, Bold Venture and Stoke-road. - The Coroner: You could not discover whether he was a short or a tall man? - Witness: He could not be very tall, because his feet did not reach over the footpath, and it is not wide. - The Coroner: State precisely how he was lying. - Witness: His head was inwards. - The Coroner: State particularly the position in which he lay as regards the archway. - Witness: How far he was from the archway, sir? - The Coroner: Yes. - Witness: He was not more than 15 feet, I suppose, on this side of the archway - on the northern side of the footpath. - John Bond Waycott was recalled, and said that when he found the body of the deceased, it was further than 15 feet from the arch, and the feet were over the edge of the footpath. - Mr Edwards said the body was 48 feet from the arch when he saw it. - Mr Edwards, Inspector Thomas, Inspector Bryant, Waycott and Ralph then left the room to re-examine the spot. - Ann Full said: I am the wife of William Full. He keeps a beer-shop at No. 17, York-street. I knew the deceased, MR WM. THOMAS NORMAN, many years. On Saturday night he came to my house about ten minutes before eleven o'clock, and he asked for a glass of ale. I refused to draw it at first, because I thought he looked fatigued. - The Coroner: What do you mean by "fatigued"? - You do not refuse a man drink because he is fatigued. Had he been drinking? - Witness: He had certainly been drinking, but appeared capable of taking care of himself. His clothes were not very wet. He remained about half-an-hour, and had a glass - a half-pint - of Burton ale. He was alone. He did not say where he was going until he left. He then said he was going home. My husband turned up the collar of his coat that he might not get wet. He lived at Stoke, and his nearest way home was by the way of Pennycomequick. - The husband of the witness here said that he looked out after the deceased when he left the house, and saw him go towards Pennycomequick. - Witness continued: I don't think the deceased would have called, but he owed me 3d. He paid me and also for the ale. He sat and smoked a pipe. I should not have drawn the ale, because it was past the house, but I had known him so long. He said he was not very well, and he leaned his head on the table. He did not say he was giddy or sick. There was no one else in the house at the time. I saw no one near him when he left. - The husband said the same. - At this juncture the persons who had left the room to examine the spot where the body was found returned. - Inspector Bryant said the place pointed out by Ralph was 11 ½ yards from the arch. - Mr Edwards said the place where he found the body was, as he had said, 16 yards from the arch. - Ralph: The place where I saw the body did not appear to me to be more than 15 feet from the arch. I have now seen it measured and it is 11 ½ yards. - Mrs Full continued: When the deceased left his trousers looked untidily buttoned. It seemed that one or two buttons were not quite buttoned. He had a new pair of boots on. He did not say he had sold anything. I changed two sixpenny pieces for him. The last change I gave him was 4d. In change the first money he paid I gave him 1 ½ d. He took out and changed two sixpences. He took from my house 4 ½d. in copper. He left my house about half-past 11. We were in bed when my clock struck 12. We had some supper after he left. - Mary Manly Bond said: I am a single woman and assist at Mr Watts' tap at the Globe Hotel, Bedford-street, Plymouth. I knew the deceased, and saw him last about ten minutes before eleven on Saturday night at the tap door. I saw him go down the street. He was a little the worse for liquor. He asked for some gin and water, and was refused because we knew he had a long way to walk and had had sufficient. He had been there from about half-past seven, but he had nothing more than a glass of gin and water and a glass of ale. He said he was going home when he left. - By the Jury: He went along Russell-street. It was raining at the time. We have often refused to supply him with liquor for the same reason as that night. I recommended him to walk fast as it was raining. - James Avent said: On Saturday night at a quarter before twelve, I drove past the archway at Pennycomequick, on the way to Mannamead. I drive a coach from the Park Place Stand, Stoke. I left Mannamead at twenty-five past eleven on my way to Penlee Villas. I did not see anyone, or hear any sound, or observe anything particular, near the archway. I did not observe any jerk of the carriage, as though it might have passed over anything. It was very dark, and raining very hard, and there was a high wind. The horse shies, and I believe if there had been anything in the road it would have done so; but it did not. - By the Jury: I could not have seen anything on the path. - Joshua Thorn said: I am a mason, and live at No. 4, Pennycomequick. That is the fourth house on this side the arch, about 200 feet or more east of the archway. About a quarter before twelve on Saturday night, I heard a cab pass along the road towards Devonport. Within a minute my little boy came in, and, as he was late, I observed it. A few minutes afterwards I was in an outhouse. That was a few minutes before twelve. I then heard a scream twice. It was like the scream of a man. There was about half-a-minute - a very short space - between the first and second screams. When I heard the second, I came out into the court and listened. I did not go into the road. I thought at the time the sound came from the North-road. I cannot tell which way the sound came. We often hear such sounds at night. It was a scream, as though someone had received a severe blow, and cried out. I heard the coach pass some minutes before I heard the scream. - The witness said his son told him he had run behind the coach and saw it pass through the arch. He (witness) had said to someone that he could not tell whether the scream was after or before the coach passed. He was now certain. - Joseph Walters said: I am the Cawsand postman, and live at No. 5, Keppel-street, Stoke. Deceased has been living at my house about a year and nine months. I last saw him on Friday last. - Phillis Walters, daughter of the last witness, said: I last saw the deceased when he left the house, a little before one in the afternoon on Saturday last. I do not know anything about what money he had. I did not notice that he had any. He had no dinner before he went out. He had a piece of bread and butter for lunch, about twelve o'clock. He appeared to be well. He had not complained at all of giddiness. He did not speak when he went away. He has not been in the habit of speaking when he went out. We left a candle for him as usual at night. It was lighted at eleven o'clock, and would have lasted about three hours. I came down at half-past seven the next morning, and found he had not been in. During the last fortnight he has been home between eleven and twelve at night. His boots were not good on Friday. - By Dr Swain: I have observed that he ate heartily at breakfast lately. - Police constable Mitchell was called, and said he found one shilling and eleven pence on the person of the deceased. There were two sixpenny pieces in one pocket and in another 6 ½d. in coppers, and in another 4 ½d. in copper; and in another a latch-key, a penknife, and a piece of blacklead pencil. - Mr De la Rue said: I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and am in practice at Devonport. I saw the body of the deceased yesterday between seven and eight in the morning in an outhouse at Pennycomequick Inn. He was removed, when recognised, to a room in the house. I have examined the body carefully externally. His clothes were very wet, and the outer garments saturated with mud and dirt. The outer cloth coat had blood on the collar on the right side. A button was missing from it. The back and shoulders of the coat were quite impregnated, so to say, with mud. The coat was not torn at all, nor were the clothes at all. The shooting coat, under the overcoat, was saturated with blood, especially on the right side. There was a great deal of blood at the bottom of the edge of it. The waistcoat, of the same material, was also very bloody, chiefly on the inside. The trousers about the seat were completely covered with mud, rubbed in. The trousers were open in front. No buttons were gone. The braces were attached to the trousers. He had on a black silk necktie, tied around the neck in its place. This was covered with blood. He had also on a white collar, fastened. I removed the shirt and flannel jacket, which were covered with blood in front. I then examined the body. The face was pale, calm in expression, with slight abrasions above the chin, on the left side of the nose, and under the left eye. On the outer part of the wrist of the right hand there was a slight rubbing off of the skin, apparently from the sand and dirt of the [portion missing] abrasion about the left knee-cap. I examined the head and found at the back, just behind the right ear, at the place corresponding with the junction of two bones, an incised, jagged wound, about an inch long, and half an inch deep. It extended nearly down to the bone; but the surface of the skull was not exposed. There was a quantity of coagulated blood about the whiskers, and the side of the neck. The wound had bled to a great extent. There was no contusion or bruise about the wound. - The Coroner: Did it appear to you to be the result of any manual violence? - Witness: No. That was the only mark of violence, with the exception of the abrasions I have mentioned. The tongue was within the teeth, had not been bitten, and was pale and flaccid. The pupils of the eye were partially dilated. The nails were full of dirt and grit. These were all the appearances I observed. I have opened the body. I examined the head first. Underneath the wound of the scalp there is a slight ecchymosis, but the bones of the head are quite perfect. There was no fracture or indentation. On removing the skull-cap, there was a slight exudation of serum on the surface of the brain; but the brain and ventricles were not congested. I then examined the chest and found the heart fatty and flabby. The right side of the heart was empty, and the left side rather thickened. The liver was pale. I examined the stomach, which was empty; but I could trace the smell of spirituous drink. There was no inflammation about the coats of the stomach, or any trace of poison. The intestines were in their natural condition, as was the rest of the interior of the body. All the parts presented an ensanguined appearance. - The Coroner: Do you know the cause of death? - Witness: I believe haemorrhage from the wound in the head to have been the immediate cause of death. Probably the shock to the system from the blow or fall, together with the exposure to rough and wet weather, might greatly accelerate death. - By the Jury: I think the body had not been dead when I saw it more than four or five hours. - A Juryman: do you think it probable that he might have been living when the lamplighter went by? - Witness: He might have been. I believe this haemorrhage to have been gradual - not any sudden rush of blood. - The Coroner: Why do you think so? - Witness: From the situation of the wound. There was no large vessel near. - By the Jury: I do not think the blow was a violent one, because there was no contusion about the head. The metaling of the road, such as I have seen under, the archway, might have caused such a wound. - A Juryman: You do not find anything internally to give indication of violence? - Witness: I found nothing about the mouth or tongue to give any appearance of a struggle. If the blow struck had been a violent one, there would have been a swelling; but I find none. There is nothing but an incised, jagged wound. - The Coroner: That would be easily made? - Witness: Very easily. - The Coroner: And the weight of the body would be sufficient to cause it. - Witness: Quite so. - The Coroner then intimated to the Jury that he thought they had gone through all the evidence which could be adduced to throw light upon the death of the deceased. He briefly recapitulated these portions which referred to the conduct of the deceased on Saturday night, and the points of the evidence regarding the finding of the body, and the state it was in. He suggested that the Jury would probably come to the conclusion the evidence pointed to a purely accidental cause of death; or at least that there was not sufficient evidence to show how death had been caused. There were no circumstances to indicate strongly that any manual violence had been used. - A Juryman put a question to Mr Edwards, who said that there was no blood under the body when it was lifted from the ground. All the blood was in front of the body, and it was lying on its back. - Mr De la Rue was recalled, and said: Taking into consideration the delicate health of the deceased, I think the blow would be sufficient to produce concussion of the brain, to a certain extent, and that would produce temporarily insensibility. I think he might have recovered his senses and removed to the spot where the body was found. - The room was then cleared and the Jury considered the evidence. - Upon the Coroner's return to the room the following verdict was recorded:- "That WILLIAM THOMAS NORMAN, on the 14th day of September, was found dead under the Pennycomequick railway arch. That the said WILLIAM THOMAS NORMAN died from haemorrhage, caused by a wound upon his head, but how, or by what means, such wound was caused, no evidence appears to the Jurors to show."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 23 September 1862
EXETER - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at the Windsor Castle, Summerland-street, yesterday morning, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ELIZA EDWARDS, aged 63, who was found dead that morning. It appeared that the deceased lodged at Mr Smith's,. Alma Terrace, Summerland-street, and that on the same morning, on someone going into her room, she was found lying on the floor in her nightdress. Medical assistance was sent for, and in a short time Mr Woodman, surgeon, arrived, but he pronounced life to have been extinct for three or four hours. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from disease of the heart.

SOUTH SHIELDS - The Murder Of A Brixham Shipmaster. - On Saturday afternoon Mr Reed, the Coroner for South Northumberland, opened an Inquest in the Town Hall, South Shields, upon the body of MR RICHARD SPRAGUE, master and owner of the schooner Dexterous, of Brixham, who died from the effects of violence received by him on the previous Saturday night, in the Borough-road. After opening his court, the Coroner intimated that, unless the reporters would undertake not to publish the evidence until after the verdict was returned, he would sit with closed doors. But without alluding further to anything that occurred in the Coroner's court, the following will be found to be the facts of MR SPRAGUE'S death. His vessel had arrived in the Tyne, and was taking in a cargo of coals in the Tyne Docks. He, on Saturday night, had come down to Shields to the Sussex Arms, a house of call for west country captains, and, after staying there some time, had gone to an eating house and had some supper, and strolled on the New Quay, and from thence into the Borough-road, where he had got into the company of a woman. It appears that she took him to a lonely part of that road, and then, with the assistance of an accomplice, she attempted to rob him. He was a powerful man, and successfully resisted them, but the ruffian who had attacked him, picked up a brick, and felled him with it to the ground. Before, however, they could succeed in robbing him, two men were seen coming up the road, and they fled. MR SPRAGUE had nearly £20 upon him, and a gold watch, and guard, but his murderers got neither. The poor fellow was taken to the Sussex Arms by some persons who came up the road. Medical men were sent for, and it was found that his skull was extensively fractured, and during the time he lived, he was never sufficiently conscious to give a clear statement of the attack made upon him, except that the man who struck him wore fustian cloth. The Coroner's Inquest has been adjourned until the 1st of October, to give the police time to trace out the murderers

STOKE DAMEREL - A Child Drowned In A Water Barrel. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Red Lion Inn, kept by Mr Hawke, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JANE REEBY. - George Babb, a marine, said: I know the deceased; I lived in the same house, where I saw the deceased and another little girl playing. I asked her if she was washing the steps, and she said "No;" scrubbing." I returned within ten minutes and went into a back room. They were not in the court when I came back. After I had been in a few minutes my wife came in with the deceased in her arms. I felt it and found it was dead. There are 3 casks in the court, and the one the deceased was found in is the smallest. She was not in the cask when I returned through the court. The cask is only two feet high. - Eliza Trewin, a girl aged eleven years said: I was going through the court on Friday afternoon, when I saw a little girl in a cask. I called out to AMELIA REEBY, and she ran out and took it out of the cask, and then she saw it was JANE. - AMELIA REEBY said: I am a sister to the deceased. She was only five years old. On Friday afternoon last Trewin came in and said my sister was in the cask. I ran out, and took her out, and found she was dead. Her head was at the bottom of the smallest cask, and her feet at the top. There were only 4 inches of water in the cask. She was in the habit of climbing up the cask, and was often beat for it. There was a tea-cup in the barrel. I gave her to Mrs Babb. - The Coroner asked for the little girl whom the marine had seen playing with the deceased; and after some time she was found, but did not give any satisfactory evidence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 25 September 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the Guildhall, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD DINGLE. A double Jury was summoned. - CHARLOTTE DINGLE said she was the wife of EDWARD DINGLE, son of the deceased, who lived in a back room, while she and her husband lived in the front. His occupation was that of a waiter, and he used to get his living by attending on parties at gentlemen's houses. The deceased had not attended to his work for some months, in consequence of illness. Drs. Cutcliffe and Bazeley had been attending him. Last winter the deceased had a very bad cough, and for the last four months he had complained of a pain in his head. For some weeks he had always slept with his door open, and desired her to do so also. About three months ago the deceased called out, "O! Missus, Missus!" She went in the room and saw he had a razor in his hand, which she took from him. He wished her to take it out of his way. He asked her to go and get Mr Cutcliffe to come. He came and saw him and desired her to keep sharp instruments out of his way: which she had always done. The deceased had often knocked at the wall for her, and when she had gone to him he had been sitting up in bed with both hands to his head. He would, on such occasions, wring his hands in a wild manner, and say, "I hope the Lord has not forgotten me, but I think He has." The deceased would sometimes get up and lay down on the sofa, and when the little child had been singing "I have a Saviour in the Promised Land," he would say, "I wish I had; my sins have been too great." His manner was always very wild. On Monday week he wanted witness to give him his razor to shave himself, but she kept putting him off, and he afterwards went to a shop to be shaved. On Thursday last he went up to Mr Cutcliffe and told him to send his bill to console him. This was done, and when it came he said he was a lost man. On Tuesday morning he said he was going down to see Mr Bennett. Some minutes afterwards witness went downstairs and saw that a new barrel was gone out of the kitchen. She told his other son, JAMES, of it, and the deceased as well, and he went down and said, "There is the barrel, but it is the old one." He said, "I will go and find it out." He went out for a few minutes and then came back, and said, "JAMES has sold it for 1s. 6d. to Mr Burrows." The deceased said, "I am lost: this has done me." He said he was going to Mr Bennett, and went away. She did not see him afterwards alive. - EDWARD DINGLE said deceased was his father. Last saw him alive on Tuesday morning when he came to him and said, "Oh! my son, I am so ill." Witness then went to work. He returned home at one o'clock. His wife met him, and said, "Your father has been missing since nine o'clock." He went in search of him. He went into a workshop in the back yard, which was not used. The door was locked outside, and there was another door, which was bolted. He went and got the key of the lock, and on opening it he saw his father hanging by a rope round his neck in the loft: there was a chair in the loft between his legs. He cut him down, but found he was quite dead. he was then carried upstairs. - Alfred John Horsam said on Tuesday morning he saw the deceased in the street crying with his coat to his eyes. He saw the deceased come back, and open a door in the yard at the back of the house and carry the chair in. He saw him draw a staple from the side of the door and drive it in again with a stone. Deceased looked at him and left the yard. In about half-an-hour afterwards he heard a noise in the store as though someone was falling. MRS DINGLE came down, and asked him if he had seen anyone take one of the chairs away. He told her, her father had taken it into the store. The deceased had has hat on and a stick in his hand. - Henry Burrows said he kept a cooper's shop. On Tuesday morning the deceased came down to him and asked if he had bought a cask. He told him he had bought one on Saturday of his son. He said, "All right," and left. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased hung himself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 26 September 1862
EXETER - Death From Drowning. - On Saturday afternoon a young man named WILLIAM GALE, a clerk at Messrs. Paul and James', solicitors, of this city, left home about four o'clock for a walk. He appears to have proceeded to Double Locks, where he played a game or two at skittles and drank three or four glasses of whisky. He left about eight o'clock in the evening and nothing further was heard or seen of him until Tuesday morning. His walking stick, however, was found in a boat opposite the Port Royal Inn, just below the quay, and this led to the belief that the unfortunate man had been drowned. This supposition turned out to be only too true, for after fruitless search during Sunday and Monday his body was found in the river on Tuesday morning, near the junction of the river and canal. The deceased, who was a married man and resided in St. Leonard's, is supposed to have lost his life in attempting to cross the river in one of the boats which was left on the opposite side. An Inquest was held yesterday at the Port Royal Inn, when a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 27 September 1862
PLYMOUTH - The Foundering Of A Barge Off Drake's Island. Recovery Of The Bodies. - An Inquest was held last evening at the King's Arms Hotel, Briton Side, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Henry Harris was chosen Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE ALFRED PASSMORE, who was drowned in the Sound on Friday last. the following evidence was adduced:- GEORGE PASSMORE said: I was master of the barge Constance and reside at No. 13 Briton Side. The Constance was 30 tons burthen. The deceased was my son; he was 12 years of age. He was a schoolboy. On Friday, the 19th inst., the deceased had a holiday, and went with me on board the Constance for a cruise. her crew consisted of myself and Adolphus Trevan, who is about 17 years old. On that day I hired a man called William Beer to assist. About twelve o'clock at noon we were all four on board, and sailed from the Great Western Docks, Millbay, in the Constance, with a cargo of mud from the dredge stationed there. We proceeded for the Shag Stone to heave the mud overboard there. When we started the wind was from the eastward, but not a great deal. About half-past twelve the Constance was on the port tack, and we were steering for the eastern end of the Breakwater. I was at the helm. When about 30 fathoms S.E. of Drake's island a sudden squall came from the east and hove the Constance down on the starboard side. It shifted the cargo, and she heeled over, filled with water, foundered and sunk in about three fathoms of water. At that time she was sailing with her mainsail, fore-sail, and jib. At the time she foundered we were all four standing aft. As she was sinking we got into the boat, but unfortunately we could not cast the painter off, and the Constance dragged the boat under the water, by which we were all thrown into the water. I can swim. I took the deceased on my back. William Beer could not swim, and in trying to save himself, he pulled my son off my back. As I recovered I looked around and saw the deceased and Beer both sink. They were both drowned. Adolphus Trevan could swim; and after he and I had been in the water for five minutes, we were rescued by two brothers of the name of Doddrige, who were out fishing for pleasure. They took us on board their boat, and landed us at Millbay Pier. After they came to us other assistance came. The barge has not yet been recovered. I have been "creeping" for the deceased every day, and this day, when near the spot where he sunk, his body arose, and I towed it to Plymouth, and brought it into my house. In my opinion the deceased's death was purely accidental, in consequence of the Constance foundering from the squall. I have been accustomed to the sea from my early youth and to barges for the last eight or nine years. - Adolphus Trevan gave corroborative evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - An Inquest was held at Willcox's Union Inn, Saltash, yesterday afternoon, before the Deputy Coroner, and a Jury, on the body of WILLIAM BEER, who was drowned on Friday last in consequence of the foundering of a barge in the Sound. Testimony similar to that adduced at the Inquest held at Plymouth was given, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 29 September 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, on Saturday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL HAYMAN. Mr James Rowse was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Henry Hannabuss said he lived in the same house as the deceased, and had known him between three and four years. About ten weeks ago deceased gave up his business to his niece. The deceased enjoyed very good health, but he sometimes had a bad cough. Witness went up that morning, at about seven o'clock, to the bedroom of the deceased for the purpose of calling him, as he was late up. He tried the door, but could not open it. He looked in the keyhole and saw he was in bed. His wife came up, and opened the door. He went in and called him twice, but, receiving no answer, he went and touched him, and found he was dead. A surgeon was sent for, but deceased was quite dead. He used to keep the Half Moon Inn in Batter-street. There were no marks of violence about his body. - MARY ANN FOX, niece to the deceased, said, she slept on the same floor with the deceased. She did not hear him during the night. She was quite sure no one ill-used the deceased. She believed the deceased died a natural death. - Ann Johnson said she lived in the same house as the deceased. She heard him several times as if he was choking, and made three heavy groans. She had heard such a noise from him before. - The Coroner summed up, and the Jury returned a verdict that "the Deceased died from Suffocation, no marks of violence being on the body."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 1 October 1862
INSTOW - Incautious Use Of Fire Arms. - An accident of a melancholy character, and attended with loss of life, has just taken place at Instow, near Bideford. On Friday last, Mr John Lock, of Instow, was about to go shooting for the day, and his gun - a loaded one - was taken down from its usual place over the chimney-piece, by John Folland, a young man in the employment of Mr Lock. It appeared that Mr Lock's son, George, a lad about fourteen years of age, had returned to his father's house from school on the previous night, and to this youngster Folland handed the loaded gun, although it is not stated whether he was aware of its dangerous character. A maid-servant, JANE MADGE by name, was standing on the doorway, and to her young Lock said he should like to shoot a bird. The girl sportively replied "Shoot me." Without any further observation from anyone, the lad raised the gun and fired at the girl, the charge entering her head, and scattering her brains in many directions. Death was instantaneous. An Inquest upon the body of the unfortunate young woman was held on Saturday, when evidence as to the case having been given, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts as sworn to before them.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 4 October 1862
BRIXHAM - The Murder of a Brixham Ship Master. - The Inquest on the body of MR RICHARD SPRAGUE, ship-master, murdered at North Shields, terminated on Wednesday in a verdict of "Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown." The deceased, it will be recollected, died on the 15th of September from a fracture of the skull, received during an attempt to rob him on the highway. Particulars were given in the Mercury at the time.

BRIXHAM - An Inquest was held at Brixham yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr Joseph Johnson was Foreman, to Enquire into the death of MR THOMAS GOAD, who committed suicide on Wednesday evening last, as reported in our impression of Thursday. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 6 October 1862
EXETER - The Accident At The Bristol And Exeter Railway Station. Death Of The Sufferer. - We stated in the Mercury of Saturday, that a serious accident had occurred to a mason at the St. David's Station on the Bristol and Exeter Railway, on the previous evening, and that in all probability the poor fellow would not recover. We regret to state that our worst fears have been realised, for, after suffering the most excruciating agonies, he died at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he had been moved directly after the accident, at about half-past ten on Friday night. - An Inquest was held on the body, at the Blue Boar inn, Magdalene-street, on Saturday afternoon, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr John Surridge, miller, was Foreman, when the following evidence was adduced:- AMELIA CHAMBERLAIN said she was the mother of the deceased, who was called WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN. She resided at Newton St. Cyres. Deceased was 21 years old on the 2nd of last September, and he was unmarried. He latterly resided at Exeter and worked for Mr Spiller, the contractor for the erection of the new station. - Richard Geens, a labourer, of Ide, deposed that on the previous afternoon he (witness) had accidentally thrown a large stone off a wheelbarrow,. when he called the deceased over to assist him in lifting it. In doing so, witness had knocked his finger and another man named dyer was tying it up, CHAMBERLAIN standing close by the metals. Whilst in this position, an engine belonging to the South Devon Railway Company, with some empty carriages attached, was shunting, when the foremost carriage struck him on the back, threw him on his face and hands, the whole of the wheels of both engine and carriages passing over his body. Deceased was immediately taken up and removed to the hospital. The driver and stoker were looking out of the other side of the engine, and if they had been on the side where the deceased was they could not have seen him unless they had stretched out a great way. - Henry Haycott, a pointsman in the employ of the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company, said he saw the deceased standing close to the metals when the engine and carriages were approaching him. He called to him to get out of the way, but the carriages were too close on him, and he was knocked down, and the whole of the wheels passed over him. Witness gave the stop signal to the engine driver, but it was not possible for him to stop in time, although the train stopped just after it passed over the body. The stoker could have seen him if he had been looking that way. When he first gave the signal to stop the carriages were about 14 or 15 yards from the deceased. - To a Juror: Some of the men are very careless as to danger, and when called very seldom move until the train is close upon them. - Mr Mears, the superintendent at the Bristol and Exeter station, said that he had made an experiment that morning with an engine and the same number of carriages, and he found that, when about 50 or 60 yards off, the driver and stoker could have seen the line; but when about 30 feet off, it would have been impossible for them to have done so. There was always a policeman on duty, day and night, at the box directly opposite where the accident occurred. - The Coroner observed that the driver and stoker would not return from Truro until half-past five o'clock, but, from what had been adduced, he did not think it necessary to wait for them. - Mr J. H. Huxley, house-surgeon to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the deceased was brought in about half-past four on the previous afternoon. The left arm was torn nearly off, the left leg was in a similar state and there were, besides, several fractures of the left thigh, and a large wound in the groin of the same side. The pelvis was also broken. The patients was almost collapsed and insensible, and complained of great pain. There was no bleeding. Opiates and brandy were given at once, but he did not rally at all. He was seen by several other surgeons, all of whom came to the conclusion that the case was perfectly hopeless, and that no operation would be of the slightest service. - The Coroner then made a few observations, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 9 October 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Coxside. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Shipwrights' Arms, Coxside, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN BOOTYMAN. From the evidence adduced at the Inquest it seemed that the deceased was about 70 years of age, and was owner of several barges, amongst others the "Constance," which was sunk a short time since off Drake's Island. She was taken alongside the Marrow-Bone Slip to be repaired, and on Tuesday afternoon the deceased was on board her carrying out some repairs. He had a rope which he was endeavouring to make fast to the side of the barge, when, it is supposed, the rope gave way, and deceased fell over the side of the barge on some timbers. The accident was observed by a man named West, who immediately went to his assistance, and found him insensible. Deceased was removed to his son's house, which was near at hand, and Mr Eccles, surgeon, was soon on the spot and pronounced the case to be a hopeless one. The deceased expired in about an hour and a half after he was removed to his son's house. No one was on board the barge but the deceased at the time the accident happened. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

DODBROOKE - The Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held at the King of Prussia Inn, Dodbrooke, on Tuesday afternoon, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the death of MR JOHN COLLINS, of Exeter, straw plait dealer, who met with an untimely end, as recorded in our impression on Saturday last. Mr J. P. Annis, William Gill and J. Elliott, Esq., jun., gave evidence, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Sudden Death. - We regret to have to record the unexpected death of MR WILLIAM MITCHELL, better known as "CAPTAIN MITCHELL," which took place at his lodgings in the Cathedral-Yard, yesterday morning, in the 62nd year of his age. The history of the deceased was somewhat remarkable. Between forty and fifty years since, he was commander and owner of the schooner Ranger and as such was well-known by the maritime men of that day. After buffeting the storms, and narrowly escaping with his own life at least a half-dozen times, he cast anchor ashore, and settled down - thirty-two years since - into that well-known hostelry, the Poltimore Inn, in St. Sidwell's. fortune did not smile upon him in his undertaking, for he lost in the house the hard-earned gains of many years of toil, and was obliged to give up innkeeping only about a week since. He then took lodgings at Mr brown's, and on Tuesday night he went to bed in his usual state of health, but the next morning, on his room being entered, he was found to be dead. An Inquest was held on the body at the Globe Hotel, in the afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., and a respectable Jury, Mr H. Braund being Foreman, when the above latter facts were adduced; and after Mr S. S. Perkins had stated that the deceased had an attack of apoplexy on the brain about ten years' since, that he had a great tendency thereto, and that he had no doubt whatever he died from apoplexy, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance therewith.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 14 October 1862
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the Welcome Inn, Haven Banks, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN BENNETT, aged 29, a seaman, belonging to the Danube, now lying in the basin. On Tuesday evening deceased was seen in company with some of the crew, at the Ring of Bells Inn, and soon after left in company with another man named Fox, to go on board; and, after being there a short time, went on deck for some purpose, when he fell over the side and was drowned. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 17 October 1862
AVETON GIFFORD - Sudden Death. - A man named WILLIAM HEATH, a bargeman, aged 52 years, residing at Aveton Gifford, was found dead in his bed on Saturday morning last, by his sister, MARY BASTARD. An Inquest was held on the body on Tuesday by F B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, when the deceased's sister above named stated that the deceased went to bed on the Friday night complaining of a pain in his side, which he said was very bad; he had complained of the pain for about three weeks, but had not had medical advice. Dr Langworthy, who was sent for when deceased was found to be dead, had told her that he considered it arose from disease of the heart. The Jury, under the Coroner's direction, accordingly returned a verdict that he died by the "Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 21 October 1862
MALBOROUGH - Fatal Accident. - A lad, named WILLIAM GILL, in the employ of Mr Ford, of South Down, Malborough, near Salcombe, aged fourteen years, was engaged in drawing straw from some part of the farm to the yard on Friday afternoon last, and after having left the yard for some few minutes the horse returned with the cart, but minus the unfortunate lad, for whom a search was immediately made. He was found at a short distance from the yard gate lying against the edge, and in just such a position as would lead to the inference that he had fallen, or been thrown from the cart. He was quite insensible, and bleeding very much at the nose, ears, and mouth. He was carried into the farm yard, and a medical gentleman was sent for, but the poor lad only breathed a few times and then expired without being able to answer any questions, or in any way give an idea as to the cause of the accident. An Inquest was held at the Old Inn, Malborough, yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, when the above facts were proved by the evidence of Albert Prowse and Joseph Jarvis, two labourers, who were employed on the same farm, and who saw the deceased a few minutes before he was found. Mr J. M. B. Lanworthy, surgeon, of Salcombe stated that he considered the death resulted from a fracture of the base of the skull and which fracture might have been occasioned by a fall from a cart, if he had pitched on his head. The horse which the deceased was driving was a quiet animal, but it entered the yard at an easy canter. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 25 October 1862
STOKE DAMEREL - Awful Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held on Thursday afternoon before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Garden-street, Morice Town, on the body of HENRYS SANDFORD. - ANN SANDFORD, wife to the deceased said that deceased was 77 years of age. At three o'clock in the morning of Friday last she heard a noise upstairs as if her husband was walking about the room over, in which he slept. She next saw him about five o'clock, when the neighbours brought him in from the court. - WILLIAM SANDFORD, son of the deceased, said he lived with his father, at 38 Garden-street; and was by trade a carpenter and joiner. The deceased had been very infirm for two years. He was occasionally "lost" and did not know what he was doing or saying. Witness slept below the deceased's room. During the last three weeks deceased had slept by himself. He used to get up at seven o'clock and breakfast at eight. he had a perfect use of all his limbs, but not of all his faculties at times. He usually strayed about the neighbourhood. On Thursday last, at nine o'clock, he went to be shaved, and in an hour afterwards he returned all right. Once, about three weeks ago, the deceased got out of his bed at four o'clock and partly dressed himself. He took a lighted candle and said he was going for a walk. He did not know whether the deceased ever attempted to go out of the window. On Thursday evening last he went to Plymouth on business; he returned about four o'clock the next morning. He went to his mother and asked her how his father had been during the night. She said she had heard him once. He took a candle and went upstairs to the deceased's bedroom, as he usually did. On getting up he saw the lower sash of the bedroom window open. He searched the room but could not find him. He went downstairs and found the deceased in the court, under the window; the deceased was quite still, moaning a little, and could not speak. He went for assistance and got the deceased in the lower room. he went for Dr May, who came and attended him. The deceased was quite dressed and the pillow was by his side in the court. On removing his head he saw a spot of blood. One pane of glass in the bedroom window was broken. Deceased had a good appetite, and attended chapel until within a month ago. On two occasions witness drove a small nail into the frame of the window. The wedges were put in by his mother on Thursday night. The deceased lived until last Tuesday night, when he died at half-past eleven. He was not conscious from the time that he was picked up until he died. The height of the window from the court is 12 feet 6 inches. The deceased went to his daughter's to tea on Thursday afternoon. - William Andrews said he found the deceased. There was a portion of the window-sill - which was rotten - on the ground, and it looked as if a person had clung to it and it had given way with him. - Mr May, surgeon, said he was called by the second witness to the deceased. He found him wrapped up in blankets. He observed a contusion over the left eye, from which a few drops of blood were oozing. The body was warm, but the arms and legs were cold. Deceased was quite insensible, with a feeble pulse. there were no other marks on the body. He called on the deceased about a fortnight ago, by the request of the son, and found him in a state of harmless imbecility. The deceased died in an apoplectic state. A fall from the window would cause such a blow as the deceased received. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from an injury of the brain occasioned by a fall from a window to the ground, but there is no evidence to show whether the fall was accidental or otherwise."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 3 November 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In Cecil Street. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a child about 4 years old, named CHARLES HENRY BALL, who died from injuries sustained from falling from the roof of a house in Cecil-street, on Friday afternoon. - JANE BALL said she was the wife of JAMES BALL, residing at 77 Cecil-street, Plymouth. Her husband was a seaman in the merchant service, but she had not seen him for 4 ½ years. The deceased was her child, and was 4 years old on the 23rd of April last. On Friday afternoon, about 5 o'clock, the deceased had his tea with her, and went out. He said "Thank God for a good tea," and left the room, she thinking he was going out to play. Directly after she was called out by Mrs Picknell, who informed her that the deceased had fallen from off the roof of the house. Witness immediately went downstairs and saw Mrs Picknell at the back door with the deceased in her arms. The place where he fell to the ground was 17 feet in height. He was quite insensible. Mr Pearse, the surgeon, soon arrived, and he directed that the deceased should be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. A cab was procured, and the deceased was conveyed to the hospital. Deceased was in the habit of playing on the roof of the house without her permission. On Friday afternoon there was no one on the roof but the deceased. He did a few minutes before 8 o'clock. - Richard Morrish, porter of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital was examined, to prove the delivery of the body of the deceased at the hospital. - Isabella Picknell, living in the same house as the first witness, said that on Friday afternoon, shortly after 5 o'clock, she heard a crash in the courtlage, and heard a neighbour, Mrs Kitts, speak. She went into the courtlage, which is composed of stone, where she saw the deceased lying on the stones on his left side. He had fallen from the roof of the house. He was insensible and quite speechless. Witness took him up in her arms and carried him to his mother, whom she met in the passage. She believed the occurrence was purely accidently. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Fatal Accident In The Hamoaze. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Ferry House Inn, New Passage, on the body of AMBROSE NORSWORTHY. Mr Joseph Holland was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - William Mills said he was the boatswain of H.M.S. Merlin. On Friday morning, about 10 o'clock, he was walking the quarter-deck of the above ship, and on looking over the side saw at a distance of about 100 yards something like a body floating in the water. He ordered a boat out, and went to the spot. On getting there he saw it was the body of a boy. He brought the body to the deadhouse. The body which the Coroner and Jury had seen was the same he picked up. - James Angear said he was sergeant in the Metropolitan Water Police. On Monday, the 20th ult., at about 10 minutes past one, he was on board the Algeria police-station, when he heard a cry from on deck that a boat had gone down. He went on deck. The weather then was very squally, and blowing heavily from the N.W. P.C. Gale, who was on deck, and witness got into a boat and pulled towards the spot. When they arrived they got Rowett in their boat, but could not see the deceased. Rowett said a boy was with him. They searched about, but could not find him. - John Pry said he was a police-constable in the Water Police. On Monday the 20th ult., he was at dinner on the lower deck. He heard a cry of a boat capsized and looked out of one of the portholes and saw Rowett and the deceased in the water. Rowett was clinging to the boat and the boy was trying to reach it. He could not, and immediately sank. He did not see the deceased afterwards. - James Gale corroborated Angear's statement. - Joseph Rowett, master of the Diligence, coal depot, said that at a quarter to one on Monday, the 20th inst., he left North Corner to go on board his ship, which is and was laying off Torpoint. When the deceased, who was with him, and himself got up to where the boat capsized, just above the Algeria's bows, he told the deceased to brace up the mainsail. He let the others all go, so as to be ready for a squall, which he saw was coming. About three minutes afterwards it came and turned the boat completely over. Deceased and he clung to the boat, which again turned over, and witness never saw the deceased afterwards. The deceased was a very good boy, aged 18, and was in the first class. - The Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased was Accidentally Drowned in the waters of the Hamoaze." Mr Rowett said he was very sorry that the accident had happened and kindly gave the father of the deceased two sovereigns towards the funeral expenses.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 10 November 1862
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening last at the Oxford Inn, Claremont-street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of SARAH MARTIN, who died on Thursday morning last. - SARAH MARTIN said the deceased was her mother-in-law. She was 82 years of age, and had a seizure about 5 years ago, but since that time her health had been very good. Deceased was taken ill on Thursday last and was obliged to be taken to bed. About half past ten on Friday morning deceased got out of bed and drank a cup of tea. Witness then left the room for a quarter of an hour, and, on returning, saw that her mother-in-law was dying. She then sent for a neighbour - Mrs Lake - who came, but deceased died about 12 o'clock. witness never expected any fatal consequence; in her opinion deceased died a natural death. - Agnes Lake corroborated this evidence, adding that the last witness was very kind and attentive to the deceased. - The Jury then returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

TAMERTON FOLIOT -Shocking Death By Fire At Tamerton Foliott. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Queen's Arms, Tamerton Foliott, on the body of JENNY DAW. Mr John Lavers Liscumbe Sole was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Maria Redding said the deceased lived at the Queen's Arms, Tamerton Foliott. She was the landlady's mother and was a widow. Witness used to attend on her. She saw her at about 11 o'clock on Thursday week last. The deceased was then sitting in her room upstairs by the fire. She was about 75 years of age. In a bed in the same room was the landlord's mother, ill from a seizure, who died on Monday last. About a quarter after 11 o'clock, witness heard a call for help in the deceased's room. She went up with the landlord's daughter and at the foot of the bed she saw the deceased standing with her clothes on fire. She got a quilt and wrapped around her, which put out the fire. One of the deceased's arms and one of her thighs were much burnt. Dr Jack was sent for, and he attended her till her death, which occurred on Thursday last - a week after the accident. The deceased was asked how it occurred, and she has said she could not tell, but she thought it was her apron that first caught. The deceased got up about 6 o'clock. Witness put her chair by the fire, but she did not think it was too near. The deceased was in her usual health. - Elizabeth Gregory, the landlord's daughter, corroborated the statement of the last witness. - Matthew Gregory said he was landlord of the Queen's Arms. The deceased was his wife's mother. She had lived with him for years. Her health had been the same lately as it had been for two years past. She had been feeble, but her faculties were good. He never heard the deceased say how the accident happened. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died through being Accidentally Burnt."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 15 November 1862
EXETER - Death By Fireworks. - A second Inquest was held at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalene-street, Exeter, in the afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of JOHN HICKS, aged 35 years. It appeared that the deceased was a sailor, and resided with his father in Magdalene-street. On the evening of the 5th November he, with many others, attended at the Cathedral-yard to celebrate the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. Whilst engaged in the sports a rocket which he was holding suddenly exploded in his hand, and caused a severe lacerated wound on the palm of the right hand, between the fore finger and thumb, injuring the bone. This occurred between eleven and twelve o'clock, and he was at once removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital

EXETER - Death By Drowning. - An Inquest was held at the Blue Boy Inn, West-street, Exeter, yesterday, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner on the body of an old man named WILLIAM ANSTEY, a fireman, aged 71 years, whose body was found in the Mill Leat that morning, near the Quay. The deceased had for some months been living in a house in Bartholomew-street, with his wife, who is blind. He left his house on Monday afternoon, about half-past four; and there was no evidence before the Jury to show that he was seen alive after that time. It is supposed that the deceased destroyed himself whilst in a state of temporary insanity, witnesses having deposed to his having been slightly deranged at times. There was no evidence, however, before the Jury as to how the unfortunate man came in the water; and the Jury, acting on the suggestion of the Coroner, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EGG BUCKLAND - Death From Burning At Knackersknowle. - An Inquest was held at Knackersknowle, yesterday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of REBECCA HATHERLEIGH, a child 7 years of age. It appeared that on Thursday morning the mother of the child left a room in her house to fetch some milk, leaving the deceased and other children there. A few minutes afterwards a neighbour heard screams proceeding from HATHERLEIGH'S house, and, on rushing out, found the deceased child in the stairs, with her clothes in flames. Another neighbour wrapped the child in her dress and extinguished the fire. The deceased was dreadfully burnt all over the body. Mr Longford, the surgeon, was soon in attendance, and dressed the child's wounds, but she died about 3 o'clock the same afternoon. The deceased stated previous to her death that she had attempted to place a saucepan on the fire, and in so doing her apron caught alight. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 18 November 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held last evening, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN KENT, who died suddenly on Sunday morning. The deceased resided in Old Town-street, and was a journeyman baker. He always enjoyed very good health. He complained of being ill about ten o'clock on Saturday night and he had a cup of tea and went to bed. About four o'clock on Sunday morning he got out of bed and sat before the fire, but after a short time, he fell from the chair insensible. He was then put to bed, and a doctor sent for, but deceased died in about half-an-hour. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from "the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 21 November 1862
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Boat Disaster At Teignmouth. - On Tuesday night, about eleven o'clock, a boat belonging to Mr John Holman, of the above port, went ashore on the bar, and one of the crew, an old man, named RICHARD BOWDEN, was drowned. From what we can learn of the sad affair, it would seem that the boat had been out fishing from an early hour in the morning, and when returning to port at night, the weather being somewhat tempestuous and the tide low, she ran aground on the bar close under Nes Point, and the ballast shifting she immediately began to fill. The crew consisted of Mr Holman (the proprietor), a fisherman named Richard Full, and the deceased, RICHARD BOWDEN. When the boat struck, Holman was steering and he laid hold of some part of the stern tackle to save himself from being carried away by the violence of the sea which broke over them. The other men attached themselves to the rigging with the same object, and thus continued to cling for some time. Holman laid hold of an oar, which he subsequently gave up to BOWDEN, and the latter, fearing to trust to the mast, endeavoured to save himself by swimming to land, assisted by the oar. He had not gone far, however, before he was drowned. In the meantime, the preventive officer on duty had become aware of their danger, and having procured assistance, the coast-guard boat was launched, and an effort made by the crew to save the distressed men in the boat. The sea was extremely rough, and it was feared the coastguard boat would not live in the surf, much less be able to render the necessary assistance, and it consequently returned to shore. The life-boat was then got out, and after some slight delay occasioned by the awkward means of egress it possesses from the boathouse, was launched as speedily as possible, and the two survivors were taken from their perilous situation half dead with fatigue and cold, having been exposed to the fury of the waves and a keen easterly wind for an hour. The body of BOWDEN was picked up within a short distance of the scene of calamity on the following morning; and on Thursday forenoon, an Inquest was held at the "London Inn," before W. F. Windeatt, Esq., Deputy Coroner, when the facts above noticed were brought forward for the consideration of the Jury. As there could be no possible doubt as to the accidental nature of the catastrophe, the Jury, without a moment's deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning." The Jurymen's fees, amounting to 8s. 8d. were handed over to the widow of the deceased man.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 25 November 1862
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In Mill-Lane. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS LILLICRAP, who died in the hospital on Sunday night from injuries received on Wednesday morning last at the Sugar Works, Mill-lane. It appeared from the evidence of Thomas Bunker, that the deceased was in the filtering department. On Wednesday morning last, deceased wanted a drink of water. Witness went to fetch a cup for him to drink from, and, on turning round, saw the deceased's hand slip in trying to catch hold of the water-pipe, and he fell into the boiling liquor of sugar and water. Medical assistance was immediately sent for, and oil was poured on the body of the deceased and medicated cotton put around him. He was taken to the hospital, where he lingered until Sunday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 27 November 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At The Railway Station. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Dock Hotel, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of NANCY RICHARDS, who died suddenly at the Plymouth Railway Station on Tuesday evening. It appeared from the evidence of Eliza Adams, that deceased was 72 years of age. Her husband had been dead about 9 months; he was a captain of a mine in Tavistock. Deceased came on a visit to her about a fortnight ago, intending to stay till after Christmas. She was very weak when she arrived, and had a cough, which increased every day, and she became anxious to go back to Tavistock, as Dr Harness was her medical man. She went to the railway station for the purpose of going home by the five o'clock train, when she heard the bell ring, which greatly shocked her. She laid hold of witness's arm, and Mr Cockrell, seeing her weak condition, helped her in on the platform, when she fell on her knees; she was then laid on a couch, and a surgeon immediately sent for, but deceased died before his arrival, and was afterwards carried back to the house of witness. She was very comfortable, and did not want for anything. The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died a Natural Death by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 29 November 1862
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - An Inquest was held yesterday at Moretonhampstead before F. B. Cuming, Esq., on the body of MRS CRUMP, the lady whose death by partaking of essential oil of almonds we recorded yesterday. The facts as previously detailed were fully corroborated, there being no doubt that the unfortunate lady was at the time labouring under mental derangement. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 2 December 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held last evening, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD BAYLY, an old man who died suddenly, at his residence in High-street, yesterday at noon. It appears that the deceased was 76 years of age. He had formerly been a sailor, but had been lately receiving pay from the parish. The deceased had been suffering from a violent cough, and had been failing for the last two years. A witness named Johanna England stated that she saw the deceased in the morning. He told her he was very bad, and that his feet had swollen very much, and said he was going to Dr May's. He afterwards came back and witness heard him go into his room and blow the fire. A little after twelve o'clock, deceased's wife called to witness. She went up and found deceased on the floor. She lifted up his head, and spoke to him, but received no answer, and she then saw that he was dead. Surgeons were immediately sent for, and Doctors May and Marsh soon arrived, but life was quite extinct. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died by the "Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 3 December 1862
PLYMOUTH - Case Of Drowning. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM JOHN AUBURN, who was drowned on Sunday under the following circumstances:- The deceased was on board the smack Viate, of which his father was mate. On Sunday, deceased's father went into the cabin, leaving the deceased on deck with others. When he returned to the deck he missed the deceased, and called for him. He received no reply, and became alarmed thereat. He at once instituted a search, and in about ten minutes he discovered the cap of the deceased floating on the water. The body had been dragged for during Sunday and Monday without success. Yesterday morning the operations were resumed, and the body was found. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Cole was foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of an infant, named SARAH JANE COLLINGS, who had expired suddenly on Sunday morning. The following evidence was adduced:- Elizabeth Walters said: I am about 17 years of age, and single, and reside at No. 3 Princess-street, Plymouth, where I am servant with MR JOHN IRELAND COLLINGS, veterinary surgeon. There are four children living now. The deceased was his child and about fourteen months old. It was weaned when six months old, and I have had the charge of it ever since. I superintended all the children. The deceased was attended by Dr Stewart about three months ago. she had a cough then, but in a fortnight Dr Stewart left off attending her. About a fortnight ago, I got some medicine from Mr Willmot, chemist and druggist. I told him deceased had a cough. I gave the deceased the medicine, and I think it eased the cough a little. On Wednesday last I got some more medicine from Mr Willmot. I was to give her a teaspoonful three or four times a day. I did so on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday last. The last dose I gave was on Saturday morning, about half-past ten. I don't think it eased the cough; therefore I did not give her any more. She coughed on Saturday as usual, and several times on Saturday night. The deceased slept in a little bed by my bedside. On Sunday morning last, the 30th of November, I got up at about half-past seven o'clock. The deceased was just as usual. I did not apprehend death. I washed and dressed the other children, and then took up the deceased from her bed to dress her. She was then living, but died immediately in my arms. I made an alarm and carried her down to my mistress. I went for Dr Stewart. He came, but deceased was dead. He took away the bottle with the remaining part of the medicine I had from Mr Willmot. I am quite sure the deceased had not any of the medicine. I had forgotten to say that I was in the habit of giving the children some biscuit every morning. On Sunday morning I gave each a biscuit. The deceased took hers and ate it in about a quarter of an hour. She smiled and laughed to me, and seemed pleased. I observed her taking notice of me as usual when I was dressing the other children. I am quite sure no one hurted the deceased and in my opinion she died by the visitation of God, a natural death. - John Peter Willmot said: I am a chemist and druggist, and reside at No. 4 George Place, Plymouth. I remember the last witness coming to my shop about a fortnight ago. She said one of MR COLLINGS'S children had a cough, and asked for some cough mixture. I made up a small bottle. The direction was on it. I think it was to take a teaspoonful 3 or 4 times a day. It consisted of a drachm of wine ipecacuanha, a drachm of tincture of squills and a drachm of syrup of poppies, and then filled up with water, which made it a two-ounce mixture. On Wednesday last the same witness came again and I gave her exactly the same medicine, but adding half an ounce of peppermint water. The medicine could not have injured the deceased. On Saturday last I gave the deceased's father the prescription from which I made up the medicine. - Mr Raddall said Dr Stewart had stated it was his opinion the deceased died from faintness - the result of a flabby heart. He (Mr Stewart) had further stated that the mixture was harmless. - Mr Wotton, one of the Jury, thought that Dr Stewart should be sent for, and proposed that he should be sent for. - Mr Wotton's request was complied with, but Dr Stewart was found to be absent from home. - The Coroner then summed up and in doing so he remarked that he thought the case was a clear one. If anything was wrong Dr Stewart would have been present. He (the Coroner) would recommend the Jury to return a verdict of "Natural Death". - Mr Wotton said he could not agree to a verdict of that sort. If Dr Stewart came there and expressed it as his opinion that the mixture was harmless, then he (Mr Wotton) would consent to a verdict of "Natural Death" being returned. - It was then proposed by one of the Jury that a verdict of "Natural Death" should be returned. - The proposition was put and declared to be lost, 10 voting in favour of and three against it. - MR COLLINGS, the father of the deceased, then left the court for the purpose of endeavouring to find Dr Stewart. After a lapse of more than two hours, MR COLLINGS returned with Dr Stewart. - Dr Stewart was sworn, and said: I reside at No. 19, Princess-square. I am a doctor of medicine and practice as surgeon. I am medical attendant to MR COLLINGS' family. I attended the deceased about five or six months since for bronchitis. She got better. She had been subject to cough from her birth. I was called to MR COLLINGS' on Sunday morning between seven and eight o'clock. The child was dead. I enquired what medicine she had been taking, and MR COLLINGS gave me the bottle of mixture which I now produce. I have no reason to believe there was anything in the mixture to cause death. I took away the bottle and sealed it, thinking it might be required. I had not the slightest suspicion that it contained anything wrong. I do not think there was any danger in administering the contents of the bottle to a child of the deceased's age. I have no reason to believe that the cause of her death was from the effects of that medicine. - By the Jury: The child might have died from disease of the heart. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God." - The Enquiry terminated shortly after nine o'clock, having lasted four hours.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 4 December 1862
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, Mr James Edwards, Foreman, at the Valiant Soldier, Magdalene-street, yesterday afternoon, on the body of CHARLES MARTIN. It appeared that the deceased, who was an ostler, and between 50 and 60 years of age, resided at Colyton, in this county. Mr Lake, coach proprietor, of Exeter, had, on Sunday last, started a new omnibus, to run from Feniton station to Sidmouth, and as it was the wish of the deceased to drive it for the first time, Mr Lake acceded to his request, and the deceased invited a number of his friends to accompany him on the trip He brought the old coach to the King's Arms Inn, Ottery Saint Mary, and was driving under the archway leading into the yard, when one of the horses became restive, and the deceased, who had placed himself in a stooping attitude to pass under, raised his head, and was struck by one of the overhanging beams. He, however, passed the archway, when the off front wheel went into a gutter, which threw the pole across the roadway, and against the wall, jerking the deceased from his seat, throwing him off the coach and under the horses. He was extricated as soon as possible by Mr Dommett, the landlord, and a Mr Melluish, but he could not stand, and he was carried into the house. He several times observed that he could not feel any pain, but that he was sure he should die. He was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital that day, and lingered there until the next day, when he died from dislocation of the upper part of the spine. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 6 December 1862
TOTNES - Child Burnt At Islington. - An Inquest was held at the Star Inn, in the parish of Islington, on Thursday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child one year and seven months old, named GEORGE OSBORN, who, on Monday evening last, was playing in the kitchen of his father's house, pushing about a little box, when, coming close to the fireplace, he tipped forward and fell with his hands in the fire. Efforts were at once made by his mother to alleviate his sufferings and remove the effects of the burn, Dr Haydon also being sent for, but the shock to the system was so great that the child was attacked with fits, which lasted until his death on Wednesday morning. The above facts having been proved before the Jury, they returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BOVEY TRACEY - A Young Woman Found Dead In The Road. - On Wednesday afternoon last, a young woman of Bovey Tracey, named SUSAN BREWER, aged 25 years, was found dead in the turnpike road leading from Bovey Tracey to Furzeleigh, by a man named William Hillman. She was lying in the hedge on her face and hands. Hillman obtained assistance from some men in Whitstone Pound-house, one of whom recognised her as being the niece of MRS MARY SAWDYE, who lived near, and to whence the deceased was removed. An Inquest was held at the Union Hotel, Bovey Tracey, on Thursday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, when the above facts were elicited. J. Lamble, Esq., surgeon, also deposed that her had been called to examine the body of the deceased, which he had done very carefully. He could not find any marks of violence, and, from the appearance of the body and face, there were indications of disease of the heart. There was no smell or trace of poison. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 10 December 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Burning At Stonehouse. Harrowing Case Of Destitution. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Red Lion Hotel, Chapel-street, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, junr., Esq., Deputy Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a child, named WILLIAM ABRAHAM, four years of age, who died on Monday from the effects of burning received on Sunday last. It appears that on that day just after dinner, the deceased, who was dumb and out of his mind, was playing with the fire, when his clothes ignited. His mother was in the room at the time, but being blind could not see the state of the child; hearing its screams, she ran to the child and found its clothes in a flame. She at once gave an alarm, and Corporal Prinmoor, of the Royal Marines, who lives in the next room, went in and stripped off the child's clothes. A surgeon was sent for and Dr Perry soon arrived, and dressed the child's wounds. The deceased lingered till Monday when it died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The room in which the poor woman and her child resided presented a most wretched appearance; the only piece of furniture visible in the room being a piece of a box, which had evidently been used for lighting the fire. The poor woman was obliged to borrow two chairs to lay the deceased child on. The Coroner, at the conclusion of the Inquest remarked that it was distressing for a poor woman to live in such a wretched state without having any place to lay her head. He advised her to go into the Workhouse immediately. The woman's husband, who is a marine belonging to H.M.S. Neptune, is allowing her half-pay, and is shortly expected home.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 13 December 1862
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death On Board A Vessel. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday morning before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Prince George Inn, Vauxhall-street, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a fisherman named GEORGE COTTON. From the evidence adduced at the Enquiry, it seemed that the deceased was a fisherman belonging to the Nimrod, of Penzance, and a native of Newlyn, near Penzance. On Monday, when about three miles to the westward of Rame Head, deceased was taken suddenly ill, fell down, and died in about two minutes. His body was brought to Plymouth and landed at the Barbican. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 17 December 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE - Inquest On The Body Of SHEPPARD, The Policeman. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Adelaid Inn, Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., junr., to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN SHEPPARD, a policeman, who was found dead on Sunday last, in the water at Millbay. The following evidence was adduced at the Inquest, viz:- William Rudd said he was a watchman doing duty at the Pontoon, belonging to the Great Western Dock Company. On Saturday night, at half-past eight o'clock, he was at the Pier-gate, when the deceased came in and asked if he could go that way to see George Axworthy. He was told that he could, but advised to go the other way, the one he proposed going being dirty. He said a little dirt would not hurt him, and went the way he originally intended going; previously wishing witness "good night". George Axworthy was on duty at the Dock gate at the higher end that night. Deceased appeared quite sober; and was attired in a big coat, hat, and pair of leggings. The distance the deceased would have to traverse to reach the Dock-gate, was about a quarter of a mile. The place where the deceased was found was about eighteen feet from the centre of the road. There was no lamplight near the spot. There was no guard chain around the quay. There were heaps of sand ranged along the edge of the quay, but there was an open space, near which deceased was found. Witness did not think there were more than four or five feet of water in the dock at the time the deceased fell in. Deceased would have to fall eight or nine feet before he would reach the water. There were no projections from the side of the quay, against which the deceased would be likely to strike himself in falling. - Mr Superintendent Freeman said that on Thursday night, the deceased did something which displeased him (Mr Freeman), and on Friday deceased did not come on night duty, although he had received no intimation that his services would not be required. On Saturday he came and received his wages, and he (Mr Freeman) instructed the inspector to tell deceased that his services would no longer be required, and, therefore, he need not come on duty that night. Subsequently, a message was sent to tell him he might come on duty that night, but deceased not being at home, he could not have received the message. Therefore, he (Mr Freeman) was in a position to state that deceased did not contemplate going on duty that night. - Richard Stephens said he was a sailmaker, living at the Ship Inn, on the Parade. He was coming from Millbay Pier to the Docks on Sunday afternoon, when a man, who was a short distance ahead of him, called his attention to the deceased's body, which was lying on the gridiron, face upwards, and both hands clenched. The water was just washing clear of the body. He (witness) called the police, who took charge of the body. - George Axworthy, a dock constable, said he had known the deceased about ten years. Witness did not see the deceased on Saturday night. The remainder of this witness's evidence was corroborative of the testimony of the former witnesses. - James Strang, one of the Plymouth police force, said he had searched the body of the deceased, but found no marks of violence. He found the sum of 17s. 4 ½d. in deceased's pockets. - William Dunn, landlord of the Wellington Inn, King-street, said the deceased had been in the habit of visiting his house frequently. He left his house at half-past one o'clock on Saturday afternoon, after which witness saw nothing more of him. Deceased was in the habit of visiting witness's house when about to go on duty, and when he came off duty, having a glass of ale occasionally. - Mr Freeman said he would teach Mr Dunn not to supply policeman with drink in that matter, especially when in their uniform. - Mr Dunn said he never supplied the policemen with drink when they were on duty. - Mr Freeman said policemen were always on duty. - The Coroner said when the police were in uniform they were on duty. - Mr Dunn said when SHEPPARD came into his house on Saturday morning at half-past eleven, he (witness) asked him where he had been on Friday night. He said he had been wandering about all night, and found himself in the morning in a waggon at Mill Bridge. He came into witness's house on Friday morning at half-past six o'clock, and remained there until a quarter to nine o'clock at night. - The Coroner said it was a very improper thing to allow a man to remain in a beer-shop from half-past six in the morning till a quarter to nine at night. He hoped the Plymouth authorities would take some proceedings against the last witness. Those horrid beer-shops were the very sinks of iniquity. - John Edwards said he kept the Terminus Inn, Millbay. He had known the deceased many years. Deceased was not in the habit very often of visiting his house. he came into the house on Saturday afternoon, about a quarter to 3 o'clock, and had two glasses of ale. Witness went to the back of the house, and when he returned observed that deceased was leaning on his arm, and appeared sleepy. Witness asked him if he was sleepy, and he replied that he was and should like to lie down for a short time. He was shown to a bedroom and he slept until eight o'clock. He washed himself, had a pint of cider, and left the house at about a quarter past 8 o'clock. he was quite sober. He sometimes came into the house and sat down. Deceased appeared rather melancholy. Deceased did not appear to be otherwise than sober. - The Coroner said that deceased had left the police station at 6 o'clock on Friday morning, and appeared to have been drinking from that time until he entered the Dock-gate on Saturday evening. It was not reasonable to suppose that the deceased could have been sober when the witness saw him. - Mr Edwards said deceased appeared perfectly sober. - Mr Superintendent Freeman said he might state that there had been no complaint against the deceased for drunkenness. He was apparently a very sober man; and the only complaint against him was that he was in the habit of skulking. He would, when on night duty, get into a quiet corner and go to sleep. That was the complaint against him on Thursday night. - Mary Edwards, wife of John Edwards, corroborated, in some particulars, the evidence of her husband. She added that she asked deceased if he was neglecting his duty. He replied that he was not on duty, but felt tired, and wished to rest awhile. He said he should not go on duty until 9 o'clock that night. - The Coroner addressing the witness John Edwards, said he hoped this would act as a caution, and deter him (Edwards) from supplying policemen with drink when they were attired in their uniform. He (the Coroner) should not be surprised if he (Edwards) heard something further about this. - Inspector Green deposed to paying the deceased 15s. 6d. on Saturday night. - The Coroner said the road over which the deceased went on Saturday night appeared to be very much frequented by persons connected with the shipping. He thought that, such being the case, there should be some lights placed near the quay; or, at any rate, a guard chain. If the Jury concurred in that opinion, he would communicate with the Great Western Dock Company. - The Jury were of that opinion and the Coroner said he should be most happy - in face he should feel it his duty - to communicate with the Dock Company. - A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned by the Jury.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 19 December 1862
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - As some men were at work on a scaffold erected against the church, in the public gardens, Torquay, on Monday, a portion of the scaffolding - about 21 feet from the ground - broke and precipitated three of the men to the ground. One of them men, named WILLIAM GOODYEAR, was seriously injured, sustaining severe concussion of the brain. He was immediately attended to by John Foale (one of the men who had fallen with him) and several others. W. Pollard, Esq., Surgeon, was also called and rendered efficient aid in the removal of the body to the Torquay Infirmary, where deceased lingered until about midnight on Tuesday. The other men, John Foale, and Edwin Viggers escaped with slight bruises. An Inquest was held on Wednesday at the Infirmary before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner. The two men who fell with deceased were examined, but no evidence could be elicited as to the cause of the accident other than that it was supposed to have been caused by the breaking of a padlock. A verdict was accordingly returned of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Marine Under The Hoe. The Coroner's Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of CHARLES WILLIAMS, aged about nineteen years, late a private in the Royal Marines, who was believed to have drowned himself under the Hoe on Wednesday afternoon. Several of the deceased's late comrades occupied the body of the hall; and five sergeants and corporals of the corps to which deceased belonged were sworn on the Jury. Sergeant Richard Neal was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner briefly stated the facts of the case, and the Jury then proceeded to view the body of the deceased at the dead-house in Westwell-street. On their return to the Guildhall, the following evidence was taken:- Henry Stevens said: I am a pensioner from the army and reside at No. 18, Bilbury-street, Plymouth. I was on the Hoe yesterday afternoon between the hours of four and five o'clock. About five or ten minutes past four, I was under the Hoe walking, when I heard a noise proceeding apparently from the water, near the gentlemen's bathing place. I looked round and saw a man in the water, struggling very hard, and crying out for help. I ran to the spot to render assistance, but when I reached the top of the steps he sank. I cannot swim, or I should have gone out after him. I gave the alarm. Several persons came to the spot and some went to Mr Kessell, the Hoe constable, for assistance. Mr Kessell came in about five minutes with a grappling iron. - Silas Lillicrap said: I am a labourer; I was under the Hoe yesterday about four o'clock in the afternoon. I heard an alarm that a man was drowning, near the gentlemen's bathing place. I went over the steps, to the water's edge, and saw the deceased about two feet under the water, where he sunk, about two fathoms from the shore. I picked up a belt and cap on the steps. They are the same as those now produced by P.C. Kessell. The name of "WILLIAMS" is on the belt; and the cap is a marine's cap. The belt is also marked "15th Company." - William James Butler said: I am a drummer in the Royal Marines, stationed at East Stonehouse Barracks. I have known the deceased about a month or six weeks. He was about 18 years and 6 months old. He was a private belonging to the 15th company of the Royal Marines, stationed at the said barracks. He was a recruit of about six months. He told me his friends were going to buy him out. I was with deceased under the Hoe yesterday about half-past one o'clock. We walked about on the rocks near the gentlemen's bathing place. He asked me where the woman drowned herself. I showed him; after that we walked together into Bedford-street, where we parted at about ten minutes to three o'clock. He was quite sober then. He told me to go to Mr Hancock's office, opposite the Guildhall, and get a box of clothes, which would be upon a truck for him. I went in search of Mr Hancock, but could not find him. There is no such person in Whimple-street. I do not know whether he sold part of his kit or not. He seemed very much troubled in mind all yesterday. Before this he was very low-spirited at times. He was under the doctor's care then. He cried a great deal about a fortnight ago, and I lent him my pocket-handkerchief, which was very much wetted with deceased's tears. At tattoo time, about a week ago, he was sitting on his bed. There were three of us in the room. Deceased said to me, "Jim, if you have any respect for me, put this (pointing to his bayonet) through me." The body which the Coroner and Jury have this evening viewed in my presence at the dead-house in Westwell-street, is that of the deceased. When we parted I wanted to go with deceased, but he said he had business near the market, and he would not let me. - William Seldon said: I am a corporal of the Royal Marines. I have known deceased for about five months. He was very low spirited at times. He belonged to the room which I superintended. I reported him in yesterday morning at seven o'clock as absent. Yesterday I found his kit was all gone. During the last fortnight I have seen him cry often. He has been under the doctor's care for five weeks. I know nothing of his friends. - Edward James Kessell said: I am the Hoe Constable. Yesterday afternoon short after 4 o'clock, I received information that there was a man drowning under the Hoe. I took my grappling iron and boat-hook, and went to the spot near the gentlemen's bathing place. The deceased had then sunk, and I sent to the Barbican for a boat, which came in about a quarter of an hour. The body was then picked up with a boat-hook. As the body came to the surface, I observed something in his hand. It fell out of his hand, as he was being taken up the steps. It was a portion of a tract issued by the Religious Tract Society. The body was then taken to the dead-house in Westwell-street. I received the belt and cap which I now produce from the witness Lillicrap. Deceased's boots were marked "WILLIAMS," and his shell jacket, "J. BISHOP." There was nothing in his pocket - The Coroner said the case was now entirely in the hands of the Jury, and they would have to decide whether the deceased was sane or insane at the moment he committed this act. Taking into consideration the state of his mind on the day in question, as detailed by the witnesses, and the fact of his having had a tract in his hand - which tract might have affected his mind - he (the Coroner) thought they (the Jury) might safely say the deceased was of unsound mind at the time he committed the act. He then asked the Jury to consider their verdict. - The Jury then returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide while labouring under a fit of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 20 December 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE. - Death By Scalding On Board H.M.S. Doris. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, on Thursday afternoon, by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Deputy Coroner, upon the body of FRANCIS PINHORN, a stoker on board H.M.S. Doris, who met with his death on Tuesday last. - John Cocks said: I am leading stoker on board the Doris. The deceased was also a stoker on board the same ship. The Doris is now lying off the Devonport yard, paying off. On Tuesday, we came from the sound and took up the position off the Dockyard. I was in the stoke-hole and the deceased behind the condenser. The steam was up and there were three other stokers and an engineer besides myself there. The chief engineer was in the engine-room, with others. One of the engineers (Mr Brumridge) hailed me to get a light, saying there was "someone jammed somewhere." He was coming down one of the ladders from the engine-room at the time. I went to get a light and then saw the deceased lying on his left side, jammed between the condensers and the air vessel of the engine. He was groaning. I went to him, and got him out and others came and assisted me to take him up to the engine-room platform, where the chief engineer was. The deceased was sensible, and when he saw me he said, "For God's sake Jack, do try to get me out." I had not heard anyone order him to go in there; nor do I know how he got there. I am confident the deceased was sober; and I believe everyone else in the place was so. - William Grey said: I am a leading stoker on board the Doris. I was in the engine-room when this happened. The steam was up. The chief engineer and Ramsey, another leading stoker, were with me. The engine is a Penn's Trunk Engine. I saw the chief engineer shutting the auxiliary slide valve. He was on the platform at the time, and I was standing by his side. The valve had been opened by the chief engineer, Mr Alton, to blow the cylinder covers - to break the joint, that they might be taken off to be inspected. PINHORN was sent up to shut the bilge discharge valve to prevent the water running into the ship; and when the auxiliary slide valve was shut, the effect was to open the shifting valve near that which the deceased went up to shut. When the deceased was found to be hurt, Mr Alton, the chief engineer, said he had forgotten that the deceased had been sent up - in fact, that he thought he was out. The deceased was a lively and sober man and well up to his work. He went up from the shaft passage, and he might go up and shut the valve and get down again in about a minute. - It is a nasty place to get into and out of. I did not know the man was there, for I had not heard the chief engineer give the order for him to go up. When I heard of the accident I went to the lower deck and opened the trap-door over the place where he had been. The steam came out so strongly that it nearly knocked me over. The man was then gone. - Edward Marsden said: I am a stoker on board the Doris. I heard the chief engineer say to the deceased, "PINHORN go and shut the valve down;" and I saw him go directly. He went from the mouth of the shaft passage. As he did not come back I went and hailed him, and he said, "Marsden, I am jammed." I called out to Grey, and he came and got him out. This would not be more than a minute and a half after the deceased had gone to shut down the bilge discharge valve. The steam was then coming out of the shifting valve. The reason why I thought of him was that he had taken my light with him. If he had not been jammed, I think he could have got out by himself; and I think he must have been frightened. - William Alexander Ramsey, a leading stoker, said he also heard the order given, and he could hear the steam come through the shifting valve. He thought 4 or 5 minutes elapsed between the two events. After the chief engineer had ordered PINHORN to go and shut the valve, he twice opened the auxiliary slide valve. It was open the first time, a second or two, and the second time was when the covers had not started; and after that he gave an order for more steam. After that - the cover not having started yet - the valve was opened a second time, and witness then heard the steam coming through the shifting valve. He supposed the auxiliary slide valve had not been open long enough to allow the steam to get up to the shifting valve, the first and second time. When the steam came, witness was standing above the shifting valve, and he had to run to escape from it. As soon as Mr Alton saw the steam rising he went and shut off the valve. Witness then heard Marsden call "PINHORN!" twice. The chief engineers back was turned to the place where the steam was rising and he was looking over at the cylinder covers. When the steam began to rise, witness heard the deceased groaning. - Grey was re-called and said that when the steam rose Mr Alton turned to him and asked him why he had not told him of it. Witness replied "I thought you knew it, sir." That was before the man was taken out. Mr Alton called out at once, and told Marsden to pen the injection and let off the steam; and that was done before witness heard the groans of the man. - Mr Alton, the chief engineer, explained that it was difficult to get off the cylinder covers, which were 96 inches in diameter, and it was customary to blow them off by the force of steam. He had done it twice before while on board the Doris; and he knew it to be customary with engineers. - Ramsey said he had been in the service ten years, and had always seen great caution used in this process. - It was a proceeding in which great caution ought to be exercised. - The Coroner said the only other evidence that could be given at present was that of the Chief Engineer, who was very anxious to give all the information in his power; but he thought it better that he should see the spot where the accident occurred; and therefore, after hearing the surgeon's evidence, he should adjourn the Inquest. - Mr Patrick Digan, said: I am the surgeon of the Doris. I saw the deceased immediately after the accident. He was quite sensible, but was so occupied with his sufferings, that he said nothing about their cause. As soon as I had done all the dressing I could, he was removed to the Naval Hospital. The whole of the body was scalded, and there was from the first no hope of recovery. He died from the shock, I should think. These injuries are particularly dangerous from their extent - the skin is so sensitive that where so large a portion of the surface is injured there is little hope of recovery. - The Inquest was adjourned to Monday afternoon next.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 23 December 1862
EAST STONEHOUSE. - The Death By Scalding On Board H.M.S. Doris. - The adjourned Inquest upon the body of the man, PINHORN, a stoker on board the Doris, who died on Tuesday last, from injuries received by scalding on board that vessel, was held yesterday before the Deputy Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., junr., at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse. - Francis Cook Alton, chief engineer of the Doris, said: I remember the 16th of December. We came up from the Sound on that day. While we were lying off the Dockyard, before paying off, I asked permission of the captain to break the joint of the cover of the cylinder. He gave his consent and I proceeded to do so. I remember going down into the shaft passage, and finding it necessary to close the bilge discharge valve. I do not remember distinctly giving an order to PINHORN to go and close it, but I have no doubt he went in pursuance of my wishes. I then went to the quarter-deck, to see the captain. He was engaged, and I had to wait before I could speak to him. After speaking to the captain, I returned to the platform and directed two assistant engineers to ease the nuts of the cylinder covers 68 in number. I then turned on the steam, and it remained on about half a minute; but the cover did not start. After I had tried it a second time, I looked round and seeing there were only about ten pounds of steam on, I asked for more steam. I was on the platform all this time, and, except when turning on the steam, I was looking over at the cylinder cover. I heard no noise, nor did I see any steam escaping, the first or second time the steam was turned on. From twenty minutes to half an hour must have elapsed between the time when I was in the shaft passage, and that at which the steam was turned on and escaped by the valve of the condenser. - By a Juryman: I am not aware that it is usual to enquire whether the shaft passage is clear before turning on the steam. - The stoker Ramsey was recalled, and said he heard the chief engineer give the order to PINHORN, to "go and shut the valve down;" but he did not remember the chief engineer leaving the platform after giving this order, before he turned on the steam. There was ample time after the order was given for PINHORN to go and shut the valve and get out of the way again, before the steam was turned on. - William Turner said he had been up from the shaft passage to the bilge discharge valve, that day, taking a hand lamp with him. It took him one minute to get it, and another to come out - two minutes altogether. He opened and shut the valve twice in that time. - Mr Down, engineer at the Plymouth Foundry, and surveying engineer of the Board of Trade for this district, said he had examined the engines of the Doris, and found them in fair order. He did not consider it necessary that the engineer should ascertain the position of the piston, or that the injection should be open into the condenser, when the covers of the cylinder were blown. There would be a greater escape of steam if the injection were not open than if it were; but it would be harmless unless anyone were looking into the valve, or very close to it. It would be very inconvenient to blow the cylinder when the injection was going into the condenser. - The Coroner asked the Jury whether they were satisfied by the evidence that the death of the unfortunate man, PINHORN had been the result of accident, observing that he was himself quite satisfied. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 30 December 1862
DARTINGTON - Melancholy Case Of Poisoning Near Totnes. - The danger of allowing any chemicals of a poisonous character to be placed in any exposed or frequented situation was shown on Friday, when the infant son of the REV. RICHARD CHAMPERNOWNE, of the Parsonage, Dartington, was accidentally poisoned by the administration of some disinfecting fluid in mistake for fluid magnesia. The unfortunate child was a fine boy, and in January would have been two years of age. On Friday he exhibited symptoms of sickness, and was thereupon entrusted to the care of the nurse, whom MRS CHAMPERNOWNE instructed to give to him a dose of magnesia. The bottle containing this fluid was standing on the mantel shelf in MRS CHAMPERNOWNE'S bedroom, and on the same shelf there had been placed a bottle of Crews' disinfecting fluid. The nurse, it appears, through some mistake took this latter bottle, and pouring therefrom about two teaspoonful of its contents, endeavoured to administer it to the child; he, however, refused the remainder after having taken about one-half, but still enough had been taken to cause the untimely death, for within a few minutes the child commenced vomiting, when the mistake was discovered by MRS CHAMPERNOWNE from the strange effluvia emanating from the discharge. As soon as the danger of the poor child was realised a messenger was despatched for medical aid, and within a brief period T. E. Owen, Esq., with W. Kellock, Esq., were in attendance, but too late to be of any service to the poor sufferer, who had expired, after most acute suffering, within about one hour from the time of swallowing the fatal fluid. This sad occurrence has cast a gloom over the neighbourhood and grief among the family, and much sympathy is felt for MR CHAMPERNOWNE in his sad bereavement. We hope the unfortunate occurrence may have a salutary effect in causing a greater care to be adopted in the use and keeping of such dangerous articles. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the Parsonage, before Fras. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury composed of the following gentlemen viz:- Messrs. Matthias Watson (Foreman), J. Marks, G. Marks, J. Stanning, Joseph Turpin, J. Beer, R. H. Watson, Henry Watson, J. H. Luscombe, R. Maye, C. Helms, and W. Whiteway; when the nurse, Mary Ann Batt, on being scorn, said: I am nurse to the REV. RICHARD CHAMPERNOWNE. EDWARD HARRINGTON CHAMPERNOWNE was his child. He was about two years of age. On Friday last he was unwell. MRS CHAMPERNOWNE said I was to give him a little fluid magnesia. I went to MRS CHAMPERNOWNES bedroom to get it. There were several bottles on the chimney-piece. The bottle now produced labelled, "Crews's Disinfecting Fluid," was there amongst the others. I saw the word "Fluid," on the bottle, and thought it the right bottle. I gave EDWARD HARRINGTON CHAMBERNOWNE about two teaspoonfuls. He did not take all of it. I cannot say how much he took. I gave it in a tea-cup. He drank at first and then refused it. I thought he felt sick, and did not press him. I have given the children fluid magnesia, but never before, from the bottle now produced, containing magnesia. I have used it before from a similar bottle to the one now produced. About three parts of an hour after I thought I had not given the deceased enough, and was about to give him more, and, on pouring it out, I thought it did not smell like magnesia. I then tasted it and discovered the mistake. I then ran down to the kitchen and asked Mrs Hughes if she knew what it was. I had no idea that the disinfecting fluid was poison. She told me not to frighten myself, as it was not marked poison. We at once sent for Mr Owen, the surgeon. He came in about half-an-hour. My master and mistress were not in the house. This took place between four and five o'clock on the evening of Friday last. I have lived here rather more than two months. Witness was much affected whilst giving her evidence, and appeared to feel the weight of her position. - Thomas Edward Owen, Esq., surgeon, of Totnes, then deposed as follows:- On Friday last I was called to see MR CHAMPERNOWNE'S child. I went as soon as possible. He died just as I got into the room. I made inquiries as to what he had taken, and was shown the bottle now produced. I have not tested it, but I am sure it contains muriatic acid. I feel sure the contents of this bottle caused the child's death. - The Coroner then summed up, remarking upon the very dangerous and careless manner in which poisons were allowed to be vended, under such names or in such forms as on this occasion; he also instanced a case which he had lately been called upon to investigate at Chudleigh, where a lady had swallowed some essential oil of almonds under the name of "Flavouring," which had caused her death. He considered it would be useless for the Legislature to enact Laws for the suppression or ruling of the sale of arsenic or other poisons, unless they also at the same time ordered and enforced some directions with regard to the sale of poisonous matters under non-indicative names. He did not consider that in the present case there was any suspicion of foul play, and therefore directed the Jury to return a verdict of Accident Death, although he considered the name "Crews' disinfecting" could have been as easily seen as the word "fluid." - The Jury accordingly returned a verdict that the deceased "Was Accidentally Poisoned by having a portion of a fluid called 'Crews' Disinfecting Fluid' administered to him in mistake for Fluid Magnesia." - It is a rather singular fact - and one worth knowing - that if the servant had, as soon as she discovered her mistake, administered the Fluid Magnesia, the effects of the disinfecting fluid might have been counteracted and the life of the poor child saved.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 January 1863
KINGSBRIDGE - A Child Burnt. - On Sunday, the 21st of December, a child about eight years of age, named ELIZABETH JARVIS, was with others of her own age in the school-room of the Union Workhouse, and, approaching too near or meddling with the fireplace, caught her clothes on fire. Her screams attracted the attention of the schoolmistress, who was in a room over, and she immediately descended, and rolling the child in her clothes succeeded in extinguishing the flames. The child, however, was burnt so seriously about the lower part of the body and legs, that she died on Monday after much suffering. An Inquest was held on Tuesday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, when the above facts were proved, and it was stated that the key with which the lock of the fire guard was fastened was one of the bunch used by the children, and it was supposed that they have taken advantage of the possession of it, and played with the fire-guard. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned by the Jury. We understand that the Guardians of the Union are displeased with the laxity manifested in the care of the children, and it is anticipated that this accident will lead to an investigation into the manner in which the house is governed.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 January 1863
MALBOROUGH - The Accident Near Salcombe. - An Inquest was held at the Old Inn, Malborough, Wednesday, before W. F. Windeatt, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of the lad ALBERT PROWSE, whose death was recorded in the Western Daily Mercury yesterday, resulting from a machine accident. It was stated by Mr Thomas Ford Masters, who witnessed the unfortunate occurrence, that the boy was very near the thrashing machine, and in standing over the rod connecting the horses with the machine, was caught by some part of the workings and thrown to the ground. Mr Masters who was about 100 feet from the machine, immediately went to the boy, but found him a corpse, he having sustained a fracture of the skull, also a cut on the temporal bone, and a fracture somewhat obliquely below the cut. Both bones of the right leg were also broken, and the left thigh fractured. The boy was only about eleven years of age, and was previous to the accident cautioned by Mr Masters not to approach too near the machine. It was suggested that some part of the works should be covered, and also that a person of more experience ought to be entrusted with its care.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 7 January 1863
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On The Body Of A Newly-Born Male Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a newly-born male child, named HARRY LANDRY, who died on Monday last. The mother, ELLEN LANDRY was unable to attend through illness, but a witness named Mary Phillips was called, and said she had known her for several years. She was 24 years of age, and had been a chambermaid at the Albion Hotel, Plymouth, but left about two months ago. On Saturday last she came to witness's house, at No. 25 Looe-street, and witness then became suspicious that she was about to be confined, and in the afternoon, when she saw her in the back court, taxed her with it. She had been going in and out several times, and complained of being ill. Shortly after, while witness was in the court, she called her, and on going into the closet witness found her with a child in her arms. She took it from her, and dressed it; had it well cared for, and then put both the child and mother to bed. On the following morning she took the child to give it some gruel, when it went into convulsions. She immediately went for the doctor, and shortly after she came back the child died in her lap. Dr Harper soon after came, but too late to render any assistance. - Elizabeth Leach, a neighbour of the last witness, corroborated this evidence. - Dr Harper was called and said that on Sunday last, about 11 o'clock in the morning, Mary Phillips came to his house, No. 1, Gibbon-street, Plymouth, and requested him to come to her house in Looe-street, where a young woman had been confined the previous day, saying nothing about the child. He went immediately, and found the deceased child laid out on a table, quite dead. He was afterwards told by Mary Phillips that the child had fallen from its mother to the hard stones in the closet and he then examined it and found a slight contusion on the head, and beneath the seat of that contusion found the membrane in a congested state. The other organs of the body were very healthy, there being no signs of poison or other injurious matter. He believed the child died of convulsions, produced by the congested state of the membrane of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 9 January 1863
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident To A Tradesman At Newton. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Magor's Commercial Hotel, Newton, on the body of MR T. CHUDLEIGH, who had been in business in the town, as a slater and plasterer, for upwards of 36 years. The evidence showed that on Tuesday afternoon deceased fell from the scaffold of the building now being erected for the Baptist Congregation in East Street, and that about 13 feet below the place whence he fell the side of his neck came in contact with the edge of a joint, by which the jugular vein was ruptured. After striking the joist deceased pitched on his head to the ground, 30 feet lower than the first. He did not move nor speak afterwards. It was shown that the scaffolding was quite safe, and that no person but deceased was on it at the time he fell, and therefore the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - An Inquest was held at the Naval Hospital Inn, Fore-street, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOSEPH CLIFFORD, a youth aged about 19 years, formerly belonging to H.M.S. Stromboli. It seems that some time ago, when the deceased was assisting in taking sand into the hold of the ship, and whilst in the hatchway, a ladder fell upon his forehead, inflicting an injury which produced insensibility. He was taken up, and conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, where it was found that he was suffering from paralysis of the bladder and lower limbs, from the effects of which, after an illness of some duration, he died. The circumstance which produced paralysis was purely accidental. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Paralysis."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 10 January 1863
EXETER - The Melancholy Suicide At Exeter. - The Inquest on the body of the unfortunate man, ALEXANDER SNODGRASS, was held at the Poltimore Inn, St. Sidwell's, yesterday morning, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, when the following evidence was adduced:- MARY SNODGRASS said she was the widow of the deceased and resided at 7, St Sidwell's-terrace. Her husband was a carver in the employ of Messrs Brock and Company, and was forty years of age. He had not been under medical care, but he had been in very bad spirits lately. About two years since he was in trouble, having had his goods distrained for rent. He was then depressed, and had not rallied since; sometimes locking himself in his room for the whole day, and refusing to see anybody, or to eat his dinner. Last Sunday he remained in the bedroom all day until the evening. They never quarrelled, and deceased was a very temperate man. His earnings were 18s. per week, but he owed a number of small debts, and they were continually worrying him. He was at home all day on Thursday, and appeared to be worried all day. he always received his pay on Thursday night, and he had promised to pay more than he could afford to do. He got up about half-past eleven, and he did not go to work, because he said he was not well. When he got up he came as far as the school-room door, and said he would go and lie on the children's bed, which was where he was found. At twelve o'clock, when she dismissed her scholars, she went to him to see how he was. The door was shut, but not locked. When she went in he was lying on the bed. She asked him if he would have a cup of tea, and he replied that he would; and, in answer to another question, he said that he was not better; that he was very bad, and complained of pains in the head at the base of the brain. He had always suffered from those pains, but had had no medical advice since he came to Exeter. He had his tea, and he went in and out several times up to half-past two o'clock, when she went to her school room. At four o'clock she again went upstairs. The door was shut but unfastened, and when she went in she found him hanging by a rope, and fastened to an iron bar in the rafter. She screamed for help, when her daughter came, and she then ran to the kitchen, and procured the carving knife, with which she cut him down. The rope had been lying about the room for two years and a half. She suspected that he had been pressed for money lately. On Thursday week he had to make up some money which he had spent, and which did not belong to him and she suspected that something of that sort was the case this week. Before the bailiffs were in the house he idolized his wife and children; but since then he had scarcely taken any notice of either of them. At the time alluded to, he was out of the house 13 ½ hours, and when he came home he told her that he attempted to drown himself, but that something came over him when the water was up to his chin. She never believed it, but now she did. He was a very nervous man. She had four children. - Mr Thomas Seed, foreman in Messrs. Brock's factory, where deceased worked, said he had worked there between five and six years. He was a temperate man. Deceased worked piece work, and witness paid the wages. His average earnings were from 18s. to 20s. per week. Deceased had been reserved and low in spirits for some time; not working with the same zeal and energy as before. He was a very good workman, but at times he was very slow, and could not get on. Witness paid MRS SNODGRASS the amount owing to the deceased up to the previous evening, which was 17s. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

BERE FERRERS - A Child Burnt To Death At Tavistock. - On Tuesday afternoon an Inquest was held at Beer-alston, before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., on view of the body of a little girl named MARY JANE BOND, who met with her death under the following circumstances:- On Friday last, when her mother was from home, the deceased went to the fire to put some wood upon it; and, while she was doing so, her dress somehow caught fire, and she was immediately enveloped in flames. Her two young sisters were near the house at the time, and they, hearing her screams, at once ran to see what was the matter; but they were so much frightened that they were unable to render any assistance. The clothes of the poor girl were completely burnt off her body, and her flesh was frightfully charred. Mr Jackson, surgeon, was called as quickly as possible, but the injuries the poor girl had sustained were of such a serious nature that medical assistance was of no avail, and she died after suffering the greatest agony, on Saturday afternoon. The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At The Railway Station. - A melancholy case of sudden death occurred on Monday afternoon, at the Plymouth Railway Station. About half-past three o'clock, Mr Luke, of Union-st., was passing by the Station, when he perceived a young man, surrounded by a woman and some children, lying in the steps abutting on the Millbay Road, under the shed, evidently in a fainting condition. With benevolent promptitude Mr Luke interested himself in the case, and soon saw that the poor man was in a dying state. Mr Luke at once sent a bystander with half-a-sovereign, the smallest coin in his possession, for some brandy. We may mention, incidentally, as a trait of honesty, that the messenger who proved to be a servant of Mrs Farley, returned at once with the liquor and the change. The Mayor (W. Derry, Esq.) happening to be upon the platform, Mr Luke called his attention to the case; and with his concurrence the poor man was removed to the waiting room in which there was a fire, and where the stimulant was administered. Mr Rendle, surgeon, was at once sent for, Mr Luke offering to become responsible for his payment, and also the Union Workhouse Surgeon, Mr Stevens. Both of these gentlemen came immediately, although of course the latter was under no obligation to do so, his parish duties being confined to the house. Edward Blake, a working man of 23, Cambridge Street, disinterestedly acted as messenger. On Mr Rendle's arrival he pronounced the man to be in a dying state, and unfit to be removed to the lodging which Mr Luke had kindly engaged for him close by. More brandy was administered, but the stimulant was without effect, and about four o'clock the unfortunate man died in Mr Luke's arms. The deceased, who was named FREDERICK CHARLES COAD, had come from Bodmin, where he resided, to consult Dr Budd, upon a disease called diabetes, from which he had been suffering for some time past. He visited the house of Mrs Martin in Courtenay-street, where he had some refreshments, but being very emaciated and ill, he was not able to walk. Mrs Martin kindly got assistance, and had him taken to the Railway Station, where, as previously stated, the poor fellow died. - An Inquest was held at the Brunel Arms on Tuesday; and the facts as detailed above having been deposed to, the Jury returned a verdict, "That deceased died from Diabetes, by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 12 January 1963
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At The Paper Mills, Ivybridge. - On Saturday evening an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of ANN MARIA HARVEY, a young woman about 19 years of age, who died on Friday last, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, from injuries received at the Ivybridge Paper Mills on the 2nd December last. - Silas Bidgood said he worked as a labourer in the paper mills of Messrs. Allen and Co., Ivybridge. On the 2nd December last he was working in the rolling room with deceased, about four feet from her. About twenty minutes before ten that morning he saw the deceased's dress catch in the wheels of the machinery. He endeavoured to strike the machinery out of gear, but could not succeed, in consequence of deceased being so tightly drawn round the shafts. The engineer was called, and stopped the machinery as soon as possible. He then, with assistance, disentangled the deceased, and laid her on the table, when it was found that her left foot was crushed, and her right knee somewhat injured. A surgeon was immediately sent for, and Dr Hartley soon arrived and bound up deceased's wounds, and she was then conveyed in a post-chaise to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. Deceased had no business where she was, it being a rule that no females were allowed to go near the machinery. It was entirely her own act. The crushing of the foot was quite accidental. - William Henry Blackmore, another labourer, and John Matthews, the engine driver, gave corroborative evidence. - ANN MARIA HARVEY, mother of the deceased, was called, and said she was the wife of RICHARD HARVEY, stonemason, living in Jory-street, Sutton-road, Plymouth. Deceased was her daughter, and had been working for Messrs. Allen, both in Plymouth and Ivybridge, for about two years. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Foreman (Mr Walter Rowse) at the same time said he wished to state, on behalf of the Jury, that they thought it advisable that some person should be appointed to see that no one entered the mills with crinoline on. - Mr Allen, jun., who was present, said that since the accident strict orders had been given that any female entering the mills with crinoline on would be instantly dismissed. - The Coroner observed that it was their duty, all of them, after hearing of so many accidents that had occurred through the use of crinoline, to hold up their hands against it.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 January 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Case Of Drowning At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held at one o'clock yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner and a respectable Jury, at Mr Maunder's Longroom Inn, Stonehouse, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of SAMUEL PALMER, the finding of whose body we reported in our issue of yesterday. It appeared from the evidence adduced, that the deceased had been in the employ of the Millbay Soap company for about 25 years, and some time since, Mr Baker, the Superintendent of the Works, informed him that as the branch with which he (the deceased) was connected was decreasing in trade, his services would not, probably, be required in a month or six weeks hence. After receiving this intimation, deceased appeared to be very much depressed in spirits; but about a fortnight since he was appointed to another branch of the trade, and he was informed that he would be kept employed throughout the summer. This did not have the effect of quelling the depression of spirits which he had exhibited; on the contrary, he became much more depressed. On Monday morning, he left his residence at Hobart Terrace, Stonehouse, at the usual hour, to proceed to his work, taking with him, as was his custom, his breakfast, which consisted of four slices of bread and butter. He did not return to dinner, and his wife became alarmed at his absence. Enquiries were made for the deceased, and his body was subsequently found at the Life-boat House. Two boys were playing on the hill, between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, and observed what they thought to be a dead body in the water outside the docks. An alarm was raised and a marine who was on sentry duty near the spot came to the place. The body was brought ashore, and put in the Life-boat House. Sergeant Ockford, of the Devon County Constabulary, stationed at Stonehouse, was communicated with, and he searched the clothes of deceased, which search resulted in his finding a tobacco box and a comb only. He made enquiries, and succeeded in finding out who deceased was, and had the body removed to the Longroom Inn, where it remained until yesterday, when the Coroner's Inquest was held. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 16 January 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest At Devonport. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Three Tuns Inn, Catherine-street, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM HOLLAND, who was found dead in his bed on Tuesday last. - CHARLOTTE HOLLAND said she was a sister of the deceased, and lived at No. 22, Marlborough-street. Deceased had occasionally assisted Mr Chubb, of the Falstaff Inn, as a white ale brewer. She saw him last at her house on Saturday night, about 11 o'clock, and gave him something to eat. He said he fell on Saturday week last from a ladder in Mr Chubb's court, and complained of a pain in his side. Deceased always enjoyed good health, but was very much given to drink, and did not attend regularly to his work. He was of a quiet disposition. - Philippa Heard said she lived in a court adjoining the house, 22 Dock Wall-street. Deceased lived in the same house, and was constantly drunk, and on Sunday morning about 1 p.m., he came home as usual. He was unlocking his door, and appeared as if he was drunk. She saw no more of deceased until Tuesday evening. She did not observe that the door was opened by any person. On Tuesday she saw a young man knocking at the door, but received no answer. She told him to see whether there was any key in the door; but there was no key in the door, and there was something on the latch, so that he could not open the door. She told him to break the door open, but he could not, but went and pulled open the shutters of the window. They then opened the window, and saw deceased lying on a mattress on the floor. He was quite dead. She then locked the door and kept the key until the police came, but she did not go in with them. - Andrew Ling corroborated this evidence. - P.C. Mitchell said, in consequence of information which he received, he went to the room in which deceased was lying, and, when on his way there he met Mr Superintendent Lynn, who went with him. When they entered they saw deceased lying on a mattress on the floor. There was a great deal of blood on his nose and mouth. He then made a search over the room, but could not find anything that would lead to any suspicion. The room was in a very destitute condition. - John Hockaday said he was an engine-fitter, and lived with Mr Chubb, at the Falstaff Inn. He knew the deceased and often saw him at Mr Chubb's. On Friday week last deceased was at the house, and at about twelve o'clock, he went in the backyard, and, thinking deceased had been there a long time, he went out and saw the deceased lying on the pavings of the yard, on his back, just to the bottom of the steps that led to the brewhouse. The top of the steps were ten or twelve feet high. Witness spoke to deceased, but did not receive any answer, and he carried him into the house. He was going to wash deceased's head, having perceived a cut, but while he was doing it deceased became sensible, and would not let him proceed. Deceased then went home and he accompanied him to see that he went home safe. Deceased several times said he desired him to go back, as he would go home all right; but he would go with him, and he saw deceased home all safe. He saw him again on Saturday night last, when deceased told him he was getting better. He did not see deceased after that time alive. - Mr Chubb corroborated this evidence. - Mr De La Rue, surgeon, said that the previous morning he went with P.C. Mitchell to the room of the deceased, whom he saw lying on a mattress on the floor. He turned deceased over and he saw a quantity of blood on the nose and mouth. On opening deceased's mouth, he saw the tongue between the teeth, and of a very dark colour. The fingers of each hand were clutched very tightly. On each hand was a quantity of blood. On the head he noticed a deep cut about two inches in length; it appeared greatly neglected. Two of deceased's ribs were fractured. The room was very dirty. He could not find any liquid that might have led to any suspicion. It appeared that deceased had died while in a fit. He thought the injuries which resulted from the fall also hastened death. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased had Died from a Fall, and whilst in a Fit.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 January 1863
EXMINSTER - Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - An Inquest was held on Monday at Townsing Farm, Exminster, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., County Coroner, touching the death of MR JOHN HUTCHINGS, farmer, in the 63rd year of his age, and late of the above farm, whose death resulted from injuries received at the Exminster Station on Friday evening. - Mr John Barrington, a farmer, residing at Exminster, said on Friday evening last he travelled with the deceased from St. Thomas' station by the 6.32 South Devon train to Exminster. They were in a third-class carriage. The deceased had not been drinking in the least, and was perfectly sober. On arriving at Exminster station, where they intended to alight, the train overshot the mark and proceeded beyond the station, and was consequently obliged to put back to let out the passengers. The deceased was sitting next to the door, then Mr John Frost, and then witness. A gentleman named James Diamond, belonging to Beerferris, was sitting opposite to the deceased, and there were some other people in the carriage; but he could not recollect who they were. Witness did not see the deceased get out, but after he had got out himself he heard that there was an accident, and on walking forward towards Starcross the length of about a carriage or two, he found the deceased was under the carriages. - Cross-examined: He went to the spot, and assisted John Kentsbeer, a sailor, in extricating the deceased from under the carriage. He was taken out, when he cried, "Oh, my poor leg!" and he was removed into the station. Witness sent for Mr Pycroft, surgeon, and assisted in taking deceased to his house. The left leg was broken - smashed to atoms, and he perceived a small cut on the head. He was perfectly sensible to the last moment, for witness was with him when he died on Saturday night, but he did not give any account of the accident himself. He believed that the deceased moved whilst the train was backing and his impression was, that his foot caught, and he was dragged under the carriage; but he did not see it. He did not hear any whistle before he heard of the accident. He was in the train, and there might have been one, but he did not hear it. After the train had overshot the platform, it rested perhaps for a moment, and then backed. He heard no signal given of any sort. There was generally a whistle, at least in the course of his travelling. - Mr Cockshott said there was usually a shrill whistle whenever the train was moved. - Witness: He did not hear a signal whistle at all in this instance. He was perfectly acquainted with the Exminster station, and there were usually lamps burning there after dark; but he could not say if there were any on the present occasion. He thought there were more posts than lamps. He knew, if there was a light, it was so faint that he could scarcely see where the accident was until someone brought a lamp. He could not see where the deceased was lying until the hand-lamp was brought by someone; he thought Frederick, but he could not say positively. Witness was in conversation with another person, and he did not get out, as he felt the train backing. The train had come to a dead stand-still before it backed. - Mr John Thomas Frost, also a farmer, residing at Powderham, said he was in the said train on the night in question, and was sitting next to the deceased. On arriving at the Exminster Station the train overshot the mark, and rested for a moment, and his impression was that the deceased then got out before the train commenced its backward motion. He did not hear anyone call "Exminster" when the train arrived. The deceased must have got out of the carriage during the momentary stoppage, for witness missed him immediately on perceiving the train was backing. He did not hear any whistle or signal. The first intimation he had of the accident was when he was in the train, when he saw the porter hold up his hand, and call out, "Hold hard! there's a man under the train". He did not get out because the train was in motion. If he had been sitting next to the door when the pause took place, it was very probable he should have got out. He did not get out during the momentary stop, because he was in conversation with Mr Burrington and Mr Brackney. The train was again immediately in motion, and it was backing very fast. If he had been sitting next to the door as the deceased was, he might have supposed that the train had finally stopped to let out the passengers. Had attempted to get out himself, as the deceased must have done. It was a very dark night, and he saw no lamps lighted except hand lamps; he could not with certainty speak to the lamps being lighted at the Station. He ran forward to where a porter was, and then saw the deceased under the wheels. - John Kentsbeer, a seaman, belonging to the William, of Exeter, said he was a passenger by the train, and travelled in the next carriage to the one in which deceased was. He remembered the train stopping at the Exminster station, but whether it had overshot the mark or not he did not know; but, when it did stop, he opened the door and stood on the step to get out on the platform. He then saw the deceased just landed on the platform, and holding by the carriage, or the door of it, which was open, and he also saw the carriages suddenly push back, and the deceased was turned round by his holding the carriage, and fell between the platform and carriage. - By a Juror: Could not say what lights were burning, but if there were any they were very dim. There was no signal given to back the train; at least he did not hear any. - Mr George Pycroft, surgeon, was then called, and said he was called on Friday evening at 7 p.m., to visit the deceased. He arrived at his house before he did. He found him with his left leg crushed and a slight injury to the head, and in a state of collapse. Witness had further assistance in Mr Edye, surgeon of Exeter Hospital. They both agreed that he was not in a fit state to bear an operation that evening, but that amputation of the leg, if he could be rallied, would be the only means of saving his life, because of the extent of the injury, and the patient also being a very weak man; in fact many years older in constitution than in years. Witness remained with him all that night administering stimulants, and on the following morning Mr Edye was again sent for. They agreed then that he was in a fair state to bear an operation, and Mr Edye amputated the leg at the request of witness, who wished that it should be done by a more experienced man than himself. From that time until his death witness remained with him, using every means to sustain life, but he sunk about nine o'clock that evening. He was also attended at the operation by an admirable hospital nurse of ten years' experience, and Mr Stonard Edye, surgeon, Mr Edye, senr., and witness. The nurse remained with witness attending upon him to his death. He died from the effects of the injury to the leg, which would undoubtedly have caused death without the amputation. - The Coroner said, when it was intimated to him that it was necessary to adjourn the Inquest for the production of additional evidence, he always did so; and he thought that there should be an adjournment in this case. - The Inquest was then adjourned to the Railway Inn, near the station, to Saturday (today) at half-past 1 o'clock. - The deceased gentleman leaves a wife and eleven children; and it is a singular fact that his father came to a violent death, by being thrown from a horse, when he was within a few months of his 63rd year. Had MR J. HUTCHINGS lived until April, next, he would have been 63 years of age.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 26 January 1863
EXMINSTER - Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. The Adjourned Inquest. - [3 columns of further evidence, ending:-] The Coroner then observed that that was all the evidence to be adduced; and, as to his going through the whole of the depositions, he thought they would not require it at his hands. It would be a difficult task for them to come to a conclusion, for, in all his experience as a Coroner, he had never heard such contradictory evidence. The passengers by the train had stated that the station was badly lighted - in fact, that it was in a perfect state of darkness; whilst the railway officials had affirmed that the lamps were burning, and that the signal was given before the train moved back. The evidence, as he had said, was so contradictory - and they had had an opportunity of listening to every portion of it - that he did not think it necessary to go through it; but, if they desired that he should read it, he would do so with pleasure. - The Jury intimated that there was no occasion for that as it had been read over to each witness before it had been signed. - The Coroner continued, remarking that it was for the Jury to consider their verdict, and not for him to dictate to them. There did not, however, appear to him to be a criminal charge against anyone, and what civil steps were contemplated by the deceased's relatives they had nothing to do with. They had to consider whether there was sufficient evidence to justify them in returning a verdict of manslaughter; but as far as he (the Coroner) was concerned, he did not think there was. - The Jury intimated that they should like to retire; but the strangers were ordered to withdraw, and on re-entering, after about a quarter of an hour's absence, the Coroner said that the Jury had returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but that they had appended some observation to their verdict, which, perhaps, the Foreman had better state. - Mr Collins (the Foreman) remarked that the verdict was one of "Accidental Death", but the Jury considered that there had been culpable negligence on the part of the railway company. - Mr Whiteford: to what extent? - No answer being given to this Enquiry. - Mr Whiteford continued: Then, I presume, there is no explanation. - The proceedings then closed, having lasted nearly five hours. - The funeral of the deceased gentleman took place on Saturday morning, the body being buried in the family vault in Exminster churchyard. The attendance of relatives and friends comprised between 80 and 90 persons, and out of respect to the deceased, Mr Pearce, of Exeter, had given the gratuitous use of his hearse and mourning coaches. We understand that the circumstances of the deceased's family are not in the best condition, and that a subscription list has been opened in their behalf, being headed by the Earl of Devon, who contributes £5, whilst Lord Courtenay and Lady Alice Courtenay have also subscribed liberally.]

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 31 January 1863
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On An Infant. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at the Black Lion Inn, Exeter--street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ELIZABETH TRELIVEN. - ELIZABETH TRELIVEN said she was the mother of deceased, who was about three months old, and enjoyed very good health. On Tuesday night, about eleven o'clock, she gave her some boiled bread, but she would not eat it. She then went to bed, and deceased was in the same bed with her. In the morning, about a quarter to eight o'clock, she rose, and was going to take deceased out when she found her to be dead. Witness could not account how deceased came to her death, but was certain that deceased had met with no ill-usage. Sarah Bennett corroborated the latter part of the evidence. After some consultation the Jury returned a verdict that deceased died a Natural Death from the Visitation of God.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 3 February 1863
EXETER - Melancholy Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Barnstaple Inn, Lower North-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr H. Elmore was the Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MRS DINAH SMITH, aged 36, residing in Toley's buildings, in the parish of St. David's. It appeared from the evidence adduced that deceased, who was far advanced in pregnancy, in company with another married woman named Browning, went to the Lower Market on Saturday evening to purchase a few articles, and that on returning, and when near the Crown and Sceptre Inn, the deceased complained that she could go no further, saying how bad she felt in her stomach; she felt then as she never felt before. Arriving at the above inn, she was obliged to drop what she was carrying on the window-sill. Mrs Browning then went for her husband, and on their arrival found her in a stooping posture, standing on the steps of the Iron Bridge. Her husband then asked her what was the matter, and she replied "she could not tell; it was something in her stomach which prevented her going further." Assistance was the procured, and she was got into the house, and sat on a chair; but she never spoke afterwards. Mr Henry Johnson Webb, of St. David's, was sent for, but before he arrived the vital spark had fled. His evidence was to the following effect - That on Saturday night about half-past nine he was called to see the deceased; he went and found her sitting in a chair. She was dead, but did not appear to have been dead long. He had examined the body since, but found no marks of violence. Deceased was between the eighth and ninth month gone in pregnancy. Had been engaged to attend her, and had seen her in the day, when she appeared the same as usual. Could not tell the cause of death unless by a post mortem examination. Had known her for many years, and she was a very healthy woman; believed there must have been some rupture in the internal part of the womb; but in the absence of the cause, and from previous knowledge of her healthy appearance, the death he attributed to natural causes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 5 February 1863
EXETER - Death Of A Child. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, at Truman's Arms, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY ANN STOKES, a child aged three weeks. It appeared that the deceased went to bed with its parents on the previous night and early the next morning, when the mother awoke, she found that the child was almost lifeless. Mr Roper, surgeon, was sent for, and on his arrival he gave it as his opinion that the child had died from convulsions; and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance therewith.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 7 February 1863
TORQUAY - Child Found Dead. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Oak beerhouse, yesterday, before W. F. Windeatt, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of a child named CHARLES PICK, aged four months, who was found dead on Friday morning, by his mother, about eleven o'clock, in bed. York J. Moore, Esq., surgeon, stated that he was called to the child and found it dead. From its position he had no doubt it had been suffocated from turning over in the bed. A verdict was returned, "That the child died Accidentally from Suffocation."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 11 February 1863
NEWTON ABBOT - Death From Excitement. - An Inquest was held at the Queen's Hotel, Newton Abbot, yesterday, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the death of a man named JOHN JORDAN, who died on Saturday evening from great excitement, resulting from the causes detailed below:- from which it will also be observed that the deceased has suffered from weakness of the mental faculties, having been under confinement and treatment for that malady, and on the present occasion the excitement under which he suffered was so intense as to cause his death. - AGNES JORDAN, the widow of the deceased, on being sworn, stated as follows: - I am the widow of JOHN JORDAN, of Newton Abbot, blacksmith. He was 48 years of age. On Thursday evening last, between five and six o'clock, my husband came home in an excited state. He spoke a few times. I asked him what was the matter. He said, "They wanted to take away a bag I had with a few shavings." He did not say who it was. He drank two cups of tea and seemed very excited all the time. I did not see the marks of any blows except a small scratch on his nose. I saw he was worse than when he went out, and I sent for Mrs Goldsworthy, a neighbour of ours. She came in and asked him how he was. He said "First rate." The she said, "Do you know me?" He said, "I knew you 20 years ago, but I do not know your name." He could not recollect her name. My son asked if he knew him. He did not know him. He said he was called William. His name really was RICHARD. I had a son called WILLIAM, but he has been dead five years. He got gradually worse and could not utter his words. I sent for a medical man, and Mr Slaytor came about half-past eight o'clock. Soon after that he had a fit. Mr Slaytor was there. The fits continued till two in the morning. He never spoke after the first fit. He died on Saturday evening about half-past eight o'clock. He had been in a lunatic asylum and returned about Michaelmas. He worked for the South Devon Railway Company before he went to the asylum, but he has not worked for anyone since. He was an excitable man. He did not appear to have been drinking. He did not complain of anything, but seemed much excited. - John Corney Slaytor, on being sworn, deposed as follows:- I am a surgeon, residing and practising at Newton. On Thursday last, at twenty minutes past eight o'clock, I was sent for to see JOHN JORDAN. I went, and arrived at his house at half-past eight. I found him unable to answer any questions, and observed a slight graze on the nose. I then heard from the last witness that he had been out after some shavings, and some persons had endeavoured to take them away on the road, and she told me he had not been right in his mind for some time. I then proceeded to examine his body. His pulse was between 70 and 80: the pupils of the eyes much contracted. He was unable to speak to me. I asked him to put out his tongue, which he attempted to do, but could not get it over his teeth. There were no marks of violence. Ten minutes after I had been in the house he had a convulsive fit, which lasted about eight or ten minutes. From the appearance of his eyes and previous history, death was caused from excitement on the brain, its membranes being previously diseased. I feel certain he laboured under organic disease of the brain. Any excitement under such circumstances would produce the symptoms he exhibited and cause death. I do not consider the death was caused by any violence. - The Coroner having summed up, and pointed out the want of any evidence to show that the deceased had been ill-used, and also taking the evidence of the medical attendant into consideration, was of opinion that the death had resulted from over excitement. - The Jury accordingly returned a verdict "That the deceased died from Disease of the Brain, accelerated by excitement, but by whom he was excited there is no evidence to show; and that the deceased came to his death from Natural Causes, and not by any violent means whatsoever." - From enquiries made by the police, and derived chiefly from two children, about seven or eight years old, it appears that the deceased, having gone to a building near his house for some shavings, was pursued by some of the workmen and accused of having taken some small pieces of board, and tools belonging to them. He refused to give it up, upon which a scuffle ensued, the men trying to take the bag from him, but he resisted so strongly that they were not able. It could not be ascertained that any violent means had been used towards him, nor were there any marks or appearances of any about his person, so that the death may justly be ascribed to the extraordinary amount of excitement under which he appeared to be labouring.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 14 February 1863
SALCOMBE REGIS - Death From Fire. Unnatural Conduct Of A Parent. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday, at the Union Inn, Salcombe, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, upon the body of ALBERT JARVIS, a child three years of age. From the evidence it appeared that on the 27th January last the mother left the child in the room where a fire was burning, while she went out into the town for some provisions. The child being left alone, began to play with the fire, and in so doing his clothes caught fire, and, there being no one at hand to extinguish the flames, the child was severely burnt before anyone came to his assistance. The poor little fellow was fearfully burnt about the body and arms, but lingered until the 9th inst., when death ended his sufferings. Strange to say, the parents did not call in the assistance of a medical man during the whole time of the child's illness. The Coroner severely reprimanded the mother for her unnatural conduct: in the first place, for leaving the child in the room without properly guarding the fire; and secondly, for not calling in a medical man to attend the child, who died from the severe shock to the system caused by the burns. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, before Mr Edmonds, Coroner, for the purpose of Enquiring into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ANN DRAKE, who had died suddenly that morning about 6 o'clock. - It appears from the evidence that deceased lived with her husband in a court of the house No. 3, Catte Street. On Thursday she went out with a cart selling fish with her husband, and came home in the evening greatly fatigued, but went to bed as usual in the night about 11 o'clock, apparently very well. On the next morning, however, about six o'clock, she was taken ill, complaining of a sensation resembling choking, and her heart was beating rapidly. Her husband lighted a candle and called his son, who was in the next room, and sent him for a doctor, and calling in some of the neighbours. Before anyone arrived, deceased was dead. She had been troubled with a pain in the stomach for some time past; but on Thursday was in very good health. After some consideration the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died suddenly, expressing their opinion at the same time that some measures ought to be taken for the removal of such a dirty habitation, as the deceased would probably have lived some time longer if there had been any ventilation in the room. The Coroner intimated that he would convey to the Board of Health the tenor of the verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 16 February 1863
PLYMOUTH - Shocking Death Of A Child. - An Inquest was held at the Black Lion Inn, Exeter-street, Plymouth on Saturday afternoon last, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of a little child named ADELAIDE CONNIBEER, who was run over in Exeter-street, on the same morning, by a heavily-laden waggon. The first witness called was - Mary Pearse, who stated that the deceased was her niece, and that a little after 10 o'clock that morning she saw the deceased go out of doors after her elder sister. She called her back, but she paid no attention to her. About three or four minutes after she was brought home dead. - William Ellick said that about 10 o'clock that morning he was near the Jubilee Inn, at the bottom of Jubilee-street. He saw the deceased standing on the pavement, and in a moment afterwards saw the left wheel of the waggon pass over her head. He ran over and picked her up, and found her quite dead, her skull being smashed and the brains strewn about the street. He then took the deceased to her residence in Salem-street. He could not say how the accident occurred, unless the child slipped from the pavement into the street. If the deceased had been his own child, he should have lain no blame on anyone. - The driver of the waggon was present, but the Coroner thought it unnecessary to call him, and the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 23 February 1863
CHURSTON FERRERS - The Fatal Accident On The Dartmouth Railway. Coroner's Inquest. - On Saturday we recorded the fatal accident which had occurred on the extension from the Brixham road station of the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway towards Dartmouth. An Inquest was held on Saturday - the same day - before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, at the Dartmouth inn, Galmpton, on the body of the poor man WILLIAM BLAKE, who met with his untimely end on the occasion. Evidence was given by Thomas Brown, Richard Abrahams, and Frederick Hunt, three of the workmen who, with several others, were on the spot at the time and narrowly escaped the fate of their unfortunate fellow workman. From their statements it appears the earth gave way very suddenly and threw BLAKE back over a wheelbarrow, completely burying him and partially covering another man named George Turner. The men immediately set to work and succeeded in rescuing Turner, who still lies in a precarious condition; but although BLAKE was heard to groan, yet he could not be removed until life was extinct. His body presented a very emaciated appearance, the thighs being broken and other injuries being outwardly visible. The accident occurred just before noon, and the part of the line was known as West Hill Cutting. It was 32 feet wide at the top and 22 at the bottom and rather deep. There was no unusually heavy deposit on the top, nor any appearance of danger previous to the fall. The deceased was a widower about 30 years old and leaves two children. He was a quiet and steady man and respected as such by his fellow-workmen. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death. - A young man named JAMES WREFORD, 27 years of age, died suddenly on Friday morning at Elliott's lodging-house. He appears to have been a native of Exeter, and gained a livelihood by gathering marine stores. He did not enjoy very good health, and was in the habit of taking medicine prepared by a druggist. He had also been drinking very much during the last fortnight, and had made use of very little food. About eight o'clock on Friday morning he came downstairs apparently very ill, and a woman named Fysh, lodging in the house, took charge of him and ultimately he died in her arms. Dr Gillard was sent for, but when he arrived life was extinct. An Inquest was held on Friday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., when the above facts were deposed to; and Dr Gillard stated that he had examined the contents of the bottle of medicine which the deceased had been using, and it appeared to him to be a mixture containing ether and stimulating properties. He did not think it contained anything injurious. The body appeared emaciated, but there were no marks of violence or appearance of any deleterious drug. He was of opinion the deceased died from atrophy, or other natural causes. A verdict to this effect was accordingly delivered by the Jury.

TAVISTOCK - On Friday morning an Inquest was held before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury, on view of the body of JAMES STONE, the unfortunate man who was accidentally killed by the handle of the crane at the railway station, on Thursday afternoon. The Jury, without any deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The funeral of the deceased, who was a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, took place yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. A large number of the brethren of Court "Hand in Hand" followed the corpse to the grave, and, after the Church of England burial service had been read by the Rev. J. B. Haly, the usual Foresters' prayer was offered up by Br. Chisell, the Chief Ranger. A large concourse of persons assembled to witness the mournful proceedings.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 25 February 1863
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Child Found Dead. An Inquest was held on Monday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., at the King's Arms Hotel, on the body of the child SMEATHAM, who was found dead in his bed, as recorded in our columns of Monday. The Inquest was adjourned until today, for the purpose of a post mortem examination being made, there being some idea of the child having been poisoned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 27 February 1863
PAIGNTON - Accidental Death At Torquay. - Yesterday W. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest at the Commercial Inn, Paignton, upon the body of WILLIAM MANNING, a railway guard, who was killed at the Paignton Station of the Torbay branch of the South Devon Railway on Sunday week last. The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the body and the following evidence was then taken:- William Moss said: I am a porter employed on the South Devon Railway. I knew the deceased. He was a porter on the same line. On Sunday the 15th inst., I saw him on the platform of the Paignton Station at 8.39 in the evening previous to the starting of the train. He was acting as guard to the train from Brixham Road to Newton, and was in charge of the train. The train was in to its time within a minute or two. It was the duty of George Milman, a porter, to give MANNING the order to start the train: and it was MANNING'S duty then to give instructions to the driver. The instruction is generally given to the driver by blowing a whistle. When the train was ready to start, I saw a whistle in the hand of the deceased, and heard him sound it. He was then on the platform close to the train. He had a lantern in one hand and the whistle in the other. The door of his compartment was shut and the window was up. The train moved immediately after the guard's whistle sounded, the driver having previously blown the whistle of the engine. Before it started the deceased had not opened the door of his carriage. I saw him trying to push down the window, and at the same time running along with the train. When he got near the end of the platform I saw him make a jump towards the step of the carriage; but he missed it and fell. The train went on towards Torquay, and I ran to the place where the deceased had fallen. When I reached him he was lying on his side, with his head towards the station and his feet close by the rails. I put my hands under his arms and lifted him up a little; and said, "MANNING, have you hurt yourself much?" His reply was only "O my!" Some other men came and carried him to the station, and I ran for a doctor. I saw that his feet were much bruised and bleeding - his right foot more than his left. Mr Pridham, surgeon, came as soon as possible, and ordered the deceased to be removed to this house. That was done. MANNING was conscious at the time, and he told the doctor the injury was not of much consequence. I had spoken to him before the train started. He was not in the slightest degree the worse for liquor. I have frequently seen him in charge of trains before. - By the Jury: The door of MANNING'S compartment was locked. It is usual for the guard to lock the door when he leaves the train. - William Blinkhorne said: I am a railway contractor, living at Paignton. On the evening of Sunday week I was on the platform of the station and saw the accident. I saw the train come in, and I afterwards saw the deceased on the platform. I stood by the window of one of the carriages, talking to a friend who was going by the train, and when the train moved I stepped back from the carriage. I had not noticed the whistle. I then looked over and saw the guard with his lantern in his left hand, and his key in his right, trying to get into a carriage. He seemed, from some cause or other, baffled in the attempt, and ran along with the carriage, apparently still trying to open the door with his key. The train was going at a good pace when he got near the end of the platform, and seeing this I said to someone, "If that man attempts to get in, he will fall." When he reached the end of the platform he made an attempt to jump on the step and fell almost immediately. The lamp being extinguished in the fall, we could not see whether he had really fallen and I went with the last witness to the end of the platform and saw him lying as has been described. The train went off steadily. - By the Jury: I am so much in the habit of being near railway trains, that both whistles might have been sounded without my being able to swear that I had heard them. I was absorbed in conversation with my friend. - James Davies said: I am an officer in the coastguard, living at Paignton. On the evening of Sunday, the 15th, I was at the railway station when the last train from Brixham Road came in. I saw the deceased there. I observed him leave the carriage. The window as shut. I saw the train start; and before that I saw MANNING whistle, and the whistle of the engine was sounded. The train started in the ordinary way. I saw the deceased running along with his hand up to the carriage, trying to get into it; and that was the last I saw, until I saw the deceased lying on the ground, as described by the other witnesses. - Mr Charles William Pridham said: I am a fellow of the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and reside and practice in Paignton. On the evening of the 15th, I was called to attend WILLIAM MANNING, at the railway station. I found he had been run over, and both feet crushed by a railway carriage. I had him immediately conveyed to this house and sent for Mr Evans, another surgeon, who is employed to attend the men on the line. I examined the wounds of the deceased, and found that two toes on the right foot were completely destroyed, besides other extensive wounds. Two toes of the left foot were partially destroyed and the parts injured were carefully removed. I continued to attend him, and on the Wednesday following mortification of the right foot set in. That continued to spread and on Sunday, the 22nd, lock-jaw appeared, for which, after consultation with two other medical men, it was deemed advisable to remove the right foot. That was done. In spite of the operation, lock-jaw increased until Tuesday morning at six, when he died. There is no doubt that the mortification and lock-jaw were the result of the injuries which he had received. There was a consultation on the Wednesday with regard to the spreading of the mortification and again on the Saturday; and the reason why amputation was not then performed was that if it had been done while the mortification was spreading, it would have seized the stumps that were left. - Mary Nutman was called and said she had attended the deceased as nurse. He had had every proper care and attention and the body, which the Jury had seen, was his. He was 27 years old and unmarried. - The Coroner said he thought the evidence was satisfactory. The man had died from the result of an accident, which had arisen from his own carelessness in leaving the window of his compartment shut and trying to get into the train when it was in motion. - The Jury found "That the deceased died from the effect of injuries Accidentally received."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 4 March 1863
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Horrabridge. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Horrabridge, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, to Enquire into the death of ROBERT HEAD, a pauper lunatic, who destroyed himself on Monday morning by trying his stockings together and using them as a means of suspending his body from the fastening of the window of his bedroom. From the evidence it appeared that deceased had been sent to the county asylum about a year since, and was discharged thence, after being there about five months, as cured, but Mr Willis, the surgeon, stated that he saw him on his return from the asylum, and considered him no better than when sent there, and made a report to that effect. The Inquest was adjourned to Friday, the 13th inst., to enable persons not present to attend and give further evidence, which was deemed necessary.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 7 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr Towl was Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN NICHOLAS FRENCH, who died on Thursday morning whilst in a fit of coughing. It appeared from the evidence of the mother, that the child was only 11 months old, and that ever since its birth, it had been very delicate and the doctors had told her that it was in a consumption. On Thursday morning the deceased was taken with a fit of coughing, which caused him to turn black in the face, and while in that fit the deceased died. The nurse of the child, and as neighbour named Shapcott, corroborated this evidence, and the Coroner thought it quite clear that the child died a natural death. The Jury accordingly returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 12 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Late Firework Explosion. Inquest On The Bodies Of The Nine Deceased Persons. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Guildhall, at four o'clock, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, Mr Robert Robinson Langford Foreman, to Enquire into the cause of the death of MORRIS LAWRENCE, sen., 49 years of age; MORRIS LAWRENCE, jun., 28; ELLEN LISMORE, 33; ELIZA LISMORE 6; ROSE LISMORE, 3; WALTER LISMORE, 10 months; OLIVER WATERMAN, about 60; GEORGE COLLINS HARRIS, alias BUTTON GEORGE, about 40; and CHARLES LAWRENCE, 15. - The Coroner, after referring to the circumstances of the case, said that the Inquest could not possibly have been held on the previous day on account of the proceedings which then took place. With reference to the matter itself, an Act had been passed on the 28th of August, 1860, prohibiting the manufacture of fireworks in towns. The man MORRIS LAWRENCE applied to the Plymouth Town Council for a license to enable him to make and sell fireworks. The Town Council refused the application after an investigation. He did not apply again, but carried on the business in which he was engaged at the time of the accident, and which had been the cause of so many deaths. If he had been alive he would no doubt have been chargeable at the criminal bar; and he (the Coroner) believed that the case would have amounted to manslaughter. - The Jury the proceeded to view the bodies. They first of all went to the South Devon Hospital to view the bodies of WATERMAN and GEORGE COLLINS HARRIS. These two poor fellows had been removed there from the scene of the accident, and had had every attention paid them, but without effect. The bodies presented an awful appearance, being covered with burns, of which there were a great number about the head of WATERMAN. The bodies were lying on the covers of their coffins, and their wounds were mostly covered with lint. The Jury from thence proceeded to the dead house in Westwell-street for the purpose of viewing six of the other bodies, if bodies they could be called. Here a sickening spectacle presented itself. Laid out in a row were six masses of blackened and charred remains, quite unrecognizable. The first one was so far disfigured that it had not even the appearance of a human body, but seemed to be the remains of an ordinary size dog. The legs of all were entirely gone; the bones above the knee protruding in some instances several inches beyond the blackened thigh. The second body presented a bare, round skull, all the rest being entirely blackened. The third had the brains protruding and the fourth, in appearance, was pretty nearly akin to the first, as was also the sixth. The fifth was the body of an infant, but entirely undistinguishable. The whole remains of the six bodies might probably have been contained with ease in one ordinary-sized coffin. The Jury then went to Stonehouse-lane, where they viewed the body of CHARLES LAWRENCE, and looked at the scene of the accident, after which they returned to the Guildhall, and the following evidence was taken:- WILLIAM HENRY LAWRENCE, who looked very ill, and had to be carried and lifted to the place of examination, was the first witness examined. He said: I am an artist by trade, and make fireworks. MORRIS LAWRENCE was my father. [At the mention of his father's name the witness was deeply affected.] He was a maker of fireworks. The number of the house where the accident happened was 103. My brother was called MORRIS LAWRENCE. My father was about fifty years of age. My brother was a firework manufacturer, and also lived at 103 King-street West, where I resided. I went to bed on Sunday night about half-past eleven o'clock, as near as I can tell. There were then in the house my father and brother MORRIS, my sister, EMMA, ELLEN LISMORE, WALTER WILLIAM LISMORE (a comedian or clown), ELLEN LISMORE (his wife), ELIZA LISMORE, ROSA LISMORE and WALTER LISMORE. There were also myself, CHARLES LAWRENCE, my brother and EDWIN. I used to assist my father and brother. The engagement for fireworks commenced about a month before the Prince of Wales's marriage. We were working there on Sunday in packing up. We had fireworks of various descriptions. They consisted mostly of rockets, blue and red lights and Roman candles. Nearly all had been packed up on Saturday night. They were going to Falmouth. They were in sailors' chests and tea chests. Some were loose, for Ashburton. I saw my father for the last time about half-past eleven. They had then had their supper. When I parted from them they were in the front room downstairs. They were not working then. They were going to bed then. There was a bed in the room. The whole of the fireworks were in that room. They had no candle there, but there was a paraffin lamp, which was burning. There was a glass around it. - By a Juryman: There was no other glass about it than the chimney. It was hanging up. - Examination continued: It was hanging up near the window. I slept in the front part of the attic. My brothers CHARLES and EDWIN slept in the same room, and four lodgers besides WATERMAN were in one room, and HARRIS in another. In the morning I heard WATERMAN call out. That woke us all up. I jumped out of bed, I saw nothing, no fire. I ran down and opened the door, but there was so much smoke that I closed the door again. I then broke out the window and got out. I then got on to the roof of the house and then slid down and jumped off into our garden. John Rogers followed me; my brother CHARLES followed him. He went back again. He pushed out HARRIS, and then got out himself with my brother EDWIN. I don't know how WATERMAN got out. My brother CHARLES'S legs were cut. He complained of something tickling his throat that he could not breathe. He became worse and died this morning. The house was not licensed as a lodging-house or for fireworks. I believe my father, brother MORRIS, MRS LISMORE and her three children, perished in the fire. My brother MORRIS was 28. - By the Foreman: We have lived in the house two or three years, and have made fireworks at intervals during all that time. In the back room upstairs there were a few fireworks. - By a Juryman: The materials for making fireworks were in a back room facing the yard. We had been there during the day. We had not been there with a candle. - By another Juryman: The lamp was hung 18 inches from the window, and about the same distance from the ceiling. I believe that the coloured fire caught fire by itself. - By the Foreman: I have known it do so before. - By a Juryman: It was in a paper parcel. There were about 2 lbs. - By another Juryman: We had fire in the grate of the back kitchen that day. - By the Coroner: I fancied I smelt the red fire just before I went to bed, and mentioned it to my father. He said he fancied so, but it was only imagination. - Mr Whipple, surgeon, 14 Devonshire-terrace, Plymouth, said he had examined bodies at the dead house, Westwell-street that day. He made out two to be males and one female, all adults and three children of varying ages. He should think about six, three, and an infant. One of the males appeared a stouter and more strongly developed man than the other. He judged one of them to be a male from the size of the bones. Of the sex of the children he could form no idea. LAWRENCE died more from inhaling the vapour than from the effects of burns. OLIVER WATERMAN and GEORGE COLLINS HARRIS died at the hospital from the effects of their burns. - Mr Solomon asked whether it would not be advisable for both of the survivors, HENRY LAWRENCE and ELLEN LISMORE, to go to the hospital in consequence of inhaling the sulphurous vapour? - Mr Whipple said he would see them. He accordingly went outside and saw both. he then came back and said that the young man required to take care of himself and see that he did not take cold, and that it would be a proper case for the hospital. With regard to the young woman, he thought she was suffering more from a nervous shock than anything else. The young man, however, refused to go to the hospital, and was sent home in a cab. - Richard Morris, porter of the South Devon Hospital, said that WATERMAN and HARRIS were both brought in on Monday morning at four o'clock. BUTTON GEORGE died first about two o'clock on Tuesday and WATERMAN about nine in the evening of the same day. - ELLEN LISMORE said: I am the daughter of WILLIAM WALTER LISMORE and lived at 103 King-street West. About half-past eleven on Sunday night EMMA LAWRENCE got supper and we all partook of it. After supper they went into the front room, and left EMMA LAWRENCE and myself together. We went to bed shortly afterwards. EMMA LAWRENCE awoke first. She woke up with a cough and woke me. I jumped out of bed and went to the door, but the smoke was so great that we came back to the window. The passage was all in a blaze. I opened the window and EMMA LAWRENCE screamed for her father. We jumped out of the window. I could not swear that I heard MR LAWRENCE answer, but I think I heard him say, "MORRIS, where are you?" EMMA LAWRENCE is now very ill. I never saw MRS LISMORE afterwards. I know everyone in the house that night. There were myself, EMMA LAWRENCE, MORRIS LAWRENCE the elder, and MORRIS LAWRENCE, the younger; my father; my mother, ELLEN LISMORE aged 33; my sister ELIZA, about six years of age; my sister ROSA, three years old; and my brother WALTER, about ten months. I don't know how old WATERMAN was. John Rogers, John Smith, Henry Roberts and CHARLES LAWRENCE were there. CHARLES LAWRENCE was about 17 years of age, and used to assist his father. EDWIN LAWRENCE was also in the house. I have no doubt that my mother perished in the fire. MRS LAWRENCE is very ill. - Michael Burke, mat maker, said he had recognised the bodies of OLIVER WATERMAN and GEORGE COLLINS HARRIS, at the hospital that afternoon. - P.C. Sergeant Thomas Murch said that he was on duty in King-street West at 2.35 on Monday morning. he heard an explosion, and saw rockets flying across the street. There was no one else in the street at the time. The windows were blown out, and the front room was in a blaze. He sprung the rattle and alarmed the neighbourhood. He did not see anyone in the house. He left the other two policemen who were with him on the spot and went for a fire engine. OLIVER WATERMAN and GEORGE COLLINS HARRIS were taken away in a cab to the hospital about half-past three. He took the bodies to the deadhouse. He believed that LAWRENCE had been watched at different times. - By the Foreman: had been sergeant for about 4 years. Inspector Thomas had been to the house at different times. It was never thought that he carried it on to any great extent. - P.C. Thomas Elson and P.C. Charles Austen both passed the house about half-an-hour before the fire, and there was then no appearance of fire. - James Swigg, mason, and foreman of the West of England fire engine said he was called about 25 minutes to three on Monday morning, and was present at the fire at about ten minutes to three. It was a great fire for the time. About four o'clock they proceeded to search for the bodies. They found a great number of charred bones, all of which were found in the front room downstairs. - Mr Searle said he was clerk to Mr Whiteford, clerk to the Plymouth Town Council. MORRIS LAWRENCE, the father, applied for a license about 12 months before for manufacturing fireworks, which was refused. - Mr McKeer asked Mr Searle if any other manufacturers were licensed in the town. - Mr Searle replied in the negative. - The Coroner, in addressing a few words to the Jury, said there was no doubt that the man had no license to carry on the trade in which he was engaged. It did not seem to him that there was proper care taken to prevent the accident which did occur. He did not think they could doubt the identity of the bodies. - A Juryman asked whether it applied to manufacturing or selling? - The Coroner replied, that it referred to both. - The Jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter against MORRIS LAWRENCE, the elder and recommended the Coroner to write to the Town Council as to the necessity of enforcing the statute for the protection of the public against manufacturers of fireworks. - This the Coroner agreed to do.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 13 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At Weston Mills. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday evening, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Emden was Foreman, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN WILLIAMS, who died at the hospital on Tuesday last, from injuries received at the Weston Mills. The deceased was 20 years of age, and a journeyman miller, in the employ of Mr Tregellis, of the Weston Mills. On the 25th February last, about five o'clock in the morning, whilst he was taking the belt off the machine, his coat caught in the wheel, and he was jammed between the wheel and the frame. A young man named Jacques, who was near at the time, hearing the cries of the deceased, immediately turned off the water and stopped the wheel, and then went for the master. One of the men named Hawkins the proceeded to rescue the deceased from his dreadful situation, but for three quarters of an hour he was unable to do so, in consequence of the wood-work having to be cut away before the man could be extricated. It was then found that he was injured in his left leg and his right thigh. Assistance was immediately procured and the poor fellow was conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he lingered until Tuesday morning, when death put an end to his sufferings. In answer to a question put by the Coroner, Mr Trengrove stated that he had examined the premises and the place where the accident occurred, and he considered that it was not a proper place for any man to be in. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death and recommended that the master of the mill should do something in order to guard against such accidents in future.

PLYMOUTH - A Boy Killed By A Horse. - The same Jury then proceeded to Enquire into the cause of the death of a little boy named ROBERT OLIVER WERTON, who died at the hospital on Monday, from injuries sustained by the kick of a horse on the 27th February last. It appeared that on that day the deceased was in company with a boy named Broadway, and he had his father's horse by the head. The lad Broadway walked on before the deceased, but soon came back, when he found deceased lying in the road insensible and the horse feeding. Broadway then saw that the deceased had received a blow in the head and immediately got the assistance of some men who were near and had the deceased brought to the hospital, where he died on Monday last. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 14 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At Laira. - Yesterday evening an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the cause of the death of SAMUEL BRADFORD, who died at the Hospital on Thursday night. The deceased was an engineer employed at the Breakwater Battery Works, Laira. On the 16th February last, he was wiping some oil from off the combs of the wheels, when some "waste" which he had in hand caught in the "cog" dragging the deceased's hand with it, and seriously crushing it. He was at once taken to the Hospital, where his hand was amputated, and he appeared to be getting well and cheerful; but he again became worse and died on Thursday night. A gentleman named Osmond, who was present, stated that he had been told that when the deceased was nearly well a man was brought in, and put on a bed near him, and that his leg was amputated. The sight of this caused such a shock to the deceased that he gradually became worse and died. - Dr Whipple, who attended the deceased, shortly after he arrived, and stated that the deceased had every assistance possible. He thought that the shock to the deceased might have caused his death, but he believed it was through the accident. - The Jury, after a short consultation, said they were perfectly satisfied that the deceased died an Accidental Death, and returned their verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 16 March 1863
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - The Suicide At Horrabridge. - An adjourned Inquest was held on Friday at the Roborough Inn, Horrabridge, to Enquire into the death of ROBERT HEAD, who hung himself by tying his stockings together and fastening one end to the iron crook which kept the window closed. The evidence showed that the deceased had been sent to the County Asylum, and remained there six months, and was discharged as recovered; that Mr Willis, surgeon, saw him immediately after his return and reported him to be in the same state as when sent to the asylum. Mr Sleman, surgeon, also saw him after his case had been brought under the notice of the Board of Guardians, and thought the case would be met by giving extra relief to enable the wife to procure a person to sleep with him. It further appeared that, although the deceased was said by his wife and some neighbours to be very troublesome and dangerous at times, Mr Willis, the surgeon, who lived near, could never see him in such an excited state as to warrant his giving a certificate that he was dangerous to himself and others. Mr Welch, the relieving officer, said that whilst HEAD was in the asylum he had occasion to go there with other cases, and on enquiring how he was getting on, he was told very well, and he never ought to have been sent there. He further stated that his attention had been called to the case by Mr Mortimer Collier, and that he had then communicated with Mr Willis, the surgeon of the district, who said that he had heard from the wife and from the woman who lived with the wife, that he was violent at times; that he could never see him in that state, although he called frequently, but that if he did see him in that state he would immediately give a certificate. Mr Welch did not receive such a certificate from Mr Willis, and therefore took no further steps in the matter. Mr Welch produced copies of the medical quarterly reports, and also the fortnightly reports. The Coroner then addressed the Jury and the room was cleared, and after a short deliberation the following verdict was returned:- "That the deceased ROBERT HEAD destroyed himself by hanging whilst in a state of insanity." The Jury expressed their regret that he had been allowed to remain under the care of his wife.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 18 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On A Child. - An Inquest was held last evening at the New Workhouse, before Mr Edmonds, Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of LAURA BURGE, who was found dead on Tuesday morning. - SARAH BURGE stated that she was the mother of the deceased child, who was about four months old, and had previous to death been very healthy. Witness went to bed on Monday evening about eight o'clock, and awoke about four o'clock in the morning, when she thought that there was something the matter with the child. On procuring a light she found that it was dead. - Eliza Dennis said that she was nurse at the New Workhouse. She saw the deceased alive on Monday night, about half-past eight o'clock, when it was very well. The deceased was a very healthy child. She believed that it died whilst in a fit. There were no marks of violence on the body. - The Jury, after some consideration, returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 19 March 1863
BRIXHAM - The Late Deaths By Fire At Brixham. The Inquest. - Great excitement has prevailed in Brixham during the past week caused by the death of the three children who were found suffocated on the night of the 10th inst., in a house, the residence of their parents, situate in Higher-street, Brixham. The mother of the children was at the time the house was discovered to be on fire gone towards the lower part of the town, to witness the illuminations, fireworks, &c., and the father was at sea. An Inquest was opened on the bodies of the children on Thursday last, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, but, in consequence of the mystery in which the cause of the fire was shrouded, and, also in consequence of the rumours which had obtained currency, it was decided by the Coroner that the Inquest should be adjourned until Tuesday, instructions being given for a post mortem examination to be made. The names of the children were JOHN FARRANT, aged 11 years, DAVID FARRANT, 6 years and WILLIAM FARRANT, 4 years; the eldest was of rather weak intellect. The children slept in adjoining rooms, the two eldest in one room and the youngest in another; a wood partition dividing the rooms, which both opened on the stairs. In a corner of the larger room stood a chest of drawers, one end being against the partition dividing the two rooms, and the other end at a right angle with a grate, across which was nailed a piece of canvas, a washstand standing in the front of it. The fire appears to have raged to its greatest extent where the drawers stood, as no particle of vestige of them remained, but a large portion of the washstand which stood by its side was unconsumed, a portion of the canvas also in front of the grate remaining unburnt. The floor and joist under the spot where the drawers stood were completely destroyed, and the greater portion of the partition dividing the two rooms was also destroyed, together with the drapery belonging to the bed in the large room inside; the bedposts and frame being also considerably charred. The youngest child was found, after the fire had been extinguished, close to the spot where the drawers had stood; but the other two in the adjoining room had apparently been suffocated by the smoke, and then, as the bed had smouldered away, they had fallen to the floor. No cause could be assigned for the origin of the fire, the mother stating that she had no matches in the room, and also that she took away the candle when putting the children to bed. She hinted that some portion of the fireworks might have descended the chimney and thus caused the accident; but, on the other hand, it was suggested that a candle might have been left in the room, or that a spark might have dropped into the drawers previous to her going out. The following evidence was adduced:- Elizabeth Knowles, wife of William Knowles, of Brixham, fisherman, said she knew the deceased. On the afternoon of Tuesday last she saw the two younger children alive, about five o'clock in the evening, playing before her door. About eight o'clock witness saw smoke in large quantity in her house, two doors from deceased's but under the same roof. Witness went to her door and could not see any fire, but smelt it. She went to a window which faced the back of the Rising Sun Inn, and saw fire issuing from the house which was burnt. She gave the alarm of "Fire," and a man came and got on the penthouse, over the door. Witness got a pail of water and gave it to him, and also a hatchet, and he broke the glass of the window. The fire then rushed out. The broken window was in Higher Street on the opposite side of the house from that where she first saw the fire. Witness never heard the mother ill-using the children, nor heard her speak cross to them; she appeared fond of her children. The door was locked. - George Fudge, a mason, corroborated the previous evidence as to the breaking into the house. Finding that he could not quench the fire, he said that they had better get the engine, and got off the penthouse. By that time the mother of the children had come with the key of the front door. Witness and a man named Bartlett then went in the kitchen and tried to get up the stairs, but could not for the fire and smoke. People outside were singing out, "The children are upstairs." When the mother came she said "Are my children out?" She seemed much excited. The engine then arrived, and witness assisted in getting out the fire. - SARAH FARRANT, the mother of the children, deposed: I am the wife of JOHN FARRANT, of Brixham, sailor. He is now at sea. The deceased children, JOHN FARRANT, WM. FARRANT and DAVID FARRANT are our children. JOHN FARRANT was eleven years of age last November. WILLIAM was four last birthday, and DAVID was six last April. They lived with me in Higher-street. The eldest was a boy of weak intellect. On Tuesday last there was a holiday in Brixham, in consequence of the marriage of the Prince of Wales. About half-past seven that evening I left my house. I left the children in the house. Before going out, I put them all to bed. They were then quite well. There was a partition between my upstairs rooms. Two of the children, JOHN and DAVID slept in the room nearest the Rising Sun Inn, and the youngest, WILLIAM, in my room, the window of which opens into Higher-street. There is a fire-place in the room where WILLIAM slept, but none in the back room. There was no fire in the fire-place in the room where WILLIAM slept. the fire in the kitchen underneath was out, and had been so more than half-an-hour before the children went to bed. I had a candle to light me whilst I put the children to bed. When I left their room, I took the candle downstairs with me, and put it out. There were no matches in the upstairs rooms. I did not smell fire when I left the house. I left the matches on the table in the kitchen when I went out. I keep an old tin candlestick, and two brass ones which I do not use, in my bedroom. I keep shavings in the bedroom where the two boys slept, close to the wall. I had not carried the candle into the room where the two children slept. Between the fireplace in the front room and the partition there was a chest of drawers. They were filled with the clothes of all the family. I had had no occasion to go to those drawers before I went out, nor was the candle near the drawers. The chair where I put the candle was between the bed in the front room and the door. On leaving the house I locked the door and took the key with me. I had not had a large fire in any of my rooms all the day. The children were not asleep when I left. When I came back I found my house on fire. I was the first person who gave the alarm of fire. I unlocked the door and a few men came, who were very tipsy. I do not know who they were. I went into my kitchen, and found I could not go upstairs. Nothing appeared to have been disturbed in the kitchen. I did not notice if the candlestick I had with me when I put the children to bed was where I had left it or not. I had left the candlestick in the bedroom, and brought down the candle in my hand. I blew the candle out and let it on the kitchen table. On my return I found the candle and matches where I had left them. I do not know what became of them afterwards. I came back a little after eight. The chimney was stuffed up with ferns and a piece of canvas before it. The drawers were close to the mantel-piece and the washstand in front of the grate. Fireworks were let off on Tuesday evening on a hill called Furzeham Hill, at the back of my house. The fern in the chimney was very dry. - James Stockman, a fisherman, said he saw the fire in Higher-street, just as it broke out. It was about 8 o'clock, just as the bonfire was lighted on the hill. There had been fireworks let off before that from Furzeham Hill. As soon as he heard the alarm of fire he ran to the house. He saw the mother of the children there. He broke the window with a short ladder and it fell out. He did not see any fireworks or sparks fall in Higher-street. - Mr Charles Henry Brooking, M.D., said he had examined the bodies of the deceased. He was called to see them on Tuesday evening about eleven o'clock. They were then all dead. The youngest child was very much burnt, parts of the skull had broken away, showing the brain, and the muscles of the abdomen were burnt away, showing the entrails. The two other children were much burnt, principally about the head and shoulders. There were bruises visible about the bodies of the two elder children in the skin that was not burnt. These bruises might have been caused after death. His opinion was, the children were smothered before being burnt. He did not think the injury to the skull was before death. - At this stage of the proceedings it was deemed advisable that Mr Brooking should hold a post mortem examination on the bodies, and the Inquest was adjourned for that purpose to Tuesday, when it was re-opened at the Rising Sun Inn, before the Coroner and the same Jury. - Mr Brooking stated that he had made a post mortem examination of the deceased. The skull if fractured before death would have wounded the brain. He could not detect any wound in the brain. He examined the body of DAVID and could not detect any poison in the stomach. The lungs smelt very strongly of smoke. He was of opinion that the children were smothered by the smoke from the fire. - Richard Putt, carrier, gave evidence as to seeing the fire soon after it broke out. The flames were pouring out of the window in Higher-street. Soon after there was a cry that the fire was out. That was about fifteen minutes after the engine arrived. The fire was not all out and the engine was set to work again. The fore door was at that time locked. Witness said he would go in at the window to rummage the house, but the people prevented him from getting in at the window. He believed the door had been previously opened. Mr Williams unlocked the door and witness went in with him and Jasper Wotton. Witness went up over the stairs, and on getting up to the bedroom, said, " "How can you say the fire was out? There is fire here now." The fire was in the mattress on the bedstead in the front room; they rolled it all up together and threw it out of the window. In searching about witness put his foot through the floor near the fireplace, and in getting up again he felt one of the children - the younger child. turning round, he saw the other children lying on the floor of the back room near the bed, perhaps two feet from the partition. They appeared to have been burnt in the bed. He directly called the Sergeant of Police, and he came up and examined the children, and said they were not to make any alarm about the children being in the house, but to go and get something to wrap them up in. They all then left. Witness did not see the mother of the children there. Richard Williams corroborated the previous evidence, and added: I have had some experience in fires. I consider the fire originated in or near the chest of drawers. There was a washstand in front of the fireplace which was partially burnt, and the end nearest the drawers entirely consumed. The ceiling is charred and broken down over the place where the drawers stood. - Esther Maria Clarke stated that she saw strong light in the window of FARRANT'S house from Wrey-hill, opposite Higher-street. She afterwards saw fire coming from the same premises. She thought that was about 20 minutes before the fireworks were let off. - Miriam Berry, wife of a fisherman, residing in King-street, stated that she saw the window lighted up, and called the attention of her husband to it, about a quarter of an hour before the fireworks were let off. She was certain it was before the fireworks were let off. - Sarah Grace Silley, wife of William Silley, went into Higher-street, on hearing the cry of fire; saw many people there. After satisfying herself whose house it was, she turned to go home, and on her way she met MRS FARRANT, and putting her hand on her shoulder said, "My dear woman, your house is on fire." She made no answer. Witness then said to her, "They say your three dear children are burnt." MRS FARRANT made no reply, but walked away fast towards her home. The place she met her was Broadsteps, about two or three minuets' walk from her house. - Susan Reeves, wife of a fisherman, said she was standing at Mr Calley's door, on the quay, during the evening before the bonfire was lit, but she did not know the time. Mrs Hall was with her, and MRS FARRANT, who was near, said to them, "I am afraid my house will catch on fire." Witness laughed at her. Mrs Hall told her to go home and see and then come down again. At that time fireworks had been let off. MRS FARRANT left them. They proceeded up the Overgang steps, and when they came to Higher-street they heard the alarm of fire. - Sarah Hall said that she was in company with the last witness on the evening of the 10th, when MRS FARRANT came over and said, "Mrs Hall, I'm afraid my house will catch on fire." Mrs Reeves made a laugh and witness said, "Why don't you go home and see and come down again?" She then went towards her home. Witness then went with Mrs Reeves up to Higher-street, and saw MRS FARRANT there before them. Witness said, "My dear MRS FARRANT, you said to me on the quay you feared your house was on fire." She seemed very much alarmed, and did not seem to know what she was about. When on the quay she did not seem excited, but anxious about the fire. When she saw her in Higher-street, she cried about her children. She exclaimed "Can't someone save them?" Witness saw some fireworks falling in the direction of the house. - Sergeant Raker, P.C., identified the bodies as being the same he assisted in removing from the fire. - The Coroner in summing up remarked that the case was likely ever to be involved in mystery, and called the attention of the Jury to the fact that two of the children were found dropped from the bed, but the youngest, apparently, had crawled out of bed to the place where found, and might have been the cause of the fire through obtaining possession of a candle or some matches which the mother, in her confusion, might have forgotten she had left there, although, in her evidence, she had set aside this assumption. If the child did not get there before being suffocated, he might have been moved or thrown there by the people rummaging. The medical evidence showed that the children had died from suffocation; and then came the question as to the cause of suffocation, or the fire causing it. There were several theories set before them as to its cause, but he was of opinion the fire did not originate in the chest of drawers, but on the other side, where was a larger deposit of smoke. It had been intimated that the fire originated in the fire-place from fireworks descending the chimney, igniting the ferns in the chimney and then through the canvas and communicating with the wash-stand; but then the latter was not consumed, whilst the chest of drawers was totally so; the canvas was not consumed, nor were there any marks in the chimney. The fireworks therefore could not have anything to do with it: there was also evidence that the fire was seen before the fireworks. In other points the evidence was very unsatisfactory, and the cause of the fire remained a query. It was a remarkable fact, that, although the woman expressed fear she did not hurry home. If it was the result of an accident, it might have occurred in three or four ways. He rejected all evidence as to the fireworks being the cause, from the fact of the fire being seen before. How the fire could occur in the back room he could not see, unless wilfully conveyed there, but in the absence of any proof or evidence that could not be proved. He thought the mother might be cleared from any suspicion which her conduct had excited from the fact of her feeling the death of her children so acutely. - After some further remarks, he suggested that the Jury should find an open verdict. They accordingly returned a verdict, that the children died from Suffocation, but the cause they returned in an open manner.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 20 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident During The Erection Of A Triumphal Arch. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall last evening, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the cause of the death of WILLIAM JONES, who died at the Hospital yesterday afternoon from injuries received on the 9th instant. On that day the deceased was working on the triumphal arch which was being erected in Bedford-street, when a fellow-workman, without a thought, pulled away a piece of stick against which the deceased was leaning, and so caused him to fall headlong on the pavement, whereby he received severe injuries in the head. He was taken to the Hospital, where he died yesterday. The other man also fell forward, but by a marvellous effort managed to catch hold of the woodwork with his feet, where he hung with his head downwards for a few minutes until assistance was rendered. After hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 21 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Child Drowned At Millbay. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at Martin's Brunel Arms, Millbay, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM LITTLE, a boy aged seven years, who was accidentally drowned in Gill's Dock, Millbay, the previous afternoon. The evidence went to show that the deceased with his younger brother, and several other little boys, were playing on the quay together, when the deceased lost his hat, and in endeavouring to get it he overbalanced himself and fell into the dock. His younger brother, who was only five years of age, being alarmed, instead of relating the circumstance to persons who were near, ran to his father in Southall Buildings, who was then in bed, whereby half-an-hour had elapsed before any assistance was rendered, which, when it came, was too late. The father of the boy procured a boat and boathook, and, after a few minutes, he got the body to the surface of the water and took it to his residence. A surgeon was sent for, and Dr Pearce shortly afterwards arrived and pronounced life quite extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 28 March 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In Plymouth. - Last evening John Edmonds, Esq., and a Jury, of whom Mr Mankin was Foreman, assembled at the Jubilee Inn, Jubilee-street, Plymouth, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of ELLEN SANDERS, seven years of age, who died yesterday morning from injuries received on the 19th instant, in consequence of her being run over by a cart. On that day the child was sent an errand by her mother, and began to run when in the road. A cart was coming along, driven by a man named Pickard, and he, seeing the child running, endeavoured to draw in the cart; but the deceased had run against the sharps before he could do so, and she was knocked down and the wheels passed over her face. The child was at once taken up and conveyed to her home in Sutton Road. - The Coroner asked if the driver of the cart was driving at a rapid pace or not. - Captain Peake, who was present at the time of the accident, said the horse was coming along at a steady trot. - The Coroner asked why the driver was not present. - His brother was present, and stated that he (the driver) had gone to Exminster to see his wife, who was in the Asylum, not knowing that the child was dead; and that he would be back today (Saturday). The Foreman thought that the Inquest should be adjourned, for the purpose of producing the man. This was put to the Jury, and the majority were in favour of deciding at once. One of the Jury then objected to a verdict being given unless the driver was produced; and, after a short conversation, the Jury were locked up, and shortly afterwards returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Lamentable Suicide At Torquay. - Great excitement was caused at Torquay on Thursday by the intelligence that CHARLES WOODMASS, Esq., a gentleman of independent property, residing at Grosmont, Torquay, had shot himself with a pistol through the mouth. Yesterday, an Inquest was held by the Coroner, F. B. Cuming, Esq., at the house to Enquire into the circumstances of the case. The Jury was composed of Mr Carroll (Foreman), Messrs. T. Weeks, Stedham, Angel, J. Matthews, A. Saunders, Fisher, G. Broad, Border, Mugford, Anglus and J. Jenkins. - After they had viewed the body, William Hughes was called, who stated that he had been butler for the late MR WOODMASS for the last four months. He last saw him alive on Wednesday night, the 25th, to all appearances in a good state of health, but he had been complaining of being unwell the day before. He was very much subject to the tic-doloreux all over his body, and was a person of very excitable temperament. On Thursday, about one o'clock in the afternoon he saw the lady's-maid - Graves - trying to open his master's door, but it was fastened. he then thought something was the matter; he went into the shrubbery and with a ladder mounted to the window, and saw his master lying on the floor. He broke the glass of the window, got in and went over to the body and found that the deceased was quite dead. He was lying on his left side, with his head towards the door and in front of the dressing table. His face was bloody; the door was fastened by a fishing rod, one end being placed against it and the other against an organ, so that it was impossible to open the door from the outside. He then went for Mr Pollard, who came immediately, and who took a pistol from under the body out of the left hand. The wound was in the mouth and the ball had not gone through the head. The pistol was a revolver of five barrels, and three or four were still loaded with conical balls. Never heard the deceased threaten to destroy himself. His master was in the habit of shutting himself in his room; and had known him sometimes to remain there all day. Witness did not hear the report of the pistol. MR and MRS WOODMASS slept together the night previous, and lived amicably together. Dr Madden was the family doctor. - At the suggestion of the Foreman of the Jury, Dr Madden was sent for. - Maria Dargess was next called. She had been housemaid with the family for about four months. On Thursday morning, somewhere about half-past nine, she heard the report of firearms while she was standing on the same landing where her master's room was, and thought the sound proceeded from the room. MRS WOODMASS came up the stairs and asked her if she had heard a noise, and if she knew what it was. She said she thought it sounded like a gun; she went to the door and found it was fastened. Did not hear any sound of a person falling. She thought her mistress had come downstairs from her bedroom about five minutes before the report was heard. It was very usual for her master to remain a long time in his dressing room. MR and MRS WOODMASS lived very happily together. She had never heard any report of firearms in the house before. - Fanny Graves stated she had been lady's maid to MRS WOODMASS for nearly five years. Never noticed anything peculiar in her master's manner; saw him about half-past nine on Thursday morning in his bedroom, and as far as she knew he was then asleep, as he did not speak to her. She felt very much surprised at her master's death. He was in the habit of shutting himself in his room, and not answering when he felt unwell and did not wish to be disturbed. - Dr Madden stated that he knew the deceased, and had attended him professionally. Had never observed any symptom of insanity, but he was subject to violent attacks of tic doloreux in various parts of his body. At the request of the Coroner he had examined the body. The lips and teeth were uninjured, so that the mouth must have been wide open at the time of the discharge. He further said it was quite possible that the pain arising from an acute paroxysm might have caused temporary insanity. It further appeared that the deceased had one son abroad who had caused him a deal of trouble and that on Wednesday he had received a letter from his eldest son, a barrister on circuit, in which the latter stated that he had looked over the letters sent to him, and he could not discover that his father was liable in the matter to which they alluded. - The Ven. Archdeacon Sandford, of Coventry, said that he dined with MR WOODMASS on Wednesday night. Deceased had taken a long walk and appeared very tired, but he did not show anything indicative of insanity. He had frequently heard deceased say that anyone who could destroy himself must be mad at the time. He always seemed to take trouble with composure. - It was also stated that the deceased gentleman had great musical talent and was to have attended a concert last night at Foot Hill. - The Coroner having gone over the evidence, the Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." On receiving their fees for attendance, they unanimously agreed that the amount should be presented through the Foreman (Mr Carroll) to the Torbay Infirmary.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 31 March 1863
BRIXHAM - On Friday last, an Inquest was held at the Blue Anchor Inn, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child about four years old, named ROBERT HARRIS, who died on Wednesday from the effects of injuries which he sustained on the 11th inst., by falling over a low wall in King-street. The child, with another about five years old, was playing and leaning over the wall during the afternoon of the day of the accident, and was cautioned by a lad named Richard Fry, who told them not to fall over. On Fry's coming again to the spot a few minutes afterwards, he found the deceased had fallen over on the rocks below. Fry went down and picked him up, and handed him to a woman named Porter, by whom he was handed to his friends. At the time he was taken up, blood was flowing from a wound in the forehead. There was no doubt but that he had died from the effects of the injuries caused by the fall. The Jury accordingly returned a verdict of Accidental Death, at the same time recording their opinion "that the fence against the street where the child fell, is not a fit and proper fence," and requested the Coroner "to call the attention of the Local Board to the matter;" and it is hoped that they will adopt measures as will prevent a recurrence of such a sad accident.

KINGSBRIDGE - Fatal Accident Near Kingsbridge. - On Saturday an Inquest was held by the District coroner under the following circumstances:- On Thursday evening last two men, named James Pedrick and JOHN KENNARD, were returning from Allery, in the parish of Cornworthy, where they had been winnowing barley. They each had charge of a waggon and two horses. They left Allery about three o'clock in the afternoon, and on arriving at Blackawton Forchase, they halted and partook of three quarts of ale, with another man. On leaving there they were joined by a woman named Sarah Ayres, who took a seat in the back part of the hinder waggon. Pedrick was obliged to be put on the front waggon and tied with a rope, he being drunk and unable to support himself. The deceased walked along by the side of the second waggon and, after passing Slade, on their way to Mr Elliott's, at Sorley House, near Loddiswell, he fell, or reeled towards the hedge. The woman Ayres jumped off and stopped the horses, and ran forward to the front waggon and got Pedrick off to assist her in getting KENNARD into the waggon, but were unable to do so. The woman then went on to the turnpike gate and gave the alarm. During this interval G. Wingett, a post-boy, at the King's Arms, Kingsbridge, passed with a fly, and seeing the deceased in the hedge, stopped and called to him, but not receiving any answer, he got down and lifted him. He found that the pulse and heart had ceased their motion, and, thinking he was dead, went to Slade for help. On returning, he found two young men had arrived from the turnpike gate, and, with their assistance he was placed in the carriage, and then taken to Sorley Farm. An Inquest was held on the body on Saturday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., when the above facts were proved. The woman Ayres stated that she did not consider the deceased was worse for liquor. - F. S. Cornish, Esq., Surgeon, of Kingsbridge, having examined the body, found blood oozing from the right nostril, and, from the evidence adduced, was of opinion the deceased had died from the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the above opinion.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 2 April 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Supposed Suicide While Insane. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Ferry House Inn, Morice Town, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances which attended the death of THOMAS ALLEN LEMON, who was found drowned in the basin, near Tapson's Coal Wharf, on Monday morning, about six o'clock. - Samuel Mugford, a waterman, said that on Monday morning about six o'clock he was with his boat near Tapson's Coal Wharf, when he saw something unusual near the southern wall of the canal, and on getting near found that it was the body of the deceased, lying on its face. The witness then extricated the deceased, and took the body on shore, where he procured assistance and the body was taken to the dead-house. - James Horgan, a seaman on board the Cambridge, said that occasionally when he came on shore he went to the deceased's house, where he slept. On Sunday he was with the deceased the whole of the day, and he thought that the deceased did not appear very well. He was very low spirited. Witness left the deceased about eight o'clock, when he went to bed. - MARY LEMON, the widow of the deceased, said that for some time past the deceased had been delirious and had been under the doctor's care. For the last week he had not been able to follow his work. On Saturday night, after the deceased went to bed, she (witness) put away his clothes, as she thought that the deceased might get out of bed without her knowing it and go away, as he had done so before. In the morning the deceased rose in a very excited state, and demanded his clothes, saying that if he did not have them he would break the door open. On Sunday night the deceased went to bed rather early, and when witness went to bed she found the deceased sitting in the bed and looking very wild; but he soon afterwards apparently went to sleep. In the morning, when witness woke, about 7 o'clock, she found that the deceased had gone, and that the greater part of his clothes was there, but on searching the drawers she found that he had taken with him a short jacket, and also the witness Horgan's trousers. - The Jury, after some consideration, returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was Found Dead, but how he came to his death the evidence did not prove.

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Death By fire At Horrabridge. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday morning at Horrabridge on the body of MARY COOK, a child ten years of age, who died on Sunday last, from injuries received the day before, in consequence of her clothes accidentally catching fire. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 4 April 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Child. - On Thursday evening John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner and a Jury, assembled at the Guildhall to investigate the circumstances attending the death of a little boy named ROBERT WEEKS STRONG, who died at the Hospital on Thursday morning. About six o'clock in the evening on Monday week the deceased was standing outside his door, in Notte-street, playing with other boys, when he unfortunately walked backwards from the pavement to the kerb, striking his leg against the wheels of a waggon which was at that moment passing. The child's leg was caught between the kerb and the wheel, and was very much lacerated, bleeding extensively. Henry Walters, a young man who was passing, immediately picked up the deceased and took him to the Hospital. Tonkin, the driver of the waggon, was driving at a very slow pace at the time, and stopped the waggon instantly the accident occurred. After hearing the evidence, the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" stating that not the slightest blame attached to the driver.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 6 April 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Suicide Of A Tradesman At Devonport. The Inquest. - On Saturday afternoon, an Inquest was held in Duke-street, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR FRANCIS WYATT, bacon manufacturer, who committed suicide on Thursday morning, under the following melancholy circumstances:- CHARLES WYATT, son of the deceased, said that on Wednesday night last his father had his supper, and retired to bed as usual, but he appeared to be in rather low spirits. On the following morning his father got up rather earlier than was his custom, and shortly afterwards he (witness) went downstairs, and his mother asked him where his father was. He replied that he did not know, but in a few minutes afterwards he discovered him suspended by the neck with a rope. He called up to his brother in a whisper, but his mother hearing it immediately came down and ran to the spot. A knife was at once procured and the deceased cut down, but he was quite dead. A surgeon was sent for, and Drs. Bazley and Swain soon arrived and pronounced the deceased quite dead. - Cross-examined: The deceased's feet were on the ground, and his knees bent. His appetite was generally very good. He seldom drank anything but water. he always went to chapel on a Sunday twice a-day, and occasionally took a walk in the afternoon. - ANN WYATT, wife of the deceased, said the deceased went to bed as usual on Wednesday night, but she could not tell whether he slept well or not, as she slept soundly. On Thursday morning he got up earlier than usual, and she recommended him to lay a little longer, as he had nothing to occupy him; but he replied that he had to attend to the smoking, and shortly after he went downstairs. About half-past seven she heard the door-bell ring, but instead of the deceased opening the door as he generally did, her son did so. She then asked her son where his father was. he replied he did not know, and on her coming downstairs she discovered the fact that the deceased was dead. His general bodily health was very good, but he had for some time suffered from great mental depression. She would often ask him what the matter was with him, but his only reply would be, "I can't tell." He would say at times that he was very unhappy, but could not tell the reason. About six years ago deceased was in such a state that she was afraid that he would do some injury to himself and she was therefore obliged to watch his movements very closely. He was not then allowed to go downstairs early unless some person went with him. During the last week, he had suffered great depression, but nothing to alarm her. - Mr J. May, surgeon, said that about six years ago he was called upon to attend the deceased. He was suffering from great mental depression, to which he was occasionally subject. His state of mind was such that MRS WYATT felt the necessity of being watchful over him. He (witness) could never elicit any particular point upon which there was any delusion. He (witness) discovered that deceased was of unsound mind. - FRANCIS JAMES WYATT, a son of the deceased, gave evidence as to the general state of the deceased's mind. - John Lewis, stationer, of 85 Union-street, Stonehouse, said the deceased was his brother-in-law. he had known him for thirty years. Deceased's habit and manner was singularly melancholy. Some years ago, on a Sunday morning, the deceased came into his house, threw himself into a chair and burst into a violent fit of weeping. On being asked the matter, he would not give any satisfactory answer, but merely replied, "I can't tell." - The Coroner asked the witness if he knew any relation of the deceased who was, or had been, insane. - Witness said that deceased's own brother, HENRY, jeweller of Southaudley-street, London, died insane, and also his nephew, John Hoskin. - The Coroner then said it would be for the Jury to consider whether the deceased destroyed himself while in an unsound state of mind, or whether he did it wilfully. If they thought he did it wilfully, it would be their duty to return a verdict of felo de se; but if the reverse, they would give a verdict to that effect. In this case there was evidence to show that the deceased had been in an unsound state of mind, and it would be their duty, if they thought so, to return a verdict in accordance with that [?] ce. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased destroyed himself while in an Unsound State of Mind." - Mr Lewis wished to make a few remarks with regard to a statement which appeared in the Morning News that day. It was stated that deceased's trade lately had not been prosperous, in consequence of which he had found his premises into a lower compass. MRS WYATT thought the statement was very injurious to her, and begged to state that it was not at all for that reason that the two shops were joined into one, but merely because her eldest son was about to carry on business in Plymouth on his own account. She hoped that the mistake would be altered as soon as possible, so as to put her in a true position with the town.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 8 April 1863
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Coxside. - Yesterday an old man named DAVIES was found dead in the Starch Works, Coxside, under the following melancholy circumstances:- The deceased got up between five and six o'clock, and lighted the fire as usual, but complained of a giddiness in the head; but as this was generally the case, no particular notice was taken of it. He left his residence about a quarter before six, and went to his work as usual, and was seen in the yard for some time talking to the men. About a quarter to seven the yard bell was heard to ring, and the deceased, being time-keeper or gate-keeper, it was his duty to open the door. Finding that no person opened the door, a young man named George Lang, the son of the foreman of the works, went and opened it, but did not see the deceased anywhere. He first thought that he had gone up into the works, but on entering the deceased's office, inside the yard door, he found him lying across the floor. The man who was at the door immediately loosened the deceased's neck tie, while the young man Lang ran for assistance and sent for a surgeon. Every endeavour was made to restore animation until the arrival of Dr Hicks, who pronounced life to be quite extinct. The deceased was immediately conveyed to his home, No. 4, Sutton-place. - In the evening, John Edmonds, Esq., held an Inquest on the body, at the Eagle Tavern, Coxside, when evidence was given corroborative of the above facts; after which, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died a "Natural Death, by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 9 April 1863
PLYMOUTH - Singular Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held on Monday at the Fawn Inn, Prospect Street, before John Edmonds, Esq., and a Jury, touching the death of a child about three months old, named OLIVIA ROBINS, which was found dead by its mother and father, at about half-past 6 o'clock on Sunday morning, at their residence, No. 1, Waterloo Place. It appears from the evidence of the father and mother, as well as of the mother-in-law, that the child was in good health on Saturday up to the time of their retiring to bed before 12 o'clock, that the child was nursed at half-past 2, and on the husband awaking about half-past 6, he found the child dead in its mother's arms. Dr Harper was soon on the spot, but life was quite extinct. No marks whatever were found about the child to show that the death was any other than natural. It transpired in the evidence that the mother's real name is not ROBINS, that she has cohabited with ROBINS, who is a journeyman shoemaker, for the last 12 months, but is the wife of FREDERICK LEDSON, seaman in Her Majesty's navy. The child also was registered in the name of ROBINS; and the want of truth in the woman's evidence was severely censured by the Coroner and Jury. A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 10 April 1863
EXETER - Melancholy Death In A Railway Carriage. - An Inquest was held at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalene-street, yesterday, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr George Turner was Foreman, to Enquire into the death of WILLIAM BICKFORD DENSHAM, late a seaman on board H.M.S. Magicienne, whose death took place under the following melancholy circumstances. It appeared that the deceased, who was only 19 years of age, and who was born at Wilcove, but generally resided at Stonehouse when on shore, was an officer's servant on board the Magicienne, and that in January he was discharged at his own request, his character as certified by his captain, Prince Leiningen, being "very good". He was sent home from the Mediterranean station in the Firebrand, and sent to Haslar Hospital, where he was treated as suffering phthisis developed in the service. The certificate of his discharge stated that he had improved since admission, but that he was not likely to be again fit for further service at sea, and that he had been discharged at his own request on the 7th inst. On Wednesday he came down as a passenger from Gosport to Plymouth, by the South Western Railway, and had partaken of a quantity of drink while on the journey. He fell asleep and was left alone by some comrades, who were unwilling to disturb him, but on arrival of the train at Exeter, he was supposed to be dead. A cab was procured and the deceased was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he was examined by Mr J. H. Huxley, the house surgeon, who pronounced him to be dead. The circumstances being reported to the Coroner, that gentleman thought it his duty to order a post mortem examination, and that having been made, Mr Huxley discovered that the deceased died from suffocation, and as there was a small quantity of meat in his mouth, he came to the conclusion that it was whilst vomiting in a state of intoxication, and he moreover, ascertained that there was not the slightest sign of a tubical, for which the deceased had been treated at Haslar Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "died from Suffocation."

EXETER - Determined Suicide By Poison. - A second Inquest was held at the same place at the conclusion of the former one, before the City Coroner, on the body of MARIA MARSHALL, who committed suicide by poisoning herself. The deceased, who was 24 years of age, was married at the age of 16 to a man named SHERMAN, at Pinhoe, who, it appears, had a wife living at the time. SHERMAN had a child by his former marriage, and he represented to MITCHELL that he had a divorce. After this they went to Australia for five years; and on their return purchased six houses in Sherman's Court, in the West Quarter of the city, and lived in one of them. About six weeks since she was confined of her third child, but progressed favourably. On Wednesday 1st April, SHERMAN went to London, and on Saturday morning the deceased cut her throat with a pair of scissors and took nitric acid. She said to a woman named Martin, who first came to her assistance, who asked her why she did it: "I was never a w...., and neither will I live to be called one. You take care of my children; I have been a good mother to them. Don't fetch any doctor for me, for I don't wish to live." The first wife, who was still living in Exeter, used to taunt the deceased. The woman was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where every attention was paid her, and she progressed favourably up to the evening of the third day, being able to take food. On Tuesday she became worse, and died about seven o'clock on Wednesday morning, from the effects of the poison, the cut on the throat not being of much importance. The Jury returned a verdict of "Felo de se."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 14 April 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Pugilistic Encounter At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall last evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, of whom Mr Stanbury was Foreman, touching the death of ARTHUR CHARLES NORTHEY, who died at the Hospital on Saturday. On Tuesday, the 10th March, the deceased, with other men, was at a public-house at Mutton Cove, Devonport, and after they had been there for some time, the deceased and a man named tucker commenced playing dominoes. A dockyardsman then came in, and deceased challenged to play for some porter. The challenge was accepted, and they played for a short time, when the deceased wanted to cheat the other man. Angry words then arose, and Tucker interfered, when the deceased struck him. A scuffle ensued, and the deceased fell several times; at the last fall it was found that the deceased had broken his leg. tucker then made off, and the deceased was at once taken to the hospital, where he lingered until Saturday last, when death put an end to his sufferings. At the time of the fight both men had been drinking. Witnesses were called, who stated that the deceased greatly provoked Tucker and actually dragged him out of the house to fight. - Tucker was about to be examined, when the Jury thought it was not necessary, believing that the deceased was the cause of his own death. They then returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 April 1863
PLYMOUTH - Man Drowned Off The Land's End. - An Inquest was held at the Brunswick Hotel, on the Barbican, yesterday evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of SMITH AYLAND, who was drowned yesterday morning while off the Land's End. The deceased was a seaman on board the fishing lugger Sarah and Ann, of Hastings, and yesterday morning about four o'clock, he was engaged with the other men on board, when a splash was heard. Deceased was immediately missed and ropes and other things were got ready for the purpose of saving his life, but he was nowhere to be seen. The fishing net was pulled up and the deceased was found hanging by it. He was immediately taken up, and every endeavour made by Capt. Geering and his men to restore animation, but deceased was quite dead. The lugger immediately made sail for Plymouth and information was at once given to the Coroner. The deceased was 43 years of age, and has left a widow and nine children to lament his untimely end. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 24 April 1863
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - On Tuesday last an Inquest was held in the school-room, South Sydenham, before the Coroner (A. B. Bone, Esq.) on view of the body of WM. ISAAC DOLIER PURCELL. The deceased, a child not quite two years of age, was the son of the REV. W. H. D. PURCELL, and met with his death on the previous Friday. He was playing with the lawn gate, which became unhinged and fell upon him. The little fellow died almost immediately. The Jury, without any deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 27 April 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Swallowing An Ear-ring. - An Inquest was held at the Devonport and Stonehouse Dispensary, Chapel-street, on Saturday afternoon, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances which attended the death of ELIZABETH PRISCILLA WOOTON, who died on Thursday last. - It appears that on Saturday, the 18th inst., the deceased, who was about five years old, was playing with her brother in the courtlage of her house in Cumberland-street, when she was observed by her brother to get black in the face, and she could not speak. The deceased ran to her mother who asked her what was the matter, but the deceased could not say anything, and appeared as if she was being suffocated. The mother then sent for a surgeon and Mr Swain, jun., was soon in attendance and on examining the deceased found that she could breathe very well but had a very bad cough, which led him to suppose there was some stoppage in the air passage. He visited the deceased the following day when he found her just in the same condition. On Monday he again saw the deceased, when he found that she was breathing very rapidly and appeared very much worse. He examined the chest, and found that the air did not enter the left lung as it should, and in the evening he found that the deceased was very ill - so much so that he procured the advice of three other medical men, who coincided with his opinion that an operation ought to be performed on the chest to give the deceased a chance of living. The deceased was, with the parent's consent, removed to the Dispensary, where Mr Swain performed the operation the same evening. He opened the windpipe, when he found that there was some foreign body in it which could not be expelled. The deceased was slightly convulsed, but the heavy breathing was much relieved. On Wednesday morning the deceased was a great deal better, but on Wednesday evening became worse and showed symptoms of bronchitis. The deceased lingered until Thursday morning about six o'clock when she died. On Thursday afternoon Mr Swain made a post mortem examination, and on examining the left bronchis he found an ear-drop in it, the thick part of which was downward. The immediate cause of death was the presence of this foreign body in the left lung. The Jury, after some consideration, returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the effects of the presence of a foreign body in the left lung, but how it came there the evidence does not show."

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Tregantle Forts. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday evening before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner to Enquire into the circumstances which attended the death of ALEXANDER MENHENIAK, who died from the effects of injuries received at Tregantle Fort. The deceased was in the employ of Thomas Cook of Millbrook, and worked at the Tregantle forts. On Wednesday, the 15th inst., the deceased was undermining a rubble heap, which after he had worked at it for some time gave way, and the deceased in trying to get out of the way ran against a cart and a part of the heap fell on his legs. The deceased was immediately extricated from his painful position by two men named John Lemon and Thomas Screech, who were working near at the time and conveyed to Millbrook, where he was attended by two surgeons, who on examination found that both legs were severely fractured. The deceased appeared to be in great agony, and he was conveyed the same day to the South Devon Hospital, where he lingered until Friday. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 28 April 1863 PLYMOUTH - Inquest On A Newly-Born Infant. Concealment Of Birth. - An Inquiry was held before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the decease of a newly-born female child, which was supposed to have come with its death by foul means. Mr W. Butt was chosen Foreman of the Jury, which was a highly respectable one. - The Coroner, after briefly narrating the facts, stated that the whole of this case would rest upon the medical testimony: therefore he should call a medical gentleman before them. He understood he would be able to inform them that the child was born alive, and there were certain marks about the body which might have been inflicted by the mother in her agony. The child had died and it might have died from innocent neglect. The question for them to consider was whether the child came to its death by fair or unfair means. He should call before them Mr Square, and after he had examined him he would call before them other evidence. - The body of the child was brought into court to be viewed by the Coroner and the Jury. - The following evidence was adduced:- Mr William Joseph Square said: I am a surgeon, residing at No. 22 Portland Square. At about half-past eight o'clock on Friday evening I was sent for to go to Mrs Pick's, at No. 34, Albany Place, Plymouth. I went within a very few minutes. On arriving there Mrs Pick showed me ELIZABETH LORAINE, and in her presence she told me that she had been delivered of a female child in her house. ELIZABETH LORAINE did not deny this. I then went with Mrs Pick into ELIZABETH LORAINE'S bedroom, where a newly-born female infant was shown to me, lying on a bed. I observed that the child's face was scratched and marked; this extended over a large surface. There was a small cut over the upper eyelid. The feunis cord, about three-quarters of a yard long had been torn off, and the neck deeply indented by pressure. The room was not at all disordered. I at once communicated with Mr Freeman, the Superintendent of Police, to whose care I delivered the child and the woman. On Saturday evening last, at 9 o'clock, I made a post mortem examination of the deceased child in the presence of Mr Freeman, at my residence. The result of the examination was as follows:- I found the muscles of the arms and legs presented the usual rigidity which occurs a few hours after death. The feunis was 27 inches long, and four inches in breadth. There were a considerable number of scratches on the nose, right cheek and the forehead. The margin of the right upper eye lid is cut in two vertically, for rather more than the eighth of an inch. The inner angle of this eyelid was much bruised. On turning down the lower lip there was a considerable extravasation of blood. On turning up the upper lip there was a slighter extravasation visible. The neck was indented circularly as if by the pressure of the navel string. In front of the windpipe there was a vertical scratch of about three quarters of an inch in length, as if done with the finger nail. The deceased weighed 5 ¾ lbs. On opening the chest the following objects were presented to view:- In the middle line but inclined somewhat towards the right side, is the phynus gland fully developed. The right side of the chest was amply filled by the right lung, which is of a pinkish, red colour. The left side of the chest was principally occupied by the heart, but only a small part of the left lung was visible. It was of a pinkish, red colour, and did not nearly fill the cavity. The heart, lungs and phynus gland in one mass float buoyantly in water. The weight of the lungs and phynus gland together was 894 grains. The right lung crepitated throughout. The middle and lower portions of the left lung crepitated, but its edges and the upper lobe of this lung scarcely crepitated. the lungs being cut into small portions, every portion floated buoyantly. A small quantity of extravasated blood was found under the scalp near the posterior and anterior part of the nells; also on the left side of the frontal bone, and at the anterior inferior angle of the right of the parietal bone. The brain itself was healthy, and the abdominal organs healthy. I have no doubt the deceased had breathed. I believe the scratches on the face of deceased were inflicted by the finger nails of the woman. None of the acts of violence on the face would cause death. The feunis might have been torn off by the mother, or by the child's falling. A woman being alone at the time must be exceedingly harassed. I have no evidence to show that the mother destroyed the child; in fact my evidence goes to show that the child breathed after it was born. The marks on the body are not in themselves sufficient to account for death. - Sarah Ann Pick said: I am the wife of James Pick, residing at No. 3 Albany Place. My husband is a wine and spirit merchant. ELIZABETH LORAINE has been in my service about six months. She is between 17 and 18 years of age. On Friday last about 12 o'clock, she complained to me of a headache, and asked me to allow her to go to her bedroom and lay down a little. She went there, and shortly after I followed her and gave her some anti-bilious pills, which she took in my presence. I then left her and came downstairs. A little after one o'clock, I sent her up some tea, and between two and three o'clock, I went to her bedroom again. She was then lying quietly on the bed. Her clothes were not off. I did not see her again until about five o'clock, when she came downstairs to prepare the tea. I told her not to do so, as I would do it myself. She did not do it. I noticed then that she was much more thin in appearance, and went alone to her room without saying anything to her. I saw a bundle of clothes belonging to her. I examined them and from their appearance I had reason to believe she had lately had a child. I immediately went downstairs and called her. She came from the kitchen to the foot of the stairs, and I said, "Oh! ELIZABETH, what have you done?" She said, "Oh! pray, forgive me, ma'am." I made her go into the sitting-room, and said "I must send for someone." She said, "Oh! pray, don't." I sent my little boy for my friend, Mrs Turridge. Whilst my son was away, ELIZABETH LORAINE continued to entreat me to forgive her. Mrs Turridge came in about a quarter of an hour. I wished LORAINE to go to bed, and sent for a doctor. She said she would rather not go to bed. After I sent for Mr Square, the surgeon, and before he came, I asked her where the child was. She said, "I have never seen it; it is upstairs. I put it in my box. It was not born alive, and did not cry." I and Mrs Turridge then went with LORAINE to her bedroom and she produced her box, containing the body of the deceased. I directed her to put the deceased on her bed. Shortly after that Mr Square came in. [The remainder of this witness's testimony was corroborative of the first portion of Mr Square's statement.] - Mr John Freeman said: I am Superintendent of Police for the Borough of Plymouth. On Friday night, at about a quarter after ten o'clock, I went with Mr Square, surgeon, to No. 3, Albany Place. I there received the body of a newly-born female child from Mr Square. I then went upstairs to the bedroom of ELIZABETH LORAINE, who was in her bed. I said to her, "I have come here in consequence of a dead child having been found in your bed. It appears to have received some violence." She replied, "Oh, God! I never hurt it, and it will be very wrong of anyone to say so." I said, "You are in a serious position. I am Superintendent of Police, and you need not say anything about it unless you wish to do so." She said, "I have no objection to tell you," and shortly afterwards said, "Well, a little before twelve o'clock I felt unwell and I asked mistress if I may lay down. I went upstairs, and mistress brought me up some pills, and some time between twelve and one, I was confined. I placed it in an apron and put it in my box. It never stirred or made any noise." I said to her, "Have you made any preparation for this child?" She replied, "No." She pointed out to me her box, and also a chest of drawers, in which she said the things were kept. I searched them, but found no baby linen of any description. I searched the room, and could find no knife, scissors, or anything of that kind. Behind the chest of drawers on the floor I found several articles of wearing apparel, wrapped in a gown, which had evidently been worn by LORAINE at the time. I said to her, "I shall not charge you with any offence. I think it necessary to detain you in custody until after the Coroner's Inquest, when you may be charged with concealing the birth of this child, or a more serious offence." She wished to remain where she then was. I left a policeman in charge of her, and on Saturday last she was removed to the Workhouse, where she now remains. - The Coroner said it did not seem to him that the evidence at all tended to show that the child had been murdered by its mother. It was utterly impossible to show how the child came by its death. It had been proved that the child breathed, but it might have been that, immediately after inhaling the air, the child died. In this case the woman was alone, and nobody knew how the child came to its death. - The Jury, after a lengthy deliberation, returned the following verdict:- "That the said newly-born female child was born at No. 3 Albany-place, in the Borough of Plymouth, on the 24th day of April, of ELIZABETH LORAINE; but from the circumstances attending the birth of the deceased, it is very probable that at the moment of the birth she was extremely feeble, and, although the post mortem examination proves that the deceased breathed, still the small amount of care which the mother could exert was insufficient to maintain the child's life; and that the deceased then and there died." - The proceedings then terminated. - The girl LORAINE will be brought before the magistrates charged with concealment of birth.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 30 April 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Turnchapel. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN SMITH, who died from injuries received at the works at Turnchapel. It appeared that the deceased was a labourer in the employ of Mr Nathaniel Dodge. On the 1st instant the deceased was engaged in carrying mortar from the trench to the walls on the works. A mason, named Charles Thorn, who was working there at the time, was engaged in lowering the guy rope of the sheer legs, which fell, and in falling caught him, and carried him with it. When within a few feet of another wall Thorn slipped from the rope and fell to the ground. A person named William Corney, who saw the danger of the persons who were engaged below, shouted to them, but the deceased, who was below, did not get away quick enough, and the sheer legs fell on his right shoulder. The deceased was immediately conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, when it was found that his right thigh was fractured. The poor man lingered until Tuesday afternoon, when death put an end to his sufferings. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 8 May 1863
TEIGNMOUTH - The Late Case Of Drowning At Teignmouth. Inquest On The Body. - Yesterday an Inquest was held on the body of the seaman WILLIAM ABBOTT, who was drowned in the river early on the morning of Tuesday last. The Enquiry was instituted by the District Coroner, F. B. Cuming, Esq., and a respectable Jury having been empanelled at the Railway Hotel, they proceeded to view the body, which had been removed to the residence of his mother-in-law, in French-street. On their return Mr Sclater was elected Foreman and the following evidence was submitted for their consideration:- George Morris, a seaman belonging to the Heiress, stated that about half-past twelve o'clock on the morning of Tuesday he wanted to return to his vessel, which was lying out in the river, at a short distance from the Quay. The deceased, WILLIAM ABBOTT, who also belonged to the vessel, undertook to put him aboard, and was in the act of sculling the boat, standing at the time on the thwarts, when the oar went overboard, and deceased went over with it. Witness saw the deceased for a few seconds in the water, but not having an oar could render him no assistance. Deceased's brother-in-law was standing at the edge of the quay and made an alarm, and shortly afterwards a boat came along and put the witness aboard his vessel. The captain was on deck at the time, but witness said nothing of the matter until the morning. - A block and pump maker named Jenkins found the body on Wednesday morning, near a bank in the river known as Salter's, and had it conveyed to the residence of deceased's mother-in-law in French-street. - The case was too clearly one of accidental drowning to admit of any doubt and the Jury unhesitatingly returned a verdict in accordance with the facts, at the same time commenting severely on the inhuman conduct of the witness Morris, who did not appear to have made the slightest effort to save his unhappy shipmate. - The deceased was a fine young fellow, about 24 years of age. He was a native of Beer, but was married to a Teignmouth woman, whom he leaves with one child to maintain.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 11 May 1863
EXETER - Melancholy Death By Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Saturday before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of a young man named EDWARD STOREY, which was found in the river that morning. It appeared that the deceased, who bore a most irreproachable character, was a seaman on board the smack Hope, of Cowes, Hyde master. He was a native of Hull and 23 years of age, and when last seen alive it was about 11 o'clock on Friday night when he was perfectly sober. No one could satisfactorily account for his getting into the water, but the supposition was that in the darkness he stumbled over a heap of potatoes which was on the deck, and the bulwarks being only two feet high he fell overboard. The Jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned. A fact which makes the circumstance the more melancholy is that the deceased was shortly about to be married to a respectable young woman of Lyme.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 13 May 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At The Devonport Dockyard. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Devonport, yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of JOHN CHUBB, who was killed at the Dockyard on Monday afternoon under the following circumstances:- A gang of labourers, acting under the superintendence of the deceased, were employed on a pile of balks of timber. They were endeavouring to lower a very large bulk which was tied by ropes, four men being on the top of the pile for that purpose. In order to have sufficient control over the piece of timber, which was two tons in weight, the other ends of the rope were tied round another piece of timber on the top of the pile; but that piece not being much more than half the weight of the piece being lowered, the larger piece dragged the smaller one after it. MR CHUBB, who was standing on the pile, was thrown violently to the ground, and, the plank falling on his head and body, he was killed instantly. Two other men, who were also standing on the pile, were more or less injured. After hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. - Yesterday afternoon the deceased man CHUBB was carried to his late residence, Navy Row, by a number of men who have been accustomed to work with him. The coffin, which was made in the Yard, was covered with a Union Jack. The melancholy accident has cast a gloom over the yard, in which the deceased was greatly respected.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At Stonehouse. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Queen's Arms, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of EDWIN DAWE, who died from injuries received on the 30th March last. The deceased was about three years of age, and resided with his parents at 43 Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse. On Monday afternoon a waggon, belonging to Mr Martin, was passing through Edgcumbe-street, and stopped outside the deceased's house. The deceased went near the waggon, and the horse immediately started, and the front wheel of the waggon knocked the child down and passed over his legs. The driver at once stopped the horse, and the deceased was extricated from his perilous position, and medical attendance procured. On Sunday, the 26th April, the deceased's leg, which had partially mortified, was amputated, but the little sufferer gradually became worse until Sunday last, when death put an end to his pain. - The Jury after consideration, returned a verdict of Accidental Death; and added that they thought not the slightest blame attached to anyone concerning the death of the deceased.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 14 May 1863
PLYMOUTH - Last evening an Inquest was held at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of an infant named GEORGE SMITH, who died yesterday morning. The deceased lived in King's-lane, and a few days ago was suddenly taken ill with convulsions, and medical attendance was procured. The child became worse, until yesterday morning, when he died. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died of Convulsions.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 16 May 1863
BERRY POMEROY - Charge Of Neglect Against A Union Medical Officer At Totnes. - An Inquest was held at Berry Pomeroy, near Totnes, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which T. Michelmore, Esq., was the Foreman, on Monday last, to Enquire into the death of a woman named ELIZABETH PAINE, who died at Berry on the 9th inst. The deceased was under the care of Mr W. Kellock, of Totnes, the parish medical officer for Berry Pomeroy. He had not visited her, but had given orders that if the deceased wished to see him, or became so ill as to require his attendance, a messenger should be sent to him. It appears that a report was sent to Mr Kellock of the condition of the woman, but no request was made that he should visit her. On Saturday last the woman died, and it being known that Mr Kellock had not previously visited her, the Coroner was communicated with and an Inquest was held, at which the evidence of witnesses who had been in attendance on the deceased was heard. Considerable discussion ensued on the conduct of Mr Kellock, and ultimately the Jury found a verdict that the deceased died from "Natural Causes;" they, however, requested the coroner to add the following rider to the verdict via:- "And the Jurors aforesaid are of opinion that blame is attached to the medical officer ( Mr Kellock) for his not visiting the deceased after being first applied to, and especially after a second application was made to him to procure an order for more strengthening diet when he was told she was getting weaker and required it." Mr Cuming was also requested to forward a copy of the verdict to the guardians of the Union for their consideration at the meeting to be held today.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Boy. - Last evening an Inquiry was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, into the circumstances which attended the death of WILLIAM HOPE, aged twelve years, who was driven over by a cab on the previous day. The deceased lived in High-street, Stonehouse. On Thursday afternoon he left his home and went to Millbay-road, where he was playing with another boy, who pushed the deceased in the road and he fell to the ground. A cab was passing at the time, and, before the driver could stop the horse, the wheels of the cab had passed over the deceased's bowels. He was immediately conveyed in a cab to the South Devon Hospital, and on examination it was found that no bones were broken, but that there was a severe bruise across the stomach. The deceased seemed to revive a little, but he expired yesterday morning about ten o'clock. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and attached no blame to the driver of the cab.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 20 May 1863
PLYMOUTH - Death Through Blindness. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Ferry House Inn, into the death of JANE PADDON, who was found drowned in Millbrook Lake on that morning. It appeared that the deceased resided at 2, Bath-place, Plymouth, and on Monday morning she with her son and three daughters, accompanied her husband to the Millbay Pier, on his departure for London. The deceased's children went on board the vessel, but the deceased waited for them on the pier. When they returned from the vessel they could not find the deceased, and they instituted a search, but without success. Yesterday morning some men were proceeding in a boat towards the dockyard when they observed an object in the water, which appeared like the body of a woman. They proceeded towards it, when they found the body of the deceased quite dead. They conveyed the body to the dockyard, and from thence to the dead house at Morice Town. The deceased has since been identified by her children, who stated that she was partially blind. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that there was no evidence to prove that the deceased had put an end to herself. The fact of the deceased being blind gave grounds for a contrary supposition. She might, unobserved, have stepped unintentionally into the water. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, but how she came to her death the evidence would not prove.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 21 May 1863
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at the Board-room of the workhouse, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a man, named JAMES BATTERSHALL, who was conveyed to the workhouse on the previous night in a state of insensibility and died a few hours afterwards. Deceased was a married man and a native of Kennford. In his pocket was found an attestation paper of the deceased's having served in the Artillery Militia, and he had also been a groom in the service of Sir J. Trelawney, near Plymouth. He had been out of work some time, and on Saturday and Monday visited a coffee shop in Milk-street, where, on Monday evening, he was taken ill and Mr Perkins, who was in the market with the Volunteer Artillery, was called in, and ordered his immediate removal to the workhouse. Mr Warren, surgeon, attended him there and thought at first he was drunk. He was unable to state the cause of deceased's death without a post mortem examination, but he was of opinion that death was caused while under the influence of some poisonous narcotic. The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry in order that a post mortem examination might be made.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 23 May 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In The Devonport Dockyard. - On Wednesday afternoon, at the Devonport Guildhall, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, an Inquest was held into the circumstances which attended the death of JOHN HAGGARTY, a rigger in her Majesty's Dockyard. It appeared from the evidence adduced, that the deceased was engaged with other men in docking H.M.S. Edgar. They ran out through a "launch" two hawsers, and attached the end of one of them to the bridle of the hawsepipes, and the other was be-layed to the starboard "bits." After they had been fastened, the remaining lengths of the hawsers were conveyed to the north jetty and placed around the capstan. Another hawser, seven inches in circumference, was taken from the jetty to the ship, and fastened to a large ringbolt on the deck. The ship was unmoored, and steamers assisted the ship towards the jetty. A rigger named Benjamin Blower and the deceased were on the starboard side of the lower deck. Orders were given to loosen the head hawser on the starboard side of the ship, and the deceased proceeded to execute them. He cut away the end "seizing" and passed the end of the hawser into the hands of Blower. At once the hawser became tight and the ends flew with great force around the bits, and in its flight struck both the deceased and Blower to the deck. Blower, however, escaped unhurt, but before he arose from the deck blood was observed gushing from the deceased's mouth, and he appeared quite senseless. Blower, with assistance, helped the deceased up, and the ship's surgeon was sent for, but before he arrived the deceased was quite dead. - The witness, Blower, in answer to a question from the Coroner, said that there did not appear to be any danger in the execution of the order when it was given. The fact of there being a heavy wind at the time of the accident gave room to suppose that the ship went astern and tightened the rope, which caused the accident. The Coroner said that there did not appear to be any blame attaching to the officials in command at the time. The Foreman of the Jury (John Thorne) said that they were of opinion that the [?] an accident, and they returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death On Board Ship. - An Inquest was held at the Sailors' Home, Woolster-street, yesterday morning, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, touching the death of ROBERT LANSCHIET, who was found dead on board ship. Edward Siedeberg, master of the brig Arthur, of Memel, said that the deceased was his nephew, and had been an apprentice to a merchant at Memel, and also a book-keeper, at a place called Kovno. In March last the deceased, having nothing to do, wished to make a passage in the ship, which he did. The vessel left Memel on the 4th of March, for Oporto, where she discharged her cargo, and sailed in ballast for St. Ubes, where she again loaded a cargo for Memel, sailing from St. Ebes on the 26th April. Up to this time the deceased had been in very good health, and never experienced sea sickness, although they encountered very bad and contrary winds. Deceased had kept himself very sober and steady up to about the 18th inst., but would occasionally take a glass of spirits. On the morning of the 19th inst., he fancied, by the deceased's talk, that he had been drinking. About four o'clock in the morning he, the deceased, and mate were in the cabin together. Shortly after he and the mate left the deceased in the cabin by himself and went on deck for the purpose of tacking the ship. About a quarter to five the boy was sent into the cabin, when he called for the mate, who went down. He (the captain) also went down and saw the boy shaking the deceased, who was lying on the ground. He asked the boy what he was doing, and he replied that the deceased had fallen asleep, and he couldn't wake him. Thinking the deceased was asleep, they endeavoured to wake him, but, after several ineffectual efforts, they lifted him up and laid him on a sofa. One of the seamen named Frederick Bartsch, endeavoured to bleed the deceased in the arm with a razor, but no blood came. He then dropped some burning sealing-wax on the deceased's stomach to ascertain whether he had any feeling, but he was quite dead. The deceased was respected by all on board. During this time the ship was about 50 miles S.W. of Start Point, which was bearing N.E., and it was blowing a gale of wind. A pilot-boat came alongside, and he (the captain) asked the master to take the deceased's body into Plymouth, but this he properly refused to do unless some of the crew accompanied him. He (the captain) then gave the vessel in charge of the pilot, who brought her here. The rest of the crew being called, fully corroborated the master's evidence. - The body of the deceased was yesterday examined by Mr Eccles, jun., and no marks of violence being visible, the Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died a Natural Death by the Visitation of God."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident to A LIEUTENANT Of H.M. Gunboat Snake. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., and a respectable Jury, upon the body of LIEUT. HARRY CUTHBERT STREETON, of Her Majesty's gunboat Snake, who met his death during the gale on the 19th instant, under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence:- John Green, able seaman on board Her Majesty's gun-vessel Snake, said he had belonged to the ship three years and a half. They left Hong Kong on the 26th of January, and proceeded to Singapore, which they left for England. At the time of the accident he was at the wheel and deceased was standing against the bulwarks on the port side to windward. The second master was standing close by him. A very heavy sea struck the ship. The bulwarks and the gig were both smashed in. As soon as the sea struck the vessel the lieut. threw his arms up as if to get out of the way, and all the bulwarks and the gig followed and fell upon him, crushing him between the in-board boat. The men came aft to clear away the deck. The deceased had just before given the order to stand by the hammocks. The captain came up immediately the sea struck her. - Robert Grieve, M.D., said he was in medical charge of the Snake. He was below at the time of the accident, and heard the sound of the sea crashing against the ship. At the same time a large quantity of water came down the skylight from the deck. He heard the cries of people wounded. In about three or four minutes the deceased was brought down. He was carried to his own cabin. The second master was brought down first. He was much hurt about the head. Witness examined deceased, and found him to be dead. He had received severe internal injuries of the chest and abdomen, fracture of the right shoulder, dislocation of the right ankle and carious other injuries. The injuries were sufficient to cause instantaneous death. - Thomas Daley, seaman on board the Snake, said that he was just before the funnel at the time of the accident. Deceased was on the weather-side of the quarter-deck. The cutter was lashed to the crutches about four feet above the quarter-deck. Deceased was standing upright, looking forward. The crutches were twisted, and torn out of the deck. He thought that the deceased stooped down to avoid the sea, and that the cutter was then washed on top of him. He assisted to take him out. His face was towards the deck. His hands were extended, and the boat was lying on top of him. There was no blood. He thought that there was not a better officer in the service. - Captain John Moresby, commander of the Snake, said that they left Hong Kong for England on the 26th Jan., calling at various places for refreshment, arriving safely to within sixty miles of the Lizard. There they encountered a terrific gale of wind. Every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the ship and crew. At 7.30 p.m., on the 19th instant, he had gone blow, and had left the deceased in charge of the deck. About that time a tremendous sea struck the ship on her port quarter, sweeping away a large portion of her side and timbers. He was on deck immediately, and then saw what had taken place. The boat stowed in-board was torn out of its place, and was lying on the deceased, who was crushed against the ship's side. He saw him hauled out. He was immediately carried below, and placed under the care of the doctor. A broadside gun was capsized. He went below about an hour afterwards to see the deceased, and saw that he was quite dead. The vessel at the time was S.E. and S., and the wind about E., and a terrific cross-confused sea, running all ways with great velocity. There were sixty-one hands on board altogether. The sea broke on the port quarter while the wind was on the bow. No seamanship could have prevented the occurrence. They arrived in Plymouth on the 20th, and the deceased was that day brought to the Naval Hospital. Deceased was 24 years of age, and was in robust health previous to the accident. - CHARLES STREETON said he had been that morning on board the Snake, and had there seen the body of the deceased, whom he recognised as his late brother, HARRY CUTHBERT STREETON, of Tunbridge, Kent. - The Jury then returned a verdict of Accidental Death, in accordance with the evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 25 May 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Shocking Death By Fire. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Queen's Dock Inn, Keat-street, Morice Town, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., into the death of WILLIAM THOMAS BURNS, who died from injuries received by fire on Thursday last. The deceased resided with his parents at 18 Warren-street, Morice Town, and was about three years of age. On Thursday morning the child's mother left him in the room while she went to the court yard of the house, and shortly afterwards she heard the deceased scream. A person named Bunsall, who heard the deceased screaming, ran to his assistance, when she found him enveloped in flames. She immediately procured a blanket and put it around the deceased, which stopped the progress of the flames. The blanket was taken off and a surgeon was sent for, who shortly after arrived. The surgeon found that the child was very much burnt, and he appeared very ill. The deceased lingered until the evening, when he died in great pain. The Coroner said there did not appear to be any blame attaching to any person; but if people who had young children were to have a fireguard it would often times save life. In the present case, the origin of the fire which caused the death of the child was not known; but it was a very painful case. - The Jury, after some consideration, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 26 May 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Coxside. - John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Eagle Tavern, Coxside, touching the death of MATILDA HINGSTON, who was accidentally killed in Par Lane on Saturday afternoon. From the evidence given no blame appeared to be attached to the driver, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 27 May 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Explosion And Fire At Devonport. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Town Hall, Devonport, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, to Enquire into the death of MR WILLIAM GIDLEY EMMETT, who perished at the calamitous fire on Saturday night last. The following gentlemen were sworn upon the Jury:- Mr Wm. Littleton, Foreman; and Messrs. E. T. Arnold, W. Ching, J. Grills, J. Pascoe, T. Johns, T. Linde, J. Facey, D. B. Bottomley, J. Wood, M. Delyon, R. Burt and G. Holland. There were few persons present not personally interested in the case, the time of holding the Inquest not being generally known. The ex-Mayor, J. W. W. Ryder, Esq., Mr Superintendent Lynn, Mr Bath, and Mr Alderman Peek (members of the Town Council), Mr F. P. Balkwill, MR JOHN EMMETT (father of deceased), MR JOHN EMMETT, junr., (Brother of deceased), MR RICHARD G. EMMETT (cousin of deceased), Mr James, Mr Mayne, and other friends of deceased were in attendance. The Jury having been sworn, the Coroner, addressing them, said: Gentlemen. - We are here to Enquire how this individual, WILLIAM GIDLEY EMMETT came to his death. It will be your duty first to go and see the body of the deceased, and then return here and hear such evidence as may be adduced respecting the death of the deceased. We will go now, if you please, to see the body, and then we will return here. - The Jury then proceeded to view the ruins, and having had explained to them the position of the cellar and stairs, adjourned to the Barnstaple Inn, in an outhouse of which the remains of the unfortunate deceased were deposited. They were contained in a shell, and presented an appearance, perhaps, as horrible and ghastly as any corpse which it has ever been our duty to inspect. The flesh adhered to the limbs in most parts of the body, but the upper part was most burnt, and he whole body was thoroughly charred and as black as a cinder. The only vestige of clothing on the body was a part of the stocking on one leg. The bowels protruded on one side, and the body generally would hardly have been recognised as being that of a human being. - The Coroner and Jury having returned to the Town-hall, the following evidence was taken:- William Lewis said: I am a carpenter, and work with a horse and cart. Shortly after nine o'clock on the evening of Saturday last I went to Marlborough-street, in Devonport, when I saw the house lately occupied by MR GIDLEY EMMETT, situate by the corner of Princess-street, and Tavistock-street, on fire. I assisted at the fire. I remained at or near the spot until about twelve o'clock at night. The fire had in some degree been got under at that time. Then I went away. I returned again in a quarter of an hour, and remained there until about five o'clock in the morning. The roof of the house lately occupied by MR EMMETT was gone, and the walls were partly down. The late MR EMMETT was missed, and I jumped down into a place which formerly was the site of MR EMMETT'S cellar. I knew the cellar well. It was divided by a partition having three doorways in it, leading from thence into the cellar. Immediately on the outside of the partition were a number of archways. I searched, but did not find anybody. I with others searched, and discovered at the bottom of the cellar, and there, buried in the ruins, I saw the remains of a dead body. They appeared to have been severely burnt, and were black. I noticed a short collar around the neck, which I took off, and gave to some person near. The remains were then put in a shell and placed in a room at the back of the Barnstaple Inn, where I have just now seen them. - By the Jury: I saw no mark or figure on the collar. - William Sowdy said: I worked for nearly seven years, previous to Saturday last, for MR GIDLEY EMMETT, of Devonport. grocer, who kept a shop at the corner of Princess-street and Tavistock-street. Last Saturday night, just before nine o'clock, I was in the late MR EMMETT'S shop, which was lighted up with gas as usual. There was a gas pipe running into the cellar. There are no gas lights in the cellar, the pipe merely passes through it. Just about nine o'clock I saw MR EMMETT leave the shop by the side door which leads towards the cellar. Within a minute afterwards an explosion took place like the report of a 6-pounder. I am confident it was from the cellar, because I then saw a flame below a circular hole in the floor of the shop. The light was coming up from the cellar. that hole is used for storing our treacle. That instant I unhung the key of the water cellar with the intention of going down to extinguish it. I descended the stairs leading from the side door of the shop to the cellar, in which was kept a large treacle hogshead full of water. I had not proceeded more than four or five steps, before I was met with flame from the fire, and compelled to retreat. I then went into the shop and turned off the gas. I then went out into the street. - By a Juryman: The gas meter was under the shop window, on the floor of the shop. - By another Juryman: I turned the gas off from the meter. - By the Coroner: When I got out into the street, I went for assistance. I do not remember any particular smell when I went to the cellar. - By a Juryman: I was in the cellar two or three hours before, but did not perceive any smell of gas. - By the Coroner: I saw a dead body dug out of the ruins, but cannot tell for certain whose body it was. I did not hear deceased say what he was going into the cellar for, but I saw him unhang the key of the cellar before he left the shop. I believe he had a candle in his hand when he left, but I did not see him take any candle. I did not see him return from the cellar, and I have neither seen nor heard anything of him since he went into the cellar. The cellar was the only place to which he could get from the door he entered, without forcing the cellar. The body was dug out of a spot just within the entrance door of the cellar. The body was lying prostrate on its breast, the head projecting into the cellar, and the feet out towards the entrance door of the cellar. I did not find in the ruins any remains of a candlestick or anything of the kind, nor in the cellar. I don't recollect whether he had on a hat or a cap when he left the shop. He had covered buttons on his coat, but neither buttons nor any vestige of his clothing was found in the ruins. The remains are about the same height and size as was the body of the deceased MR EMMETT. The door of the water cellar was locked. I had the key. I am confident that after MR EMMETT went into the cellar no person came up the steps. - By the Foreman: The goods kept in the cellar were sugars, raisins, treacle, salt and fish. There was also a cask of cazeline oil, and currants. There were two iron drums in the cellar; the colza oil was in one of them. I don't know anything about any turpenzine. The cazeline oil was in a wooden cask - a 22 gallon cask. The iron drums, I should suppose, contained about 9 gallons each. - By a Juryman: The casks were all pretty full. I never had any dealings myself with any contents of the cellar except the cazeline or colza. - By the Coroner: There was a tap to each cask and to the iron drums; I don't recollect whether there was a tap to both iron drums. One of the drums had colza oil; the contents of the other I don't know. - By the Foreman: I last drew oil from the tap of the cazeline oil about a fortnight ago. - By the Coroner: We never kept paraffin oil. There was a can of the cazeline oil in the cellar, with a narrow neck. No place but the shop had gas lights. - The Coroner: Did you in the shop, or in the house, or any place last Saturday, smell any particular smell. - Witness: We have frequently had the smell of gas escaping, but not lately that I could remember. On such occasions I have smelt the gas in the cellar as well as in the shop. The gas pipes in the shop were repaired some time ago - perhaps a month ago. There was an escape of gas at that time. MR EMMETT used often to go into the cellar with a lighted candle, and I have done so myself. We have drawn oil in the cellar after dark, but very rarely, when the stock in the shop was low. There were two open gratings from the cellar into the street, one of them being from the water cellar. - Alfred Gilbert said: I am errand boy to Mr Earl, painter, of Marlborough-street, Devonport. On Saturday night last, about ten minutes after nine o'clock, I went to MR EMMETT at his shop with a can, which would hold about six gallons. I gave it to MR EMMETT but I was not told what I was to bring back. He took the can, and took a lighted candle and left the shop by the side door to go down into the cellar. He had a round straw hat on. The can was a tin one, painted white. - In reply to the coroner the first witness said dozens of tin cans were found in the ruins. - By a Juryman: There was something in the can, but I could not tell what it was. - By the Coroner: There was a cork in the can. I was in the shop when MR EMMETT went down. Within two minutes afterwards I heard a loud report and saw flames coming up through a hole in the floor of the shop. - By a Juryman: I saw MR EMMETT take the cork out of the can before he went down, and smell the can. - By the Foreman: I did not observe any peculiar smell. There was a great deal of smoke, but nothing unusual in its smell. - The Foreman here observed that the Jury were unanimously of opinion that it was not necessary or desirable to call Mr Earl. He was already exceedingly ill as the result of this affair, and being subject to a disease of the heart, there was no knowing what would be the consequence to him of a public examination. - John Lynn said: I am Superintendent of the Devonport Police. On Saturday night about twenty minutes past nine o'clock I was standing at the head of Fore-street, when I heard an alarm of fire. I found part of Tavistock-street - between the house and Fore-street - and Princess-street, full of dense smoke. Flames were issuing from the cellar of the house of MR EMMETT. The flames increased, and within an hour the heat was so intense that you could not approach within 30 feet. The houses on the opposite side of the street took fire, and the adjoining houses also. I remained until between two and three o'clock in the morning, and at that time several houses were burnt; the walls of them were standing. I returned on Sunday morning about ten o'clock and about eleven o'clock the remains of a dead body were found among the ruins. The remains were dug up and placed in a shell and carried to the Barnstaple Inn. The lad Gilbert was re-called, and, in reply to questions from the Coroner, said he did not know what he was sent for when he took the can; but he believed Mr Earl and MR EMMETT had arranged the matter themselves beforehand. - A Juryman thought that it was important that they should know what was in the can when the boy took it to MR EMMETT. - The Coroner thought that Mr Earl would be required to attend. - The Foreman said that Mr Earl was at present very ill in consequence of this occurrence. he was suffering from heart disease, and it might affect him. - Mr Lynn said that Mr Earl had told him what had transpired between him and MR EMMETT. Mr Earl had said he called on MR EMMETT and asked him if he could spare him a quantity of turpenzine to mix with paint. MR EMMETT told him he had not much of it, but could spare him a gallon and no more. - The Coroner was afraid Mr Earl must be sent for. - One of MR EMMETT'S friends put forward a lad, and stated that he was present during the conversation. - The Foreman thought the lad had better be examined before Mr Earl was sent for. - William Thomas Stark, apprentice to the late MR EMMETT was then called, and said: I was in the shop on Saturday night, and saw the last witness bring a jar. He asked for nothing, but gave the jar to MR EMMETT. About nine o'clock in the evening I saw Mr Earl in the shop in conversation with MR EMMETT, but did not hear what was said. I saw deceased take the can from Gilbert and go with it into the cellar. I think a minute could not have elapsed before there was an explosion in the cellar. I had been down in the cellar at seven o'clock, but not with a light. I did not smell anything particular, nor did I after the explosion. - By the Foreman: I don't know what was kept in the cellar. I had been there for sugar. I had been in MR EMMETT'S employ for two years. - The Coroner then ordered that Mr Earl should be sent for. - Frederick Prior Balkwill made an affirmation, being a member of the Society of Friends: I am one of the firm of Balkwill, Ashford and Co., assurance and general agents, and am wholesale agent for Messrs. Cassell, Smith and Co. Among other things we are agents for turpenzine. About October or November last we sold the late MR EMMETT two single gallon drums of turpenzine as samples, and in December last a ten-gallon drum of the same material. All smaller quantities of turpenzine than thirty--two gallon casks are sold in iron drums. There is a neck at the top of the drum through which the liquid would be poured. The weight of a ten gallon drum of turpenzine would be perhaps about 120 or 130 pounds. This way of drawing out of the drum is very clumsy, as the drum has to be bent down. - The Coroner: Considering, as I understand, the properties of this turpenzine, it would be much better to have some way of drawing it out from the bottom. The present way is very clumsy, to use your own words. - Witness: It would be much better, certainly. - The Coroner: When was this drum of turpenzine delivered to MR EMMETT from your stores? - Witness: It was never at our stores at all, because we are not allowed by law to keep more than forty gallons. It was delivered direct to MR EMMETT from London. - The Coroner: did it come all the way from London secured by nothing more than a cork? - Witness: Probably it was secured with metal on the top of the cork. - The Coroner: Have you been a chemist and understand the properties of turpenzine? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: Suppose the cork of a turpenzine drum to be out, would any inflammable evaporation take place from the drum? - Witness: Oh yes. - The Coroner: Supposing the cork not to be secured by an iron cover, would not the gas escape through the pores of the cork? - Witness: A very small quantity. It is very penetrating, but the quantity that would get through would be very small. - The Coroner: Sufficiently small to be innocuous? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: Supposing the cork to be left out of the cask, how long would it take for a sufficient quantity of gas to be emitted from a drum of that kind, so as to create an explosion? - Witness: That I cannot say; but it might give you some idea if I said that it dries rather quicker than turpentine. If you were to paint anything it would dry quicker, and would give off vapour quicker than turpentine. - The Coroner: Is it used as a substitute for turpentine to paint? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: Has it a peculiar odour? - Witness: Yes. there is a sample in the court. - A small quantity of turpenzine was then handed round for the Jury to inspect. - The Coroner: Is it easily distinguishable from turpentine? - Witness: Yes, perfectly. - The Coroner: And from oil or coal gas? - Witness: I think so. - The Coroner: Suppose the cork was out of the turpenzine jar, and suppose the candle was placed within six inches of the opening, would an explosion take place? - Witness: I should think it was quite possible. I should not think of bringing a lighted candle near. - The Coroner: Is it probable? - Witness: I think it is probable. - Thomas Earl having arrived, was sworn, and said: On Saturday last I sent my errand boy, Gilbert, to MR EMMETT'S with a tin oil can. About five minutes before I had passed MR EMMETT'S door and asked deceased if he had any turpenzine. He said yes. I said I wanted one gallon. He said, "Send your boy down with a can, and I will send you the gallon of turpenzine." There is usually a cork in our tins, and I suppose there was one in this tin. The tin was empty, except that there might have been a little oil in it. I had never used this turpenzine, but MR EMMETT wanted me to try it. He had told me, as I understood, that he was sole agent for this town. - Mr James Ryder was then sworn, and said: I am a chemist. I know turpenzine, and am acquainted with its properties. - The Coroner: Supposing a lighted candle to be placed within six or seven inches of a vessel of turpenzine, open at the top - suppose on opening such a cork about an inch in diameter would be occasioned at the top of an iron drum of turpenzine - what would be the probable effect? - Witness: If the vessel was filled with turpenzine, it would become ignited without any explosion; but if it were two-thirds full it would explode. The vapour of turpenzine to be explosive must be mixed with certain proportions of atmospheric air. The cazeline oil that has been spoken of is not at all explosive, neither can it be set on fire by any means. I should also state another fact: that is, that if turpenzine were set on fire, cazeline oil will make it out by being poured upon it, just the same as water would extinguish a fire by being poured upon it. - The Coroner: Did you know MR EMMETT? - Witness: I did, well. - The Coroner: did he ever say anything to you about turpenzine or about his having any? - Witness: He has said he had turpenzine. He told me some time since that he had. - The Coroner: You have heard of the explosion that has taken place. - Witness: I have, sir. - The Coroner: Can you, as a chemist, account for that explosion? - Witness: Well, no, I really cannot. I cannot conceive that there could be a sufficient dangerous quantity of the vapour of turpenzine in that cellar without every person in the house being cognizant of it. - The Coroner: Because of what? - Witness: Because of the smell that would be occasioned. The vapour of turpenzine would be smelt much quicker than cazeline. - By the Foreman: When cazeline oil is evolved by heat , is it not inflammable? - A.: yes, highly inflammable. When it is heated about 160 degrees it must be heated by fire, or some extraneous heat, because no atmosphere could produce that heat. For that reason I do not believe that the explosion took place by the vapour of turpenzine. had there been turpenzine in the can before, it is quite possible that, on MR EMMETT'S taking the cork out of the can, there might have been enough vapour in the can to cause the explosion. - The Coroner: Suppose a ten-gallon drum of turpenzine to be two-thirds full, and to be open at the top, and a light was placed within two or three inches of the opening, would that produce such an explosion as you have heard? - Witness: I have not the slightest doubt of it. - The Coroner: Can you account for the explosion in any other way? - Witness: There are very many different things that would cause an explosion, but unless I knew everything that was in the cellar I cannot possibly say. An escape of gas would cause such an explosion. So would haptha or gunpowder. - The Foreman: We have no evidence of any of these liquids being kept in the cellar. - The Coroner: No, we have not. - Mr Balkwill: If you will allow me to say a few words, I will do so. - The Coroner: Oh, certainly. You are a chemist, and I shall be happy to hear any scientific remarks you may make. - Mr Balkwill: I had explained to MR EMMETT that turpenzine did give off a vapour of that kind, so that he was aware of it, and, consequently, he would not go near it with a candle. - The Coroner: did you tell him he was not to go with a lighted candle? - Mr Balkwill: I do not know that I did it in that way, but I explained to him that the cazeline had the more volatile parts separated from it by distillation; but that turpenzine had not them separated. Another point is, that the cazeline is not one of those articles comprehended by the Act of Parliament. - Mr Balkwill: Petroleum is a rough rock oil, as it comes over from America. The more volatile is the turpenzine; the next is the cazeline; and the thicker part, which is left behind, is grease. - The Coroner: I think you explained to MR EMMETT that it would be dangerous for him to go near the turpenzine with a lighted candle? - Mr Balkwill: Yes, but not in those words. - The Coroner: Well, in substance, you did? - Mr Balkwill: Yes. - Mr Earl was then recalled, and asked by the Coroner if he did not some time ago receive some turpenzine from a person called Widger? - Witness: Yes, about two months since. I had two gallons. - The Coroner: Was that in a drum? - Witness: No, in a can. - The Coroner: Was not the can like the one you sent down to EMMETT'? - Witness: Yes, it was a similar kind of thing. - The Coroner: May not that have been the same can? - Witness: I am not aware of it. - The Coroner: But it may have been? - Witness: It may have been, but I believe Mr Widger's can has been returned some time ago. - The Coroner: I don't think you know anything at all about the can yourself, do you? - Witness: I told the boy to take one of our cans. - The Coroner (to the boy): Where did you get the can? - Gilbert: Mrs Earl gave it to me. - The Coroner (to Mr Earl): When you received the turpenzine from Mr Widger did you retain it in the same can? - Witness: It was carried from that can to other cans, and sent away for use. - The Coroner: did you pour it from Mr Widger's can into your own? - Witness: I am certain that I poured the turpenzine I received from Mr Widger into one of my own. - P.C. 22 said: I went just now to see if I could find any such drum as has been described. - The witness Laws here said that he had found a drum in the ruins, and had, by MR EMMETT'S directions, sold it to a man at Mutton Cove. Laws was forthwith despatched to Mutton Cove to find the man and bring the drum. A drum being produced, which the witness believed to be the drum, was pronounced to be not the one dug out of the ruins and the matter then dropped. - Superintendent Lynn, recalled, was asked by the foreman what were the arrangements existing with regard to a fire relative to the police. - After some conversation, raised by the Coroner's reminding the foreman that the question was scarcely within the scope of their Inquest, Supt. Lynn produced and read the police regulations. - In reply to the Foreman, Mr Lynn added that the police were instructed as to the locality of the fire plugs, but not provided with any instrument for turning on the water. There were forty fire plugs in various parts of the borough. With the engine there were appliances for turning on the water from those plugs which were charged, but there were many plugs which are not kept charged, and no water could be obtained from those plugs until the water was turned on by the turncocks. - The father of deceased was called, and stated that his son would have been forty years old next October. - The Coroner then summed up the facts as follows:- Gentlemen: - I have very few words to say. It has been proved to you that at about nine o'clock, or between nine and ten o'clock, on Saturday night, the late MR EMMETT, of Devonport, grocer, went to the side door, which leads to his cellar, with a lighted candle in his hand. I think that it has been proved, although the state of the body is such as to render it incapable of identification personally - yet I think it has been proved to you by circumstances, that the dead body which you have just seen is that of MR EMMETT himself. I dare say you feel satisfied about that. Well, between nine and ten o'clock the deceased was seen, with a lighted candle in his hand, going to the side door, about to go - and he undoubtedly did go - into the cellar underneath his shop. Within a minute afterwards a violent explosion takes place, a fire ensues, the house is burnt down, and the adjoining houses are burnt down also. I few hours afterwards the dead body of the deceased is found in the ruins at the bottom of the cellar. The cellar is proved to have contained various articles, such as a grocer would be likely to use, and amongst them there is proved to have been cazeline oil, colza oil, and it is also shown that there was an iron drum, containing some material, which the second witness could not depose to. Now that is, in substance, nearly the whole of the evidence. What caused this explosion you will have to consider whether there is any evidence to show. There were these various articles in the cellar, and there might have been turpenzine, but that is not proved. There were inflammable materials in the cellar. The question is, whether, under such circumstances, and with such evidence, there is anything to enable you to return a more positive verdict than this, via: that the deceased has been found dead - and the condition of the body, I think, proves manifestly that the deceased must have died from having been burnt, because the body is reduced to a mere cinder - in this cellar, and that he has died from the fire consequent upon an explosion in the cellar, but how that explosion was occasioned, the question is whether there is any evidence to show. The evidence is before you - I need not repeat it to you, I presume - and you have, upon that evidence, to say how you think the deceased came by his death. - The Jury retired and after an absence of about twenty minutes returned into court. - The Coroner: Well, gentlemen, what do you say? How say you that the deceased came by his death? - The Foreman: Our decision is - and we are unanimous in it - that it is an Accidental Death from Explosion of fire; but how it took place there is not sufficient evidence to determine. - The Coroner: The deceased died, you think, from having been accidentally burnt? - The Foreman: Yes. - The Coroner: In consequence of an explosion that took place in the cellar? - The Foreman: Yes. - The Coroner: But how that explosion arose no evidence appears? - The Foreman: Just so. - The proceedings terminated shortly after five o'clock, having lasted four hours. - Mr R. G. Edmonds, solicitor, of Plymouth, watched the case on behalf of the family of the deceased. - We understand that the body of the deceased will be interred in the Cemetery on Thursday.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 29 May 1863
PETER TAVY - An Inquest was held at Peter Tavy on Monday, before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., on view of the body of a miner, named JOHN BLAMEY, who was drowned at Devon Wheal Union mine on the previous Thursday. An account of the melancholy occurrence has already appeared in the Mercury. Without lengthened deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 3 June 1863
PLYMPTON ST. MARY - The Suicide And Attempted Murder At Ridgway. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the George Inn, Ridgway, at seven o'clock yesterday morning, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the District, on the body of SARAH STEVENS, whose melancholy death we recorded in our issue of yesterday. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Jury:- Mr William Cann (Foreman); and Messrs. Thomas Easton, William Chubb, Roger Jarvis, William Chave, Henry Hill, William Revell, John William Johnson, Wm. Hellings, Frederick Phillips, William Lavers, John Sarah, William Seccombe, George Hele, William Tolchard, George Lavers, Henry Holms, William Soper, William Hutchings, John Wilcocks, William Edmonds, William Edwards and John Cawse. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said: You are to Enquire how this poor woman, MRS SARAH STEVENS, came to her death. you will have to go with me and see the body o the deceased, and then we shall return and hear the evidence and you will have to give me your verdict by and by upon those premises. - The Jury then proceeded to view the body of the deceased, which lay in a shell at her mother's residence. The sight was a sickening one, the throat having been cut several times from ear to ear. - ALICE CAWSE said: The deceased person, SARAH STEVENS, was my daughter. She was forty-eight years of age. Last Sunday afternoon, about three o'clock, deceased was in the kitchen of my house which is situate in the parish of Plympton Maurice. I and the deceased, and my grand-daughter, who is the daughter of deceased, were in the kitchen together. I asked my granddaughter to come and sit by me, and she did so. Deceased was standing up and asked her daughter to go upstairs with her, but she refused. Deceased then said to me, "Why don't you go in and speak to GEORGE" - meaning my son, GEORGE CAWSE, her brother. He was in an adjoining room by himself. I told her I thought GEORGE was sleeping, and I did not like to disturb him. She insisted upon my going in, and said, "You must go in and speak to him." She wished me to go in and talk with him, because he should know that she was not injured. - The Coroner: What induced her to say that? - Witness: She was quite insane. I thought it would please her, and I went to speak to GEORGE, leaving deceased in the room with my daughter, the latter sitting, and the former standing. I had not time to enter my son's room, but had just placed my hand on the handle to open it, when I heard a scream, and I returned to the kitchen where I saw my granddaughter still sitting in the same chair, bleeding very much from the throat. Deceased was not there, and she must have rushed upstairs the instant she did it. I called for help and Elizabeth Lavers first came to my assistance. I did not think the deceased had injured herself, because I thought I should have heard her fall if she had. Miss Lavers went upstairs into my bedroom, where the deceased was, and she told me what was the matter. In about a quarter of an hour I went upstairs and saw the deceased, who was bleeding dreadfully from the throat. She was not dead, but was dying. She could not recognise me. Deceased was the widow of the late WM. STEVENS, who carried on business as a tailor in Old Town-street, Plymouth. She had been a widow for about seventeen years. Her daughter was twenty-two years of age last March, and unmarried. - The Coroner: How long have you observed anything insane in the appearance of your daughter? - Witness: All the week she appeared not to be right. - The Coroner: In what way? - Witness: She was afraid someone would injure her, and she did not deserve it. She said everybody was against her. - The Coroner: Did she say in what way she was going to be injured? - Witness: Yes. She said she was going to be taken away and confined. - The Coroner: did she express any dislike towards her daughter? - Did she think she was going to injure her in any way? - Witness: Oh, no! She desired me in the morning to see that her daughter was not injured when she was gone, because she believed she was to be taken away in the evening. I promised to take care of her daughter, because I thought she would be quiet. - The Coroner: You had never seen her make any attempt to hurt anybody before? - Witness: Oh no! - The Coroner: had she been violent at all? - Witness: Oh, no! - The Coroner: had you had the doctor to see her? - Witness: When Mr Langworthy came to see my granddaughter he saw deceased at times. - The Coroner: Then your granddaughter has been out of her mind some little time, has she? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner: How long? - Witness: Three months sir. - The Coroner: Was she violet at all? - Witness: She had not been, but has been since this occurrence. - The Coroner: Do you happen to know that any of her family have been out of their mind at all? - Witness: No. The Coroner: Or in your family? - Witness: I think that some of our family have been insane. I had an uncle who was out of his mind. A house was built for him near Modbury, in which he was confined for several years. - By the Foreman: I do not think that my daughter was afraid that she would come to want. - By the Coroner: Her circumstances were not in any peril. She had lived with me ever since her husband's death. - By the Foreman: Do you suppose the insanity of your granddaughter might cause her much trouble and grief? - Witness: I think it did, because she seemed to me to be so distressed about her. - By the Coroner: Deceased's daughter had been taken ill at Modbury, where she was living with her aunt; and she came home with me, and that pacified the deceased. If she had been allowed to remain at Modbury I do not think that this would have happened at all. - By a Juryman: I did not notice, when I was talking to the deceased, that she had anything in her hand. I did not know that she was in possession of a razor. - Elizabeth Lavers said: I am a single woman living a door above MRS STEVENS. I am in the service of Mrs Backhouse. Last Sunday afternoon I was in the garden, near to the deceased's door, and GEORGE CAWSE spoke to me from his garden, and said, "I wish you would go into mother;" meaning the last witness. I directly went into MRS CAWSE'S kitchen. MRS CAWSE said, "Will you please to run upstairs for me, to see what SARAH is about?" I went up to MRS CAWSE'S bedroom, where I saw the deceased in a kneeling posture, on her left knee. on the floor. She had something in her hand. I saw blood all around her, and I did not go near her, but went to MRS CAWSE. I told her there was a worse case upstairs, and immediately left the house in search of a doctor. On my way I fetched Mrs Tolchard, who lives near the deceased's house. I have never seen anything out of the way with the deceased. - Bebera Tolchard said: I am the wife of William Tolchard, labourer. I live at Ridgway. On Sunday afternoon last, at about four o'clock, I was called by Elizabeth Lavers from my own house, and I went immediately to the house of MRS CAWSE. I went upstairs into a bedroom, and there saw the deceased; no other person was in the room. She was lying on the floor on her left side, with her right hand lying back over her, and in her hand was an open razor. I took it out of her hand, and placed it on the mantle-piece. there was a great quantity of blood on the floor. I observed that her throat was very much wounded, and cut from ear to ear. She was breathing and I think she was sensible. I believed she recognised my voice, for her lips moved. I put a cloth around her neck, and in about half-an-hour Mr Langworthy came. - Mr Richard Langworthy said: I am a surgeon of Plympton Maurice, and proprietor of the Plympton Lunatic Asylum. I have known the deceased about six weeks. Her daughter was sent here from Modbury about six weeks, suffering from melancholia. She lived with the deceased and her grandmother. The deceased was bent upon suicide, and for a length of time refused to take a sufficient quantity of nourishment until compelled to do so. The deceased appeared to suffer a great deal of anxiety respecting her daughter. She frequently complained to me of not being able to take any rest at night and was very anxious and restless. For about a week previous to last Sunday I could observe an alteration and difference in her manner, sometimes appearing very dejected and at others more excitable than usual. I remarked to MRS CAWSE, the mother of the deceased, that her daughter appeared to me to require as much care as deceased's daughter did. I never heard the deceased say anything to give me any alarm. - The Coroner: What is your opinion with regard to the state of the deceased's person's mind - say a day or two before her death? - Witness: Oh! she was quite insane. - The Coroner then summed up the facts of the case. He said: This is a very melancholy case, but at the same time it seems to me to be a very plain one. It frequently happens that in cases of suicide there is little or no evidence of the insanity of the deceased person. I have often had occasion to say to some of you who are here present, probably, that in cases of suicide, the deceased person is, by law, deemed responsible for the act of suicide until the insanity of such person may be proved. Whenever a person commits an act of homicide, either upon himself or upon another, the law deems such person to be responsible for the act done until proof is offered that the party is not responsible. Of course that responsibility is taken away if the party shall be proved to have been insane at the time of the commission of the act of homicide. Now I need scarcely say to you, in the present case, that the act of suicide is not only clearly proved, but that it is also proved with equal clearness that the deceased was insane at the time of the commission of the act. I say that somewhat plainly because it is simply in accordance, not only with the general tenor of the evidence, but in accordance with the positive opinion expressed by the medical gentleman who is present, and who had an opportunity of judging of the condition of the deceased. He says that for two or three days previous to the death of the deceased she was quite insane. You know insanity is proved to have existed in the family. The uncle of ALICE CAWSE, the mother of the deceased, is shown to have been insane during his life-time and to have been confined for many years. The daughter of the deceased is shown to have been insane for some weeks past. Now, under these circumstances, it is for you to say whether - first, you are satisfied that the deceased committed this act upon herself; and next, whether you are also satisfied that at the time she did so she was insane. You know insanity does not mean in the eye of the law simply a lowness of spirits, or anxiety of mind, or those conditions of the mind which leave the party still the fair use of reason. Insanity means by law an incapacity to make the ordinary distinction between right and wrong. In point of fact, the condition of mind which authorises a verdict of insanity, and consequently absolves a party committing suicide from all responsibility, is the condition of mind which would absolve a person from committing an act of homicide upon any other person. As I have said before, gentlemen, in the present case the evidence of Mr Langworthy is so conclusive - at least I suppose you will conceive it to be - that I do not think it necessary to make any further remarks to you. It is for you to say if you consider that it has been proved before you that the deceased was insane at the time she committed this act upon herself. Your verdict will then be that she destroyed herself by cutting her throat, on Sunday last, when in a state of insanity. It is for you to say what your opinion is. - The Foreman: I am quite satisfied, from the evidence, from the beginning to the close, that the deceased destroyed herself while in a state of Insanity, by cutting her throat. That is my opinion, and if any gentleman of the Jury wishes to make any remark on it, he can do so. - The Coroner: Are you all of that opinion, gentlemen? - The unanimous voice of the Jury declared that they were. The following verdict was then recorded:- "That the said SARAH STEVENS, on the 31st of May, 1863, in the parish of Plympton Maurice, died from the effects of cutting her throat with a razor, whilst in a state of Insanity." - We understand that the daughter of the deceased is not yet out of danger. It seems that deceased succeeded in dividing the windpipe of her daughter, but the jugular and other large blood vessels have not been touched. She may possibly recover, but if inflammatory action ensues she will die.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 4 June 1863
DAWLISH - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at the White Hart Inn, Dawlish, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr D. Littleton was Foreman, to Inquire into the death of a child, MARK TAPPER SHILSTON, who died on Monday last from the effects of injuries sustained in falling over the cliff known as East cliff, near the coastguard station, and between the latter place and the Exeter-road. Thomas Sims was sworn, and stated that, in company with some others, he was on the East Cliff on Monday evening, when an alarm was raised by Mrs Tuckwell that a child had fallen over the cliff. They immediately went down and picked up the child, and carried him to Mr Cann's, surgeon. He did not speak or move, but breathed twice in being carried through the Station-yard, and died shortly after he was taken to Mr Cann's. there was no blood on him, but the mark of a blow on the head. The deceased must have fallen fifty feet or more. He was between four and five years of age. - Mary Tuckwell was also sworn, and stated that between six and seven o'clock on Monday evening, she saw the deceased child close by the railings over the cliff. She said to him, "My dear, I fear you will fall," and just at that moment he fell over. There was no one near him at the time. Witness thought he was trying to get round the railings from the garden on the other side of the path. The Jury expressed great dissatisfaction at the manner in which the cliff was fenced (in which the Coroner also joined), and after some remarks on the matter found a verdict - together with the request that the Coroner would lay the matter before the proper authorities - as follows:- "That the said MARK TAPPER SHILSTON died at Dawlish aforesaid, on the first day of June instant, from injuries received by Accidentally falling over the East cliff, near the Coastguard Station at Dawlish. The Jurors, however, beg to add that they consider the path adjoining the cliff where the accident occurred, to be in a most dangerous and unprotected state, and they request the Coroner to give notice of the same to the South Devon Railway Company, and the Local Board at Dawlish, that the parties liable may be compelled at once to properly fence the same."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide At Stonehouse. The Inquest. - The Inquest on the body of the man WEDLOCK, who committed suicide on Monday, was held yesterday afternoon, at Mayell's Foresters' Arms, Union-street, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Bartlett, tailor, was Foreman. - Sergeant Ockford said he had been instructed by Mr Superintendent Ross to say that the commanding officer of H.M.S. Warrior, Captain Cochrane, refused to render any assistance to P.C. Newberry, and threw every obstacle in the way of that officer to prevent him from obtaining the names of two men who were required as witnesses, telling Newberry that he ought to have got their names on shore, which, of course, was morally impossible. - The Coroner said it was generally usual for the officers to render any assistance in their power in such cases. - The first witness called was John Bennett, who said he was agent to the Royal Liver Friendly Society, in Plymouth. He employed the deceased as collector, in which capacity he had been for about twelve months. The last time he saw the deceased was about three months ago. He received a letter on Sunday week last from deceased, in which he begged for forgiveness for some misconduct in the execution of his orders. His accounts were incorrect. He had not had any communication with deceased since. - Mary Randall said she, with her husband, superintended the business of the refreshment house No. 47 Union-street, Stonehouse. On Sunday night, about twelve o'clock, she was standing outside her door waiting for the servant to shut up the shop, when the deceased came to the door and asked if he could have a bed for the night. He was answered in the affirmative, when he asked the price of the bed. She told him a shilling, when he said he was "hard up," and only had 6d. and that he was very loath to walk the streets. She looked at him, and saw he was quite sober. He appeared to be a very respectable man. - The Coroner: Did you notice anything peculiar about his manner? - Witness: He appeared to be very low-spirited, and had nothing to say. - Witness continued: She heard nothing more of him until about one o'clock in the afternoon of the following day, when her servant raised an alarm. She went into the room, and found the deceased standing in an upright position at the top of the bed. the body was cold and stiff, and his hands were purple. She first thought he had died in a fit, but on seeing two towels which belonged to the room tied to the top of the bed, she discovered that he had hung himself. A surgeon was sent for, but before he arrived a man named Bamfield came up and cut the body down. - At this stage of the proceedings the Coroner and Jury visited the body for the purpose of inspecting it. - Catherine Randall stated that about eleven o'clock on Monday morning she went upstairs and opened the deceased's door, when she saw his clothes hanging on the rail of the bed. Thinking he was asleep she came out again, but at one o'clock she again went up and found his clothes in the same place as before. She called him, but getting no answer she looked in, and found the bed empty. On looking through the curtains she discovered the deceased hanging to the bed. She instantly gave an alarm, and the body was shortly after cut down. - William Leadbeater, seaman of H.M.S. Warrior, stated that he slept in the same room with the deceased on Sunday night. Before the deceased got into bed he asked him (witness) if he required the light any more. He told him "No," and the deceased blew out the light. He (witness) was not disturbed during the night, and, on awaking the following morning, he saw the deceased's clothes lying on the rail of the bed. - Bernard Skelley, another seaman, stated that he slept in an adjoining room to the last witness on Sunday night. About five o'clock in the morning he went into the last witness's room to call him, when he saw the deceased lying on his left side, and he noticed that he lay very quiet. - Solomon Henry Bamfield, a bill poster, stated that on Monday afternoon, about one o'clock, he was standing near Mr Randall's shop, when Mr Randall came out and inquired where a surgeon lived. He not knowing, asked Mr Randall what the matter was, and, on hearing of the circumstance, he immediately went upstairs and cut the body down. A broken brace was hanging to the bed, from which it appeared that the deceased had first tried to hang himself with it, but that failing, he eventually accomplished the rash deed with the towels in question. - Sergeant Ockford stated that on receiving information of the circumstances of the deceased's death he went to the place and searched his pockets and found several papers, an account book, some letters, and 2 ½d. in coppers. - These letters were read by the Coroner, from which it appeared that several letters had been sent to the deceased by the officers of the Royal Liver Friendly Society, severely censuring him for his dishonest conduct, and ordering him to return all the money he had in his possession, and adding that in the event of his not doing so the matter would be laid before the society at Liverpool, and that serious consequences would ensue. - EDMUND LELEAN, the father-in-law of the deceased, said the deceased came to Exeter about a week ago, and while there he seemed very low-spirited, and apparently lost to all around him. - Mr Bennett was recalled and stated that the deceased was indebted to the society in the sum of between £4 and £5. - This being the whole of the evidence; The Coroner summed up, observing it appeared that the deceased had acted in the capacity of chief collector to the Royal Liver Friendly Society, and that he had become indebted to the society between £4 and £5 and was so at the time of his death. The question for them to consider was whether any evidence had been brought before them to show whether the deceased had evinced any marks of insanity. The law said that an insane man could not make any distinction between right and wrong, and the only evidence brought before them on that point was that of Mr Lelean, the deceased's father-in-law, who stated that during the time the deceased was in Exeter he appeared to be lost to all around him. If they thought it was necessary to adjourn the Inquest for the production of further evidence to show whether the deceased had ever shown any marks of insanity, he would be most happy to adjourn it. - The Foreman said the Jury did not think an adjournment was necessary. - After about ten minutes' consultation, the Coroner asked the Jury what decision they had come to; when it was found that 13 were of opinion that the deceased destroyed himself while in a state of "temporary insanity," and nine were of a different opinion. The Jury then proceeded to attach their names to this decision, when it was found that all, with the exception of four, were of opinion that the deceased was of an Unsound State of Mind when he destroyed himself. - The Enquiry lasted nearly three hours.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 6 June 1863
TORQUAY - Melancholy Death From Scalding At Torquay. - On Sunday morning last a child, two years of age, named ALBERT CHARLES NIASS, infant of JOHN NIASS, a mason residing at Tormoham, went to a table on which his mother had just placed a cup of hot cocoa and pulling the cup towards him, upset the contents over his chest and stomach. The mother of the child had only just made the cocoa and left the room for the purpose of filling the kettle with water. On hearing the child scream, she ran up the stairs, and was met at the door by the child, whose clothes were saturated with the hot liquid. She immediately pulled off his clothes and sent for her sister, Caroline Lane, a night nurse at the Torquay Dispensary, who applied oil to the child's chest to alleviate his sufferings. The child was "ramping" for about an hour, and then slept until two o'clock, after which he ate a good dinner, and appeared happy and smiling. On Monday, however, the child, after sleeping until near one o'clock became very ill, and commenced vomiting. Mrs Lane suggested that a medical man should be called in, and the mother of the child accordingly went to the Dispensary for the doctor, but he replied that he could not attend without an order, but that she might take the child to him; this, however, was impossible from the state the infant was in, and the father of the child then went for Mr Stabb, surgeon, but before his return the child, after severe suffering, had expired. The above facts were proved before the Coroner, F. B. Cuming, Esq., and a Jury, of which Mr T. U. Shapley was Foreman, at the Torbay Inn yesterday, and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Killed Whilst Birds'-Nesting. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at St. George's Hall touching the death of PETER COOK, who died from injuries received on Saturday last. On that day the deceased left his residence in Durnford-street, and proceeded to Mount Stone, near Devil's Point, in search of birds' nests. He climbed over the rocks and stood of a projecting rock, which, under the pressure, immediately gave way, and the poor boy was precipitated to the ground from a height of twenty feet. A person named Charles Shergo, who saw the accident, rendered assistance, and conveyed the deceased to his residence, and Dr Jenkins was immediately sent for, who, on examination, found that the skull was seriously fractured. The deceased was perfectly senseless, and since the time of the accident he did not show any sign of animation. He lingered until Wednesday last, when death put an end to his sufferings. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Frightful Accident At Torquay. - On Saturday afternoon, as a timber waggon was passing up Lower Union Street, when nearly abreast of the Castle Inn, two children - a boy and girl - who had been playing about the waggon and endeavouring to ride on the timber were thrown down, and the wheel passed over the head of the boy, completely crushing it. The poor child presented a most frightful appearance, from the quantity of blood and brain scattered round. The girl is seriously injured, but may, perhaps, recover. The name of the deceased is WILLIAM EASTERLING, and he is about 4 years of age. An Inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict in accordance with the facts was returned.

TAVISTOCK - Suicide At The Tavistock Workhouse. - On Saturday evening a man who said his name was EDWARD REEVES applied at the police station for an order for a night's lodging. He stated that he had been to "the colonies," that he had landed at Plymouth, where he was robbed of all his money, and that he was trying to get back to his native town in Shropshire. He appeared to be very low spirited. A ticket was given to him and he was admitted into the tramps' ward at the Workhouse. On Sunday morning when the porter entered the ward he found the man hanging from a beam. He was quite dead, though his body was not cold. It appeared that he had accomplished the rash deed by standing upon a bucket in the middle of the room, and then kicking it away after he had tied one end of a silk handkerchief round his neck and fastened the other end to the beam. The Inquest was held yesterday (Monday) before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq. The Jury returned a verdict of "Killed himself whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 13 June 1863
DARTMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Dartmouth. - An Inquest was held at the Sun Inn on Saturday evening, before J. M. Puddicombe, Esq., to Enquire into the death of MR HENRY ROBERTS, late carpenter and builder of this town, who was found drowned on the morning of Saturday, the 6th instant. - ELIZABETH ROBERTS - whose testimony was taken at her residence, she being unable through illness to attend - said: I am the wife of the deceased. He left home about half-past four o'clock yesterday, and returned about nine o'clock with his tools. He went out again shortly afterwards. I never saw him alive after that time. He usually lets himself in with a latch key. He had the key in his pocket when he left home. I remained up till half-past eleven. He never returned again after he left, to my knowledge. I did not hear him at the door. If the deceased had returned he would have been admitted. he could have let himself in by his latch key. - John Stone said: I went down to my boat this morning at about five o'clock, near the Ferry Slip. I saw something afoul of Mr Faremouth's mooring, and went to see what it was, and found it to be the body of a man. He was quite dead. I put a rope round him and pulled him on shore. - John Hambly Strike: I am the landlord of the Sun Inn. Deceased was at my house last night. He left it at a quarter-past eleven. He came in about half-past ten. He was served with two glasses of beer - that was all he had. He appeared to have been drinking during the day, but I did not consider him to have drunk much. I saw him at the front door, but did not notice which way he went. It was a very dark night. - This was all the evidence adduced, and the Jury, after a few moments' deliberation, found the following verdict: "That the deceased was Found Drowned, but how he came in the water there was no evidence to show."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 16 June 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Tinside. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Harvest Home, Tavistock-street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Walter Body was Foreman, touching the death of JOHN ADAMS, a lad whose melancholy death on Saturday, at Tinside, we yesterday recorded. - The Coroner remarked to the Jury that on hearing of the melancholy accident on Saturday night, he first thought that he had lacked in his duty, but he soon found that he was mistaken in his impression. About 12 months since a little boy, about eleven years of age, fell over the precipice at Tinside. An Inquest was held on the body, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The Jury were then of opinion that the attention of the Government should be called to the spot, and that means should be taken to prevent such accidents occurring in future. This he (the Coroner) promised should be done, but, on hearing of this accident, it occurred to him that he had not fulfilled his promise. On reference, however, he found that he had called the attention of Major-General Hutchinson, Commander of the Western District, to the fact. - The Coroner then read a copy of the letter which he had written to Major-General Hutchinson on the subject, and also the answer he received, promising that means should be taken to prevent such an occurrence in future. The ground on which the boys were bathing was Government property, so that anyone who was found on the place would be considered, in the eye of the law, a trespasser - but the Jury all knew that boys would be boys; in fact, it was not only boys that went there to bathe, but gentlemen also made it a favourite resort for bathing. - The Jury then proceeded to view the body, after which the following evidence was heard:- Henry Thomas Kelly, a youth, said he had known the deceased for about two years and a half. On Saturday afternoon he was in company with deceased and several other boys on the Hoe, playing cricket. About five o'clock they all went down to Tinside to bathe. While they were bathing several other boys commenced throwing stones at them from above. They all got out and dressed for the purpose of returning home. They then began to ascend the precipice, and the deceased was the last to get to the top, with the exception of witness, who was about six feet from him. When they were a little more than half way up, he saw the deceased fall over the cliff. He (witness) called to his comrades, and they again descended, and found the deceased lying between two rocks speechless. Assistance was immediately sent for, and Dr Isbell soon arrived. The deceased was placed in a boat and conveyed to the bathing steps, from whence he was taken to his residence in Manadon Villa. he was quite sure no one struck the deceased. It was quite an accidental fall. - A youth, named Jeffery, stated that when the deceased was taken out of the cab, he noticed that the lace of his boot was hanging, and it was very probable that the fall was occasioned by his stepping on the lace. - In answer to a question put by the Coroner, Bartholomew Derry, a lad about fifteen years of age, stated that the deceased had been on two previous occasions in danger of losing his life by drowning, and on both these occasions he (Derry) saved his life. [It now appeared that Derry was the first on the spot on hearing that the deceased had fallen over the precipice.) - The Coroner said the youth deserved great credit for his conduct on all these occasions. - Several suggestions were then made to the Coroner as to the means that should be adopted to prevent any accidents at Tinside in future; but it was at length left in the hands of the coroner to do as he deemed best in the matter. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 23 June 1863
A verdict of Felo de Se was returned yesterday by a Coroner's Jury assembled at Brixton Coombe, a hamlet a few miles from Plymouth, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES YABSLEY, a thatcher, 53 years of age, who cut his throat with a penknife in the garden of his own house. No reason was assigned for the act, but he had previously exclaimed once or twice, "I am mazed - I am mazed." Nothing is more uncertain in cases of this sort than the verdict which will be brought in. The idiosyncrasies or prejudices of one or two of the Jurymen, or the way in which the Coroner lays down the law of the case, make more difference usually than the exact tenor of the evidence. It would be well that some definite and uniform principle could be adopted. In the present instance the Jury, by their verdict, declared that the deceased murdered himself while in a sound state of mind. In this they were influenced probably by the fact that YABSLEY had said, after he inflicted the wound, "Let me die; if I live I will do it again. No one shall touch me; let me die."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 24 June 1863
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - The Missing Man From The Royal Hotel, Plymouth. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Skylark Inn, Clearbrook, yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN MOORE, late boots at the Royal Hotel, Plymouth, who was found drowned on Sunday morning last, in the Devonport leat on Roborough Down. Mr John Dawe was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - William Hannaford said he was the son of Peter Hannaford, farmer, living at Meavy. On Sunday morning last, at about a quarter after eight o'clock, he was riding around Roborough Down, looking for his father's sheep, when he saw the body of a man lying in the Devonport leat, just above Clearbrook. He thought it might have been about a quarter of a mile on the Tavistock side of the Hoo Meavy Bridge. The body was lying with its head down the stream; not across, but with the stream. It was not floating. One hand was across the breast and the other by his side. The body was stretched out. There was not water enough to float the body. He should think that the stream had not floated the body down the stream. The body was lying on its face, quite dressed, no hat or covering on the head. He had a coat, trousers, waistcoat, scarf, and one boot and one shoe on. Witness procured James Smale and Richard Dingle, who pulled the body out of the leat, and brought it to the Skylark Inn, Clearbrook. The hands were very much soaked in water, as if the body had been in the water some time. He saw no marks of any kind about the edges of the bank of the leat at all remarkable. Did not see any person near the spot at the time. Deceased's clothes were buttoned up, and the scarf was tied around his neck. Witness did not know deceased. - Grace Pearse, wife of Jonas Pearse, living at 13 Morley Lane, Plymouth, said she had seen the body of the deceased, and knew it, by the scarf around it, to be the body of JOHN MOORE, who rented a room of her, for which he paid 1s per week. He had rented it for about two and a half years, but did not board at home. He was the under boots at the Royal Hotel, at Plymouth, for upwards of twenty-three years. He was a widower, having only one son, who was in the Preventive Service, beyond London. Deceased was not given very much to drink. Last Sunday week morning, at about half-past eleven o'clock, she saw him going upstairs towards his bedroom. She asked him to take his clean clothes. He took them, namely, a shirt and waistcoat. He went out at about one o'clock in the afternoon, but did not say where he was going. At about half-past eight o'clock in the evening he came in, and went to his own room. After going into the court, he went upstairs again, and that was the last time she saw him alive. It was his custom to get up at about four o'clock or half-past four o'clock on Monday mornings, to call parties at the Royal Hotel wishing to go by the train. He was about sixty-one years of age. On Monday morning, about half-past seven o'clock, a person came from the Hotel to enquire for him, as he had not been to work. She went into his room and found deceased was gone, and the bed had been slept in. On the chest of drawers was a shilling, which sum was due to witness for the week's rent, and the keys of the Hotel. On the table was a piece of a scarf, cut, and the scissors lying on it. She believed it was a part of the scarf which was around the neck of the body of the deceased. His best clothes were left home. He had never before left the shilling on the drawers, but always gave it to her. Search was made about the room, but no paper or writing concerning him could be found. She had seen him a little the worse for liquor at times. He never told her he was unhappy about anything. He had 5s. a week from the Hotel, and victuals. He owed witness 23s. in rent, arrears at different times accruing, and expected his son would pay it for him. As he did not answer deceased's letters the latter thought he was drowned, or something of the kind. - William Hambly said he was second boots at the Royal Hotel, Plymouth. He recognised the body to be that of JOHN MOORE, who was under boots at the said hotel. Witness last saw him alive at half-past 11 o'clock a.m., on Sunday week last. He then appeared to be in very good spirits. Nothing had happened at the hotel to make him uncomfortable. He was very steady and regular in his habits. He always came to the Royal Hotel between four and half-past four o'clock in the morning. The deceased had not induced him to believe, from his manner, that he was going to leave the hotel. Witness never saw him afterwards alive. He knew of no circumstance at all either at the hotel or elsewhere that was calculated to make him unhappy, except that he owed his sister-in-law, the last witness, some money for rent. He never heard him say that he was discontented or uncomfortable. His health appeared to be good, but he did not make use of much food. He used to drink, but witness did not mean to say he had seen him very bad. He had lost one eye. Deceased was always paid the wages due to him on a Sunday morning. - By a Juryman: He never knew deceased go away or leave his work in that manner before, except for an hour or so. He had had no quarrel with the people at the Hotel. - By the Coroner: He had not given any notice to leave the Hotel. He was on good terms, witness believed, with everybody there. - Samuel Barnes deposed that he was groom to Mr Scobell of Meavy. He knew deceased by sight, and saw him on Monday week last, between nine and ten o'clock in the morning, between Jump and the new Bickleigh-road leading to the station. He was on the Tavistock turnpike-road alone, walking towards Tavistock. Witness was on horseback and met him as he was going to Jump. He did not speak to deceased, who was looking down on the ground, walking slowly. He had a hat or cap on his head. He returned from Jump in about five minutes and passed deceased again, he still walking, but on the other side of the turnpike. He appeared to be sober. - P.C. John Ford, stationed at Jump, said on the 21st of June, between 9 and 10 o'clock, from information he received, he went to that part of the Devonport Leat situate near Clearbrook, where he saw the body of the deceased in a donkey-cart by the side of the leat. He had the body conveyed to the Skylark Inn, where he searched the body, and found in the trousers pocket the key of a door, and a small cotton pocket-handkerchief in the other pocket. He found no money or anything else on him. He saw a scratch over the left eye, on the temple. It might have been the effect of a bramble coming in contact with him, or a fall. It was a slight scratch. He saw no other mark of injury on the body. - The witness Hannaford was recalled, and stated the spot where the deceased was found was about 2 ½ miles from the village of Jump. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was Found Dead, but how he came to his death there was no evidence to show.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 29 June 1863
RATTERY - Death From Scarlet Fever. Charles Of Neglect Against A Parent. - An Inquest was held on Friday at Rattery, near Totnes, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of ALICE JANE BOVEY, aged 15 years (daughter of WILLIAM BOVEY, of Rattery, labourer), who died on Wednesday last from malignant scarlet fever, her death having, it was alleged, accelerated through the want of proper medical attendance. - WILLIAM BOVEY, on being sworn, stated that the deceased was seized with vomiting, on Tuesday morning last, and complained of a pain in her stomach. She drank some cold tea, and towards the afternoon got easier. He did not send for a doctor. She remained in bed all day on Tuesday and took some senna tea. She complained of thirst very much during the day. On Wednesday she got worse and he sent for Dr Phillips, who sent back some powders, but they did not arrive until his daughter was dead. - ANN HANNAFORD, sister of the deceased, stated that on Wednesday morning, about half-past ten, she found the deceased very ill, and enquired what was the matter. Deceased said that she had the scarletina and should die. She could not eat anything. No doctor had then been sent for. Witness left her about eleven o'clock under the care of Mrs Tozer, a neighbour, and at twelve o'clock she was sent for, and then found that the deceased was dying. She remained with her until one o'clock and before two she was told of her death. - L. Harris, Esq., of Totnes, surgeon, having been sent for examined the body, and stated that he found no external marks of violence and from the evidence adduced, he was of opinion that the deceased had died from malignant scarlet fever. He believed she died from natural causes. - The Coroner having summed up, and expressed his opinion that great neglect had been manifested by the father in not procuring earlier medical aid, the Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died suddenly of Malignant Scarlet Fever, or other Visitation of God, and not by any violent means whatever, and that blame is attributable to her father for not sending for medical attendance."

PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Child By Scalding. - John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a Jury, assembled at the Fisherman's Arms, Lambhay-hill, on Saturday afternoon, to Enquire into the cause of the death of ELIZABETH ANN REDDING, one year and eight months old, who died that morning in consequence of being scalded on the face and chest. It appears that the child had been in the habit of going from her own room to that of a neighbour named Jenkins, who resides in an adjoining room. On Thursday week last, about eight o'clock in the morning, she went into the room as usual, Miss Jenkins at the time being at breakfast. A cup of hot coffee was on the table, and the deceased went near it, touched the saucer, and accidentally capsized the cup, the boiling coffee running over her face and chest, scalding her in a frightful manner. The mother of the child applied oil to the scalds, and she appeared to be going on very favourably until between two and three o'clock on Saturday morning, when a change became visible, and death soon after put an end to her sufferings. After hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 30 June 1863
NEWTON ABBOT - Manslaughter At Newton. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was opened at Timewell's Jolly Sailor Inn, in East-street, by Francis Brooking Cuming, Esq., coroner, on the body of JOHN CHAPPLE, a pipe maker, residing in one of the courts leading out of East-street, whose death it was alleged had been caused by the violence of a woman named Ellen Marles. The woman was present in custody, and had been before the Bench at the Town-hall in the morning, when she was remanded until the Petty Sessions this day. The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to the residence of deceased to view the body, the breast and neck of which presented a livid appearance from scratches. In returning to the Inn the first witness called was Mary Spriggs, who deposed that she was the wife of William Spriggs, labourer, and lodged in deceased's house. About five o'clock last Saturday afternoon, deceased came to the shop where she was at work, and asked her to get his tea. She proceeded to his house and made his tea. He was sitting at the table when Ellen Marles, who appeared to have been drinking, came into the house. Deceased ordered Ellen Marles to go out of the house, and, as she did not leave, he rose up to put her out. A struggle ensued between the two and Ellen Marles struck deceased in the breast two or three times, and then pushed him back into the stairs. Witness tried to part them. Deceased had Ellen Marles' hair round his hand, and she had him by the hair. Witness called for help two or three times, and Mrs Stitson came and took Ellen Marles away. Witness begged her to leave the house, as she thought the deceased was dying, and told Ellen Marles so. The latter struck deceased two or three times on his stomach with her fist when he had fallen on the floor. He was about 50 years of age, and was in a delicate state of health, and had been so for some time past. After Ellen Marles was taken away Mrs Stitson helped up the deceased, and sat him in a chair; he did not speak. They had two men get him into bed, and sent for a surgeon. Dr Jane came first and sent a blister, which, by his order, was put on the neck of deceased, and some medicine, but deceased could not take the medicine. He vomited, and remained in an insensible state until his death which took place at half-past eleven o'clock. Dr Gillard came at about ten o'clock, but did not order different treatment to that of Dr Jane. - Cross-examined by Ellen Marles, the accused: Could not say if she (Ellen Marles) was struck by deceased when she came into the room. Deceased did not strike her before she struck him. Witness did not say to Ellen Marles, "You will have a black eye." - Mary Ann Stitson, wife of John Stitson, carpenter, deposed that she resided next door to the deceased. On Saturday last, at about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, she heard the previous witness calling her. She went to deceased's house and saw Ellen Marles there with the deceased on the floor. they had hold of each other by the hair. She saw Ellen Marles strike him with her fist two or three times on the chest. Witness parted them as soon as she could by taking Ellen Marles away from deceased; but she got away again from witness and sprung at deceased and caught him by the throat. Witness said "For God's sake don't strike him again, for he is dying." Witness again took Ellen Marles and sat her in a chair behind the door. The deceased was then lying in an unconscious state and never spoke afterwards. Witness remained with him until he died at half-past 11 o'clock. She observed marks on his neck and chest. Deceased was a married man, but his wife was at Ashburton. Witness knew of no ill-will nor previous quarrel between deceased and Ellen Marles. The latter had been drinking. - Cross-examined by the Jury: Deceased was a very quiet and inoffensive man. After witness sat Ellen Marles in the chair she left her in charge of a young man named Prout. The blows were very severe. When Dr Jane came he said deceased was dying. - After some discussion as to the necessity of a post mortem examination, the Jury expressed a wish to have one made by Dr Gillard and the Inquest was adjourned until nine o'clock this morning. - The only evidence taken at the Town Hall, in addition to the above, was that of Dr Gillard, which was that he was surgeon of Newton Abbot Union and deceased had frequently been his patient as a pauper. Deceased had a slight attack of epilepsy about three years ago. He attended deceased at about ten o'clock last Saturday night, and found him in bed, unconscious, and evidently in a dying state. He appeared to be suffering from the effects of apoplexy, his pulse was low and his heart beat as though he was in a state of excitement. On his throat were several scratches that appeared to have been made by finger nails. They were not deep.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 1 July 1863
NEWTON ABBOT - Another Inquest At Newton. - Much excitement prevailed in this town on Monday evening from the report that a woman named QUICK, a resident in Windsor's court, in East-street, had been killed by a blow from her son-in-law, CHARLES AVERY. An Inquest was held yesterday on the body by F. B. Cuming, Esq., the Coroner, at the Bell Inn. The case was one of great suspicion, owing to the manner in which the female witnesses gave their evidence. They appeared to fence the questions and to be withholding something, but notwithstanding, a severe examination, by the Coroner and Jury to endeavour to get at the truth, there was a total absence of proof of the serious charge against AVERY. Indeed the witnesses all agreed in the statement that he had not struck the deceased. - Susannah Perryman, wife of George Perryman, labourer, said she knew deceased, who was a married woman, and resided in the same court with her. Witness last saw deceased alive in her own house and alone between four and five o'clock on the previous afternoon. Deceased had a son-in-law called Charles Avery, who resided in the same court. Witness saw deceased and her son-in-law disputing in the court, but did not observe any blow pass. She went down to deceased's house about half-an-hour afterwards. The door was fastened inside. She looked into the window and saw deceased lying on her face and hands on the floor, near the fire place, between the settle and the table. Witness tried the door but could not open it. She then made an alarm and Mrs Sugars came and opened the window and got in and opened the door. Witness then went up and touched deceased's hands, and found they were cold. Someone said she breathed, but witness did not observe it. Deceased was in delicate health. Witness then left, as she was frightened, and knew nothing more about deceased. - Examined by the Jury: The key was inside the door. Avery and his wife were given to quarrelling. She did not observe marks of blows on deceased's face; did not hear her complain of being hit. Witness's daughter had been to deceased's house to make tea for her. Saw Avery's nose bleeding as he passed before her door from deceased's house; it was not bleeding afterwards. - Mary Perryman, daughter of the last witness, said she knew the deceased. She had been to deceased's house at about half-past four o'clock to make her a cup of tea. Deceased was then alive, and said she was flurried and did not care much about the tea. Deceased had a daughter named MARY CHARLOTTE, who was married to Charles Avery. They all lived in the same court. Witness had previously heard a row between Avery and his wife. Deceased was at that time standing at her door, which was about thirty feet from where Avery and his wife were. Deceased went towards Avery, whose wife had then gone away. Avery was drunk and deceased tried to get at him, but the crowd kept her back. Witness did not see Avery strike deceased, who afterwards went into her own house and shut the door. witness did not see her alive afterwards. Avery thought his wife was in her mother's house, and said he would have her out. She saw Avery's nose bleeding after he came out of deceased's house, and heard him say deceased had struck him. Did not see him strike her. Avery was intoxicated; he went home and deceased went into her house and shut the door. Witness did not see her alive afterwards. - Fanny Sugars, wife of William Sugars, ropemaker. Was an inhabitant of the court, and heard a row there between Avery and his wife at about 5 o'clock on the previous afternoon. Deceased was then at her own house. Avery went down the passage to deceased's house to look for his wife. Witness saw him go in; he did not stay two minutes. His nose was not bleeding when he went in. Deceased came out and followed him; she appeared to be much excited. Avery was drunk and people were afraid he would strike deceased. If he had struck her witness must have seen it, as she was opposite them. About ten minutes afterwards she was called by Mrs Perryman and went to deceased's house. The door was locked. Witness got in at the window, and found deceased lying on the floor. She unlocked the door and let in Mrs Perryman. Deceased was all but dead; she breathed once, but did not speak. There was no one in the house with her. Witness did not observe any marks of a blow on deceased, who was lying on her face and hands with her body inclined towards the left. There was no chair or anything for her eye to come in contact with. Witness observed a bruise over the left eye when deceased was taken up; it was swollen and turning black. Witness thought she got the blow from falling. - Mr Henry Howe Gaye, surgeon, said he was called on the previous evening at about six o'clock to see the deceased, who was quite dead. He observed no marks of violence except a slight bruise near the left eye, which might have been caused by falling against the floor. He believed she died from natural causes. There was no external appearance of injury to account for death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NEWTON ABBOT - The Case Of Manslaughter At Newton. - The Inquest on the body of JOHN CHAPPLE, the pipe maker, whose death was alleged to have been caused by the violence of a woman named Ellen Marles was resumed yesterday morning by F. B. Cuming, Esq., at Timewell's Jolly Sailor Inn, in East-street, when the following additional evidence was adduced. - John Stitson, carpenter, deposed that he knew deceased, who resided in the house adjoining his (witness's). On Saturday evening between eight and nine o'clock he was approaching his house when he saw a crowd of people. he heard them say that JOHN CHAPPLE was dying. witness went upstairs to see him, and observed that his shirt and trousers were very wet. When witness came downstairs he saw Ellen Marles standing outside the door. He told her that if CHAPPLE was a friend of his he (witness) would do something to her. She used very offensive and low language to witness. He reminded her that the man was dying, upon which she said "He ought to have died four years ago, as it was useless for fools and idiots to crawl the earth." Witness told her he would recollect those words, and then he left. - Mr Francis John Gillard, surgeon, deposed that he knew JOHN CHAPPLE, the deceased. At a little before ten o'clock on Saturday evening last he was called to see him. Witness went and found him labouring under an attack of apoplexy, and quite unconscious. Witness was unable to rouse him. Dr Jane had applied a blister to his neck which was proper treatment. He was evidently dying on Monday evening. By direction of the Coroner, witness made a post mortem examination of the body. On removing a portion of the cranium, the blood vessels appeared very full; the brain, throughout, was very soft. Witness could not detect a rupture in any of the vessels. There were no marks of blows. Witness had no doubt from the evidence that had been given that the cause of death was apoplexy, produced by the excitement of the struggle. Deceased was labouring under softening of the brain and had had attacks of epilepsy. - This being the whole of the evidence the Coroner delivered his charge to the Jury, and very lucidly explained the difference between murder and manslaughter, and what constituted the latter. - The Jury then returned a verdict of Manslaughter against Ellen Marles, and the Coroner committed her for trial.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 3 July 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Murder Of A Child By Its Mother In Devonport. - A murder of a more than usually painful character was committed at Devonport yesterday morning, though destitute of the vindictiveness, the passion, or the motive so commonly attendant upon the perpetration of such a crime. Its cruelty is only modified by the desponding and wretched state of mind into which the unhappy perpetrator of the deed had sunk, and which it is to be hoped rendered her unconscious of either the nature or heinousness of the act she committed. The murderess is a poor, but respectable and hitherto well-behaved woman, named ELIZABETH THOMAS, the wife of JOHN THOMAS, residing in John-street, Newpassage, Devonport: and the victim is her own child, an infant girl only three weeks old. From the evidence taken at the Inquest yesterday, it is very evident that since the birth of the baby MRS THOMAS has not only been in a weak state of health, but her mind has been somewhat affected, so much so as to make her the subject of observation and remark by several of her neighbours. Her husband has been likewise unwell and has been confined to his bed for some weeks, and MRS THOMAS, probably in her own state of physical weakness, had become impressed with the idea that he would die, that she herself would also soon die, and that there would be no one to take care of her children. Her husband has been a seaman, and is in receipt of a pension of £28 15s; and as 8s. 4d were found upon her yesterday morning when she was taken to the Devonport police office, a remark she made to a neighbour that when her husband was unwell there was not enough money to keep the family seems rather to have been a result than one of the inducing causes of her disorder. The crime was committed yesterday morning by cutting the throat of the infant, a few minutes before six o'clock while her husband was asleep in the same room, and with her husband's razor. The throat of the child has received a fearful gash three inches long, and so deep that the windpipe was cut almost completely through. It survived the infliction of the wound only a few minutes, and passed away almost before its little eyes had opened upon the world, and ignorant of the hand that had hurried it to its long rest. The mother is 33 years of age, the father is much older, and they have three children still living. She was taken to the police office yesterday morning, and brought before the magistrates (J. W. W. Ryder and R. M. Watson, Esqrs.) for examination. She appeared then to be in a state approaching to mental stupor, and was in a state of great physical weakness. The evidence of Mr Rolston, the surgeon who had been called when the crime was discovered, was taken, and the case was remanded till this morning. The details connected with the murder will be found in the evidence taken at the Inquest in the course of the afternoon. - Inquest On The Body. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held in the Guildhall, Devonport, on the body of the child, before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner for the Borough. The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to the house of the prisoner to inspect the body. On their return, the following evidence was taken:- JOSIAH DYER, stonemason, living at 35 John-street, Morice Town, Devonport, was first examined, and said:- I am the brother of ELIZABETH THOMAS, and live in the same house with her. She has been living there with her husband and children. She had four children, including the deceased child. On this morning, about twenty minutes before six, I went into her room, being about to go to my work. When I went in, the door was wide open, and ELIZABETH THOMAS was not there. I saw her husband in bed asleep, he having been ill for some time. I saw also the deceased infant lying on her back on the hearthrug. I saw blood on its night-dress. The room was perfectly quiet, and the only other person in the room except the husband and myself was another of the children - a boy - who was also asleep. I went over, and lifted the head of the infant. It was still living and gasped. There was a piece of flannel, or some other cloth, covering the infant's neck. I did not uncover the infant, but called to the husband - "THOMAS, where's ELIZABETH?" but he did not awake. I then went out on the landing, thinking she might have gone and drowned herself, and met her coming up the stairs. She had a pitcher of water in her hand. I said, "Oh, ELIZABETH! what have you done with the baby?" She looked at me very innocently, and said, "I've cut it's throat." We then went into the room together, and she sat down on a chair by the fire place, just opposite the child, who was lying where I had before seen it. I said, "What did you do it for?" She said, "I don't know." I said, "What did you do it with?" - She said, "The razor." I asked, "Where is it?" She said, "Here." then I saw a razor, which, I think, she lifted from the table, because I saw her put her hand towards the table. I said, "Give it to me," and she did so. I think it was partly shut. I observed blood upon it. She said, "I have been working hard all night, and I thought I'd a-killed all in the house." I said, "I must run for a doctor." I then called for a neighbour to come in till I went for a surgeon, and I ran to the door and went for Mr Rolston and Mr Cole, surgeons. The former came and looked at the child, as did also Mr Cole. When I came back, ELIZABETH THOMAS was still in the room, and I heard her say that the Lord had forsaken her, and the devil had gained a mastery over her. She said that repeatedly this morning. She said she had tried it two or three times; that she had got out during the night; first she thought she would do it, then she thought she wouldn't, and then she thought there was something that told her she must do it. She said she thought in the night she was going to die, and then she thought the child had better die first. She said, "Oh! why did you order me to wean the child." I had heard Mr Cole, the surgeon who was attending her husband, say the day before that she must wean the child, or the child would wean her, or words to that effect. She requested me to put everything out of her reach, or else she was afraid she would do more harm. - [The prisoner was in an adjoining room, and the Coroner, thinking that she was in such a poor state of health that it was not advisable she should be present, instructed one of the constables to take her away, that she might go to bed if she wished.] - One of the Jury said they would not feel justified in returning a verdict without the presence of the woman. - The Coroner said he would take care of that. He had never seen the usefulness of it, and could see no object in it. - The Officer in attendance was then instructed to bring the woman in. - The Juryman said they could have no knowledge of whether the woman was sane or insane. - The woman was then brought in. The Coroner spoke to her, remarking that the surgeon thought she was so poorly that it would be necessary for her to go and lie down in bed. - She was removed accordingly and the examination of the witness was resumed. - Witness: When I came home last night she was suckling the deceased child while I was at supper. When I looked up again she was still suckling it, and she instantly caught it away from her breast. Her husband asked if she was suckling the child, and I did not answer him, as I did not wish him to know it. She answered, "No." The child is about three weeks old, and she seemed very weak. - By a Juror: Was she reasonable in her conversation? - Witness: I have not had much conversation with her. - The Coroner: Then, in your intercourse with her, was there anything in her manner, behaviour, conduct or demeanour that struck you as strange? - Witness: I think so. - The Coroner: Well, tell me what you saw to make you think that. - Witness: She has been always afraid that her husband was going to die, and that she was going to die; and she was thinking that things were going wrong. - The Coroner: Can you swear that you heard words to that effect? - Witness: I cannot swear to it, but I am sure I heard her say it. - The Coroner: Can you charge your memory that you heard words to that effect? - Witness: I cannot collect my thoughts sufficiently at present. - The Coroner: Well, you may be able to do so by and bye. What became of the razor? - Witness: I took possession of it and gave it to P.C. Schubert. She has been rather strange in her manner ever since she went to her present house. I saw blood on the sleeve of the night-dress of ELIZABETH THOMAS which she had on this morning. - By a Juror: Was the blood on the right sleeve or the left? - Witness: I cannot be positive; but I think it was the left. - Elizabeth Soper said: My husband, John Soper, is a boiler-maker at Keyham, and I live in the same house as ELIZABETH THOMAS. I have observed a strangeness about her for two weeks, and for two days past more so than before. I saw her last night at about half-past nine o'clock. She came into the washing house where I was washing. I saw the baby yesterday, but not so late in the evening; but I never heard her say anything about it. This morning, about ten minutes before six, my husband, who had left his bedroom only a minute or two to go to his work, returned to my room with the baby in his arms. The child was in its nightdress. I saw blood on the body of the dress, and I immediately went to ELIZABETH THOMAS'S room with the baby. There was a flannel over the neck of the child, which was then living. There was no gasping and it lived for eight minutes after I took it. ELIZABETH THOMAS was sitting in a chair when I went in. She never spoke until I spoke to her. She was dressed. I said to her, "Why did you do it?" She said, "I don't know; I've been working hard all night." She also said, "I've done it, and no one but me." She did not stand up for a few minutes. Mr Rolston came and looked at the child and then I saw the wound in its neck. - In answer to a Juror: I have only known her for a fortnight. - To the Coroner: She told me on Monday last that she thought her husband would die, and that she and her children would be better in the workhouse. Her husband was ill when he came to the house a fortnight ago, and has kept his bed ever since. - To a Juror: She seemed to be a very affectionate mother indeed. - To another Juror: She appeared to be a very sober woman. - George T. Rolston, surgeon, was then examined and deposed that he had been sent for to go to ELIZABETH THOMAS'S house, and corroborated the preceding witnesses as to the prisoner's admission that she had done the deed, and to being shewn the razor by the first witness. He then added: I removed the flannel, which was covered with blood, from off the child's neck. I saw a wound right across the neck about two inches long and half an inch in depth. The windpipe was cut entirely through. The child was dead, and it appeared to have been a little while dead. The child appeared to be about three weeks old. It was a female child. I spoke to the brother and a woman besides that they should keep all sharp instruments from her, and ELIZABETH THOMAS said "Yes, you had better do so, because I might do some more injury." I am quite sure that the wound was quite sufficient to cause death ,and I believe it to have been the cause of death. The deepest part of the wound was on the right side of the neck. She is in a very low, nervous state at present. - P.C. Schubert, in his evidence, spoke to having received the razor from ELIZABETH THOMAS'S brother, and that he heard her say, in answer to the question why it was done, "I don't know how it was done, but I did it." He produced the razor and spoke to having conveyed the prisoner to the police office. - John Lynn, Superintendent of Police at Devonport, said: On this morning, a little after ten o'clock, ELIZABETH THOMAS was brought in a fly to the police station. I caused her to sit down, and directed the female searcher to take care of her. I asked her name and her husband's name, and where she lived and she answered. I then wrote the charge in the charge sheet - "Wilfully murdering her female infant child, by cutting her throat, at John-street, Newpassage." She was hanging down her head, and I said, "MRS THOMAS, listen to me. You are charged with wilfully murdering your female infant child." She said, "I don't know anything about it; only I done it." She was placed in the cell and about an hour afterwards I brought her out and placed her in the charge-room; and while there I asked if her husband was ill. She said he was ill in bed. She said she had been ill, and she thought she should die, and the child would be left. She made use of the expression that she loved her child dearly; and again she said, "Innocent lamb!" The sum of 8s. 4 ¼ d. was found upon her. She expressed a hope that it would be given to provide for her children. This was said in consequence of her brother asking me, in her presence, what was to be done with the money. I happened to put the question to her if she had been drinking yesterday, and she said, "Oh, no; I have not taken a single drop." - THOMAS HENRY THOMAS, brother of the prisoner, and a tailor, living in Morice Town: I saw her at half-past nine o'clock last night in her bedroom. Her husband was in bed ill, and had kept his bed for some days. The child was in her arms, and appeared to be in good health. It was crying. I asked her why she did not suckle the child, and she said she had no milk. The child was at the time sucking her lip. On Sunday I thought she was desponding, and I thought so last night too. She told me last night that she thought her milk was flying all about her. I said I thought she was not right, as I thought she had been talking very wild lately. She said, "I'm not drunk;" and I said, "No I never saw you take drink, and I am not saying you are drunk." I think the eldest child is about nine years of age. - Mrs Hawkins deposed that ELIZABETH THOMAS had occupied a house of hers for nine years, and she left in consequence of her husband having a boat, and the house not being conveniently situated for him. The husband of ELIZABETH THOMAS had a pension as a seaman of £28 12s. per annum. She was a sober, steady woman, and witness had never seen her otherwise but affectionate. - Mrs Soper was recalled and deposed that prisoner had told her that her husband had nothing but his pension and that it would not support the children. - Mrs Elizabeth Rees deposed: I am a widow and live in the same house with ELIZABETH THOMAS. I saw her this morning at five minutes before six, when I went into MR THOMAS'S room and I said, "Oh! MRS THOMAS, what have you done?" She said, "I've murdered my baby; I've cut its throat." I said, "Why did you do this?" She said "The nation appeared to be at war with her all through the night." She thought Mr Joll had taken her goods for rent, and that Mr Rolston had sent her in a bill which she could not pay. She also said, "I know I've murdered my baby, and now I've washed my hands in innocent blood. She said, "I thought I had murdered Mrs Rees, and my husband and children," and that she had attempted to drown herself in the night. She had prayed to the Lord, but He had forbidden her. I have known ELIZABETH THOMAS for several years. She is a sober woman. - Mrs Frances Colwell was next examined, and spoke to the strangeness in the prisoner's manner. Witness heard ELIZABETH THOMAS say, on Wednesday last, that her husband was dying, and that she would die very shortly; and that she would not live long. She was moving her hands about in a twitching manner, and said that her blood was all in a ferment, and was pricking and twitching. She jumped up, and was out of the room in an instant. - The Coroner then addressed the Jury. He said: This is a very melancholy case, but it appears to me, and I dare say it will appear to you, to be a very plain one - that this poor woman, ELIZABETH THOMAS, destroyed her child; and of the intent to take away its life I presume you can feel no doubt. Prima facie, it is an act of murder. I do not think you are competent at this time to find that the woman, at the time she committed this act upon her child, was insane, and therefore, I think your verdict must be one of murder against the mother of the child. I, probably, need not say to you that, whenever a person is tried for murder, due care is taken that if the party charged was insane at the time of the commission of the act of homicide, then the party is convicted of murder, but is found to be insane, and is placed under restraint, during her Majesty's pleasure, which, in point of fact, is during such time as the party shall remain in such insanity. If you find, as I think you should do, this verdict against ELIZABETH THOMAS, it will be my duty to commit her to take her trial at the next Assizes, and at that time it will be competent for those who are interested in her case to bring any evidence which can be adduced to show that she is insane; and no doubt the medical officer of the gaol and others, who will have been in the habit of seeing her between this time and the Assizes, will be able to give evidence - and I hope satisfactory evidence - of her being in this state of mind to absolve her from this heavy charge. If you concur with that view of the case you have only to say so, and I shall record a verdict of murder against her. It is a very painful case. - The Jury were not occupied more than a minute in consulting as to their verdict, which was unanimous that the deceased child had met its death at the hands of the prisoner. - The Coroner: I hope you are all morally convinced, although there may not be the legal evidence to find the point of insanity now, that this poor creature is not in that state of mind to render her responsible for what she is doing. - The Jury unanimously expressed concurrence. - The Prisoner was accordingly committed for the next Assizes.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 4 July 1863
BLACKAWTON - Fatal Accident At Blackawton. - A young man named THOMAS PHILLIPS, aged about 19 years, and residing with his employer, Mr John Shapley, of Cotterbury Farm, in the parish of Blackawton, was, on Tuesday last, about to convey a roller and harrow from one part of the arm to another, and for that purpose had attached the roller to the cart, and was placing the harrow horse in the cart - at the time standing on the roller - when the horse started, and PHILLIPS'S foot becoming entangled in the roller he was dragged a considerable distance, and received such injuries that he died on the same day. - An Inquest. - Was held on the body on Thursday evening at the residence of Mr Shapley, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr W. B. Hambling was Foreman. - Philip Trout, a farm labourer, deposed that on Tuesday morning, just before eight o'clock, he was in his master's yard at Wadstray, when he heard someone sing out for "mercy." He ran towards the spot from whence the sound came, and found the deceased lying in the road with the roller on his left leg. Deceased said, "I am afraid I am ruined for life." His foot was jammed between the roller and the frame. The roller was fastened to the cart. The horse had fallen and was in the road. Witness asked how it had happened. Deceased replied, "I was standing on the roller. The horse moved and I slipped off, and the roller caught my foot." The accident happened about a quarter of a mile from Mr Shapley's house. Witness sent for Mr Shapley, and assisted in removing the deceased to his home. The foot was crushed to pieces, but did not bleed much. Deceased was in much agony, and appeared to have been dragged about four land yards. - John Nottle, residing with Mr Shapley, corroborated Trout's evidence. - John Shapley stated that, on hearing of the accident, he went and met the cart with deceased in it. He had him carefully removed to bed and sent for Mr Puddicombe, surgeon, who came in a very short time and stopped the haemorrhage, but said he could not amputate the leg then, as the deceased was so weak. He appointed to do it at five, but the deceased died at three. - The Jury having been addressed by the Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Deceased was much respected by his employer, and in the evening his remains were attended to their final resting place by a large number of friends and neighbours.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 8 July 1863
BUCKFASTLEIGH - On Monday an Inquest was held at Buckfast Abbey, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr John Voce was the Foreman, on the body of FREDERICK BAKER, coachman to R. Sullivan, Esq., of the Abbey, who was drowned in the River Dart on Saturday last, as reported in our impression of Monday. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased was in a hay field in the afternoon of Saturday, where he remained until about four o'clock, when he left, saying that he would go down to the river and bathe. He was seen by a lad named George Ireland to undress himself and go in the river, and commence washing the lower parts of his body in shallow water. He then went further in, where the water was much deeper, and disappeared, but again came up to the surface of the water, and sank a second time. The lad was not alarmed at it, as he thought deceased was diving. A man named William Tregeay coming by at the time, saw deceased lying in the bottom of the river where the water was 8 feet deep; he instantly gave an alarm and procured assistance. Dr Phillips was sent for, who was soon in attendance, but his efforts were of no avail, life being quite extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 9 July 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Suicide At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of THOMAS AVENT, about sixty years of age, who was found dead, with his throat cut, in a field at Cattedown on Tuesday afternoon. - John Foster, a smith, living at No. 32 Clarence-street, said he had known the deceased for about two years. He was sixty years old and was a labourer on the Plymouth Breakwater. He was married and lived with his wife in the same house as witness. He had not been well for some time, and appeared very strange in his manner at times. Deceased was a very sober man. He had during the past two or three weeks whenever he saw witness or any other person always tried to shun him and get away out of sight. He was very low spirited. On Sunday night last between nine and ten o'clock the deceased came into witness's room, and he asked him (deceased) what was the matter with him, to which he replied, "I don't know." In answer to witness, he said he was not in pain, and added, "I must do it! I am bound to do it!" At this time the deceased looked wild and kept walking up and down the room. Witness did not believe he was in his right senses. - Elizabeth Symons, a widow, and sister-in-law to deceased, deposed that within the last few weeks deceased had been in a very desponding state. The last time she saw him alive was on Monday night at ten o'clock, in his own room taking supper with his wife. He appeared very comfortable then. He went away to work, she believed, on the following morning, shortly before six o'clock. - Joseph Collier, a labourer on the Breakwater, said he had known the deceased for about thirty years or more. He had observed that deceased had had a nervous complaint about him for fourteen years, but more especially for the last three years. When labouring under this nervous complaint he was in very dull spirits. He was very melancholy last week. He was not at work on Monday, and told witness the reason was that he had been very ill. - Francis Green said he was an apprentice living at 32 Clarence-street, where the deceased lived. He had known deceased for four years, and had never seen him in a perfect state of health during that time. Last Sunday evening he was worse and continued to walk up and down his room muttering to himself. - John Stanbury, a labourer, said he kept fields in Cattedown-lane. On Monday last he cut the grass there. On Tuesday he was turning the hay in one of his fields called Martin's Park, when he saw the deceased in a corner of the field, apparently asleep. He went to him and found him lying on his face and hands on the grass. He noticed that his right hand was covered with blood. With assistance he moved the deceased and then discovered that his throat was cut. About a foot from his right hand was a clasp pocket-knife open, covered with blood. Deceased was quite dead. He had not the least doubt that deceased destroyed himself. Witness communicated with Mr Trengrove at Plymouth, and P.C. Strang, who went to the spot and took charge of deceased's body and the knife. - P.C. Strang deposed that he went to the field belonging to the last witness and took charge of deceased's body, and had it conveyed to the dead-house in Westwell-street. He also took charge of the knife, which was very sharp and in good order. - The witness Collier identified the knife as being the property of the deceased. - The Coroner summed up shortly, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Death From Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Paper Maker's Arms, Exe-lane, Exeter, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, on the body of a boy named JAMES JERMAN, seven years of age, the son of a chimney sweeper residing in Waterbeer-street. It appeared that on the previous day the deceased, with his brother and another boy, crossed the river at the Head Weir, re-crossed at Blackaller's Weir, just below, and proceeded to a withy bed belonging to Mr W. Tremlett, paper maker. Mr Tremlett called to the boys and they scampered off frightened towards the Bonhay. Two of them succeeded in escaping, but the deceased slipped his foot, and fell into the river, where there was six or seven feet of water. Mr Tremlett was almost close behind, and endeavoured - but ineffectually - to save the child. He called to one of his men, named Simmons, as he was unable to swim, and the man jumped into the water, and within three minutes of deceased's falling into the water the body was brought out. He was immediately conveyed to the Paper Maker's Arms, where medical and every aid was promptly rendered, but, notwithstanding that he had been in the water so short a time, all attempts at resuscitation proved unavailing. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 14 July 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Fatal Boat Accident In The Hamoaze. - Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Ferry House Inn, Morice Town, into the circumstances of the death of WILLIAM BRIDGEMAN, who was drowned on Thursday, the 2nd inst. The deceased was a warrant officer's servant on board the Indus, where he had been for about 5 months. On the day mentioned he was in a boat belonging to the ship, in company with William Woods, a warrant officer. They were on their way to Keyham Yard; it was blowing a slight breeze from the west. They proceeded for some distance, and were open to the mouth of St. John's Lake, when a sudden puff caught the sails, and, in consequence, Woods gave directions to the deceased to loosen the jib-sheet, but he appeared as if moored to the spot, and did not attend to the order. The wind filled the sails and the boat gradually gave way to the leeward and began to fill, and the two men were both thrown in the water. They attempted to swim to the shore, but neither of them could swim, and they began to sink. A young man named Thomas Marshall, who was in a boat by H.M.S. Surplus, seeing the accident set sail and proceeded to the spot. He got near the unfortunate persons and caught them both by the collars of their coats, but he was obliged to withdraw his hold from BRIDGEMAN, and he sank. Woods was immediately conveyed to the Indus, where restoratives were applied, and he shortly afterwards recovered. On Saturday morning last, about half-past two o'clock, a boat, containing several fishermen, was passing near North Corner, when they observed something in the water. they proceeded to the spot, and a man named Richard Nicholson picked up the object, and discovered that it was the body of a man. Information was at once given, and they body was identified to be that of the deceased. The Coroner in summing up the evidence, referred to the conduct of the witness, Thomas Marshall, and complimented him for his presence of mind on the occasion; and it was afterwards understood, by a motion of the Jury, that his name should be forwarded to the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, that he might be rewarded for his services. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" and attached no blame to any persons concerned.

UGBOROUGH - The Melancholy Suicide At Ugborough. - An Inquiry was held on Friday at Peek Hill Bridge, near Ugborough, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., District Coroner and a respectable Jury, of which Mr William Watts was chosen Foreman, into the circumstances connected with the death of RICHARD BEABLE, the young man who hung himself to an apple tree the previous day, as reported in the Mercury of Friday. No evidence was adduced to show what could have led the deceased to commit such an act, and the Jury returned a verdict of Felo de Se. The body was interred in Ugborough Churchyard with the formalities usual on such melancholy occasions between the hours of nine and twelve, when a very great number of persons were present.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 16 July 1863
YEALMPTON - The Fatal Accident At Yealmpton. - The Inquest on the body of the unfortunate young man (WILCOCKS) who was accidentally killed by falling from a horse on Monday evening was held yesterday afternoon, at Winsor, near Ermington, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner. The particulars of the case appear in another column. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Mr Parnell was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 17 July 1863
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy And Unaccountable Suicide. - A sad case of suicide occurred yesterday at Whitecross-street, Plymouth, when an agricultural labourer, about 45 years of age, hung himself at his lodgings, without any apparent motive. The circumstances were disclosed at the Inquest, which was held yesterday afternoon at the Queen's Arms Inn, Whitecross-street. The deceased was named FRANCIS NETHERTON. The Jury, of whom Mr Richard Oldrey was Foreman, first proceeded to view the body, after which the following evidence was taken:- Thomas Palmer said he was the landlord of the Queen's Arms, Whitecross-street. Deceased first came to his house about two months ago as a lodger. About half past six that morning he called the servant girl to go downstairs, as he usually did every morning. A few minutes afterwards she called to him and told him deceased was in the stairs asleep. He immediately came out of his room and discovered the deceased hanging by the stair-rope. He called to the policeman on the bet, and P.C. Ryder came in and cut the body down, but life was quite extinct. The deceased was an agricultural labourer. - P.C. Ryder said he was called in the Queen's Arms that morning by the last witness, who told him that a man had hung himself. He went in and saw the deceased hanging by the stair-rope at the bottom flight of stairs. He was quite dead and cold, and, from the appearance of the body, he should think he had been dead about three hours. He immediately cut the deceased down and removed him to the brewhouse. He searched him and found on him 4s. 7 ½ d. and a silver watch and chain. - Elizabeth Daw said she was a servant to Mr Palmer. She knew the deceased well. He came home about 9 o'clock the previous evening, and immediately went to bed, without speaking to anyone. On the following morning, about half-past 6, as she was going downstairs, she saw the deceased on the stairs in a standing position. Thinking he was asleep, she called on him to rouse up, but finding he did not speak she called to Mr Palmer and she then found that deceased was hanging by the stair-rope. She could not say anything as to the state of mind of the deceased, as she had only been in Mr Palmer's employ a fortnight. - Elizabeth Palmer, wife of the first witness, said she had known the deceased about two months, during which time she had seen him frequently drunk. She spoke to him on the previous Saturday, when he asked her what he was in her debt. She told him that as he was out of work she would not be hard upon him, and charged him 2s 6d., which he instantly paid, at the same time saying he would remember her for her kindness. He said he had drawn £16, but it had all been taken from him. She noticed that he had two bruises over each of his eyes, and asked him how it was done. He replied that some landlord had ill-used him. He appeared to be very low-spirited. - This being the whole evidence the Jury unanimously returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." - [Monday, 20 July 1863 - Additional information: The Recent suicide at Whitecross-street. With reference to the unaccountable suicide committed by an agricultural labourer in the Queen's Arms Inn, Whitecross-street, on Thursday last, we are favoured by a correspondent with the following information:- The name of the labourer as it was given at the Inquest was FRANCIS NETHERTON, but our correspondent states that his real name was FRANCIS WERRIN. Occasionally, during the last five years, he worked for Mr Joseph Thomas, of Exeter-street. Since he left Mr Thomas's employment he has been working at the Fortifications. Early in the spring he went to Guernsey and returned in Whitsun-week. He called again on Mr Thomas a fortnight ago, asking employment, and told Mr Thomas he had not been successful in Guernsey. He said, however, he was not hard up, as he had £40 with him. At the Inquest it was stated that deceased had been frequently seen drunk during the last two months. Whether he got rid of his money by this means, or whether the poor man's pockets were surreptitiously lightened, will not now be known. He himself was deposed at the Inquest to have said that he had drawn £16, "but it had been all taken from him."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 20 July 1863
TORQUAY - The Late Death By Fire At Torquay. - On Friday an Enquiry was opened by F. B. Cuming, Esq., District Coroner, at Love's Commercial Hotel, touching the death of the late MISS MARY ANN BLAKE, at Anglesey, the day previously. The Jury were Messrs. Blackmore, Northway, Symmons, W. Wakeham, H. Wakeham, H. Wreyford, H. Elliott, Guyer, Ardley, G. Watts, Copping and C. Narracott. Mr Henry Wreyford was Foreman. - After the Jury had been to the house to vied the body the depositions of William Parker, coachman and Elizabeth Peckins, housemaid, were taken. From these it appeared that after deceased had retired for the night on Tuesday last a spark from the candle fell on the toilet cover, which immediately ignited and in her anxiety to put it out the upper part of her dress caught fire. She then appears to have rushed to the landing, as portions of the burning dress remained there when the housemaid, hearing her screams, ran to her assistance. With the help of the coachman the flames were subdued, who then went for Dr Hounsell. Deceased lingered until a quarter before three on Thursday morning when she expired. At the time of the accident MISS BLAKE'S sister was partly undressed in another bedroom, but she also rushed in and in endeavouring to succour her sister was so severely burnt about the face, arms &c., that she still lies in a very precarious state. After hearing the evidence, the Jury at once returned a verdict of "Died from the effects of injuries received by Burning."

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Devonshire Arms on Saturday evening, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner for the city, and a respectable Jury, of which Mr William Kemp was Foreman, touching the death of ALICE SUSAN COMMINGS, aged five weeks. It appeared that the deceased was the daughter of MR COMMINGS, builder, Bedford-street, and that at eleven o'clock on the previous night it retired to rest with its parents. It remained at the mother's breast from that time until four o'clock when MRS COMMINGS passed it over to her husband in order that having a broken breast, she might obtain some rest. The father put his arm under the child and it remained by his side until he got out of bed at half-past five. He returned to bed, and on getting up at half-past six he noticed a peculiar gaze about the eyes. He put his hand to the child's forehead and found it warm, but being afraid that it was dying he ran for his mother-in-law and Dr Marchant, but upon the arrival of the latter the child was dead. Mr Marchant, who had attended MRS COMMINGS in her confinement, said the child was healthy although small. When he arrived he found that it had thrown up a quantity of undigested milk and the cause of death might have been suffocation whilst vomiting. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 July 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident On Board H.M.S. Implacable. - On Monday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Naval Hospital Inn, touching the death of GEORGE BINGHAM, who died from injuries received on Friday last on board H.M.S. Implacable. The deceased was a second class boy, and was about 15 years of age. It appears that on that day the deceased was on the mizen topmast cap, about five feet above the cross trees, with a number of other boys and men, for the purpose of getting the gallant royal yards down. After the gear was ready to perform the operations, notice was given, and they were asked if they were ready, and being answered in the affirmative they proceeded to lower the yards. The deceased was stationed on the "cap" in order to intercept the upper top gallant lift on its being lowered. He was observed to lay forward, and he was told not to do so because it was dangerous. Orders were then given to "sway" the yards and in so doing it went sideways and struck the deceased, and he fell to the deck, a distance of about 90 feet. He was immediately conveyed to the Dispensary and examined by Dr Negus, when it was found that he had sustained a severe fracture of the skull and was perfectly insensible. On Saturday the lad was in a very weak state, and he was conveyed to the Naval Hospital, where every means were used for his recovery, but he (deceased) died on Sunday morning at about three o'clock. The Coroner in summing up the evidence, said it appeared that every precaution had been taken for the safety of the men, and in the present case the circumstances appeared purely accidental. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their opinion that no blame was attached to any of the officers of the ship.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 24 July 1863
EXETER - Coroner's Inquest At Exeter. Sudden Death. - We regret to have to record the melancholy and sudden death of MR JOHN PEARSE, livery stable keeper, Bedford st., which took place on Wednesday morning. It appears that the deceased, although only 29 years of age, has been suffering for some considerable period from palpitation of the heart to such an extent that Mr James, his medical attendant, had warned him and his family that he would probably die very suddenly. Only last March his father died, after a lengthened illness, and then he (deceased) became so affected that Mr James attended him, and he was shortly able to attend to his usual duties, although, in consequence of Mr James' advice, he refrained from horse riding. On Wednesday he got up about seven o'clock, and went to the yard, which is close by the dwelling house. He returned to breakfast, about eight o'clock, but could not eat much, complaining of feeling stiff and poorly, and of having taken a cold. He, however, ate a piece of bread and butter, and drank two cups of tea, and shortly afterwards again left for the yard. He there gave directions to some of the men, and put a handful of straw into the grate in the harness-room, and whilst in the act of coming out he suddenly fell back. The men ran to his assistance, and sent for medical aid. In a few minutes Dr Drake and Mr James arrived, as well as the deceased's sister, but life was extinct. - Yesterday morning an Inquest was held at the Half Moon Hotel, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner and a most respectable Jury, of which Mr Frederick Glenn was Foreman, when the following evidence was adduced:- MATILDA JANE PEARSE, the sister of the deceased, said her brother was never of a strong constitution, and, in fact, was never well. He had been attended by Mr James, surgeon, but not since September last, although that gentleman continually saw him. On the previous morning he took breakfast with the family, at about 8 o'clock, but he did not eat much. He complained of being stiff and poorly; said he thought he had taken cold. A beefsteak was provided for him, which he could not eat, but he partook of a small piece of bread and butter and drank two cups of tea. When he left the breakfast-table, he went to the yard, and in about a quarter of an hour afterwards one of the men ran into the house and begged her to go to the yard as her brother had had a fit. She went there immediately, and found him sitting on a stool in the harness room. She rested him on her arm, and begged him to speak, but he made her no answer. She then sent for Mr James and he shortly afterwards arrived, in company with Dr Drake, but the deceased was then dead. Nothing had happened that morning to excite him; in fact he was particularly quiet. - Mr W. W. James, surgeon, said he had known the deceased for fourteen years, and was his professional attendant, although he had not attended him for the last four or five months. He was suffering from disease of the heart. On the previous morning he was called to see him. He was sitting on a block, being supported by his sister. His forehead was cold, and he had cold, clammy sweats. He felt his pulse, and found that he was dead. The cause of death was valvular disease of the heart, and his appearance was confirmatory of an opinion which he had given three years since that he would die suddenly. It had often been a source of great anxiety to him (witness) that he would die whilst riding or driving, and recently he had not ridden horseback. - James Savage, a driver in the deceased's employ, said about half-past 8 o'clock on the previous morning his master came into the stables and gave him and another man directions as to the horses they were to take for the day. He then took a wad of straw and put into the fireplace in the harness-room, and on coming out he turned round and fell on his back. Witness ran to him and picked him up. He spoke to him, but the deceased did not answer him. - The Jury then returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence of Mr James.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 25 July 1863
PLYMOUTH - Death In A Workhouse Cot. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the New Workhouse before John Edmonds, Esq., concerning the death of MARY ANN KELLY, who died on the previous day, under the following circumstances:- It appeared that the deceased, who was about 40 years of age, had been living for some time with a woman named Sarah Warn, and had been suffering from bronchitis. She had been receiving 1s. a week from the parish, having no other means of maintenance. Mr Dale, surgeon, had been tending her during her illness and supplied her with several bottles of medicine, but she had thrown them away. She was taken worse on Tuesday, and a neighbour went to Dr Dale and applied for an order for admittance into the workhouse. This was immediately given, and the words "a cot" written on the bottom of the order; but the day being wet, deceased was not removed until the following day. She then desired that a cab should be procured for her, but this Mr Clements refused to do, as he considered he should exceed his duty by so doing. On Wednesday afternoon the workhouse men came to her house and placed her in the cot, paying every attention to her. She was carried inside the workhouse gate, and it was then ascertained that she was dead. It was the opinion of Mr Dale that the deceased died from chronic bronchitis, and that it was very probable her heart was dilated, and that the circulation of the blood to the brain failed. These facts having been stated, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

EXETER - Distressing Suicide At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at the Half-moon Inn, Whipton, before the County Coroner, R. R. Crosse, Esq., touching the death of HANNAH TAYLOR, wife of MR TAYLOR coach builder, Exeter, who was found dead in a well the previous day at Stoke Hill, on Mr Mart's estate. The following persons gave evidence:- Mr Lionel Roberts, surgeon, of Exeter, said: Yesterday morning about twenty minutes past nine I was called by J. Quant to go immediately to Stoke Hill. I went and found the body of the deceased lying just outside the well on the Old Stoke Road. She was quite dead. I examined the body, but did not discover any marks of violence whatever. From the appearance of the body it had all the symptoms of death by drowning. I never saw the deceased before. - FREDERICK TAYLOR said:- I am the husband of the deceased. I have been married thirty years last February. The deceased was fifty years of age. I have lived a happy life, particularly latterly. I have been ill for the last two months. She had been very dejected for the last month, and has eaten very little. I saw her last alive about seven o'clock a.m., when she went down to get me some tea, as I believed. I never saw her again. About nine o'clock I went downstairs and could not find her, and at eleven o'clock a woman told me that a woman was found dead on Stoke Hill. I went as far as the London Inn, and took a cab and went to Stoke Hill gate, and from information, I found that the deceased was my beloved wife. She would often say - "TAYLOR, do not be alarmed if you wake up any morning and find me missing, as I shall go to Taunton." I believe her mind to have been affected. Her maiden name was Mormey, and she was a native of Taunton. She had six children. - George Palmer said - I am a coach spring maker, working in the same yard as the last witness. I have known the deceased and her husband for twenty years and they lived comfortably together. During the last month I have observed a difference in her manner. She has asked me what I thought of TAYLOR'S health. I believe she was not right in her mind. I came here voluntarily to testify to the state of the mind of the deceased, and I was not astonished when I heard of her death, as I fancied that for the last month she has been very different to what she used to be. - Ann Bastin said:- I am a married woman and live in Catherine-street, and was a neighbour of the deceased. She has been to my house latterly during the last month more than it was her custom to do, and at very unusual times. About seven o'clock in the morning she came to my house with only a night-cap and a flannel petticoat on and told me that she had had no sleep for that night and complained of the illness of her husband, and said, "What will become of me if I was to be left a widow?" I have known her for twenty years. I believe her husband's illness has affected her mind. - Mr J. Ellicome was called and said - I am a farmer, living at Polesloe, in this parish. Yesterday morning about nine o'clock I was coming down Stoke Hill with some bullocks, when I saw by the well an umbrella and a shawl. I suspected that some woman was in the well and gave information to J. Quant and Robert Milford. I saw them search the well and take out the body of the deceased from the water. She was quite dead, but no one there knew the deceased. - J. Quant and Robert Milford corroborated the last witness's evidence and the Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity. - The following articles were found by Sergeant Mitchell, and were ordered to be given up to the husband:- An umbrella, a shawl, a bonnet, a pair of spectacles, and a prayer book, with this inscription, - HANNAH TAYLOR, Feb. 1st, 1833.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 27 July 1863
POLTIMORE - The Death Of Lord Poltimore's Bailiff. - The Inquest on the body of MR HEWS, farm bailiff to the Right Hon. Lord Poltimore, was held at Poltimore on Saturday before R. R. Crosse, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury of which Mr John Norrish was Foreman. The facts were precisely as detailed in the Mercury of Saturday. - George Coombes, the lad, proved going out with the deceased, the placing of the gun on the hedge by MR HEWS, and its subsequent discharge while attempting to take it down. - Emmanuel Gilsham, a labourer, deposed to being called to assist the boy, when the accident happened. - W. Hardwell stated that when he took up the gun there was a bramble round the cock of each barrel; and R. May and P.C. Burnell repeated their former statements that the loaded barrel was drawn by them and that it contained powder and shot, but no bullet. The Coroner ably summed up the evidence to the Jury, who almost immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" upon which the Coroner remarked that it was a very proper verdict, and that he did not see what other decision the Jury could have arrived at. We understand that MR HEWS' life was insured in the sum of £1000.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 1 August 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At The Devonport Gas Works. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the White Lion Inn, King-street, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the circumstances which attended the death of RICHARD ROGERS, who was killed at the Devonport Gas Works on the previous day, whilst removing a gasometer. The deceased was employed by Mr Lakeman, and on Wednesday afternoon he was sent with several other men to remove the gasometer at the gas works. The top of the erection was divided into three limbs, which were to be slung to the ground separately by the "sheer legs". The limb was being lowered to the ground by chains which were heavier than the block, and in consequence it was very difficult to execute. By some means the chains would not work, and the deceased and another man climbed up the chains, when they broke loose from the wrench by which it was guided, and the limb fell to the ground, and carried the chains with it, which struck the deceased in the forehead and killed him instantaneously. Mr Bone said he wished the Inquest to be adjourned, in order that the Jury might view the scene of the accident, and they might then judge if any blame attached to any person. The Inquest was adjourned until today (Saturday).

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 3 August 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - The Adjourned Inquest On The Man Killed At The Devonport Gas Works. - On Saturday afternoon, an adjourned Inquest was held at the Sportsman's Arms, Morice Town, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., into the circumstances which attended the death of RICHARD ROGERS, a labourer, in the employ of Mr Lakeman, contractor, who was killed at the Devonport Gas Works on Thursday last. The particulars of the accident have been fully detailed in the Mercury. The Inquest was adjourned so that the Jury might visit the Gas works to inspect the machinery by which the deceased met his death, and at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, they accordingly visited the scene of the accident, and made a careful inspection of the manner in which the work was proceeded with, and also the nature of the materials with which the work was executed. The evidence which was afterwards adduced gave no additional particulars of the accident, and the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, but severely censured Mr Lakeman, the contractor.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 6 August 1863
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Accident Near Tavistock. Coroner's Inquest. - On Saturday morning the Inquest on the body of THOMAS BARNACOTT, a horse-breaker, the circumstances attending whose death were briefly reported in the Mercury of Friday, was held before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury, of which Mr Charles Bawden was Foreman. - The Coroner and Jury viewed the body of the deceased at his house in Paddon's Row, and then went to the Guildhall, where the depositions of the witnesses were taken. - John Pearce, a labourer, said he was going along the Chillaton road about eleven o'clock on Wednesday night last. When he got near to Coryton Parsonage he saw in the middle of the road a man standing up, with his hands in his pockets. By the side of the man was a little dog. When he got near enough, witness said, "Who's that? - MR BARNACOTT?" The man answered "Yes." Witness enquired where he was going, and he said he didn't know. he asked him several other questions, to most of which the deceased answered in a confused manner. "I don't know." Witness asked him if he had been at the New Inn, Thrushelton, and he said "Yes." He also said he had been breaking in a colt belonging to Mr Walters, of Week Farm, and he wanted to know where the colt was gone. Witness told him that the colt was probably gone home, and advised him to go home too, assuring him that if he saw the horse he would take it to Week. Week was four miles from where they stood. Deceased told witness the colt had thrown him three times and took off his hat to show him a cut in the back part of his head. The Parsonage house at Coryton was about twenty yards from where he and the deceased were standing. Deceased smelled strongly of drink, and witness thought he was not sober, though not sufficiently intoxicated to be unable to take care of himself. There was blood about the head of the deceased. - James Martin saw the deceased riding the horse in Mr Walter's yard early in the morning of Wednesday, the day previous to his death. Deceased told him that he had had a little struggle with the colt the day before. He said, also, that the colt was then getting quieter. Deceased was perfectly sober. - Thomas Head, of Sampford Spiney, said he met a horse having a saddle and a bridle on, but without a rider, on the road near Coryton, between the hours of twelve and one on Thursday morning. The horse passed by him as fast as it could gallop. Witness went on towards Coryton. In a few minutes he heard a dog barking and when he got near to the dog he saw a man lying at length on his face and hands upon the parish road. A hat was close by. He turned the man over and sat him up. He spoke loudly to him several times, but could get no answer. After he had stayed there about a quarter of an hour hw went towards a farm near at hand, and met on the way a man named John Jordan. He told Jordan about the man in the road. Jordan believed the man belonged to the farm, and said he should go and speak to the people there. Witness then went on with his cattle. - John Jordan, of Milton, was going along the road near Coryton Cross on Wednesday night. He saw a pony walking before him in the road. He followed it and when near enough saw that it had no rider. He at length caught the pony and attempted to get in the saddle, but he could not do so because it jumped about so much. After some time it got away from him and ran off. He saw the last witness near Mrs Glanville's farm-gate. When he knew about the man being in the road he went to the farm house and roused its inmates. George Crapp, one of the workmen, dressed himself and joined him. They went into the road and saw the deceased lying there. A little dog rose from his side as they approached and barked at them. The deceased appeared to be asleep. He was drawing his breath comfortably. They sat him up and spoke to him. He made a little noise with his mouth and witness saw his lips move but could not understand what he said. There was a small spot of blood upon his forehead. witness thought he was intoxicated. Witness and Crapp placed him by the side of the hedge, untied his neckerchief and made him comfortable, thinking he would soon be able to get up and walk. - George Crapp, servant to Mrs Glanville, of Broadpark, near Coryton, was roused from sleep by the last witness at a very early hour on Thursday morning. He could not tell the exact time, but thought it was about one o'clock. In consequence of what Jordan told him he went into the road and saw a man upon the ground. He seemed to be asleep and tipsy. Witness and Jordan picked him up and put him by the side of the hedge. Witness and Jordan then went away. - The Coroner: Mr Northey here will tell you that if you had at that time carried the deceased to the nearest house, and obtained medical assistance, instead of leaving him by the road side for six or seven hours, he would very likely have been living now. But you did all, I suppose, to the best of your judgment, which I am sorry to find is not very good. - John Littlejohns, of Lydaton said he was going to fetch some cows at about seven o'clock on Thursday morning. He saw THOMAS BARNACOTT lying by the hedge on the side of the road, near Broad-park. His hat was on his head. Witness picked him up. He was snoring loudly. Witness spoke to a man named James Westlake, who came to where BARNACOTT was lying. Witness called out loudly to BARNACOTT but received no answer. There was blood on the road about three feet from him, and there were marks in the dust for about six feet, as if someone had been dragged in it. As witness could not rouse him he left him to the care of Westlake, whilst he went to Chillaton for the policeman. When witness returned with P.C. White, BARNACOTT was dead. - The Coroner: How far is Chillaton from the place where the deceased was lying? - Witness: Two miles. - The Coroner: How long were you going there and returning? - Witness: About half an hour. - The Coroner: And you went to fetch the policeman without rendering the poor man any assistance! - James Westlake said he was called to by John Littlejohns between seven and eight o'clock on Thursday morning. He went to him and then saw THOMAS BARNACOTT lying by the hedge. Littlejohns went away for a policeman, and he waited to take care of BARNACOTT. He told his father about BARNACOTT'S being there. After the last witness went away, BARNACOTT changed colour, snored very loudly and died. He died in about half an hour after witness first saw him. Witness gave him no water. The body was put into a spring trap and taken to a house in Paddon's-row, Tavistock. - W. C. Northey, Esq., M.R.C.S., said he was desired on Thursday afternoon to see THOMAS BARNACOTT at Paddon's-row. He saw his body lying on a bed. He proceeded to examine it. On the upper part of the head, rather towards the back of it, there was one large bruise from 2 to 2 ½ in. in diameter, and in the centre of this was a deep puncture. Under the skin there was a large quantity of blood. The skull appeared to be fractured. Snoring was a symptom of apoplexy, or a fusion of blood upon the brain. A fracture and bruise would not be sufficient to cause death unless there were internal injuries. Though deceased's skull was fractured, he did not think that any portion of the bone was pressing on the brain. If he had received medical aid when he was first found, at twelve or one o'clock, it was possible that he might have recovered. It was possible for a man to receive such injuries and retain his senses for some time. He might remain sensible for an hour or two before he became stupefied. - William Jury said he found the pony at the gate of Week Farm at half-past six o'clock on Thursday morning. - The Coroner briefly and clearly summed up the evidence. He dwelt upon the great negligence and unkindness which had characterised the conduct of nearly all the witnesses towards the deceased; but this treatment, though morally unjust, was not, he said, illegal. - The Foreman, after a short consultation with the other Jurymen, returned a verdict of "Died from injuries on the head, but how these injuries were received, there is not sufficient evidence to show." - The Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, censured the men who had found the deceased for neglecting to procure for him medical advice.

PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Suicide By An Artilleryman In The Citadel. - On Monday afternoon an Inquiry was held in the schoolroom of the Citadel, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr William Taylor was chosen Foreman, into the circumstances which attended the death of WILLIAM LEWIS, who was found dead on that morning in the barrack-room, of the 5th brigade. The deceased was a sergeant of Royal Artillery now stationed in the Citadel, and for some time past he had been addicted to drinking large quantities of spirit. A few days ago the deceased kept away from his duty without the consent of his commanding officer, and he was accordingly confined for the offence, and was to be tried by court-martial on Monday morning. The deceased was confined in No. 90, barrack-room, and when there the mess-man came to him to make up the mess accounts, but the deceased was unable to do it, having completely lost his memory, and he appeared to be in a stupor. About 10 o'clock in the morning Sergeant Major Jackman visited the prisoner, and he shortly after went in the wash-house below, and after he had been there for some time he heard the report of a carbine, which proceeded from the room which the deceased was in. Sergeant Jackman immediately went to the room, when he saw the deceased lying in a pool of blood quite dead. The assistant-surgeon was sent for, and he examined the deceased, but found life to be quite extinct. - He also found that the deceased had been suffering much from hard drinking. Afterwards a search was instituted, and a cartridge was found to be missing from one of the pouches belonging to the men. From the position of the deceased it was supposed that he put the muzzle of the carbine into his mouth and then pulled the trigger, and the ball went through his head and entered the brain. The Coroner in summing up the evidence said that it was for the Jury to decide whether the deceased committed the rash act whilst in a state of temporary insanity or whether he did it whilst in a sound state of mind. The Jury, after some consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Falling At Morice Town. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Tamar Inn, Tamar-street, Morice Town, to Enquire into the circumstances which attended the death of JOSEPH GREEN, who died on Tuesday last from injuries received on Saturday morning the 1st August. The deceased was a coppersmith in Keyham Yard and resided at Joll's Cottages. On Friday evening last he went to Devonport to make arrangements to join the Foresters' Society, and returned to Mr Peardon's wine and spirit vaults, where he met with two young men named Baxter and Hodge, and after partaking of some refreshments they went on their way to Devonport. On passing the barrier gate on Newpassage-hill the deceased's hat blew off and fell in the trench, and the young man Hodge went after it and gave it to the deceased. - They walked on a short distance, when deceased accidentally knocked off Hodge's hat, and he immediately took off his coat to get in the trench after the hat, but Baxter would not allow him to do so in consequence of his being rather intoxicated; and a young man who witnessed the circumstance got the hat, Baxter assisting him to get out of the trench, but on their return they found that deceased was gone. They went on their road to Devonport, expecting that the deceased had gone home. Shortly before three o'clock on Saturday morning a person named Bailey was passing the wall adjoining the park on Newpassage-hill, when he observed the deceased in the park, who appeared as if he had been asleep and was just going home, and in doing so he stumbled and fell over the wall, a height of about ten feet. Bailey went in search of a policeman and Sergeant Davey went to the spot. Mr Rolston, surgeon, who was passing at the time, examined the deceased, but he was of opinion the deceased was not seriously injured. The deceased was then conveyed to his residence in a state of insensibility, and Mr Rolston attended him; but he gradually grew worse, and expired on Tuesday morning from the effects of an injury in the head, and a deep contusion on the right collar bone. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, expressed his opinion that considerable blame was attached to the witness Baxter in leaving the deceased alone whilst he was in a state of intoxication. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but recommended that railings should be attached to the wall - the top of which is level with the park - to prevent any further accidents.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 7 August 1863
EXETER - Melancholy Gun Accident At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Windsor Castle Inn, Summerland-street, Exeter, last evening, before the City Coroner (Henry Hooper, Esq.) and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Standlake was chosen Foreman. - ANN WINSOR, mother of the deceased, wept bitterly and said:- My husband is a servant and resides in Russell-street. The body shown to the Jury is my daughter. she is called MARTHA WINSOR, and a single woman, aged 18. She lived home and was a tailoress by trade. She left my house last evening in good health to sleep at Mrs J. Brennan's. I heard nothing of her till today about twelve o'clock, when Mrs Burgoine came and told me to make haste and come to my daughter and be prepared for the worst. I saw there was something and I ran, when I found my daughter shot and covered with blood. There was full half a bucket of blood at least. - Sarah Ann Brennan said: I am a married woman; my husband is a plasterer; the young man present is called Abraham Brennan. I knew the deceased; she slept with me last night. This morning, as usual, she went to work at Mrs Thomas Brennan's who resides at 33 Codrington-street. About twelve o'clock Abraham Brennan came in the room and gave us an apple each. Mary Ann Shears and the deceased were in the room, and while the deceased went to the cupboard for an iron, Abraham Brennan went to the corner of the room, took up a gun, and began rubbing it, as I thought, to clean it. Mr Brennan's dog came in, and Abraham held the gun to the dog, and said, "Charley, come on." The dog ran to the back of the deceased and made a noise; the deceased stooped down, and the gun went off, and deceased instantly fell back, the contents of the gun having entered her neck, the shots coming out of her mouth. Abraham Brennan caught hold of me and said, "She is dead! she is dead!" and ran out into the street like a madman. I called to Mrs Burgoine, who went and fetched her mother. The gun belongs to Mr Thomas Brennan. - By a Juror: It was last used by my husband, Abraham Brennan, and a young man. The deceased was on good terms with Abraham, who had kissed her only a few minutes before. - Mary Ann Shears corroborated the last witness's evidence. - John Harvey was called and said: I am a butcher, residing in St. Sidwell's. I met Abraham Brennan this morning between nine and ten. He said to me - "Halloo, where are you going?" I said - "I am going to my sister's; will you go with me." He replied, "I will." We returned, and went as far as the Bude Haven, and met a lad called Flodder, who said to Brennan - "Where are you going?" He replied - "I don't know; as Warren is gone away." I said - "If I was you I would go as far as Haldon." Flodder said - "I would not, as you are out of a situation, it will throw you into expenses." He said - "No, I won't; I'll go and take my gun and go as far as Mr Merrifield's field and shoot some sparrows." - Mr Samuel Perkins said: I am a surgeon, residing in Exeter. I was called this morning about a quarter-past twelve to go to Codrington-street to a gun accident. I went, and was shown into a back room, where the deceased was on the floor, surrounded by two pools of blood. Her hands were blanched, and rested on her breast; also her face. She was quite dead. I found a circular wound, the size of a florin, on the right side of her face. The upper and lower jaw were fractured. The lower and upper lips were lacerated. One third of her jaw was hanging out of her mouth. One half of her tongue was also absent. On examining the mantelpiece, which I should think was eleven feet high, I found eleven shots, which I produce, and which were flattened. The wound outside was circular and Black smelt of gunpowder. I also picked up from the mantelpiece a piece of newspaper, which smelt of gunpowder and flesh adhered to it. I also picked up a small portion of the tongue. The wall was splattered with blood. About five feet from the body towards the window on the floor was the remaining portion of the tongue. I also picked up two shots, which were by the legs of the deceased. She died from exhaustion and sudden loss of blood, produced by a gun-shot wound. - By the Coroner: The mother of deceased said that the deceased was not engaged to Abraham Brennan. - Abraham Brennan was cautioned by the Coroner in the usual manner. He said he took up the gun, not knowing it was either loaded, cocked or capped. It was purely accidental. He seemed deeply affected at the catastrophe. The Coroner summed up, and the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 8 August 1863
EXETER - Melancholy Death By Drowning. - An Inquest was held yesterday (Friday) at Edwards, Port Royal Inn, Exeter, before the County Coroner (R. R. Crosse, Esq.) and a highly-respectable Jury, of which Mr Steer was elected Foreman, on the body of ANN YARDLEY, who was found drowned on the previous day. The following persons gave evidence:- THOS. YARDLEY said: I am twenty-three years old, and son of the deceased. I reside with my parents under the Town Wall of Exeter. The last time I saw the deceased was when I went to bed, about half-past twelve on Thursday morning; she was then at home. I left her downstairs. About twelve o'clock the deceased came to the Ring of Bells, where I was, and requested me to come home. She was perfectly sober. Mr Bennett said "MRS YARDLEY will you have half-a-pint of beer?" She said "No, thank you." I said "Will you have some gin?" She replied in the negative, but said a penny-worth of rum would be enough for her. I called for half-a-noggin of rum for her. When we came home father was in bed. Father and mother used to quarrel but never blows. They have five children, three at home, one in India, and my sister the other side of London. I never heard my mother threaten to destroy herself. I have a dozen young ducks at home and she was in the habit of going to the river with a bucket to fetch water. I have heard her say it has been a wonder she never fell into the river in taking up the water. [This witness was deeply affected in giving his evidence]. - George Langmeade, a little boy, was called, and said: Yesterday morning, about half-past five, I was going to my father in the fields when I saw the bucket floating in the water, which I took out. - THOMAS YARDLEY was called and said: The bucket produced is my stable bucket, and it is the one deceased was in the habit of using. - John Adams: I am a labourer, living in Alphington-street. Yesterday morning about ten minutes to six, I was on the water in a boat. My attention was direction to something floating on the water. I called to a man, who got into the boat and we discovered the floating object to be the dead body of deceased. We took it up and saw it brought in here. - Charlotte Bryant: I am a widow and live next to the deceased's house, who has been living there about six months. I have been acquainted with her for the last 30 years. She used to live a very bad life with her husband. He has denied her food and money. She has been kept without food several days within the last six weeks. When her sons used to go in the country, her husband would not let her sleep in his bed, but on the table downstairs - (sensation in court). I never saw her tipsy, or heard her threaten to destroy herself. I used to see her go to the river many times during the day with the bucket for water. The place is rather dangerous. The previous afternoon to her being found drowned she came to my house and cried bitterly at the ill usage of her husband. I also heard a noise about nine o'clock on Wednesday night between the deceased and her husband. He used to treat her very badly. - Mary Ann Guppy said: I am the wife of George Guppy, a bailiff of the County Court. I have stripped and laid out the body. There were no marks of violence on her. She appeared to me to have died by drowning. - The Coroner summed up, and in a few minutes the Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 13 August 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident To A Child At Stonehouse. - A most melancholy and fatal accident happened on Monday to a child in Union-street, Stonehouse, under the following circumstances:- It seems that at about half past 12 o'clock two 'buses met at the omnibus office, Union-street, Stonehouse, one of them being called the "Volunteer," belonging to Mr G. F. Moreton, of Devonport, and driven by a man named Richard Rose. A cab was passing at the time, and behind it was a little girl five years of age named MARY WARREN, who, on seeing the 'busses approaching attempted to cross the road, but before she succeeded in doing so the horses drawing the "Volunteer" 'bus knocked her down, and before the driver could pull up the wheels passed over her chest. She was immediately picked up and conveyed to the shop of Mr H. B. Snell, chemist and druggist, and while there she died. Subsequently she was removed to the residence of her parents at Navy Cottages. An Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Bartlett was Foreman. The Jury proceeded to Navy Cottages to view the body, and, on their return, the evidence of Henry Walters, in the employ of Colonel Gascoigne, and others was taken, from which it appears that on Monday afternoon, about half-past one, the deceased (who was last seen by her mother sitting at the steps at the bottom of Navy Cottages about an hour previously) was playing with other children behind a wagon laden with clover, proceeding along Union-street, on the left hand side, in the direction of Stonehouse. At the same time the "Volunteer" 'bus was coming on towards Plymouth, on the opposite side of the road; and directly as the 'bus was passing the wagon the unfortunate child from some cause made a sudden rush across for the pavement, in her hurry running against the fore legs of the off-horse, which knocked her down. Meantime the driver of the 'bus who did not observe the children behind the wagon, but saw the child knocked down by the horse, at once pulled up, endeavouring to do so in such a manner as to prevent the wheels passing over the body. His efforts, however, were of no avail, for the fore and hind wheel passed over the back of the ill-fated deceased - who was taken into the shop of Mr Snell, chemist, and expired within five minutes after. The witness Walters said the 'bus was proceeding at a slow pace, and that the driver was perfectly sober, and pulled up as soon as possible. The above facts having been deposed to, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death;" at the same time exonerating the driver (Richard Rose) from any blame in the matter, he having done all in his power to prevent the unfortunate occurrence. - The mother of the child being in needy circumstances, the Coroner gave 2s. 6d. and the Jury and witnesses handed over their fees, towards a subscription that is being set on foot on her behalf.

PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - The Appalling Suicide At Compton Gifford. - Allan B. Bone, Esq., held an Inquisition on Saturday afternoon at Compton Gifford, touching the death of JANE FOALE, who committed suicide by cutting her throat with a razor on the previous day. The Jury - of whom Mr Rogers was Foreman - first proceeded to view the body, after which the evidence was taken, from which it appeared that about 4 years ago the deceased's mother died. This seemed to have preyed on her mind very much; for at the time of her parent's death she exclaimed, "I shall never look up in the world again, because I have buried my mother." She, however, continued very cheerful and gay until about May last, when she began to show evident signs of insanity. Her fist act was to attempt to run away from her residence, but after a long search on the part of her brother she was found at Lipson. A short time after that she attempted to cut off the head of a dog which was kept in the house, but being foiled in this, a few days afterwards she seized a dinner knife and deliberately put it across her throat, but her brother, who was near at the time, prevented her from committing the rash act. She then kept continually asking him to cut her head off. Since that time a strict watch was kept on her actions, and her sister-in-law sent for from London. On Thursday night last the residents went to bed as usual about 12 o'clock. At 6 o'clock the following morning the deceased's sister-in-law awoke and discovered that deceased had left the room. She instantly went in search of her, and called her brother, who also assisted in the search. An internal communication exists between the deceased's and an adjoining house, and it was in the kitchen belonging to this house that the deceased was found lying in a pool of blood, with her throat cut. She had procured her brother's razor, & thus deliberately committed the dreadful deed while her guardian was asleep. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, unanimously returned a verdict "That the deceased destroyed herself while in an Unsound State of Mind."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide Of A Builder At Morice Town. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Gloucester Arms, Gloucester-street, Morice Town, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Thomas Taylor was chosen Foreman, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOSEPH SIMONS, a builder, who was found dead on Tuesday morning in the Keyham parish quarry. The first witness called was William Rowe, a labourer, who stated that he knew the deceased, who was about 63 years of age, and he saw him last alive on Saturday at his own residence. In consequence of the deceased absenting himself from his residence on Monday last, he, with some gentlemen, went in search of the deceased. They found him in the parish quarry, on the Saltash Road, near the old "Sportsman's Arms," lying on the ground under a shed which was erected adjoining the rocks. The shed was about 7 feet high, and a large beam extended from one end to the other. The body was about 2 feet under the beam, and a piece of a neckerchief was attached to the beam, and a piece of the same pattern was also around the neck of the deceased. He (witness) then went to the police-station in search of a policeman, and he left the body in the charge of Mr Bowden, who was with him at the time that the body was discovered. - John Bowden, a joiner in H.M.'s dockyard, stated that he was with the first witness when they discovered the body. He took the watch out of deceased's pocket. The deceased was quite dead when discovered, his body being cold and rigid. He appeared as if he had been dead for some time. There was a little blood issuing from the nostrils and the side of the face was slightly discoloured, but his clothes were in perfect order. - Police-sergeant Davey, of the Devonport force, went to the spot from information he received. He observed a slight indentation on the right side of the face of the deceased. He saw a part of a neckerchief around the neck of the deceased, which was very light, and he also saw a corresponding piece tied to the beam by means of a knot, and the part which went through the loop was broken. He searched the clothes of the deceased, and in the jacket and trousers pockets he found a measuring tape, a ready reckoner, two pocket knives, a key, 8d. in money, and a tobacco box. He also found a memorandum for paid and unpaid-bills, and a piece of paper with a list of names on it. The body of the deceased was then conveyed to his residence in Hood-place, and he then took the neckerchief from off the neck of the deceased, and he discovered a deep indentation where the neckerchief had been taken from. - William Debnam, a mason, stated that on Monday afternoon, about one o'clock, he saw the deceased in Charlotte Terrace, Morice Town. He observed that the deceased looked very vacant and wild. He followed him in the direction of Keyham. The deceased appeared as if he wished to get away from him. Shortly after he received directions from a Mr Tozer to take the deceased to his residence, and he asked the deceased to go with him. He at first hesitated, but he subsequently consented to go with him. The deceased attempted to get away from him and at one time he stopped at the bridge, and was climbing over the wall, but he (witness) caught him by the coat and held him. They proceeded as far as St. James's Church, when the deceased requested him (witness) to leave him and he would go to his residence alone, to which he consented and accordingly left him. He watched the deceased, who frequently looked behind him to see if he was followed, but he appeared as if he was going towards his residence. He (witness) then left him. - John Hoskins, builder, of Morice Town, said he had been in partnership with the deceased, and they had experienced some difficulties in their business and consequently they made an assignment of their effects for the benefit of creditors. He last saw the deceased on Monday morning at about 6 o'clock, when he had a short conversation with him, and the deceased then left him and proceeded towards Stoke. For some time past the health of the deceased had been much impaired, and he had been very low-spirited in consequence of the failure of the business. - MRS ELIZABETH SIMONS, the wife of the deceased, stated that in December last the deceased suffered from a severe illness, and since that time he had been very melancholy especially since the failure of the firm, but she had no cause to apprehend any danger. - The Coroner summed up the evidence at great length, and he said it was for the Jury to determine how the deceased came by his death. If they thought that the deceased committed suicide, they would have to decide if he was in a sound or unsound state of mind when he committed the act. - The Jury then retired, and after a short consultation they returned a verdict that the deceased was "Found Dead, but how he came by is death the evidence would not show."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 19 August 1863
EXETER - Death By Drowning. A Gallant Fellow. - An Inquest was held at the Papermakers' Arms, Exeter, on Monday evening, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, on the body of HENRY BROWNING, a lad about twelve years of age, the son of parents residing at St. Thomas. It appeared that on the previous day the deceased was bathing at Head Weir, and had swum from the shallow to the deep side, when he became exhausted and was observed to be drowning. Although there were several persons standing on the bank at the time, none rendered him the slightest assistance; but a gallant fellow named Isaac Smith, a bricklayer, residing at Heavitree, who was at work on a scaffold, on observing the struggles of the poor lad ran down the ladder and without stopping to pull off his clothes, jumped into the water and succeeded in catching hold of the boy. He was bringing him to the shore, but his feet became so entangled in the weeds that, in order to preserve his own life, he was obliged to let go his hold of the poor boy, who was drowned. John Skinner, also a bricklayer, then procured the drags and in a few minutes recovered the body. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and the Coroner said that the conduct of the witness Smith was most praiseworthy and he should reward him to the fullest extent he was allowed - namely, five shillings. The Jury also desired to express their sense of the gallant conduct of Smith, and we trust that some further steps will be taken to reward him.

TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at three o'clock yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, at the Castle Inn, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., the District Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances by which WILLIAM SCOTT (son of MR SCOTT, builder, of Melville-street) a young man aged 19 years, came to his death, on the previous day. - The following constituted the Jury:- Messrs. W. Addems (Foreman), T. G. Stedham, W. Gardiner, A. Saunders, E. Churchfield, J. Lear, R. Richardson, T. Memery, G. May, T. Baker, R. Skinner, and T. Abbott. - Leonard Seeley, junr., bookseller and printer, of Torquay, deposed: I knew deceased slightly. Saw him go into the water at Livermead at about ten minutes after seven on Monday morning. I was also bathing, but did not notice deceased until my father called my attention to his being far out to sea. I then dressed and got into a boat and rowed towards him. I asked him if he was tired and he replied no, he was only resting. He was then about 200 yards off the shore. I then hoisted my sail and returned to Torquay. Never saw or heard anything more of deceased until told he was drowned about an hour and a half afterwards. - Charles Henry Haynes said: I am a fisherman living at Torquay. On Monday morning, having received information that a man had been drowned at Livermead, I went in a seine boat to look for the body. Saw it in the water and dived for it. When found he was quite dead. - John Forester, an officer of Inland Revenue, said: Between seven and eight o'clock on Monday morning, I was bathing on Livermead beach. I saw a person in the water and heard him making a sad noise: he did not cry for aid, but uttered a loud groan, which I merely thought he did to attract attention. Deceased seemed to be making for shore. Was not aware of his being in distress until informed by a gentleman after leaving the beach. there was no one near deceased at the time. I did not know him. - The Coroner expressed his regret at the total absence of evidence of the deceased having been seen to sink; and the Jury, after a brief consultation, were of opinion that deceased came to his death Accidentally by Drowning whilst bathing in the sea, and returned a verdict in accordance with that opinion. - The Jury unanimously agreed to give their fees of attendance to the witness Haynes who went in search of and dived after the body.

CREDITON - Suicide At Crediton. - An elderly man named JOHN DAY, residing at St. Saviour's Court, and well known in Exeter, as a newspaper deliverer, put an end to his existence on Saturday morning. Though not an habitual drunkard he was by no means free from the vice of intemperance, though he continued to follow his employment till the day before his death with exemplary industry and honesty. On Saturday morning his body was found suspended by the rails of a bedstead in his house. Mr J. A. Edwards, surgeon, was called in, but it was discovered that life was extinct, and that deceased before hanging himself had attempted to cut his throat with a razor. The Inquest on the body was held on Monday at the Green Dragon Inn, before Mr Coroner Crosse, when the following evidence was taken:- William Glanvill, mason, of Crediton, deposed:- About ten o'clock on Saturday morning, I saw deceased look out of his bedroom window and heard him say "I shall not go out any more with papers." He held up his head, and pointing to his throat, said "Look here?" I did so, and saw a few drops of blood, which I thought had been caused by his shaving, consequently I did not take any notice of what he said. On Friday morning, between five and six o'clock, I conversed with him near the same window, when he appeared in a very low state of mind; he asked me what time it was; he came downstairs and I invited him to have a glass of ale before he went out with his papers; he had two glasses, and ate a piece of cake. I don't think he was in a sane state of mind when he committed suicide. I did not see him alive after Saturday morning. - Sarah Way, wife of a cattle dealer, said: On Saturday morning, about half-past ten, a woman named Sarah Searle gave an alarm that DAY had hanged himself. I immediately went to his bedroom, and saw that he was suspended by an iron rod of the bedstead, and had his throat cut. I sent for Mr Edwards, surgeon, who on arriving at the place cut down the deceased. I saw blood on the neck and handkerchief of deceased. I was a neighbour of DAY'S for two years. He had no family; he was a "drinking man," and when in liquor he frequently ill-treated his wife, and threatened to destroy himself. Last week he was drinking heavily. I cannot say that he was of unsound mind. - Mr J. A. Edwards, Surgeon, of Crediton, said: On Saturday morning I was passing close by the dwelling-house of deceased when I was called in by the last witness. On entering the bedroom I saw deceased hanging by the rail of the bedstead. I saw a table near the bed, on which were blood and a razor, with the latter of which I cut the rope by which the deceased was suspended; he was quite dead, and had been so for half-an-hour. On the left side of his throat was a cut two inches long and skin-deep. Death had occurred by hanging. I have known the deceased for many years, having attended him professionally; his chief complaint was haemorrhage of the lungs and rupture of the blood vessels. He was addicted to drink, but I cannot speak as to his state of mind. He was a man who generally talked very composedly on life, and seemed to value it very lightly. No man who has been drinking for a week (as it was reported deceased had been) can in my opinion be in a sound state of mind. - This was considered all the evidence necessary to adduce, and the Jury, without any hesitation, returned a verdict that DAY had committed Suicide during a fit of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 20 August 1863
EXETER - Accidental Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Topsham Inn, South-street, yesterday, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of SIDNEY SMITH, a child of three years and a half, who was accidentally run over by one of Mr Wall's waggons, on the Quay, about a week since, the particulars of which appeared at the time in our columns, and who died on Friday night. The Jury, having heard the evidence, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 21 August 1863
PLYMOUTH - Death Resulting From Attempted Robbery. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, last evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, touching the death of HENRY NEWTON, alias HENRY MAGROW, who died in consequence of having broken his arm, in the Hospital, on the previous day. The Jury of whom Mr John Smith was Foreman, first proceeded to view the body, after which the following evidence was taken:- ELIZABETH SARAH MAGROW said she was the wife of the deceased, who was 33 years of age. He was a bargeman, and belonged to the Naval Reserve. The accident happened to him early on the morning of the 19th July. She saw him at the Guildhall, when he told her that he fell from a barge into a boat. He was conveyed to the Hospital, where she frequently saw him. On the night before his death deceased said to her, "I have only one thing more to tell you." She asked him what it was, and he replied, "I told you I met my accident by falling from the barge, but it was not so. I was rather tipsy on the morning of the accident, and was coming home about two o'clock, when some man asked me if I would go with him. I said I would, and we went up Jubilee-street, where we saw two farmers in a cart tipsy. They asked us where we were going, and we told them to Laira. They then asked us to jump up, which we did. When we had driven as far as Charles-place, the other man said, "Let us see what they have got, NEWTON." The other man then searched one of the farmer's pockets, but found nothing but papers. I did so, and took 2s. out of his pockets. I kept one myself and gave the other man one. The other man then told me to take the farmer's watch, which I did, but I left it in the cart. In the struggle with the farmers in taking the watch they overpowered us, and the other man, my companion ran away. I attempted to jump off the cart, when I fell head-foremost in the road and seeing that the wheel must pass over my head I put up my arm, and the wheel passed over it and broke it." - The Foreman (to witness): Do you think the deceased was in his right mind when he made this statement? - Witness: Oh yes, sir. - A Juryman: Do you know the name of the other man? - Witness: No, sir, I don't. I know him by sight. - P.C. Gill was then called and stated that he was on duty at Coxside on the 19th July. Early in the morning, he heard that a man had been robbed of his watch in South Devon Place. He ascertained the description of the robbers, and then remembered having seen them pass him, and proceed in the direction of Friary Green, where sand barges were moored. He proceeded there, when he saw the deceased in a boat, sculling with one hand. He watched him and subsequently saw him land in a creek at the Harbour Avenue. When he got near he heard deceased groan and on asking him the matter he replied that he had fallen over a cart and broken his arm. He (Gill) then charged him on suspicion of committing the robbery, which he denied, and then stated that he met with his accident by falling from a barge. He was then taken to the Guildhall, and subsequently conveyed to the Hospital. - P.C. West corroborated a portion of this evidence. - James Gidley, a town missionary, was called and repeated the statement given by the deceased's wife. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from a compound fracture of the arm.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 24 August 1863
PLYMOUTH - A Woman Found Drowned At Laira. - On Saturday evening at the Guildhall, John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, held an Enquiry into the death of a woman named EDWARDS, who was found drowned that morning at Laira. From the evidence adduced it transpired that the deceased had for some time been living a life of prostitution, and that she was occasionally subject to fits. On Friday afternoon last, between three and four o'clock, the deceased went to the races in company with a young woman named Emma Blatchley, with whom she had formed an acquaintance about a fortnight previously. She stayed in company with Emma Blatchley until about five o'clock, when that young woman suddenly missed her. At about half-past eight she was seen by a man named John Nott who accosted her and told her it was time she was home. She asked him to have a glass of ale, which he refused, and she then left him. Nothing more was heard or seen of her until between eleven and twelve o'clock on Saturday morning, when a man named William Paul, who was sailing down the river in the barge Victoria, espied something floating in the water between Crabtree and the Roundhouse at Laira. He sent his son in the boat to see what it was, and he, on examining it, found it to be the body of deceased. William Paul immediately placed a rope under the arms of the deceased, and towed her to Plymouth, when she was conveyed to the dead-house in Westwell-street. When seen on the race course the deceased wore a shawl and a bonnet, she having borrowed the former from another girl. When found in the river, however, neither of these articles were on her and they are supposed to have been washed off by the tide. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 25 August 1863
EXETER - Accidental Death At Exeter. - On Saturday, as a man named MATTHEWS, a carter, in the employ of Edward Sanders, Esq., of Stoke-hill, was proceeding with a cart and two horses up the old Tiverton road, the animals took fright, and he was thrown into the road, and when picked up he was found to be quite dead. An Inquest has been held and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 26 August 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - Alleged Negligence Of A Child At Stonehouse. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held at St. George's Hall, before A. B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, into the death of GEORGE CLARKE HOLSGROVE, who died on Sunday last under very peculiar circumstances. Mr Bartlett was chosen Foreman of that Jury. It appeared from the evidence adduced of the deceased, who was about seven years of age, resided at 19 Barrack-street, Stonehouse and that his parents are in very pecuniary circumstances. On Thursday last the deceased complained of a pain in his throat and on the following day he was in the kitchen of the house when he fell to the ground. A person who was present attempted to raise the deceased, but she was unable to do so because he was quite rigid. His mother was immediately sent for, and she carried him to her room. The deceased revived shortly after, and he appeared quite well in the evening. He slept with his parents that night: he was very restless during the night and early the next morning his limbs appeared stiff. The parents, however, did not send for a surgeon until Sunday morning, when Mr Embling, surgeon, visiting the deceased and found him in a very precarious condition, and on examination he found that the deceased had exhibited symptoms of Tetanus, or a kind of lockjaw, over the body. The surgeon gave orders for a warm bath, after which the deceased appeared better, until a few hours subsequently, when he suddenly became very rigid, and he expired on Sunday afternoon. Mr Embling made a post mortem examination of the deceased, and on dissecting the upper part of the scalp of the head he found a slight effusion of blood and on removing the skull cap he discovered an adhesion of the skull and the membranes of the brain. The cerebellum was much softened. The intestines were very healthy and he believed the deceased died from tetanum which was produced by the congestion and softening of the cerebellum. The Coroner read a certificate which he had received from Mr Embling in which he said that he believed the deceased died from gross neglect. In answer to questions from the Coroner, Mr Embling stated that medical attendance ought to have been procured earlier than it had been, but it was not possible to say that the deceased would have recovered in consequence. JAMES HOLSGROVE, the father of the deceased, stated that for some time past he had not had constant employment. The general diet of the deceased was bread, because they were unable to procure it any better food. The Coroner in summing up the evidence, stated that the reason the Jury had been called together was because he had received a certificate from the surgeon, Me Embling, in which he (the surgeon) stated that he believed that the deceased died from negligence. If, after hearing the evidence that had been adduced, the Jury were of opinion that the parents had neglected the deceased they would have to return a verdict of manslaughter against the father, but if they thought otherwise they would return a verdict to that effect. The Foreman said that the Jury were of opinion that a surgeon ought to have been sent for at the commencement of the deceased's illness; but they returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from tetanum from the congestion of the cerebellum and the brain."

TORQUAY - Fatal Accident On The Dartmouth and Torbay Railway. - An Inquest was held on Monday afternoon at the Torbay Infirmary, Torquay, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., the Coroner for the District, and a highly respectable Jury, of whom Mr Joseph Morgan was chosen Foreman, touching the death in that institution of a young man named JOHN SHORTLAND, recently employed on the works of the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway, now in the course of extension beyond the Brixham Road Station. - William George, the first witness called, said he was a ganger on the above mentioned railway, and lived at Churston Ferrers. Knew the deceased, who worked in his gang. On Saturday last, about three o'clock in the afternoon, deceased was employed as a tipper of the waggon on the extended works of the railway. While thus engaged and endeavouring to take the horse by the head he slipped his foot and fell, and the waggon came into contact with him and passed over his legs, almost cutting his right leg in two. An alarm was immediately made, and witness ran up to him as fast as possible, and on reaching the spot saw his leg was sadly broken. Witness took off his neckerchief and tied it as strongly as he could above the fracture. Witness also sent a man to the station to telegraph to Mr Pridham, surgeon, of Paignton; he took the man up on a door, and brought him to the Brixham Road Station. there was a light van there, which he was put into at his own request, and started for Torquay. Mr Pridham met witness and deceased on Galmpton Warborough, and another medical gentleman coming from Dartmouth assisted in putting on a tourniquet. Mr Pridham ordered witness to bring deceased on to the Infirmary at Torquay without delay, and to give deceased some brandy and water at the first public house they came to; this was done. Deceased appeared much exhausted. About 20 minutes before five they arrived at the Infirmary, and deceased was examined by Mr Jeffrey. About half-past seven a consultation was held by three doctors as to amputating the limb, but deceased appeared too weak to bear the operation. At eight o'clock the doctors tried again, but he seemed to get much weaker and in about half-an-hour more he died. The leg was not taken off. The deceased was [?]3 years of age last Wednesday week. - Samuel Oliver, a man engaged on the works, was examined, and corroborated the evidence of the first witness. The Jury being satisfied that deceased met with his death from injuries received in a purely accidental manner, returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 27 August 1863
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the Plume of Feathers, North-street, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of WILLIAM TURNER, aged 41, a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Ward and co., coal-merchants. It appeared that on Saturday evening last, deceased, who resided in Spiller's court, left home for the purpose of visiting his mother, who keeps a fruit stall in the lower market. He arrived there and then complained of a pain in the stomach; shortly afterwards he fell. A medical man was sent for, and in a short time Mr Johnson Webb, surgeon, arrived, and found him in a state of coma. He did what he could to revive him, but it was of no avail, and the deceased expired in a few minutes. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from Disease of the Heart.

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Tuesday morning, at the Welcome Inn, Haven Banks, Exeter, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of a lad named CORNISH, aged nine years, residing in St. Thomas. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the poor lad was at play on a raft placed in the Exeter Canal, and by some means overbalanced himself and fell under the timbers. Before he could be rescued death had laid its hand on him. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 29 August 1863
SHAUGH PRIOR - Fatal Accident At The Lee Moor Clay Works. - A fatal accident occurred at the Lee Moor Clay Works on Tuesday, which unhappily resulted in the death of a labourer named THOMAS HURRELL. It appears that about two months since a new tank or clay pit was constructed, the length of which was 90 feet by about 30 feet in breadth. The height of the wall which enclosed the pit was 10 feet, and the thickness 4 feet 3 inches. Some time ago, about 230 tons of clay were put in the pit to test its strength, and after the first quantity was supposed to have been properly settled an additional 220 tons were placed in it. On Tuesday afternoon by some means the lower wall gave way - near which there were several men working, and amongst them was HURRELL. The whole quantity of liquid clay ran out of the pit and some of the masonry, which flew about in different directions, struck HURRELL, and inflicted severe injuries. He was immediately taken from the pit and restoratives were applied, but, unhappily, they were of no avail, and he died shortly afterwards. An Inquest was held on the body at the works on Thursday afternoon by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Deputy Coroner, when evidence was adduced of the circumstances of the case. The Inquest was adjourned in order to ascertain the amount of pressure on the wall at the time of the accident.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 31 August 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At Stonehouse. - On Saturday morning an accident occurred at the buildings at the bottom of Durnford-street, Stonehouse, which we regret to state terminated fatally. A dwelling-house is now in course of erection under the superintendence of MR JOHN COOKE, builder, of Morice Town, and on Saturday morning a mason named THOMAS COOKE, the brother of the owner, was engaged with others in building the "gable end" of the wall of the building. The scaffolding was composed of an upright pole in the centre of the gable end of the building and another pole was secured horizontally to the upright to the height of about 30 feet, on which there were rested three or four "lodgers" which had previously been examined and the erection was supposed to be quite safe. COOKE was engaged in building on the inside of the wall, when by some means a part of the wall gave way and fell on the scaffold, which fell with the wall, and COOKE was precipitated to the ground, the stones falling on him and inflicting some very severe injuries. COOKE was immediately conveyed in an insensible state to the Royal Marine Infirmary, where he was attended on by Dr Hooper, but he was found to be so seriously injured as to allow no hope of his recovery. The poor fellow died shortly after in great agony. An Inquest was held on the body by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Longroom Inn, on Saturday afternoon at four o'clock. The opinion of several builders was then taken, and it appeared that the heavy rain which prevailed on Friday night considerably weakened the wall, and the fall of the wall is attributed to that fact. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that it was for the Jury to consider whether there was any negligence on the part of the persons who erected the scaffold or whether the cause was accidental. The Jury, after some deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 2 September 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In Neswick Street. - An Inquiry was held at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, yesterday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, into the death of JOHN CRIMP, who was killed that morning under the following melancholy circumstances. The deceased has been in the employ of Mr H. Boon, builder, as a mason, for some time, and has lately been engaged in the erection of a new building, No. 34, Neswick Street. Yesterday morning he was on the staircase of the house in question on the first floor, in conversation with Mr Boon respecting the swimming match. While doing so, he turned round to receive a board from one of the other labourers, when he accidentally fell to the ground, a distance of ten feet and a-half, his head coming in contact with a stone, inflicting a severe wound. Mr Boon instantly raised the poor fellow up and seeing that he was seriously injured, sent for a surgeon. Drs. Pearse and Isbell soon arrived, and it was then discovered that the deceased had fractured his skull. Within five minutes afterwards he was dead. Deceased was about 50 years of age and was a very steady man, and was greatly respected by his employer and fellow workmen. He has left a widow and eight children to mourn his untimely end. After the evidence had been heard, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased came by his death Accidentally.

TEIGNGRACE - The Suspected Murder Near Newton. - The evidence adduced at the adjourned Inquest upon the body of the man JOHN MEARS, which was held yesterday at the Union Inn, Teigngrace, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., threw but little light upon this mysterious affair. There had been rumours in the village where the deceased had lived, as there always will be in such cases, that somebody knew, if they would only tell, how he died; but these surmises and reports, after giving infinite trouble to the police, led to the discovery of no material fact. Witnesses were brought forward who were said to have made statements to the police which, when confronted with the Jury, they professed their total ignorance of. The most important witness examined yesterday was the man with whom the deceased was fighting on Newton Race-course shortly before he was last seen; but the manner and the words of this man went far to remove from the minds of all who heard him any suspicion that he was connected with MEAR'S death. That there was no long-cherished ill-will between them was pretty clear from East's statement that he never had an opportunity of seeing MEARS very often. Under these circumstances the Jury came to a decision which, though somewhat more definite than the dictum "found dead", was as far from incriminating any known person as a purely open verdict. - The first witness called was William Hamlyn, who said he was a labourer, living at Leverton. He last saw MEARS alive on Thursday, the 13th of August, on the Newton race course. The first time he saw him that evening was about 7 o'clock; he was with a man named Coleman, and was coming towards the race course. He saw him again about 8 o'clock, when he came to where witness was playing at skittles. Half an hour afterwards witness saw him in a booth, near two men whom witness did not know. That was the last time witness saw him. He appeared to have been drinking. Between 9 and 10 witness heard him say to East, when near the grandstand, that he was quite a different man to what he took him to be. Witness saw no disturbance, and did not hear East reply. - In answer to P.C. McTernen, the witness denied having said that he knew all about the affair, but did not wish to have anything to say between them. - Mary Terrell, the wife of a miner, living at Bovey Tracey, said that on Saturday evening, the 22nd instant, she met William Parkhouse, and asked him "how it was brought in" about the poor man that had been found the day before. He told witness that he had heard it was brought in that he was wilfully murdered. Witness said she supposed they did not think the murderer was the man who was fighting with him. He replied that he did not know - that was what they wanted to know. Witness said she heard it was not true that he was fighting: and Parkhouse replied that that was a lie, for he saw them fighting and parted them. - P.C. McTernen: Didn't you tell me last night that he said if he had not parted them MEARS would have been killed. - Witness: No, I didn't. I heard people say so in the street. - P.C. McTernen: At the time this conversation passed, were you present. - Witness: Well, that I am not prepared to say. - William Hobbs, a lad 11 years of age, stated that on Friday, the second day of the races, he found the cap produced in the marsh adjoining the bridge near which the body was afterwards found. He was sure it was Friday, because he was going to mind his sister's house, while she went to the races. Witness had been to the races. His younger sister was with him when he found the cap. It was between five and half-past. - Thomas Harris, a bargeman living at Newton, said that on the evening of the first day of the races he was returning home from the race-course about half-past ten, when, as he was standing by the turning of the bridge on the Kingsteignton-road, a man came along, took him by the legs and threw him down. He was not drunk. The people called him "Bunker". Witness followed him to Newton, and made enquiries about him at the Dartmouth Inn. Witness thought he saw MEARS on the second day of the races, between one and two o'clock, but could not swear to it. - John East was then called, and having been cautioned by the Coroner, said he was a potter, living at Bovey Tracey. He saw Mears at Newton Races on the first day. He last saw him between eleven and twelve in the evening. The deceased was then sitting on a form in the last booth towards Newton. He was tipsy. Witness, on leaving him, saw a fight in the Kingsteignton booth, and then went on homewards. He got home between two and three o'clock. Lethbridge went with him, and they sat down to sleep on Bovey Heath before going home. They went home the way of the road, and passed the place where the body was found. In passing MEARS at the booth, the deceased said, "East, you insulted me just now." Witness denied it and after some conversation Lethbridge asked him if he was going home, and he said "no." That was the last time witness saw him. Witness did strike the deceased - twice on the face. He did not know whether it was below or above the eye. The deceased's nose bled. He did not offer to strike witness, but took off his coat to fight. Witness never had an angry word with the deceased before the races. It was very seldom that he saw him. - The Coroner, before reading over the evidence, said there was very little at present before the Jury to lead to any satisfactory conclusion, and recommended them, if they deemed it proper, to close the Enquiry at that state - to return an Open Verdict. - He remarked that in the first place there was no doubt about the identity of the body, and there was equal certainty that the deceased died from drowning. It was perfectly clear also that there were a great many blows inflicted on the way, before the man got into the water; and those blows could not have been inflicted in the struggle which took place between the deceased and the man East. MEARS seemed to have been badly used by some person or other, before he got into the water; but how he got into the water he did not know. He might, by possibility, have scrambled over the wall and fallen in himself; but if so, he (the Coroner) was at a loss to understand how the cap could be found at such a great distance, because it was not at all likely that the man would throw the cap away upon one side of the road and then fall over the wall at some distance upon the other. It seemed to him the more probable surmise that he was attacked near the spot and beaten, and perhaps stone, by his assailants, and then that they, imagining they had murdered him, finished their work by throwing him into a deep pool which they saw by the side of the road. - A Juryman asked how, on the first supposition, the deceased, who had been drinking, would be likely to have found the water in the dark. - The Coroner said that that was a question for the Jury to consider. It did not appear to him a probable mode of accounting for the man's death. Still, however, there was a bare possibility of his having got over the wall to drown himself. Coming to the fact of the bloodless state in which the brain was found, Mr Drake had stated that he did not believe it possible for a man to walk to the place where the body was found, if he had lost so much blood upon the race course. That would lead them to presume that there must have been a struggle after he left the race course, in which he received the blows. It was a very unfortunate thing that they could not trace the deceased further than the evidence of the witnesses took them, after all the exertions of the police; but the Jury must recollect that even if they returned an open verdict, there would be no reason why if a clue were obtained to the murderers, they should not be brought to justice. His own opinion was that there had been a foul murder committed. Three courses, however, were open for the Jury to take. First, they might return a verdict that the deceased was found dead, and how he came by his death they were unable to tell; secondly, they might find that the deceased was murdered by some person or persons unknown; or, thirdly, they might find that the deceased had, intentionally, or in a state of intoxication, thrown himself into the water. - After deliberating for about half an hour, the Foreman of the Jury stated that 14 out of 15 of them had resolved upon returning the verdict - "That the deceased was Wilfully Murdered by blows being inflicted upon him and afterwards being thrown into the water, by some person or persons unknown." The single dissentient who enjoyed the luxury of a strong personal opinion upon the matter had that pleasure mitigated by being refused his fee.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 9 September 1863
PLYMPTON - Determined Suicide At Plympton. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Hele Arms, Plympton, before A. B. Bone, Esq., District Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to ascertain the circumstances under which EDWARD WHITE came to his death. The deceased was nearly 70 years of age, and at the time of his death was landlord of the house in which the Inquest was held yesterday, and which he had kept for 11 years. The following evidence was adduced:- HENRIETTA WHITE said: I am a single woman. I am the daughter of the deceased EDWARD WHITE, who kept the Hele Arms. He was about 69 years old; he was 69 on the 5th of July last. He had kept the Hele Arms for 11 years last 29th of September, and up to the time of his death. At 11 o'clock on Sunday morning last I saw the deceased come into the parlour; I think it was to see what o'clock it was, and then he went to his bedroom to clean himself I believe. He always used to do so about that time of the morning. He generally remained in his room about an hour and a half, and sometimes two hours. I was about my work and preparing the dinner. On the 20th March he had notice to leave the house from his landlord, Mr Clarke. Deceased seemed very much distressed about having to leave the house. On Thursday last Mr Clarke, and Mr Robert Dewdney, of Underwood, met at the Hele Arms, and they signed an agreement for Dewdney's taking the house and fixtures. Dewdney refused to take anything but the fixtures, and my father appeared in great distress at being obliged to hold a sale for the chairs, tables and other things, and said he should be a ruined man. I had taken a house for him at Underwood, and had hoped to get a beer license for it, but was unable to do so, as the rent was not high enough. He had no means of support except from the business of the house and he troubled himself to think his bread was taken away from him. I remember that the deceased had a twin brother who destroyed himself by hanging himself in the orchard. I never heard of any of my family being out of their mind. Deceased was very low-spirited on Friday and Saturday, and particularly on Sunday. He has said that his time was not long, and that he was sinking. He would go about the house at night praying and singing hymns. He has come into my room at night and said he could not sleep or rest. He could not eat. He said he was getting quite frantic. There were no arrears of rent, and at Michaelmas-day next there would only be a half year's rent due. On Saturday last I spoke of going to see if the Woodside Inn was to be let, and he said, "You can go on Monday, but I don't think I shall live long; I am sinking." He had not been to church for many years. I have heard him say that he read his Bible and prayed at home, and he could be saved as well as those who went to church. On Sunday morning last, after finishing my work, I went upstairs to see if deceased was ready to come downstairs. I opened his bedroom door and then saw he was hanging to the bedpost with his back towards the door. I came downstairs immediately and made an alarm, and Mr Chubb first came to him. I have heard deceased say, "To think I am 70 years of age, and should go to the Workhouse after having brought up my family!" - Richard Chubb deposed: I live at Underwood and am a carpenter. I live within a stone-throw of the Hele Arms. On Sunday last, at about half-past twelve o'clock in the afternoon I was in my house when I heard MISS WHITE cry out - "My father is hanging himself." I ran immediately to the Hele Arms, and went upstairs to deceased's bedroom. I saw the deceased hanging to the bed post of a bed directly opposite the door. He was quite still and his back was to the door. I went to him and found him hanging by a small cord, which was attached to the top of the bedpost. He was quite dead. I lifted him up in my arms, so as to relieve him of the pressure of the rope. I endeavoured to untie the rope but could not do so. Then Pincombe, who had come up behind me, cut the rope with a pair of scissors. I laid the body on the bed. The feet of the deceased when hanging were about six inches from the floor. I then cut that part of the cord which was still around his neck. The body was not warm, but cold and stiff. I have been in the habit of seeing deceased every day for some months past. I have noticed he has been very peculiar in his manner for some time. He has been very wandering in his conversation for about six weeks or two months past. He would begin to talk about one thing, and would wander off to another. - By a Juryman: He has never told me he would destroy himself. - By the Coroner: I have heard that he told my wife's uncle that he would destroy himself. - Wm. Thomas Baker said: I am the master of Plympton St. Mary Union. I have known the deceased for nearly six years as the landlord of the "Hele Arms" at Plympton St. Mary. I have seen him occasionally every day of the week, and sometimes not for several days. He told me soon after Lady-day last that he had received notice to quite his house, and ever since that time his mind has, in my opinion, been quite impaired. Last Thursday evening I was going up Underwood Hill, when I met Mr Clarke (the owner of the house) and Mr Dewdney (the incoming tenant) coming down the hill. We all three returned to the "Hele Arms." Mr Clarke said to deceased, "We are come to settle about the fixtures," and took an agreement out of his pocket. He asked me to read it for him, and I did so. It was an agreement by Dewdney with the deceased for taking the fixtures. After £5 had been paid from Dewdney to deceased the latter said to his daughter in my presence, "I shall never live to go out of this house." I think Clarke and Dewdney had both left the house. I said "Don't talk such nonsense: if I had charge of you I would put you in a lunatic asylum." He said "I'll hang myself - I am d.... if I don't. So help me God I will." He was quite sober at that time. He was not given to drink. I cautioned the daughter to watch him, and see that he did not lay violent hands on himself. In fact I have cautioned her for some time past. I have heard him say frequently that he would never leave the house alive, and that he should hang himself. He has said, "I am sure I shall do it." He has said to his daughter, "My dear, the things are yours; I shall be over there (pointing to the churchyard) soon." About six weeks ago I witnessed a will for him. After he had signed it he said to his daughter "It's all yours, my dear. I shall not be here long. I shall be over there" (pointing to the churchyard). - By a Juryman: Why, supposing that man to be insane, did you attest that will? - A.: There was nothing at that particular time that would lead me to suppose he was insane. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 17 September 1863
ILSINGTON - Inquest Near Newton. - An Inquest was held on Monday, by Francis Brooking Cuming, Esq., at the village of South Knighton, about four miles from Newton Abbot, on the body of JOHN MORTIMORE, a labourer in the employ of Mr Tripe of Herebere Barton, in the parish of Bickington. The deceased died on Thursday evening last; and as it was known that there had been a great deal of quarrelling and ill-feeling in his family, who had shown the most culpable neglect in not procuring medical attendance for him, there were many unpleasant rumours in circulation and the case was one of great suspicion; hence, in order to satisfy the minds of the public, arose the necessity for holding an Inquest. - Selina Perkins, wife of William Perkins, said she resided next door to deceased. Last Sunday week when she was at dinner she heard a noise in deceased's house. She went into the street and observed a son of the deceased outside the door, and a son that deceased's daughter-in-law had before marriage inside the door. She heard quarrelling and went to the house and told GEORGE MORTIMORE (deceased's son) that he had better to give the boys a slap a-piece and part them than to quarrel about them. Deceased was upstairs at the time, but came down and she repeated to him what she had said to GEORGE MORTIMORE, who came out and struck the boys. She did not see GEO. MORTIMORE nor anyone else strike the deceased. She heard no further disturbance during the day. On the following morning deceased went to his work and returned in the evening as usual, but she did not see him. She, however, heard that he had complained of being ill. Deceased sent for witness between one and two o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. She found him in bed. There was no one in the house with him but his daughter-in-law's little boy - Samuel Mingo - who was twelve years of age. Deceased told her he thought he was dying. She desired him not to flurry himself, and remarked to him that anyone could see he was very bad, and that it was a shame that no more had been done for him by his relatives than his daughter-in-law had done. She took him a cup of tea and some bread and butter. He drank the tea, but could not eat anything. He expressed a wish to see the doctor, and witness sent the little boy for GEORGE MORTIMORE, deceased's son, and he went for the doctor. The wife and daughter of the deceased went to Ashburton on the Monday, but the daughter returned on Tuesday afternoon. She did not stay more than an hour & during that time she abused her sister-in-law and tried to get her father out of the house. Witness heard the daughter-in-law desire her not to stand there abusing her, but to get the doctor for her father. When the daughter tried to get deceased out of the house, he begged her to leave him alone, and allow him to die there quietly. The daughter left the house at about four o'clock. When witness was going to Newton Market on Wednesday, she saw ELIZABETH MORTIMORE and asked her if she had sent for the doctor. She replied, "No; what is the use of getting a doctor here?" Deceased's wife returned on Wednesday, and he died at about eight o'clock on Thursday evening. The doctor saw him on Wednesday afternoon, and on the day of his death. He did not complain to witness of having received a blow or other ill-usage from anyone. She had never heard anyone threaten him. The quarrelling was between the mother and the sons and daughters. Witness boiled some senna tea and gave to the daughter-in-law for deceased before the doctor came. The house was GEORGE MORTIMORE'S. - Examined by Dr Sparham: Deceased was first taken ill on Monday. He did not complain to her of pain in his bowels, but in his head. - The Coroner, at this stage of the evidence, asked Dr Sparham if he could account for the death without making a post mortem examination, and was answered in the negative, on which the Coroner directed him to make one, and he left the room for that purpose. - MARY ANN MORTIMORE, the wife of GEORGE MORTIMORE, was then called, and deposed that she was the deceased's daughter-in-law. Her husband was a labourer. Deceased was 55 years of age and resided with them. - Her evidence of the disturbance on Sunday was similar to that of the previous witness. She did not see any blows given to deceased. On Monday morning deceased got up before five o'clock and went to his work as usual, and returned therefrom between six and seven o'clock in the evening. She and her husband were taking supper when deceased entered the house. He appeared ill and caught hold of the dern of the door for support. She said, "Father, what is the matter?" He answered that he was taken bad in his head in the afternoon, and had not been able to eat anything all the day. He came into the kitchen and sat in a chair. Witness told her husband and son that one of them ought to go and unlace his boots. Deceased went upstairs to bed, and she sent him a cup of warm tea. He was groaning dreadfully when he went into bed. She and her husband went to bed between eleven and twelve o'clock, but before that she sent deceased another cup of tea. He groaned and talked irrationally all night. When they got up in the morning deceased was in the same state. She made him some tea and gave him some fried bacon with it. He drank the tea, but did not eat anything. He was not sick at all, but drank everything that was given to him. He did not ask her to send for a doctor. He expected his wife and daughter would return home on Tuesday. On the afternoon of that day the daughter returned and came into the kitchen, and ran upstairs. She did not speak to witness. She said her father and mother, and Lizzy, and Richard were all ill. She abused witness to her father, and told him she would pull him out of the bed and carry him on her back to Ashburton, and that he would not stop there. Witness did not hear him give any answer. The daughter then began to throw things belonging to deceased over the stairs. Selina Perkins and another neighbour then came into witness's house and said "Fie ANNIE WOTTON, why do you stay there abusing that woman after she has done all she can for your father? Why do you not go home to Ashburton and fetch your mother and the doctor? Mrs Perkins then sent to Mrs Tarr's for a packet of senna and told witness to boil it for deceased, but she told Mrs Perkins to take it to ANN WOTTON, and tell her to boil it. Mrs Perkins then boiled it herself, and witness gave it to the old man. On Wednesday afternoon deceased's wife returned. Witness was at Newton market and when she returned she observed the policeman, Mr Northway, and the son standing at the door, and she enquired what was the matter, and the policeman told her that her mother-in-law had asked him to demand her goods from witness. Witness told him he could take them. WILLIAM MORTIMORE came down with a bed-tie which he had taken from under the deceased, and when witness went upstairs she found that the deceased was put on a "doust" tie, which had not been used for some time. She was told that her husband had gone for the doctor. Witness's husband returned soon after, and said the doctor had told him he could not come unless he had an order. The doctor (Dr Sparham) did, however, came and when he saw deceased he asked when he was taken ill and if he had received any blows. Deceased said he had not been struck. The doctor told him he ought to have been sent for before. Dr Sparham then went to Mr Stark's and made up some medicine for deceased. Death took place at about eight or nine o'clock on the following evening. - Dr Sparham, surgeon, residing at Ashburton, and the medical officer under the Poor Law for the district, said with Mr Lyle's assistance he had made a post mortem examination of the body. On opening the abdomen he found its contents perfectly healthy. The stomach also was healthy, but quite empty. On opening the pericardium he found from five to six ounces of fluid. On opening the heart he found the walls softened, and the mitral valves diseased, and the conclusion he had come to was that the cause of death was effusion in the pericardium, probably caused by mental emotion on such a state of diseased heart. He was of opinion that if medical assistance had been earlier obtained, relief would probably have been given. - [Dr Sparham here explained what took place when deceased's son saw him at Ashburton, from which it clearly appeared that no blame could be attached to him.] - The Coroner then summed up, telling the Jury that he was glad to find that they were in some measure relieved by Dr Sparham's evidence from the difficulty they had expected. He severely censured the heartless conduct of the relatives of the deceased, and particularly the widow for not sooner calling in Dr Sparham. - The Jury then returned the following verdict:- " That the deceased died suddenly of Disease of the Heart, accelerated by the emotion caused by violent quarrels in the family, and the Jury express their strong opinion that there was culpable neglect in the relatives of the deceased not sending earlier for medical attendance, and for violent conduct in taking the bed from under him whilst in a dying state."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 18 September 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest On The Soldier Drowned At Mount Wise. - An Inquest was held at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, yesterday afternoon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, touching the death of WILLIAM KING, a private in the 9th Company of the 2nd (Queen's Royal) Regiment. From the evidence adduced it appeared that on the morning of the previous day a number of soldiers were under Mount Wise bathing. Deceased was amongst them. He was seen to enter the water by two men named John Murray and William Farren, both privates of the 2nd (Queen's Own). No particular notice was taken of the deceased at that time, but about two minutes afterwards Farren, who was then nearly divested of his clothing, happened to cast his eyes in his (deceased's) direction, when he saw him struggling violently in about 3 ½ feet of water. He was lying on his back and floating. Farren jumped out and caught him by the arms and then raised an alarm, which brought Murray to his assistance and the deceased was conveyed by them to the boat-house which was close by. A man was sent to the Raglan Barracks for a surgeon, and in the meantime every endeavour was used to restore animation, but in vain. Dr Rose soon arrived, and rendered every assistance to the unfortunate man, but life was quite extinct. On being picked up the deceased was quite black in the face and foaming at the mouth. The body was subsequently conveyed to the Military Hospital, Stoke. The sergeant of the deceased's company, Sergeant Morris Lynch, was called and stated that he had known the deceased since June 1862. He had borne an excellent character and was in possession of a good conduct badge. He was twenty-two years of age. Never knew him to be subject to fits. - The Coroner said they had no evidence before them to justify them in returning a verdict that deceased was drowned, and it was his firm belief that he died from natural causes, but that he would leave for the Jury to decide. The Jury were unanimously of opinion that the deceased died from "Natural Causes," and returned their verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 24 September 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Resulting From A Fit. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Devonport Guildhall, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the circumstances of the death of a child about eight months old, named ALBERT BEATON, who was found dead in bed that morning. On Tuesday night the mother slept with the deceased, and on the following morning as she was about to dress it she observed that it was quite still as if asleep, and therefore she let it sleep on, as she thought. Shortly after, on turning her attention to the child she discovered that it was quite cold and rigid. She immediately called for assistance, and a medical gentleman was sent for, and Dr Bazeley shortly arrived, but he found that the boy was quite dead, and had been so for several hours. Mr Bazeley made an examination, and found that the mouth was full of foam, and a quantity of blood discoloured the nostrils and face. He also found the thumbs bent towards the palm of the hand, and the appearance of the deceased generally showed that it had been convulsed and in all probability died whilst in a fit. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the effects of a fit caused by teething."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 29 September 1863
PLYMSTOCK - Fatal Gun Accident At Bovisand. - Yesterday afternoon an Enquiry was held at the Church House Inn, Plymstock by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Deputy Coroner, into the circumstances which attended the death of a young gentleman named GEORGE STANLEY JONES, who was accidentally shot whilst rabbit shooting on Saturday last near Bovisand. The Rev. Mr Coulthard officiated as Foreman of the Jury. - Joseph Bellamy stated that he knew the deceased, and for some time past he had been in the habit of going shooting with him. On Saturday last they went shooting in company with Lieutenant Russell, R.E., and at about five o'clock in the afternoon they went near Bovisand House, when the dog which accompanied them began to drive a piece of cover. They watched the dog for some time in the cover, expecting to find some game, when by some means the right barrel of the double-barrelled gun which he (witness) carried exploded, and the contents of the barrel lodged in the back of the deceased's head. Witness was standing at the time of the accident with Lieutenant Russell on his left and the deceased on his right side. Immediately the accident occurred witness ran to the deceased and discovered that he was quite dead. A person was, however, sent on horseback to Plymstock for medical assistance, and Mr Wilson, surgeon, shortly after arrived, but he, of course, could not render any assistance. - In answer to questions from the Jury, the witness stated that he had used the gun on several previous occasions, and at the time of the accident it was not loaded with a large quantity of powder. After the barrel had exploded he threw the gun on the ground, and it was afterwards discovered that the hammer of the left barrel had fallen off, and it was ultimately found where he had previously been standing. The deceased was about six yards from him, and a little in advance, at the time of the accident, and he carried his gun in his right hand ready for instantaneous fire. The gun was not weak at the trigger, and he did not touch it so as to make it explode. He was on very friendly terms with the deceased, and he could not account how the gun fired. - Lieutenant Russell was also examined, but he was some distance from the deceased, and the last witness, and did not see the accident occur; therefore his evidence did not throw any additional light on the subject. - The Foreman of the Jury stated that he had communicated with the friends of the deceased, and they were perfectly satisfied that he met his death purely by accident. The Deputy Coroner said that from the evidence which had been adduced, it appeared that the cause of the deceased's death was quite accidental; and the Jury, without any deliberation, returned a verdict to that effect. The Foreman said he had been requested by the Jury to mention that Mr Bellamy was exculpated from all blame, and they believed the accident did not occur from any neglect on his part.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 30 September 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Suicide Of A Tradesman's Wife Under The Hoe. Verdict Of Temporary Insanity. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday afternoon, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of SARAH JANE PADDON, who had committed suicide on Monday evening by drowning herself under the Hoe. The Coroner having partly stated the facts of the case, the Jury proceeded with the Coroner and witnesses to view the body of deceased, which was lying in the Dead-house at Westwell-street. On returning to the Guildhall, the following evidence was taken: - William George Sercombe said: I am a printer, living at 151 King-street, Plymouth. I was under the Hoe last evening, between half-past six and seven o'clock. I heard a scream and splashing of water soon after seven o'clock. The noise proceeded from the water near the steps where the gentlemen bathe. I did not take much notice of it, because I thought it arose from some parties who were throwing stones into the water for a dog to fetch. I heard a further noise and I walked towards the spot and when I got to the opening in the wall I was met by three soldiers and a civilian, who asked me if I could swim. I said I could not, and then ascertained that someone was overboard. None of them could swim either. I asked where it was, and they pointed to the water where I saw a bubbling. I heard a low scream proceed from the water two or three times after that. The moon was just rising, but the light was not distinct on the part where the water was bubbling. Several people ran down from the shed under the Camera, but no one went into the water because they could not swim. I went to Mr Kessell, and he came to the spot and went for further assistance. I went away before the body was found. I did not know the deceased. - The Coroner here stated that he was close to the spot, and did not hear a word about it. - By the Jury: Not more than a minute elapsed between the time of my hearing the splash and when I went for Mr Kessell. - The witness said there ought to be something kept under the Hoe by which assistance could be rendered to a drowning person. It was only last week that he was standing by the Camera, when he saw a woman who, he believed, intended to do the same thing. He went down to her and watched her. After remaining there for some time she went away. If a rope or grappler were kept under the Hoe, anybody, whether they could swim or not, could render assistance. - The Coroner thanked the witness for his suggestion. - Edward James Kessell, said: I am the Hoe constable. Short after seven o'clock last evening I received information from the last witness that a woman was drowned. I procured grapplings and went to the spot. After trying the grapplings once I found I could not do anything. I then went to Millbay as fast as I could and saw a waterman named Jones and told him to come round in a coat. I then went and procured another grappling iron and a boat-hook and went into the boat with two other men. We grappled for about one hour and a half, when we saw the body floating. I fancied at one time that I had got the body, but it must have slipped and that may account for the body being disturbed. It was found about 50 yards from the spot where she first jumped in. The body was landed at the steps and taken to the dead-house in Westwell-street. In my absence from my house a man present brought some clothes which he found on the rocks, and which belonged to her. When I went home I searched the pockets and in the pocket of her dress I found two fourpenny pieces, three half-pence and a thimble. In the pocket of her skirt I found a shilling. MR PADDON afterwards came and identified her. The clothes I now produce were left at my house by Edward Rickard. - Edward Rickard said: Last evening about seven o'clock I was under the Hoe. A man informed me that a woman had jumped overboard, and drowned herself. I went towards the spot. I think I saw a person in the water about 20 yards from the shore, and, had she been nearer, I should have taken off my clothes and gone after her. - By Mr Bowyer (one of the Jury): The body must have been washed out by the force of the tide. - Witness continuing: I only saw the body for a moment, and saw bubbles on the water as if a person had sunk. When I came up I saw a gown, skirt, shawl, and bonnet on the second wall leading to the men's bathing place, and a respectable looking female was standing by them. I told her she had better take the clothes to Mr Kessell and she said she did not know where he lived. I told her I would go with her, and accordingly did so, and left the clothes at Mr Kessell's house. I immediately went back, and went into the boat with Mr Kessell. I fancied with Mr Kessell that something slipped over the back of the dredge. The clothes were thrown across the wall. - By a Juryman: It was about high-water at the time. - WILLIAM HENRY PADDON said: I live in Treville-street, Plymouth and keep the Spread Eagle wine and spirit vaults. It is the corner house of Kinterbury-street. The deceased was my wife. She was 34 years of age last April. That is her body that I have seen at the dead-house in Westwell-street. The last time I saw her alive was about half-past six o'clock on Monday night. She was then going out of my house. She had on the clothes now produced by the last witness. She had been very anxious since the death of her father eight months since. She was flighty in her disposition, which the medical man will tell you more about than I can, for some years past from disease. Her mind was affected occasionally for many years. She was not put under any particular restraint at any time. She has been worse since the birth of her last child. She was very comfortable yesterday all day, until about ten minutes before she went away. - The Coroner: What happened then. Did she become angry about anything? - Witness: She went upstairs to dress herself, and when she came down again she became angry. She said she was going out and when she came back she would be back. - The Coroner: When she went upstairs did she express herself as angry? - Witness hesitated and then said if he told her that she had done anything wrong she would become angry. She went out in a "niff." - The Coroner: Tell me what she said. Witness: I cannot tell you anything at all about it. - The Coroner: Is the servant here? - Witness: Yes; there she is. - The Coroner (to the servant): did you hear what she said when she went out? - Servant: No, sir. I heard nothing more than what MR PADDON heard. I wanted to go out to walk with her, and she would not let me go. - The Coroner (to MR PADDON): Did she say anything about destroying herself? - A.: No, sir. She wanted for nothing. She had a good home. I do not think she could have been in her right senses to have done so. She has been subject to epileptic fits for many years. I have had no words with her for months and months. She has been subject to epileptic fits for years. She would fall down in a moment and become black in the face, and the only thing I could do was to force a spoon in her mouth to keep her from biting her tongue. - By the Foreman: She has never on any former occasion threatened to destroy herself. - Q.: Have you not had occasion before now to watch her? - A.: I have had occasion to watch her. I have followed her, and kept a nurse for her. - In his reply to Mr Bowyer, witness said he believed he had had a sufficient watch over deceased. - Mr William Penn Hele Eales said: I am a surgeon, and reside at No. 13 Lockyer-street, Plymouth. I have known the deceased for many years. I have attended her professionally during that time, but more particularly during the last two years. She has suffered very much in the head - from the head-ache and epileptic fits. Between times she would be perfectly correct or well. I think her mind would be disturbed both before and after these fits came on. I thought her case required watching. Sometimes she would require to be watched two or three days at a time, and she would become right again afterwards. I quite anticipated that it would end in insanity. I have no doubt that an attack was about to take place yesterday, and she consequently became more excited. I should think she destroyed herself whilst insane. - The Foreman: I concur with Mr Eales as far as my own knowledge goes, for I have known the deceased for many years. - The Coroner then summed up. - He remarked that there could be no doubt that the unfortunate deceased destroyed herself. They had heard the evidence with regard to the disease from which she suffered, and as to her state of mind since her father's death. But the crowning testimony of all was the medical testimony, and after the testimony they had heard from Mr Eales, they could not doubt for one moment in saying this case was one of temporary insanity. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 5 October 1863
EXETER - Fatal Accident Near Exeter. - On Saturday last the County Coroner, R. R. Crosse, Esq., held an Inquisition at the Bridge Inn, Heavitree, on the body of FRANCIS LANGFORD, a boy about twelve years of age. The deceased, who resided at Rockbeare, was returning from Exeter on Friday afternoon in a cart, in company with a man named Joseph Spiller of Clist Houston, and when near Wonford Lane, about a mile from Exeter, he attempted to place one foot on the foot-board of the cart, and in so doing he over-balanced himself and fell to the ground, and the wheel passed over his stomach. He was taken to Dr Miles, but life was extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 6 October 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Channel Fleet. Fatal Accident In The Sound. - The Black Prince, in bringing to in the Sound on Saturday, lost an anchor, the cable parting at the fifth shackle, and one of her A.B.'s was killed by falling from the maintop. The deceased (EDWARD JOHNSON) was overhauling a rope in the top, when he lost his balance and fell on the booby hatch, crashing through the skylight. He was picked up dead. The dead body was landed and conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, where an Inquest was held yesterday afternoon. The deceased belonged to Sunderland.

EXETER - Death Through Drunkenness. - A melancholy case of death through drinking occurred at Exeter at an early hour on Sunday morning, the facts of which came out at an Inquest which was held at the New Ship Inn, North-street, yesterday afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury, Mr Henry England, Foreman. It appeared that the deceased, FRANCIS CHARLES FLOUD, aged 37, a pressman and deliverer at the office of the Devon Weekly Times, started on Friday morning on his round, taking with him a large number of papers. He returned to Exeter on Saturday evening, and received his wages, and at that time he must have had nearly 30s. in a purse which he usually carried in his waistcoat pocket. Between eleven and twelve at night he was at the Ship Inn, Goldsmith-street, with a female, and they drank a pint of beer between them. They left the house in a few minutes, and when outside the landlord and a young man named Buckingham, who was drinking at the bar, heard a scuffle and, on going out, they found the man accusing the woman of having robbed him. She denied it and was allowed to depart and the deceased then wended his way homewards. Going down Paul-street he passed Mr Manning a bootmaker, who was talking to a neighbour, and, in doing so, he caught him by the shoulder and both fell together, but this Mr Manning took to be accidental, and as if he wished to save himself from falling. Deceased, however, was picked up and Buckingham and a companion named Carrol coming up at that moment, they volunteered to see him home, as they had a previous acquaintance with him. They took him as far as Mr Clarke's, butcher, in North-street, when further assistance came in the persons of two others, and the four carried him to Chapel's Court, where he resided with his brother-in-law, John Seymour, also a newsman in the same office. Here the deceased, who could not stand, was laid on the floor and although his neckcloth and his lace stays (which he usually wore) were unfastened, nothing further seemed to have been done to him, consequent, perhaps, upon his having been brought home in a similar state on previous occasions. For two hours a noise was heard in his throat, and at length, becoming alarmed, Seymour ran for Mr B. J. Webb, Surgeon, but on his arrival life was extinct, and it was then found that he had vomited, and a portion of the matter which he had brought up was composed of sliced onions; and Mr Webb gave it as his opinion that death was caused by suffocation, produced by some portion of the vomit lodging in the windpipe, adding that there were no indications of the deceased having taken any spirits or deleterious matter, and the Jury returned a verdict that death resulted from intoxication and suffocation.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 9 October 1863
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Hooke's Bristol Inn, St. Sidwell's yesterday afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a large and respectable Jury (Mr Walter Clarkson, Foreman) touching the death of WILLIAM SNOW, dairyman, Longbrook-street, which took place under the following circumstances:- It appeared that the deceased, who was about 54 years of age, went to his linhay, in a field at Hill's Court, just before 5 o'clock, where his brother, THOMAS, was at work, and had some conversation with him as to whether a cow which he had purchased on the previous day at ~Alphington Fair was safe or dangerous to milk. His brother having milked the cow on the previous day told him that there was no danger, and he sat down to milk her, the witness performing a similar operation on another animal only a short distance off. A slight conversation ensued between them in the course of which the deceased expressed an opinion that the cow would answer, & in about a minute afterwards the witness simultaneously heard a sound as of a gurgling in the throat and saw another cow which was between them jumping away. He immediately ran to where his brother had been sitting, and found him lying on his back on the ground. He raised him between his knees and took off his neckcloth and unbuttoned his shirt collar, holding him for about ten minutes until the arrival of his son, whom he sent for assistance. During this time the deceased did not speak nor struggle, but he breathed twice and expired. The deceased's general health was good, but latterly he had complained of palpitation of the heart and a pain in the back part of his head. - Mr A. J. Cuming, surgeon, of Southernhay, deposed that he had been in the habit of attending the deceased for many years, but not within the past twelve months. He had seen the body when it was brought home, and his opinion was that he died from disease of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence of the last witness.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 10 October 1863
EXETER - Fatal Accident By a Thrashing Machine. - An Inquest was held at Horsford's Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalene-street, yesterday afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner (Mr John Rowden being Foreman of the Jury), on view of the body of CHARLES QUAINTANCE, aged 65 years, whose death took place under the following circumstances. It appeared that the deceased was a labourer working with Mr Pyle, a farmer of Bagworth, Woodbury, and that on the 2nd inst., whilst he was engaged in handling the corn to the feeder of a portable horse thrashing machine, his arm became suddenly entangled in the fly. Robert Coombes, a labourer, who acted as feeder, and who had only a moment before left the platform to adjust some of the gear, noticed that the horses stopped instantaneously, and on getting up from under the machine, and going to the back of it he saw the deceased drawn into it from the feeding boxes. He at once unscrewed the part which confined the limb and then it was found that his left arm was frightfully crushed. Being interrogated as to the cause, deceased stated that his foot slipped: he did not say whether he was attempting to feed the machine or not, but stated that all the blame was attributable to himself. In a short time afterwards he was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it was found that amputation was necessary, and where he lingered until Thursday evening, when he died (as Mr J. U. Huxley, the house surgeon said) from mortification of the stump, which succeeded within two days of his admission, and which extended to the shoulder. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 12 October 1863
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest At Newton. - An Inquest was held at Newton on Saturday last, by Francis B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of an infant belonging to MRS FANNY GODFREY. It appeared that the child was put to nurse with Mrs Avery, a shopkeeper in East-street, and that at eight o'clock on Wednesday morning it was in the bed and alive, but on its nurse going to dress it at nine o'clock she found it quite dead. Dr Gillard stated that it had died from Natural Causes, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

EXETER - Suicide By Poison In Exeter. - The fifth Inquest for the week was held on Saturday afternoon, at the King's Arms, West Quarter, by Mr H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury (Mr John Turner, Foreman), touching the death of FREDERICK BEER, a shoemaker, aged 23 years. It appeared from the evidence of James Tarr, also a shoemaker, residing on Shepcote Hill - who was much affected whilst giving his evidence - that he had known the deceased from his childhood, and that he had lived with him for ten or eleven years past, having served his apprenticeship with the witness. For some two years past the deceased had been in a desponding state, and had been given to habits of intemperance. The previous night he came home between 12 and 1 o'clock and retired to his room, which adjoined that in which witness slept. The next morning witness was aroused by hearing a groaning in deceased's room, and on going there he found him rolling on the bed. He asked him what was the matter with him, to which he made no reply, but handed him a printed label, on which were the words "Oxalic Acid - Poison. George Pates, dispensing chemist, Fore-street-hill, Exeter." Being alarmed he ran for the assistance of a neighbour and sent for medical aid: after some time Mr Mark Farrant arrived, but the deceased was then dead. He had been more desponding than ever of late, and would frequently sit on his bench in a "stud", and when spoken to would immediately go away to the public-house. Oxalic acid was used by shoemakers, but there had not been any in the house lately. While witness was away for a surgeon, his wife went into the room, when the deceased told her that he had taken poison and begged her for God's sake to send for a doctor. He had no parents in Exeter, but his mother resided in London. She had several times of late observed him in a very low state, and when asked the reason by Mrs Tarr, he replied that he could not tell and nobody would ever know; although he would sit and cry like a child, and appear as if he had something on his mind, yet he never threatened to destroy himself. Mr Honns, a fish-dealer, who was called in to assist, stated that he had known the deceased for many years, and that of late he had noticed him in a very low state of mind, frequently sitting in a moody state for several minutes without answering, and then suddenly rising and rushing off to the public-house. Mr C. H. Roper, surgeon, of Southernhay, deposed that he was sent for at about 20 minutes past 7 and as he could not go immediately he sent an antidote, and followed to the house at about a quarter before 8, when the man was dead. Near the bed were a plate and a spoon and from enquiries which he had made of Mr Pates, he had no doubt that deceased had taken quite half an ounce of the poison, which appeared to have been slightly mixed up with water on the plate, causing no doubt the quickest death of the sort on record. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 October 1863
TORQUAY - Sudden Death At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Torquay Infirmary at seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, touching the death of ANN CLEMENTS, of Kingskerswell, a woman of 64 years of age, who had been found dying on a heap of stones near the turnpike gate-house, on the New Road, leading to the Livermead Railway Station, on Friday evening last. The Jury was composed of Messrs. E. Metherell, (Foreman), T. Taylor, W. Dear, J. Amphlett, J. Mountstephens, H. Kennedy, A. Churchward, E. Bovey, W. Kuett, W. M. Duffield, Thos. Searle and T. Parr. - Richard Williams deposed that he was a carpenter and lodging-house keeper, residing at No. 10 Abbey Crescent. Had known the deceased ANN CLEMENTS for the last 30 years; he last saw her alive on Friday evening about 8 o'clock at the little turnpike house, close by Abbey Crescent. - When he first saw her she was lying on a heap of stones close by; she was very ill, but knew him and was sensible; she spoke to him, and said, "I'm dying: I shall never see Kingskerswell again." She lived at Kingskerswell, was a widow, and kept a small shop. Mr Dolbeer sand witness lifted her up, she walked a few yards, but could not go further and began vomiting. They took her up and carried her into the turnpike house. She spoke once afterwards, and said, "Lord have mercy upon me." She was coming from Torquay, on her way back to Kingskerswell, and was to leave a parcel at witness's house. When found she said, "Mind my basket and parcel." After she vomited there was froth at her mouth. - Examined by a Juror: Had known deceased 30 years. She was not a person likely to commit suicide. Had heard he say that sometimes she could scarcely breathe if she walked fast. She had complained of palpitation of the heart at times. Had never complained of her head. She lived about half an hour after witness first saw her. Had not complained of any ill-usage; and there were no marks of any struggle. She had a sister at Kingskerswell, but not living with her. did not know but what they were on good terms. - W. W. Stabb, Esq., Surgeon, who was present during the examination of the witness, in reply to a question said it would be impossible for him to state then the cause of death, as he had not seen the deceased alive. It also appeared the basket of the deceased had contained a bottle of medicine, which she was taking to Kingskerswell for some gentleman, and that when Mr Williams went there to inform the sister of the deceased he gave the basket and contents up to her. - The Coroner said that, without imputing any blame to Mr Williams, it was a matter of regret that the basket had not been left at the Infirmary: in all such cases it was necessary to preserve everything connected with the occurrence. - A circumstance also transpired that one of the family had suffered from mental derangement. - Under these facts the Coroner said he should not be doing his duty, nor the Jurors theirs, if a post mortem examination was not ordered; in which the Jury entirely concurred. - The further consideration of the case stands, therefore, adjourned to Friday next, at three o'clock in the afternoon, to receive Mr Stabb's report, and for the production, if possible, of the basket and bottle, and the further examination of witnesses.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 17 October 1863
EXETER - Another Death By Machinery. - An Inquest was held at the Topsham Inn, South-street, Exeter, on Thursday afternoon, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner (Mr Sugg, Foreman of the Jury), touching the death of HENRY VILL, a married man and a farm labourer, aged 33 years. It appeared that the deceased, who resided at Chudleigh Knighton, was in the employ of Mr Thomas Searle, of Bellamarsh Mills, Kingsteignton, and that on the 21st ult. he was engaged in tending a thrashing machine which was worked by water-power, and whilst so doing he was observed by a fellow-workman named Henry Vallance to slip his foot. In falling he put out his hand forward to save himself, when he was caught by the left arm, which was frightfully crushed. As soon as possible he was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it being found that amputation was necessary, the operation was successfully preformed by Mr De la Garde. For ten days following he went on exceedingly well, but at the end of that time he became worse and died on Wednesday morning, the medical officers being unable to come to a conclusion as to the cause of death. In consequence thereof the Coroner ordered a post mortem examination, and the result, as stated by Mr H. U. Huxley, the house surgeon, was, that deceased died from pyemia. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 19 October 1863
TORQUAY - Child Burnt To Death At Torquay. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon last, at Mr Mogridge's Union Hotel, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, respecting the death of HARRIET NORCOMBE, a child of four years old. - The Jury consisted of Mr W. A. Goss (Foreman), Messrs. R. Bartlett, R. H. Taylor, W. Watson, F. Blackwood, J. D. Price, John Bodley, John Allen, N. Wakeham, S. Dibbins, Edward Hussey, and James Weeks. - THOMAS NORCOMBE deposed that he was a plumber, residing at No. 23 Melviln-street. The deceased HARRIET NORCOMBE was his child; she was about 4 years old. On Thursday morning last about half-past six, he took the deceased with him from the bedroom to the kitchen. He lit the fire, and cut the child a piece of bread and butter. Shortly afterwards his apprentice-boy came in and asked for the key of the workshop to get the tools. Witness could not find the key on the mantel-piece where he usually kept it, and told the boy it might be in the wash-house. He went out with the boy to look for it. Left the child in a little chair in front of the fire. Just as he was crossing the yard he heard a cry, but did not think it was his child. He went on to the wash-house, found the key, and unlocked the door of the workshop. he still heard a cry and said to the boy, "I think it is HARRIET'S cry." He ran up, and found the child about half-way across the room, in a blaze of fire. She was not dressed except her night-gown. She was very much burnt in the leg, body and face. He sent for Mr Pollard, who came almost directly. The child was then living. He told me to go to Mr Weeks' for some oil. I got it, and the nurse, Mrs Townsend, used the oil. Mr Pollard came the next day with Dr Woodward. He said the child was dangerously ill and that he would give him an order for the Dispensary. Witness went up and got a few powders and some oil. The child died about twenty minutes after five on Friday evening. She seemed to suffer very much and was out of her mind. The only nourishment she took was a little milk. Witness had two little boys older than the deceased. There was some shavings in the fender. There was no guard to the fire. The child was alone in the room. She was not in the habit of playing with the fire. There were no matches left about. He was not absent from the room more than a few moments. - Sarah Webber, wife of George Webber, of Torquay, marble-mason, said she lived in the same house with MR NORCOMBE. On Thursday morning about half-past six she was awoke by a noise: after listening, she heard the cry of a child, and about a minute and a half after she heard MR NORCOMBE making an alarm. She got up and throwing some clothes about her, went upstairs. She found the child sitting on the sofa, and MR NORCOMBE applying linseed oil. The fire was out, and her things were off. She was much burnt; more on her left side than on the other, her leg and arm especially. Could not see the trace of any half-burnt shavings. Some shreds of the night-gown were left on the floor. There was very little fire in the grate. The chair was quite four feet from the fire. There were some shavings inside the fender partly burnt, but none on the floor. She said to her mother, when she came into the room, "Don't touch me ma," or something of that sort. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from the effects of burns received in an accidental manner, and acquitted all parties of any blame in the matter. - Mr Goss, the Foreman, was instructed by the Jurors to present their fees to the Torquay Infirmary.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 21 October 1863
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On A Child In Cambridge Street. - An Inquest was held at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, Plymouth, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, to Enquire into the death of an illegitimate child, named ELIZABETH ANN PENERY, aged six weeks, who was found dead in bed yesterday morning. The Jury proceeded to view the body, which was lying at its mother's residence, 8 Cambridge-lane-east, and then adjourned to the Cambridge Inn, when the following evidence was adduced:- MARY ANN PENERY, the mother deposed: I am the wife of THOMAS PENERY, but he is not the father of the child, although bearing the same name. I reside at No. 8, Cambridge-lane-east. The deceased child was very healthy from its birth, and was nursed by me. I used to feed the child with biscuit soaked in milk, and sweetened three times a day, besides giving her the breast. On Monday last the deceased was perfectly healthy. I retired to rest about eleven o'clock and placed the deceased on my right arm, and gave her the breast two or three times during the night, the last time being about three or four in the morning. She seemed very comfortable. I then fell off to sleep, and awoke between seven and eight in the morning, when I found the deceased dead just under my arm. I screamed, and called my neighbours: also sent for Mr Dale, surgeon. - In reply to the Coroner as to whether she always treated the child kindly, Witness stated that she always did, and that she was assisted by her mother in attending to the child. - Jane Hocking deposed: I am a widow living in the same house as the last witness, and hearing MRS PENERY scream yesterday morning and call for someone to come to her, I went up and found the child dead, but warm. I do not think it could have been dead long. I did the last for the deceased, and did not see any marks of violence on the body. Her mother was always kind and affectionate to her, and I do not think the child was ill-used by anyone. - The Coroner asked the witness if she thought the child died a natural death, when she replied that she believed the child died by the visitation of God. - Cross-examined by one of the Jury: Did anyone beside the mother sleep in the room or was there anyone else there when you went up? - Witness: No. - Mary Jane Hill, living in the same house as last witness, deposed to the same facts. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 22 October 1863
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Death By Drowning At Plymouth. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, by J. Edmonds, Esq., into the circumstances of the death of a man named JOSEPH REED, who was found drowned in Sutton Pool, on the previous day. The deceased was a trunk maker, and kept a stall in the Plymouth market, and it appears that on the evening of the 12th October he, in company with a person named Palmer, went to the "Fox and Goose" beer-house in Westwell-street, where the deceased became intoxicated. He left the house at about 10 o'clock, and stated that he was going to his home. The deceased, however, did not get home and consequently enquiries were made respecting him, but without being able to ascertain where he had gone. On Tuesday afternoon several persons were going on board the Contractor, steamer, then lying in Sutton Pool, and on getting near the starboard side of the vessel they discovered the body of a man entangled in the paddle-wheel. A person named Collings immediately secured the body, and gave information at the police-station and P.C. Strang proceeded to the spot, and on searching the clothes on the deceased he found two half-crown pieces besides several pawn-tickets. The body was then conveyed to the dead-house, in Westwell-street, and was subsequently identified by the wife of the deceased. One of the witnesses stated that the deceased was very near-sighted, and in summing up the evidence, the Coroner stated that it was probable - the deceased being near sighted and intoxicated - that he might have accidentally walked over the pier, and in consequence of the lateness of the hour no assistance came to hand. The Jury, after some deliberation, returned a verdict of Found Drowned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 23 October 1863
HATHERLEIGH - Melancholy Death From Falling In A Tub Of Boiling Beer. - An Inquiry was held on Wednesday morning, at Hatherleigh, before H. A. Vallack, Esq., Coroner, into the death of a boy named JOHN HOOPER, aged 10 years, who met his death by falling into a tub of boiling beer on Saturday last. It appeared from the evidence adduced that on Saturday evening, at about 8 o'clock, a person named John Bowden, brewer, was in the brewing-house of the George Hotel at work. The deceased was also in the brew-house playing with other children. A boy named Luxton had a lighted candle in his hand, which he put towards the deceased's face, who running backwards to avoid the candle, ran against a tub of boiling beer, and fell into it. Bowden went to extricate the deceased and ultimately succeeded in doing so. The deceased was at once conveyed to his residence, and Mr Gould, surgeon, was sent for, but the poor boy died on Sunday afternoon. The Coroner, in summing up, remarked how many cases had been brought before him under similar circumstances, and would caution the brewer to be more careful in the future and not allow children to play in the brew-house. The Jury after some consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 October 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Death By Drowning In Hamoaze. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Ferryhouse Inn, Morice Town, by A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the death of a marine named WM. GULLEY, belonging to H.M.S. Indus, who was drowned on Wednesday last. The deceased was a marine, about twenty-six years of age, and belonged to the Indus, but on Wednesday last he was doing duty on board the storeship Cyclopedia. At about six o'clock in the evening he, in company with three other men, received orders to hoist a kilderkin of ale from the accommodation ladder, and accordingly he proceeded to perform the act, and on "canting" the barrel to bring it near the steps, by some means his foot slipped, and the poor fellow fell into the water. After some time he rose to the surface at a distance of about four feet from the vessel, but neither of the men being able to reach that length from the ship a boat was immediately ordered to be lowered, which was accordingly done. The men in the boat proceeded to search for the body and discovered it about 15 feet astern of the vessel. They immediately rowed towards the body, but when within a few feet of it, it sank. The men afterwards made a search for the body, and they at length succeeded in finding it at some distance from the ship. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that it would be a less dangerous practice to the seamen if a crane was erected in the vessel, so that it would lift anything that was needed from the steps into the ship without endangering the lives of the men. An officer of the vessel in attendance said that a crane was now in course of erection which would lift a weight of five tons and upwards. The Foreman said that the Jury concurred in the opinion of the Coroner, that a crane should be erected, and they returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 2 November 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In The Sound. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquiry was held by J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, into the circumstances attending the death of MATTHEW HARDING, who died on Friday from injuries received whilst on board the Assaye, in the Sound, on the 17th October. The deceased was a seaman on board the Assaye, and signed articles on the 17th inst. for a voyage to Bombay. On Saturday, the 17th instant, the sails were being set in order to proceed on the journey. The order was given by the boatswain to set the jib-boom sail, and for that purpose the deceased went on one of the yards, when, according to his own statement at the hospital before his death, he felt a giddiness in his head, and fell from the yard to the deck on his head across two chains. He was taken up in an unconscious state, and immediately on its being ascertained that he was seriously injured, he was conveyed on shore in a boat and taken to the South Devon Hospital, where he was examined by Dr Square, who found that the skull had been severely fractured. The deceased did not revive from the time he entered the hospital, and on Friday night he died in great pain. The Coroner said, that from the evidence elicited, he had no doubt but that the deceased came by his death purely by an accident, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 3 November 1863
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Jubilee Inn, Jubilee-street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of CAPT. JOHN HAINS, who met with his death under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence. - JOHN HAINS, surgeon, eldest son of the deceased said: I reside at Bridgetown, Berry Pomeroy, Totnes. The deceased was a captain in the Royal Navy on half-pay, and resided at No. 11 Charles Place. He was about 69 years of old. He has not been in good health for a long time. He has been suffering for the last 12 months from chronic dyspepsia or indigestion, accompanied by a weak and flabby heart. I saw him last time alive about a fortnight since. He was subject to frequent fainting fits, and would fall down without any apparent cause. The least excitement would be likely to cause death. I have cautioned him over and over again to avoid excitement. In my opinion he died of diseased heart. - Richard Hill, junr., said: I have known the deceased for many years. I met him in Woolster-street on Friday evening, at half-past eight, by appointment at a private house. We parted about nine. Just before ten o'clock Mr Harvey and myself passed the deceased in Vauxhall-street. We passed the deceased and Mr Harvey and myself went into the Regent Inn, in Exeter-street, to get a glass of ale. The deceased came in after us. Mr Harvey sat down, but deceased and myself stood. We each of us had a glass of ale. The deceased was in good spirits at the time. He was speaking with satisfaction of his sons. We each of us ordered another glass of ale, and the deceased was still standing with his glass of ale before him in the bar. He was talking and suddenly fell. Mr Harvey and I took him up, and unloosed his necktie, and sent for assistance. He died in my opinion within a minute of his falling in the bar. There had been no difference of opinion with the deceased, nor do I think that he had been ill-used by anyone. Deceased was quite sober at the time. - Two other persons who were present at the death of the deceased gave similar evidence and the Jury then returned a verdict of Sudden Death from Disease of the Heart.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 5 November 1863
BICKINGTON - Fatal Accident At Bickington, near Newton. - An Inquest was held at Bickington yesterday morning before Francis B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of BETTY MOORE, an old woman 80 years of age, who accidentally met her death by burning on Monday last. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that the deceased, during the temporary absence of her daughter, accidentally fell into the fire. Assistance speedily arrived, but unfortunately not until the deceased had been frightfully burnt. Every attention was paid to her that possibly could be, but she died within a few hours afterwards. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 6 November 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident At Keyham. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the death of NICHOLAS KELYNACK, who died on Tuesday evening, from injuries received by falling from a scaffolding at Keyham, on Tuesday last. The deceased was a shipwright and about 52 years of age. On Tuesday morning he, in company with several other men, received orders to strip off the metal sheeting from H.M.S. Royal Oak, then lying in the south dock at Keyham. At about nine o'clock the deceased was stripping off a large piece of sheeting with an iron bar, when he was observed to stoop down, and by some means he slipped backwards, and fell on the edge of a large step in the dock, called an "altar." The deceased fell very heavily, and afterwards rolled over a number of steps to the bottom of the dock. Several persons who witnessed the accident immediately picked up the deceased, and conveyed him to the medical officer's office at Keyham, where he was found to be quite insensible. On examining the head, it was ascertained that he had sustained very serious injuries, and that the skull was fractured. A cab was procured and the deceased was conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, at Stonehouse, where he expired on the same evening, at about 9 o'clock. In answer to questions put to him by the Coroner, a person named Richard White, who witnessed the accident, stated that in his opinion the deceased fell from the stage on account of its being so slippery from the wet weather. The Coroner said it appeared that the deceased met his death quite accidentally, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 9 November 1863
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held at Stockman's Half Moon Inn, Wolborough-street, on Saturday, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of LUCY BEAL, aged two months, who was found dead in bed on Thursday morning. After hearing the evidence of the child's mother and that of Dr Drake, from which it appeared that the child had been overlaid by its mother, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 10 November 1863
PLYMSTOCK - The Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. Inquest On The Recovered Bodies. - A Jury was empanelled yesterday, by Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the deaths of REBECCA DREW, WILLIAM STEVENS, FREDERICK HAWKINS, MATILDA LOUISA BROWN and MARGARET WILSON, who were accidentally drowned on Saturday last, by the capsizing of a boat near the Bovisand Pier. The Jury assembled at the Watch House, Bovisand, at two o'clock when the following evidence was heard:- Robert Johnson said he was a gunner of the Artillery stationed at Staddon Fort, where he had been about four months. He had seen and recognized the bodies of the above persons. The men were gunners of the Royal Artillery. MRS DREW was the wife of SERGEANT DREW of the Artillery, one of the men drowned, and whose body had not then been found. MATILDA BROWN was also the wife of a bombardier of the Artillery. They were all stationed at Staddon Fort, under the command of Lieut. Manson Hamilton. On Saturday morning last, about 11 o'clock, he, the deceased persons, and others, numbering ten in all, embarked in a boat from the steps at Bovisand pier to go to Plymouth for provisions for themselves and their families. They arrived at Plymouth without any accident, where they remained until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when they all met at the Barbican and embarked from thence back to Staddon. They had groceries in the boat, and a nine gallon barrel of ale, besides some smaller packages. They were all perfectly sober, with the exception of WILLIAM STEVENS, and he was a little tipsy. They pulled as far as the Citadel, and then hoisted a "sprit" sail. It was blowing fresh. SERGEANT DREW sat in the stern of the boat and steered. No one pulled. They were going before the wind. They came on very well and without any apparent danger until they reached the buoy, about 150 yards from the Bovisand shore. SERGEANT DREW had the sheet in his hand. He had the rudder in his right hand and the sheet in his left. All hands were sitting down as they neared the buoy, when the wind seemed to slacken a bit, and then the sail suddenly came to the starboard side. The sail "jibbed" when GUNNER STEVENS stood up in the boat and stepped over on the starboard side, and with that the boat capsized. The sea washed over the boat and they were all immersed in the water. The boat turned bottom upwards, and he (witness) got on to the keel with several others. The boat then righted again, and all those who were on the keel were thrown into the water. He, with several others, then got hold of the side of the boat, when it again turned over, and he immediately swam to shore. He did not see what became of the other persons. The boat belonged to a man at Cawsand, and its length was twenty feet, and he should think it was about five-and-a-half feet in breadth. It was hired by SERGEANT DREW, who paid £1 a month for it. He kept a sort of canteen, and the profits which he made by the sale of the ale he paid towards the loan of the boat. They had no boat belonging to the Government. The boat was hired by DREW without any connection with the officers commanding the detachment. He (witness) did not know that there were any written orders prohibiting them from using a boat under sail. The boat subsequently drifted into the basin. - Lieutenant Manson Hamilton was examined with regard to there being any specific orders respecting the using of boats by the men when under sail. On being sworn, the officer stated that to his knowledge there was no special orders concerning it, but he knew that it was against the Colonel's wishes for the men to use the boat with sails. - James Sievely, one of the surviving men, was called and corroborated the evidence of the first witness, with the exception of stating that he did not think the man STEVENS was tipsy. - Corporal Broom stated that he was one of the party who went out at the time of the accident to endeavour to save the lives of those who were struggling in the water. On arriving at the spot he found MRS DREW and Sievely clinging to the boat, and with assistance he took them off and conveyed them on shore. MRS DREW was alive when first rescued, but was perfectly insensible and died shortly after she was brought on shore. She was immediately conveyed to her own apartments at the fort. - The other bodies on which the Enquiry was held were recovered during yesterday morning by means of creepers, and in the afternoon the body of ELIAS HAMLYN was found by the "diver". The Jury subsequently visited the body, when evidence was taken as to the finding of it. - After all the evidence had been heard, the Coroner remarked that he thought it was rather to be regretted that the men should have been permitted to use the boat under sail, when it was quite clear they were perfectly unable to manage it. - A Juryman said the men had very often been warned of the fact, but they took no notice whatever of it. - The Jury subsequently returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", in doing which they expressed an opinion that the men should not be allowed to use the boat under sail between the fort and Plymouth. - Up to five o'clock last evening, the diver had been unsuccessful in recovering the body of the only remaining man, SERGEANT DREW, but every exertion will be used towards effecting its recovery, when another Enquiry will be held by Allan B. Bone, Esq., at Bovisand.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 14 November 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Suicide At Stoke. The Inquest - Verdict Of Insanity. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Haddington Hotel, Benbow-street, Stoke, on the circumstances attending the death of MR THOMAS CHANNENS, who died from injuries received from falling from a bridge near the railway station, Stoke. Mr Thomas Knight officiated as Foreman of the Jury. The first witness examined was Jane Dixon, a servant in the deceased's employ, who stated that the deceased resided at 62 Haddington-street, Stoke. She had been in the service of the deceased for about five months, and during that time he had been very unwell, and in consequence of his ill health the surgeons had directed that a strict watch should be kept on him, and on no occasion was he allowed to leave the house without a companion, and when in the house some person was always with him. For some time past he had not been in a right state of mind and he was very restless. He was also labouring under a delusion, and on some occasions he would say that his family would come to want. He had expressed a desire to go for a walk by himself after it became dark, and on several occasions he had attempted to leave the house for that purpose, but he had always been prevented from doing so. On Friday morning at about half-past seven o'clock she took a cup of tea to the deceased whilst he was in bed, when he said that he was going to rise, and he came downstairs at about a quarter before eight o'clock, when he immediately went to the front door of the house and went away. She (witness) saw the deceased leave the house and she went to the door, when she saw him at the head of the street. She immediately ran after the deceased, and on coming to the top of the street she saw him running towards the railway bridge. She ran as fast as possible, and at length succeeded in catching the deceased when near the railway bridge near St. Jean d'Acre-terrace, Stoke. The deceased told her to go home and stated that his daughter was coming with him. She (witness) released the deceased, and looked to see if he had given her a correct statement, but she could not see any of the family coming towards the spot and on looking round she saw the deceased with his knees on the coping of the bridge. She immediately ran towards him, but by the time she reached him he was suspended to the bridge, holding by his hands to the coping. She caught hold of the collar of the deceased's coat, but he released his hold of the coping, and he being too heavy for her to hold she called for assistance, but before any help arrived she was obliged to release her grasp of him or he would have dragged her over the bridge, and he fell to the ground on the railway. She immediately ran to the deceased's residence and related the unhappy circumstance to the family, who at once went to the railway station, where the deceased was put into a first-class waiting-room by the officials of the station. - By a Juryman: The deceased was a very temperate man, and not at all addicted to drink. - The Coroner: Did you not see any person near the bridge at the time of the occurrence who could render you any assistance? - Witness: No, I did not. I did not see any persons near but two boys, who were unable to render any assistance. - William Mills, a porter at the Devonport Railway Station, was examined, and stated that he was on duty at the railway station on Friday morning at about eight o'clock, when he heard a female screaming for help, and on looking towards the bridge, situated to the eastward of the station, he saw the deceased getting over it, and immediately afterwards he saw a young woman catch hold of him by the collar. He ran towards the bridge, when deceased fell on the tramway, and witness immediately picked him up and, with assistance, conveyed him to the first-class waiting room. Medical assistance was sent for, and shortly afterwards Messrs. Watson and May arrived. he (witness) some time after assisted in taking the deceased in a cot to his residence. - Witness, in answer to a question put to him by a Juryman, stated that the height of the bridge from which the deceased fell was about 40 feet. - Peter Symons, an outfitter carrying on business in Fore-street, Devonport, stated that for some years past he had been intimate with the deceased's family. The deceased was formerly an hotel-keeper at Liskeard, and in March last he retired from business. Since that time he had been lonely in his habits, and appeared as if he were in want of employment to pass the time away. In order to divert his mind his friends caused him to be removed from town to town. Accordingly, a few months since he was removed to Stoke, and since that time he had been under a delusion that his family would come to want. It had been arranged that on Friday morning the deceased should proceed with his family to London for a short time, and he (witness) was going to call at the deceased's house for that purpose at about ten o'clock in the morning. He was coming by train from Saltash, when he was informed that the deceased had met with an accident. He went in the waiting-room, when he ascertained that the deceased's thigh had been broken, and that he had several severe bruises from the fall. Shortly afterwards the deceased was conveyed to his residence, when he was quite insensible, and he died about eleven o'clock, in great pain. - The Coroner said that the point the Jury were to consider was whether the deceased was in such a state of mind at the time of the occurrence as to be capable of taking care of himself, or if he was not capable of doing so. - The Foreman said that the Jury thought the deceased in an Unsound State of Mind, and they returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 16 November 1863
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident In Stonehouse Pool. - On Saturday morning an Inquest was held at the Vine Hotel, Stonehouse, by Allan B. Bone, Esq., into the death of WILLIAM HENWOOD, who died from falling from the yards of the Belmont, merchant vessel, on Friday morning. The Belmont, owned by Mr Clark, arrived in Stonehouse-pool on Saturday week last, and since that time, the timber which the vessel had contained has been disembarked. On Friday morning last the deceased, who was an able seaman on board, received orders with some other men to get the sail-block and line and to unreef the topsail-sheet. The deceased accordingly procured the block and line and went aloft with it. He afterwards lowered the sheet which he did with his foot. The sheet being too heavy for him to lower with his foot and from the force that it slipped from the topsail, it threw the deceased from his proper balance and consequently, he fell to the deck, and was killed instantaneously. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" but considered that he met his death by his own inattention.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Millbay. - The Inquest on the body of MARY ANN CLEAVE, the young woman that fell into the outer basin of the Great Western Docks on Tuesday last, and subsequently died from the effects, was resumed on Saturday afternoon by Allan B. Bone, Esq., at the Devonport guildhall. Mr R. Edmonds appeared on behalf of the Steam Company. The Inquest was adjourned in consequence of Mr Gardner making a statement to the effect that it was probable some of the men who witnessed the accident from on board the Alar would return to Plymouth by another steamer; but Mr Gardner now stated that up to his leaving Millbay the men had not arrived. Since the adjournment the Jury had made an examination of the place where the accident occurred, and from that examination they pronounced it to be insecure, and insufficient for the safety of the passengers. Mr Filder, the secretary of the Great Western Dock Company, and Mr Gardner, the agent for Maple's line of steamers at the Docks, were examined, and from their statements it appeared that on Tuesday last the Alar was brought alongside the Millbay Pier for the purpose of disembarking the goods and passengers, and for the removal of the heavier goods from the vessel a crane was used, which was fixed near the place, and consequently the gangway was about six feet from the steps. The passengers who were to leave the docks by the steamer in order to gain access to the vessel were obliged to walk round outside of an upright balk of timber which formed part of the pier framing, from thence along a horizontal piece of timber about five feet in length, then round inside another upright piece, and when they arrived at this spot they had to cross a plank which led to the gangway of the vessel. The balks of timber around which the passengers had to pass were covered with water at each tide, and consequently were rather slippery, and it appeared that as the deceased was walking along the plank she fell off, from which death resulted on Wednesday morning. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased's death was occasioned by falling from a plank into the water at the Great Western Docks on Tuesday evening last, and that she met her death by Accident; but they considered that the means employed for the embarkation of passengers were highly dangerous, insufficient, and discreditable to the Company.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 19 November 1863
PLYMSTOCK - The Late Fatal Boat Accident In The Sound. - Allan B. Bone, jun., Esq., held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at the Fort, Bovisand, on the body of SERGEANT WILLIAM DREW, one of the unfortunate men who was drowned on Saturday week last. The Jury first proceeded to view the body, which was very much disfigured, especially the hands and face. The other bodies were found soon after the accident occurred, but, although every exertion was made to recover the body of DREW, the search was fruitless. On Tuesday afternoon, however, about one o'clock, the men were engaged, as they had been during the whole of the past week, in searching for the body, and while so engaged one of them named James Ware, a bombardier in the Royal Artillery, saw something rise in the water. The men proceeded to the spot, which was about 100 yards from the place where the accident occurred, and found it to be the body of the deceased. It was at once towed to the shore, and on being searched by Corporal Broom £5 5s. 1d. and a silver watch were found on him. The deceased was about 32 years of age. - The Deputy Coroner enquired of one of the witnesses how, in case the boat in which they went to Plymouth was discontinued, they would obtain their provisions? - The witness answered that the contractor was supposed to bring the provisions to the Fort, but they generally made it a practice of fetching them themselves, and the contractor allowed them something for their trouble. - After the evidence of Johnson had been taken, which was similar to that which appeared in the Mercy of Tuesday week, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." We believe the body will be interred in the Stoke Burial ground today.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 21 November 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident Under The Hoe. - An Enquiry was held last evening at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, by John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of JOSEPH COOK, an old man 73 years of age, who was found dead yesterday morning at the Two Coves, under the Hoe, under very melancholy circumstances. From the evidence taken, it appeared that the deceased was originally a tallow chandler. He afterwards became a shopman to Messrs. Miles and Company, curriers, of Devonport, and continued there until between seven and eight years ago. Since that time he had not attended to any trade, but had lived on the money he had saved, and also from the proceeds of keeping lodgers in his house at Cambridge-lane West. His spirits were always good, and he enjoyed very good health, and there was never anything seen in his conduct which would lead any person to suspect that he would commit suicide. The deceased was very fond of out-door exercise, and for many years past he made it a practice of going on the Hoe, and staying there for three or four hours a day, under the rocks, gathering drift wood, which he put in a bag kept for that purpose. There appeared to be no occasion for the deceased doing this, as it would appear he did not want for the necessaries of life. His young son - THOMAS WILLIAM COOK - had several times endeavoured to persuade him from going under the rocks, but in vain, his answer being that he merely did it for amusement, as he had no other way of occupying his time. On Wednesday evening, before retiring to rest, the deceased requested that he might be called about six o'clock the following morning. He, however, was not called, but got up himself and went out for a walk. He came home again at breakfast-time, and commenced playing with his son's children, who resided in an adjoining building. He appeared to be in excellent spirits. He went out again in the afternoon, but in the evening, contrary to his usual custom, he did not come home to his tea. His wife, however, left his tea on the table, but on returning about nine o'clock, and finding that he had not then been home, she became alarmed. She communicated with her youngest son, who instantly proceeded to the Guildhall, but, obtaining no tidings of the deceased there, he went on the Hoe, and commenced a diligent search from the citadel to the "Rusty Anchor." The search, however, was fruitless. The deceased had met with an accident on the rocks about six months ago by falling, cutting his eye and injuring his head. From this, the son of the deceased was led to believe that he had met with another accident. Early the following morning, THOMAS COOK, accompanied by his daughter, again went on the Hoe, and commenced another search among the rocks and around the water's edge. They first saw a man sitting on a rock below them, at the two coves, washing his feet. He had two sticks in his hand. The girl thereupon exclaimed that one of the sticks was the deceased's, and on looking down COOK saw a stick and a pool of blood under the right of the Coves. On proceeding to the spot he found the stick to be the property of deceased. He also found a tooth there. It then struck him that the deceased had met with an accident, and had been taken to the Hospital, and he exclaimed, "Thank God, I shall yet see my father alive." he then went to Mr Kessell, the Hoe Inspector, and from thence to the hospital, but finding that the deceased had not been taken there, he retraced his steps, and in company with Inspector Kessell, again began to search for the body. When they were at the two coves, Mr Kessell asked COOK if he had looked down the westermost cove, and COOK replied that he had. Mr Kessell, not feeling quite satisfied in that respect, was about to look himself, when COOK forestalled him, and then saw the body lying at the bottom with the face downwards. There was a little seaweed around him, but no water on him, as the tide had gone back. He was quite dead - drowned. - The body was immediately removed and conveyed to Cambridge-lane West, where the deceased resided. He was very deaf, and had been in the habit of ranging about the rocks for many years past. Inspector Kessell was called, and on being examined as to his belief of the manner in which deceased came to his death, he stated that he believed the deceased, in climbing over the path or boundary wall must have fallen, receiving some injury. He must then have walked along the rugged rocks for some yards, as there were traces of blood there, but finding that the wall became higher, he must have retraced his steps, and becoming light-headed, had fallen over into the cove. The youngest son of the deceased stated as his belief that the accident happened between two and three o'clock in the afternoon when the tide was low, as the bag which deceased carried was rolled up and quite empty, but had the accident happened later in the evening, there is no doubt there would have been some wood in it, as he seldom failed to come home without he had some. - Mr Kessell said he had seen the deceased very often during the past four years on the Hoe, and frequently climbing very dangerous places. It had been remarked to him several times by gentlemen that the deceased would one day be killed there. After the evidence had been taken, the Coroner remarked that he thought the younger son of the deceased was deserving of great credit for the assiduous manner in which he had searched for the body. It was, of course, his duty to do so, but that duty had been very well done. - The Jury subsequently returned a verdict that the deceased was "Found Drowned, probably Accidentally from falling into the Cove."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 23 November 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident To A Dock-Yardsman In Hamoaze. Recovery Of The Body. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Ferry House Inn, Morice Town, by Allan B. Bone, Esq., into the circumstances which attended the death of a dockyard labourer, named JAMES STONE, who was drowned in Hamoaze on Thursday, the 5th inst. Mr Joseph Gliddon was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The Coroner and the Jury visited the body at the dead house, but it was impossible to identify the deceased, in consequence of the body being so much decomposed. The first witness examined was William Welch, a bootmaker, residing at 12 Queen-street, Devonport, who stated that on Friday night, at about twelve o'clock, he was fishing in a boat near the mast-pond wall, at the dockyard, in company with a person named Shannon. He (witness) was holding the lines whilst Shannon was pulling the boat, and after they had proceeded a short distance from the mast-pond, Shannon found something entangled with the paddles, and, on trying to disengage the paddle, he discovered it to be the body of a man. He (witness) fastened the body to the stern of the boat, and conveyed it to the dockyard, where he received information to take it to the dead-house at Morice Town. The body was conveyed to the Tamar quay, when he examined it, and found it to be clothed in a canvass "jumper" and a pair of canvass trousers, but he could not recognise the features of the deceased, and the body appeared as if it had been in the water for a considerable period. - James Crabb, a superannuated leading man of shipwrights, stated that for upwards of 21 years he had been a leading man of shipwrights in her Majesty's dockyard, and on Thursday, the 5th instant, at about ten o'clock in the morning, he received orders to go to the Hind, tender, lying in Hamoaze, and he consequently procured a gig, which was about 22 feet in length, and 4 feet 6 inches wide; and the weather at the time being rather boisterous, he took the deceased, JAMES STONE, with him, a labourer named Henry Popham, and a shipwright apprentice, named Joseph Guest, to pull the boat, and he sat in the stern to steer the boat. They went to the spot where the Hind was supposed to be lying, but found that she had been removed, and he consequently went to the Admiral's ship's steam tender Pike, lying near the Impregnable. After he had concluded his business on board, he ascertained that he could not sail to the dockyard without considerable trouble from the Pike, and he consequently gave orders for the boat to be pulled to a vessel named the Heroine, which was lying close by, where he intended to set the sails. The boat was brought close to the vessel, when he (witness) gave the deceased, who was pulling in the bow, orders to catch hold of the side of the vessel with the boat-hook. The deceased attempted to attend to his orders, but did not succeed in doing so, because the boat was drifting so fast. The deceased then attempted to catch hold of the side of the vessel with his hands, and, in doing so, he overbalanced himself and fell in the water. The boat drifted away from the deceased, and, in spite of their repeated attempts they could not reach the deceased, the wind and tide being so strong against them. He (witness) threw a paddle to the deceased, but he made no attempt to secure it, but began splashing the water, and he did not take any notice of them. The deceased shortly afterwards sunk, and they waited at the spot for a considerable period, in order to ascertain if he rose again to the surface, but after they had waited there for nearly an hour, and the deceased not having again risen, they went to the Dockyard. - In answer to questions from the Jury, witness stated that he did not attempt to jump overboard in order to save the deceased, and, had he done so, it would have been impossible for him to save the deceased. The deceased was unable to swim. - William Henry Popham, a labourer, who was in the boat with the deceased at the time of the accident, corroborated the last witness's evidence, and stated, in addition, that when the deceased fell overboard he attempted to catch hold of him, but did not succeed in doing so. - P.C. Shubert was examined and stated that he had searched the clothes which were on the deceased, and he had found in the pockets a hair comb, a knife and a small bag. - WILLIAM STONE, a brother to the deceased, identified the knife and comb as belonging to the deceased. He said the deceased was married and was about 23 years of age, and had left a wife and child which was about 12 months old. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, remarked that there was no evidence to identify the deceased by his features, in consequence of the body being so decomposed, but some articles that were found in his possession had been identified by the deceased's brother. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and completely exonerated from blame the persons that were in the boat at the time of the accident.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 28 November 1863
TORQUAY - The Fatal Accident Near Torquay. - An Inquiry was instituted yesterday at Mr Grills' Torbay Inn, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr W. Wakeham was Foreman, into the death of MARY LASKEY, who was found drowned on Thursday near Scott's Bridge. - MARY ANN SANDY, the wife of Wm. Sandy, of Tormoham, labourer, said the deceased MARY LASKEY, whose body the Jury had just seen, was her mother. She was 69 years of age, and she got her livelihood by picking water-cresses. She last saw her alive on Wednesday afternoon last, about three o'clock at her house. She was then going to pick water-cresses. No one went with her. Lately she had been in the habit of going to the spot where her body was found. After that she did not see her alive. She was brought back a corpse on the previous afternoon about four. Deceased lived with witness. At times she went to Kingskerswell to her brothers and sisters, and slept there. As she did not come back on Wednesday night witness thought she had slept there, and, consequently, did not make any search for her. She had suffered from asthma. On Wednesday she complained of her head and stomach. She had a cup of tea and some bread and butter, as usual, before she left. No marks of violence were seen about her body. She had been in the same state of health for the last fortnight. Years back she had fits, but not since she lived with witness. She had resided with witness for the last three years. - THOMAS LASKEY, a lad, said the deceased was his grandmother. On the previous morning about half-past eleven, he was picking water cresses near Scott's Bridge, in a narrow rivulet. As he came on to Mr Soudon's orchard he saw his grandmother lying in the stream adjoining the orchard on her face and hands, with her face in the water, the water covering her head. He called a man named John Lock, who came and took her out. She was quite dead. Her pattens were on the bank, and a basket, full of water-cresses, on the other side. She had some water-cresses in one hand, and a stick in the other. In consequence of the witness Lock being unable to attend, the investigation was adjourned until five o'clock this evening.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 30 November 1863
TORQUAY - The Fatal Accident At Torquay. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of MARY LASKEY, particulars of which appeared in the Mercury of Saturday last, was held that evening at Mr Grills' Torbay Inn, when the following additional evidence was given:- William Lock, a labourer in the employment of Mr W. Staddon, of Shiphay Collaton, said that on Thursday morning last, he was called by THOMAS LASKEY between eleven and twelve o'clock, and went down across Mr Soudon's orchard to the stream of water, where he saw the deceased lying in the stream on her face. The water was running over her. Witness and another man took her out; she was dead, and her face was black when taken out. Witness could see no marks of a struggle on the bank. Her basket was on the right hand bank as she was lying; one of her patterns was in the water and the other was on the left hand bank close by where the deceased lay. The bank was only about six inches above the water. Witness could form no idea how the deceased fell in. There being no other witnesses to examine the Jury, as advised by the Coroner, returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned", but how the deceased came into the water there was no evidence to show". The Jurors unanimously gave up their fees of attendance to the Torbay Infirmary.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 5 December 1863
APPLEDORE - Distressing Accident At Appledore. - On Tuesday night, JOHN PRANCE, Esq., late of the Royal Navy, walked over the Quay, at Appledore, and was drowned. His body was not discovered until the following morning. At a Coroner's Inquisition an Open Verdict was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 8 December 1863
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In George Street, Plymouth. - An Inquiry was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening by J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, into the death of JAMES MOWETT, a pensioner of Her Majesty's navy, who died on Sunday afternoon from injuries received on Tuesday, the 3rd instant, in George-street, Plymouth. From the depositions of several witnesses it appeared that the deceased resided at 22 Exeter-street, Plymouth, and that he had served as an able seaman in the navy for upwards of 30 years, for which he received a pension of £26 4s. per annum. Previous to June last the deceased was very much addicted to drink, and at that time he arrived at his house one night intoxicated and on going over the stairs he fell and his head struck against a stone step at the bottom of the flight, in consequence of which he was in a desponding state for nearly a fortnight. Since he recovered from the effects of the fall he had oftentimes shown evident signs of his incapability of governing his actions, and on some occasions he had been known to rise from his bed in the middle of the night, and attempt to go into the streets in a state of nakedness. Since June last he had not been out without some person being with him, until the day that he met with the accident which caused his death. On that day, between 12 and 1 o'clock, he was passing through George-street, and at the same time a wagon heavily laden was being driven by a man named Daniel Corney, in the employ of Mr O'Brian, provision merchant, of Plymouth, in an opposite direction to that in which the deceased was going. When the deceased came just where the waggon was passing he was about to cross the road, and walked immediately against the fore part of the waggon, the force of which knocked him down. A cabman who was passing at the time witnessed the accident, and called out to the driver, who was at the head of the horse, on the further side to that which the deceased was. The driver immediately checked the progress of the horse, but before it could be stopped the fore wheel of the waggon passed over the deceased's legs. A porter of the South Devon Railway Station, who also witnessed the accident, extricated the deceased from his perilous position before the after wheels of the waggon passed over his legs, and a cab was immediately procured, in which deceased was conveyed to the South Devon Hospital. The attendance of Dr Fox was immediately secured at the Hospital, who examined the deceased, and found that his right leg was broken, and the left leg severely fractured. From the time the deceased entered the Hospital he gradually became worse and he died from the effects of the accident on Sunday afternoon at about two o'clock. In answer to questions from the Coroner and Jury, a witness stated that at the time of the accident the roads were rather slippery from the rain that prevailed, and the deceased was carrying an umbrella when he fell. When he was taken to the Hospital, he smelled strongly of liquor. The Jury considered the case purely accidental, and returned a verdict to that effect, exculpating the driver of the wagon from all blame.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 15 December 1863
EXETER - Coroner's Inquest At Exeter. Death By Drowning. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday (Monday) at the Port Royal Inn, at half-past one o'clock, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., County Coroner, (Mr W. Moore, Foreman of the Jury), on view of the body of JOHN DOWNEY, 61 years of age, whose body was found in the river Exe on the previous day. It appeared that the deceased, who had previously been a clerk with W. Kennaway, Esq., resided with his son, a shore-broker of the city, with a person called Dalgleish, in James-street, in the city. On the morning of the 23rd November he left his home and had not returned since. On that occasion he came downstairs between four and five o'clock, and was about to go out, when his son followed, and asked him where he was going. He replied that he was going to Mr May, his nephew, in the Friernhay, and left the house - Mr John Chalk, saddler, of South-street said he had known the deceased for nearly 30 years. About three or four weeks since he called upon him, and appeared to be very desponding in consequence of his having neglected the performance of the ceremonial part of his religious duties; in fact, he appeared to be labouring under a religious despondency, and of unsound mind. - MR DOWNEY, the son, was next called, and stated that on the night of the 2nd November the deceased had been constantly walking in and out of the bedroom, and in consequence he put the key under the mattress. Just after four o'clock he was awakened by his father, who shook him heavily and demanded the key, as he wished to go into the next room for the purpose of writing some letters. He gave it to him, and after some time he heard the bolt of the front door drawn, upon which he went down, and his father told him that he was going to Friernhay. Witness dressed as soon as possible, and followed, but saw nothing of him at Mr May's. He laboured under a delusion that he was about to be apprehended, without the slightest reason. - Robert Fly, a labourer at the Trews Weir Paper Mills, found the body near the Trews Weir at about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, and gave information to the police constable, who called Mr Stonard Eddy, surgeon, of Heavitree, who found that there were some bruises on the forehead, and between the eyes, and also one on the left hand; the body was much swollen and green, and from the fact that it was much decomposed, and the skin peeling off the hands, he concluded that it must have been in the water a long time. The marks were not such as to have caused death, and might have been produced in falling; but after such a lengthened period it was impossible to say whether they were caused during life or otherwise. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned in the river Exe."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 17 December 1863
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held in the Guildhall on Monday before A. B. Bone, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury, on the body of CAROLINE EDWARDS, who drowned herself in the Tavy. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 24 December 1863
BIDEFORD - Fearful Death. - Yesterday morning MR JEWELL, the landlord of the Castle public-house, Bideford, in ascending an underground staircase, when on the third stair fell backwards and broke his neck, causing instantaneous death. In the evening an Inquest on the body was held before Thomas Laurence Pridham, Esq., Coroner, when the maid servant said that, supposing her master had gone to the closet, she called down the staircase, and told him that he was wanted. Very shortly after she heard a noise as if someone had fallen, and on looking down the stairs she saw her master prostrate at the bottom. She gave an alarm, when Mr Craig, cooper, who has a shop next door, was sent for, and soon arrived. In the meantime a surgeon was sent for, and Dr Hoyle was very quickly in attendance, when he pronounced life to be extinct. The Jury returned a verdict - "That the deceased JOHN JEWELL was Accidentally Killed by falling downstairs."

PLYMOUTH - Inquest On a Pensioner. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Octagon Wine Vaults, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN HARTDINGLE, a pensioner belonging to the Royal Marines, and also the owner of a public-house in Stonehouse-lane, called the Prince of Wales, who had died suddenly on the previous evening. The facts of the case were detailed in the evidence of Joseph Trethicke, cooper, of 104 King-street West, who was the only witness examined. Witness stated that he had known the deceased for about ten months. Deceased was 49 years of age. He kept a beer-shop at 114 King-street West, called the Prince of Wales. Deceased was a pensioner of the Royal Marines. He was in the receipt of £15 4s. per annum. He had been ill for some months past of disease of the heart. The deceased was about to leave the house yesterday, and was removing his goods to a private house. At about quarter-past five witness was in the bar lighting the gas. just as he was about to light one jet the paper went out. Deceased said, "Mr Trethicke, here is a piece of paper." Witness did not take it, but re-lit his own paper. As he was lighting the second jet, deceased fell against the witness's breast. Both fell together on the floor of the bar very heavily. Deceased's brother-in-law, Wm. Perkins, was sitting by the fire of the tap-room at the time. Witness called out and deceased's wife's sister came into the bar, and also his wife. Witness did not get up. Before deceased's wife came, witness found that deceased was dead. He died immediately after falling. Deceased had been attended by Mr Stevens for some time past. There had been no quarrelling of any kind during the day. In witness's opinion deceased died suddenly by the visitation of God. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - A Man Found Dead In Sutton Pool. - Last evening an Inquest was held by John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN WRIGHT, who was found dead yesterday morning in Sutton Pool. Mr James Haigh was chosen Foreman of the Jury. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased belonged to a fishing lugger named the Matchless of Penzance, William Johns, master, and was about 40 years of age. He was a married man, and has a wife and five children residing at Mousehole. On SAturday morning last the vessel arrived at Plymouth, and was moored at the Commercial Wharf, about four feet from the pier. After the profits arising from the sale of the fish during the week had been divided he went on shore, in company with the master, at about six o'clock in the evening. They went to Devonport together, and after making some purchases, the deceased parted from the master, and promised to meet him at the General Post Office, Plymouth, at nine o'clock that evening. Mr Johns did not get to the Post-office till after nine, and he could not then find the deceased, consequently he went on board. Yesterday morning a labourer named William Henry Mills was on the western pier at Sutton Pool, when his attention was drawn to an object in the water, and he immediately procured a boat and went to the spot, when he found it to be the body of a man. He secured the body to the boat by means of a rope and towed it to the pier, from whence it was taken to the police-station on the pier, where Mr Fuge, the constable, searched the clothes on the body, and found 1s. 1 ½d. in it, a newspaper, and a tobacco-box containing a small quantity of tobacco. In answer to questions from the Coroner, the witnesses stated that the deceased shared £3 6s. on Saturday last, and only spent a small portion of that amount whilst in the master's company. The deceased was on some occasions much addicted to drinking, and when on shore on Saturday evening he was much elated with the success they had had in fishing during the week. The Coroner said that it was his opinion the deceased had become intoxicated and that he had fallen over the steps which led to the lugger. The Jury concurred in this view, and an Open Verdict was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 26 December 1863
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident From The Kick Of A Horse. - On Thursday afternoon an Inquest was held by A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, in the Devonport and Cornwall Hospital, on the body of a man named CRABB, who died from injuries received whilst clipping a horse in Mount-street, Devonport, on Wednesday. The particulars of the accident appeared in the Thursday edition of the Mercury. The poor fellow received every attention at the hospital, and Dr Row remained with him until he expired. After hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." This is the first death that has occurred at the hospital.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 31 December 1863
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At The Railway Station, Millbay. - On Monday afternoon an Inquest was held in the goods' office of the Railway Station, at Millbay, on the body of WILLIAM WAKEHAM, a waggoner, who was killed by a tierce of sugar falling on him on Saturday last. It appeared, from the evidence adduced, that the deceased was in the employ of Messrs. Pickford and Co., and on Saturday last he in company with another man named Bugler, was conveying a quantity of sugar from the British and Irish Sugar Refinery to the goods' station. About half-past three o'clock in the afternoon the deceased was at the station, and had unloaded his "trolley" and as he was about to start to procure a fresh load the horses ran off, and before they could be stopped the front horse ran against the deceased and knocked him down, the wheels of the "trolley" passing over his legs. The end of the "trolley" which the deceased was driving also came in collision with a loaded "trolley" and by some means struck against a tierce of sugar, which rolled out and fell on the deceased. The horses were immediately stopped and medical assistance was procured, but the deceased died almost instantaneously. In answer to questions by the Coroner, John Bugler, one of the witnesses, stated that he had been in the company of the deceased the greater portion of the day, and they drank together several glasses of ale. There was space enough to allow a "trolley" to pass without any danger to the driver. Mr Wainwright, who appeared for the firm of Messrs. Pickford and Co., said that there was a piece of wood four inches in height at the edges of each side of the "trolley", but at the front and back of it iron bars were placed to prevent the barrels from rolling out. A Juryman expressed his opinion that if there was no further security than a piece of wood four inches in height at the sides of the "trolley" it was insufficient to prevent anything from falling out, if at any time the wheels should move over a large stone. Mr Wainwright said that when two barrels were placed abreast of each other in the "trolley" they were secured by placing a pin between them so as to keep them from moving, and for a further security another barrel was placed at the ends of the barrels, thereby preventing their falling in any direction. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that it was evident the width of the road through which the deceased had to pass was quite sufficient for the waggon, and had the deceased exercised due care over the horses probably the accident would not have happened. It also appeared that the deceased was under the influence of liquor at the time. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but at the same time they considered the guard on the sides of the "trolleys" was not sufficient to prevent accidents, and they hoped that the Company would take such steps as would remedy the evil. Mr Wainwright said he would report the Jury's suggestion to the firm, and he had no doubt but what they would attend to it.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 2 January 1864
BIDEFORD - The Accident At The New Church, Bideford. - The poor fellow HOOKWAY, on whom fell the piece of timber reported in our Thursday's impression, expired yesterday morning at two o'clock. An Inquest was held the same afternoon before T. A. Pridham, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned. The deceased was a married man, but leaves no family.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 12 January 1864
TAVISTOCK - The Suicide At The Tavistock Police Station. Verdict of "Felo De Se." - The Coroner, Allan B. Bone, Esq., held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Tavistock, yesterday morning, on the body of MATTHEWS ZISKOFEN, who hanged himself in one of the cells of the Tavistock Lock-up on Saturday afternoon. There were twenty-three Jurors present, of whom Mr Penvarden acted as Foreman. - A full account of the melancholy occurrence appeared in the Mercury of yesterday. The witnesses examined were P.C. Crawley, P.C. Shepherd, P.C. Sergeant Budden, Felix Graf, and George Brown. Our report of yesterday agreed in all respects with the evidence given. George Brown, however, made a further statement to the effect that he saw the deceased at Exeter about four months ago, and that the deceased then told him that he had lost his wife and three children by shipwreck. Witness also deposed that he saw the deceased shortly before he was apprehended on Friday for begging. The Coroner then analyzed the depositions of all the witnesses, and said there was no evidence proving that the deceased had at any time been insane. The Jury after a short consultation returned a verdict of "Felo de se."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 13 January 1864
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On The Body Of A Man Drowned In Catwater. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of THOMAS STEVENS, mate of the schooner Reward. - Thos. Le Goubin was the first witness called. He said: I am an ordinary seaman on board the schooner Reward, of Jersey. Jacob Legassick is master of the vessel, which is now lying at the Commercial Wharf, Plymouth, partly loaded with herrings for this port and Cardiff. I have known the deceased about two months, during which time he has been mate of the schooner Reward. Yesterday she was lying at the Commercial Wharf, and we expected to have gone to sea today. Yesterday afternoon about five o'clock the deceased went on shore with me. I left him about the quays at half-past six. At that time we drank a glass of beer each together. I never saw the deceased nor heard of him alive after that. I went on board last night about seven o'clock, and turned in about nine. This morning about six o'clock I turned out and heard that a man had fallen overboard in the night. The body was taken up today between twelve and one o'clock. I recognised the body which I have just viewed as being that of the deceased. He was a married man, and has left a widow residing at Guernsey, I believe at St. Sampson's. I think the deceased was about thirty-eight years of age. - John Carver was next called. He said: I am a labourer working on the quay. I live at Lambhay-hill. Last night about ten o'clock the deceased came into the Admiral McBride public-house. I saw he was a little the worse for liquor. He did not drink anything in my presence. He stopped at the public-house about a quarter of an hour. He then sat down and went to sleep; after a time he woke up and was sick. He then went out of doors, and at the request of the landlady I went out to him. I asked him to go in again and sit down, but he said he would not, as he should go on board. I took hold of his arm and went down with him to the Reward, at the Commercial Wharf. Deceased hailed the Reward two or three times. I got a ladder from the wharf and placed it on board the Reward, and deceased went down the ladder. He answered "all right" and I then left him. I believe the deceased came up the ladder afterwards, and fell into the water, and thus met with his death. - A witness was called, who stated that he found the body of the deceased yesterday morning, between 11 and 12 o'clock floating about four yards under the water, and some distance from the schooner. There were no marks of violence on his person, except a blow on the right side of the forehead. - William Fuge said: I am policeman on the Quay. I received the body of the deceased from the last witness. I searched the deceased and found on him a sixpenny-piece. That was all the money on his person. - William Mitchell said that on Monday night he slept on board ship, lying by the side of the schooner to which the deceased belonged, and during the night he heard no screams or cries for help. - The Coroner summed up the evidence very carefully, remarking that, although there had been no evidence to show that the deceased was very drunk, yet he believed he was so, and it was his (the Coroner's) opinion that the deceased after he had been seen on board by the man Carver, had attempted to go on shore, for the purpose of getting more drink, and whilst doing so had fallen into the water, and thus met with his death. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 16 January 1864
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant In Plymouth. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Morning Star, York-street, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of ELIZABETH MOORE, a child ten months old, who was found dead by the side of its mother. JANE MOORE, mother of the deceased, said that she went to bed with her child on Thursday night about twelve o'clock, and having suckled it she went to sleep. In the morning about seven o'clock, her husband got up, and, having struck a light, she (witness) found her child close by her side dead. She shrieked and ran to a neighbour's room and told her what had occurred. Her husband went immediately for a doctor, but the child was dead. There were no marks of violence upon it, but from its birth it had always been weak and delicate. - Mrs Marshall stated that on the morning in question, about seven o'clock, she heard a scream, and directly afterwards the last witness came to her room and said her child was dead. She then went into the room and saw the dead body of the child. The parents always seemed very fond of the child. There were no marks of violence on the body, and witness had not the slightest hesitation in saying that the child had died a natural death. The Coroner briefly summed up the evidence, saying it was a very clear case, and the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 19 January 1864
EXETER - Sudden Death Of A Child In Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at MR HENRY TAYLOR'S, currier, Waterbeer-street, before the City Coroner (H. W. Hooper, Esq.) and a respectable Jury, of which Mr Edwards was chosen Foreman, on the body of RICHARD TAYLOR, a little child aged 20 months, who had died on Saturday last while in a fit. The Coroner having sworn the Jury, stated that the Inquest was held at the house because there were no public-houses in the parish. Evidence having been adduced to show that the child died from disease of the brain, the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 21 January 1864
EXETER - Melancholy Suicide In Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Queen's Hotel, Exeter, on Saturday last, before the Coroner (H. W. Hooper, Esq.), on the body of MISS ANNE MARIA EDWARDS, aged 63. The deceased has for two years been in the employ of Messrs. Ross and co., outfitters, of High-street, as housekeeper. During that time she has been noticed to have been in a very excitable and desponding state. About two months ago Mr Ross, thinking she was not fit to fill the situation she held, gave her a month's notice to leave. At the expiration of the month he reminded her that her month's notice was up, and paid her, her salary. She did not seem to understand that she had been given notice to leave, and he then had an interview with her brother, who resides at Bridport, and agreed with him to take her on. She was not aware that she was going to be kept on, and expected that she was going to leave. Her brother intended seeing her on Friday next, and telling her that she was going to be kept on. On Thursday evening last Mr Ross gave her the keys of the shop, and wished her good night. The next morning when the porter came downstairs he found her with a piece of packing cord around her neck, hanging from the balusters. He immediately went for Mr Caird, surgeon, cut her down, and conveyed her into the sitting room. She was then dead. - The Jury, having heard the evidence, returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 22 January 1864
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At Sea. Inquest At The Guildhall. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of JOHN WILLIAMS, chief engineer of the steam ship Hellenes, who met with a serious accident at sea, the particulars of which were recorded in our issue of yesterday. - Stephen Evans was the first witness called; he said: I am chief carpenter on board the Hellenes, and on Saturday morning last we sailed from London, with a general cargo, for Malta. On Tuesday morning we were 40 miles west of Ushant, when, about 11 o'clock in the forenoon, I heard the deceased singing out from below as if in great pain. I knew the deceased by his voice. I then went down between-decks, and met the deceased walking up the ladder. He had then lost part of his right arm, and was bleeding very much. I took him to his cabin, where he was directly visited by the captain and officers of the ship. The deceased told us that he was oiling the cog-wheels of the engine, which were in motion, when his right hand was caught in the multiplying wheel, and being thus dragged in, the lower part of his arm was broken and crushed in a fearful manner. He was then in a sad state. I bound up the upper part of the arm with a piece of spun-yarn, to endeavour to stop the bleeding. Immediately after the accident the captain bore up and made direct for Plymouth with all speed, where the ship arrived yesterday morning at 9 o'clock. The captain directly sent ashore for medical assistance. Mr Fox, surgeon, came on board and directed him to be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he received the greatest attention at the hands of Mr Fox, who ultimately amputated a part of the shattered arm. I was with the deceased in the Hospital until his death, on Wednesday evening about eight o'clock. The deceased was about fifty years of age, is married, and has a family living in London. - By the Coroner: The deceased was in the proper discharge of his duties at the time of the accident. He was on the most friendly terms with all the crew. There had been no quarrelling on board the vessel since she left London. - By the Foreman of the Jury: The deceased had not been drinking before the time of the accident. I have known the deceased about three years and during the whole of that time he has always borne an excellent character, as being a very sober man. The deceased was alone at the time of the accident. - Richard Morris stated that the deceased was received at the Hospital on Wednesday morning, being brought there in a cot. He was then in a very sinking state. Mr Fox attended to him, but he died about 8 o'clock in the evening. - Captain Amlot, commander of the vessel, said he had been speaking to the deceased on the deck about fifteen minutes previous to the accident. He was then in a perfectly sober state. The deceased was much respected by all on board. Directly after the accident he turned the head of the vessel and made for Plymouth, and although it was not the nearest port, it was much safer than Falmouth, as the weather at the time was very thick. From the position of the vessel, Falmouth was not much nearer than Plymouth. - The Coroner in summing up, said there was not the least doubt that the deceased met with his death in a purely Accidental manner, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Suicide By A Young Woman. - Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Richard was chosen Foreman, held an Inquiry at the Guildhall into the circumstances attending the death of SARAH DUNN, who was found drowned in the female bathing place under the Hoe on Wednesday morning last. It appeared, from the evidence adduced, that the deceased was a domestic servant, about twenty-seven years of age. About three years ago she had a very severe attack of typhus fever, which injured her constitution, and since her illness she had been deranged and sometimes appeared to be quite "lost." About seven weeks ago she went to Williams's, Wellington Inn, Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, in the capacity of domestic servant, and on Monday evening last she left, and went to the residence of her brother, in North-street, when she gave her sister-in-law 17s. 9d., which she stated she had received as her wages. On the following morning the deceased partook of breakfast with MRS DUNN, and after they had finished the deceased offered to wash the breakfast things, which MRS DUNN consented to let her do, but she at once took a clean towel and, without any water, began to clean the things, when MRS DUNN remarked that she was doing it in a very curious manner, and the deceased then refused to do anything more, and began preparing to go in search of employment. About half-past ten o'clock she left, and did not again return to the house. On Wednesday morning a hairdresser, named John Towell, was on the Hoe, when he observed the figure of a female on the rocks in the spot used as the ladies' bathing place under the Hoe. He immediately called the attention of two men to the circumstance, and went himself to Mr Kessell, the Hoe constable, who went to the spot, and with assistance, conveyed the body of the deceased to the dead-house in Westwell-street. He found at about the distance of 20 feet from the body - which was about three feet from the level of the water - a bonnet, a shawl, and a basket, which apparently belonged to the deceased. He searched the deceased's clothing at the dead-house, and found in the pocket of her dress the sum of 1s. 5 ½d., a glove, and a note, from which he ascertained that deceased had been to Saltash endeavouring to procure a situation, but had been rejected. There were two witnesses examined as to the general condition of the deceased's health, and they both stated that she was at all times very eccentric in her manners, and in some instances, totally unconscious of what she was doing. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, remarked that it was evident that deceased was on some occasions totally unable to govern her actions and it was for the Jury to say if they were satisfied she drowned herself, or whether she had met with foul play. He did not think it likely, if she had been unfairly dealt with, that any money would have been left on her person. There were some bruises found on her face, but she probably met with him by knocking against the rocks in the water. If the Jury, after carefully weighing the evidence, were satisfied that the deceased committed suicide, it would be for them to consider what state of mind she was in at the time she committed the act. - The Foreman, after a short consultation with the Jury, returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was Drowned whilst of Unsound Mind.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 25 January 1864
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Suicide In A Police Cell At Moretonhampstead. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by F. B. Cuming, Esq., the County Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM COX, who had been taken into custody on the previous night for stealing a smock-frock from a lad named Taylor. The deceased was seen alive in the cell at eleven o'clock, when he asked for a light to enable him to read a newspaper. The request was, of course, not complied with. On the policeman re-visiting the cell at 12 o'clock he found that the deceased had tied his belt and a woollen "comforter" together, and suspended himself by them to the bars of the cell. He was immediately cut down, and a surgeon sent for, who pronounced him to be quite dead. A verdict of Felo De Se was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 26 January 1864
PAIGNTON - Death From Falling Through A Building. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Crown and Anchor Inn, Paignton, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., the District Coroner, touching the death of WILLIAM SPARKS, on Friday last. Mr Watts was Foreman of the Jury. - John Fogwill said he had known the deceased for twenty years. On Friday evening last he overtook the deceased coming from Preston towards Paignton. He passed the deceased, and wished him "good night". Deceased spoke to him, and asked witness what his name was. When they came to some new building adjoining the road he (the deceased) said, "I want my jacket and tools, which I left in the building." He went in, asking witness to stop for him. witness did so, and saw him go in as far as the doorway; there was one on the right hand, and one on the left. Witness lost the deceased all at once, but heard a noise as of something falling. He went in, and saw the deceased lying below the joists about 7 feet, on the ground floor. Spoke to him two or three times, but received no answer. Went out, saw two men, and called them. They came to his assistance, and procured a light. Saw the deceased. Lifted him up and rubbed him. He breathed once after. Sent at once for a doctor - Mr Goodridge. He came as soon as possible, but the deceased was dead. Witness had previously advised the deceased not to go into the building. Did not observe any marks of violence. Deceased was about 70 years of age. At this stage of the proceedings the Foreman said he should not feel satisfied unless the doctor was sent for to give his evidence. The Coroner explained that he could not see the necessity in this case of incurring the extra expense to the county, as there did not seem to be any likelihood of any violence having occurred; but as the Jury wised it before they would give a verdict he would send for the medical man. The Inquest was accordingly adjourned to a later period of the evening. Up to the time of the despatch of our parcel it had not taken place, but there was no doubt but that a verdict would be returned of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 2 February 1864
EXETER - Fatal Accident Near Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Blue Boar Inn, Magdalen-street, yesterday, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a respectable Jury (Mr Roger Back, Foreman), touching the death of WILLIAM LOVERING, aged 18, whose death took place under the following circumstances:- It appeared that the deceased was a labourer in the employ of Mr John Lawrence, of Hayes Barton, East Budleigh, and that, on the 30th December, he was driving a waggon containing four hogsheads of cider through Harpford village, when he suddenly fell from the vehicle, the wheels of which passed over his back. He was found lying in the road by Mrs Carter, the wife of a farmer residing close by, and the vicar of the parish - the Rev. Joseph Gatley - was sent for. He undressed the boy, who was then placed under medical treatment, but, getting no better, he was, in the course of a fortnight, removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he lingered until Friday night last, when he died from exhaustion caused by the decrease of the abdominal cavity and pleurisy of the left side. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident On Board The Dublin. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of THOMAS BARNES, who was killed by falling down the hatchway of the hulk Dublin on Friday evening last. - Mr Bone said that he had seen Lucas, the person who fell through the hatchway into the hold, and who had met with severe bruises and he had stated that he had been with the deceased during the evening, and the deceased left him for a time, and thinking that he stayed a long time he went in search of him, and on going from the starboard to the port side of the ship he fell through the hatchway and on the deceased. - The first witness examined was James Jewey, a seaman pensioner, belonging to H.M.S. Indus, who stated that on Friday last he officiated as foreman to a party of fifteen men who went from the Indus to the Dublin hulk for the purpose of making yarn mats. The men worked on the upper deck and when the mats were finished they were thrown down through the hatchway into the hold. They worked at the after hatchway, which had three gratings at the mouth of it, and one of them was removed to throw the mats into the hold. There was no grating at the hatchway of the lower deck, but it was railed around to prevent accident. The hatchway came athwart of the ship. They worked until nearly four o'clock, when he gave orders to prepare to leave the ship. The men were supposed to work until he gave orders for them to leave off. He did not give directions to have the hatchway closed when he left, but he understood that one of the men had asked another to do it. The boatswain of the Dublin complained to him about six weeks since about the hatchway being left open during the night, and about three weeks previous he also made a similar complaint. - The Coroner said that he thought that Jewey's evidence made the case appear very serious. The gratings had been twice previously left open, and the third time it had proved fatal. The witness had the sole management of the men, and he considered that the responsibility rested on him. He directed that the Jury should not ask the witness any more questions. - James Farrell, seaman on board the Indus and one of the party under the superintendence of the last witness, was examined, and stated that when he had finished a mat he went to the lower deck, when he heard a cry of "All off." He then ran to the boat, but there were some men who came behind him. he did not receive orders from any person to close the hatchway, neither did he hear the order given to any other person. There were no railings to the hatchway, but there were places made to fix them. - Henry Palmer, carpenter on board the Dublin, said that there were three non-commissioned officers on board who had charge of the ship. It was usual to inspect the ship at about nine o'clock every evening to see that all was right. He heard of the accident to the deceased, and saw that he was quite dead, and he sent immediately for a surgeon from the Indus. It was the duty of the working party to close the hatchway. - The Coroner said it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquest in order to get the evidence of Mr Acworthy, the boatswain of the Dublin, and for that purpose the Enquiry was postponed until Thursday next.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 6 February 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Millbay. - Yesterday afternoon J. Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Nicholas Ellis was Foreman, met at the Guildhall to Enquire into the circumstances attendant upon the death of JOHN COLE. From the evidence adduced it appeared that On Thursday last, the deceased, in company with George Down, an engineer, John Cholwich, an assistant engineer, and two other men, were engaged in fixing an iron carne-post into a "step," ten feet in the ground, at the siding of the Railway Station at Millbay. After several unsuccessful attempts to place it in its right position, the deceased suggested to John Cholwich to insert an iron bar, and turn it round, saying he thought it would then fit in right. The deceased at the time was holding a bar in the lever of the windlass. He then went towards Cholwich to help him, and in his eagerness he forgot to take out the bar from the lever and place it on the ground. The crane-post slipping into its right position caused a strain upon the chain, which was the consequence of making the windlass revolve rapidly, taking the bar with it, which struck COLE on the left side of the head, knocking him senseless to the ground and at the same time striking Cholwich a violent blow on the arm. The deceased was at once taken up, and it was seen that he had sustained a fracture of the skull, upon which he was carried to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he received the attendance of Mr Rickard, the house surgeon. After lingering for a few hours his sufferings were ended by death. The Coroner summed up the evidence, saying that it was a clear case of accidental death, and if anyone was to blame it was the deceased, as he had not exercised a due amount of caution in allowing the bar to remain in the windlass; had that been taken out all would have been safe. The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 13 February 1864
ILSINGTON - Melancholy Death Through Excitement. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday, at Rock Cottage, in the parish of Ilsington, on the body of ANN PEARCE, aged 51 years, wife of CHRISTOPHER PEARCE, of the same place, labourer, by F. B. Cuming, District Coroner, before a most respectable Jury, of which Mr Henry Bickford, of Southknighton, Ilsington, was Foreman. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the house in which the deceased lived belonged to her husband, part of which they let out to a man named Townsend and his wife, each tenant keeping a key of the front door. On Tuesday afternoon the woman Townsend went out; shortly after the deceased went out, and locked the front door. When Townsend returned she found the front door locked, and on the return of the deceased (about 6 o'clock) she abused her very much, which it appeared excited the deceased, who became speechless and fainted, and expired about 8 o'clock. The Jury returned a verdict "Died from Disease of the Heart through over Excitement."

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At The Keyham Works. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Devonport and Cornwall Hospital, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the death of WILLIAM ANDREWS, a young man who was killed by a piece of timber falling on him on the previous day. The deceased was a mason in the employ of Mr William Drew, who has the contract for the foundation of a boundary wall around the Keyham Works which extends to a distance of about a mile from Morice Town. Mr Drew has also the contract for making a railroad from the Cornwall line to the Keyham Dockyard, for the purpose of affording more convenience in removing iron, &c., which is constantly required at the Dockyard. For this purpose a bridge is about to be made between the original position of the Sportsman's Arms, on the Saltash road, and the Camel's Head Inn. The deceased was engaged in the working of the bridge in a large pit, about 20 feet deep, and about the same dimensions in breadth and length, which had been made as a foundation for the support of the bridge. The deceased, with several other men, was in this pit, and had commenced operations in the masoning work. In the large pillar or foundation large bulks of timber were to be inserted to keep it firm and steady. At the edges of the pit was a steep incline, which was raised to several feet in height, and above this incline the surface of the ground was perfectly level. A carpenter named John Cross came to the works with a load of timber and in unloading it he was within 10 feet from the top of the incline. He had taken out several pieces, but in removing a balk about 7 feet in length and 9 in. square, it struck against another piece in the cart, which made it cant in a different direction to that intended, and it fell over the near side of the cart on to the incline, and from there slipped into the pit. Mr John Drew, the foreman of the works, seeing the timber fall, called out to the men in the pit, but before the deceased had time to move away the timber struck him on the left shoulder, and the force of the blow threw him to the ground, his forehead coming in contact with a stone, which made him insensible. The deceased was immediately removed and taken to the Hospital, but before any aid could e rendered he died. - The Coroner said that the question for the Jury to consider would be whether there was any blame attached to the person who unloaded the cart. The Jury, after a few moments' deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame whatever to Cross, the cartman.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 16 February 1863
EXETER - Coroner's Inquest At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Black Horse Inn, Longbrook-street, yesterday afternoon, before H. D. Barton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, touching the death of MARK COLLINS, the infant son of MR PAUL COLLINS, the proprietor of the said house, who expired suddenly on Friday afternoon last. It appeared that about a week since the child was seized with convulsions, and on the day in question, on seeing the feeding bottle in its mother's hands it gave a sudden scream and died in the arms of the nursemaid. Mr A. J. Cumming stated that it was a frequent occurrence with children of that age, and that many of the children who were supposed to have been laid upon, died from sudden congestion of the brain, and the voluntary action being gone there was neither power to scream or struggle. In reply to one of the Jury Mr Cumming said that it was a healthy child, and the Juror remarked that he would be very glad, in similar cases, when the law was altered so that the word of the medical man might be taken instead of summoning a Jury. A verdict was returned that the child died from Convulsions; and the Coroner replied that if the medical gentleman had given a certificate of death the Inquest would not have been held.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 19 February 1864
TORQUAY - On Wednesday afternoon last F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Torquay, on the body of THOMAS HORSWILL, a child aged eight months. - The first witness called was Mary Ann Lee, who said she was the wife of Edward Lee, of Torquay, shoemaker. The deceased was an illegitimate child, and had been in her keeping for a fortnight. He was brought to her by his grandmother, MARY HORSWILL. At first the child appeared to be very well, but on Monday last he refused the food offered to him. He then had a bad cough, but she did not think it necessary to have medical assistance. On Monday evening witness went to the grandmother, and informed her that the child was ill, and asked her to come over and see it, which she did. Shortly before 12 o'clock that night, witness took up the child and offered it more food, which it refused to receive. About half-past seven the next morning, witness again went to the bed and looked at the child, when she found it was dead. - MARY HORSWILL deposed that she was the wife of EDWARD HORSWILL. The deceased was her daughter's child, and was with her between three and four months previously to being left to the care of the last witness. She had been obliged to send for Dr Woodman for it, and he attended to it for about a month, and he last attended the child about six weeks ago, and he then said it was impossible the child could live over two or three months. About a fortnight ago the doctor came to see her son, and saw the child also. He then thought it was better. Witness changed its food daily, and gave it arrow-root, rolled biscuits, bread and sago with new milk. It was born in London, and her daughter brought it down here. It was then one month old, and was a very delicate child. It was then kept by a woman called Westlake at Ellacombe. Witness had been to see the child, but Mrs Westlake had on several occasions refused to let her do so, saying the child was asleep. When she did see it, it was very delicate. When she was dissatisfied with Mr Westlake's treatment of the child, witness went to take the child for the day, as Mrs Westlake was going to Newton. It was a very stormy day, and she said if witness did not take the child she must take it with her. Witness took the child and Mrs Westlake would not give her anything to wrap the child in. Witness was obliged to borrow something from a neighbour for the purpose. Mrs Westlake said, "Don't bring the baby back;" and witness replied, "You wicked brute, I don't intend to," and then took the child away. - Mr Bathurst Woodman, surgeon of the Torbay Dispensary, said that he attended the deceased, THOMAS HORSWILL, at the beginning of the year. The child then was not suffering from any disease, but simply starved. He gave it some cod liver oil, and it seemed to improve, but he had not seen the child since it died, and he therefore was not in a position to state the cause of death. - The Jury thereupon concurred with the Coroner that a post mortem examination was desirable, and for this purpose the Enquiry was adjourned until last evening, at half-past five o'clock, when Dr woodman said that by order of the Coroner he had, assisted by Mr Stabb, made a post mortem examination of the body, and had found it extremely emaciated, dirty and with some recent sores of a few days' standing. All the organs were healthy but blanched, except the brain, in the ventricles of which about 3 or 4 ounces of fluid were found. There was no doubt the immediate cause of death was produced by the weak state of the child. There was a little starchy food in the stomach. He considered the cause of death was effusion on the brain, caused by neglect and the treatment of the child. - The Coroner then recapitulated the evidence, and the Jury, after some little consultation, returned the following verdict:- "That the said THOMAS HORSWILL died of effusion on the brain, produced and increased by a want of care in its nursing, but the Jury acquit the last nurse of any criminal neglect, and consider the more culpable neglect was in the treatment of the child when in the care of Mrs Westlake."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 22 February 1864
PLYMOUTH - A Man Found Drowned In Plymouth Sound. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the Guildhall before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner and a Jury, of whom Mr George Hill was Foreman, on the body of ROBERT ELLIOTT, who was unfortunately drowned in the river Yealm on the 13th January last, his body only being recovered on Saturday. - SARAH ELLIOTT was the first witness called. She stated that she was the sister of the deceased, who was a fisherman, and resided with witness and her mother at Yealm. He was about 20 years of age, and unmarried. On the 13th January he went out to sea in his boat, the Mary Jane, about 17 feet long, for the purpose of gathering oarweed. The last time she saw the deceased alive was on that day, as he was going down the beach to his boat. She afterwards saw the boat out at sea. The same day, about two o'clock in the afternoon, witness saw the boat brought in capsized. Witness recognised the body of the deceased as being that of her brother, from the clothes it had on. The watch found on the body of the deceased was her brother's. - George Bond, a waterman, said that on Saturday last, near 12 o'clock, he was in Plymouth Sound in his boat, about half-a-mile north-west of the Mewstone, when he saw the body of the deceased floating. He immediately took it in tow, and brought it into the Barbican, from whence it was afterwards taken to the dead-house. There was a watch found on the body of the deceased. The place where witness found the body was distant two miles from where the deceased was supposed to be drowned - at the mouth of the Yealm harbour. In witness's opinion the plug of the deceased's boat came out and the boat being nearly filled with oarweed almost immediately sunk; the deceased not perceiving this, owing, no doubt, to his being in the bow of the boat, went down with it, and was drowned. Where the deceased met with his death was very sandy, and witness had no doubt that this kept the body down, for the clothes of the deceased were filled with sand. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury directly returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased was found Drowned, but how he met with his death there was no evidence to show."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 23 February 1864
EXETER - Death By Burning. - An Inquest was held at the Topsham Inn, South-street, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury (Mr John Cockrem, Foreman), touching the death of MARY DARCH, a woman of 69 years of age, which took place under the following circumstances:- It appeared from the evidence that the deceased was the wife of SAMUEL DARCH, a Peninsula and Waterloo veteran, residing at Crediton. On Monday, the 8th instant, she was engaged at the house of Mr Alfred Edwards, a schoolmaster of that town, to attend upon his mother, who had been a bed-lier for some time, and who is nearly 90 years of age. At about nine o'clock on that morning she was engaged in putting Mrs Edwards into bed, which stood near the fire, when suddenly her dress ignited. A servant, who was in the room, gave an alarm, and the deceased rushed downstairs, and ran into the street, when the air increased the flames. Mr Sobey, a neighbour, came to the assistance of MR DARCH, and they endeavoured to extinguish the fire by wrapping a coat and a leather apron around her, but, that being of no avail, water was thrown over her. Oil and lime-water were then applied and medical assistance sent for, but she was found to be so frightfully burned about the legs and her left arm that her removal to the Devon and Exeter Hospital immediately took place. She lingered there until yesterday morning, when she expired. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TOTNES - The Late Fire At Totnes. - Yesterday (Monday) F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest at the Commercial Inn, Totnes, on the body of MISS A. W. HODGES, who died from injuries received at the fire on Wednesday last. Mr W. Oldrey was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Jury first viewed the body of the deceased and the scene of the fire and then heard the evidence. - Grace Pack, a nurse, deposed to having been with the deceased at her death on Saturday afternoon. She believed the deceased to have died from injuries received at the late fire and the shock to her system. Her right side and arm were much burnt. - Henry Cole, a carpenter, stated that he was present at the fire on Wednesday last. Hearing there was a woman in the house, he mounted a ladder and entered one of the back rooms, where she was said to be. He found deceased insensible lying on the floor. The room was very hot and full of smoke. With the assistance of Mr B. W. Hayman he succeeded in getting her out of the window and let her down. She was not got out till nearly 8 o'clock, as no one could tell where she was. - Mr B. W. Hayman corroborated the evidence of the last witness. - MRS PHILLIS TAYLOR, the occupier of the house, stated that deceased was her sister. On Wednesday the house was discovered to be on fire. She (witness) escaped by the staircase shortly before it caught fire. On leaving for the night there was no fire in the fire-place. There was no smell whatever of fire. She was told her sister was taken out before 8 a.m. - Mr John Brimicombe, director of the West of England Fire Engine, said that on Wednesday he was called to a fire at MRS TAYLOR'S. He found the volume of fire to be in the back parlour. The water was turned upon it and it was speedily extinguished. He examined the room after the fire was out and discovered the room to be battened close up to the fire-place. He stated that it was his opinion that some soot had got inside the battening, smouldered and at last burst out into flame. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from the burns received at the fire and the shock to her system; and that the fire was purely Accidental.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 25 February 1864
BIDEFORD - Death From Inhaling Carbonic Gas, Near Bideford. - On Monday night a young man 18 years of age, named JOHN HUNT living at Webbery Cross, near Bideford, retired to rest and the night being unusually cold, the poor fellow obtained an iron crock and some coke, which he ignited; he must then have gone into his bed. Early in the morning his master, finding that he had not made his appearance, ordered him to be aroused, and on going into his sleeping apartment, it was found that the poor fellow had "slept the sleep that knows no waking." An Inquest on the body has been held, and a verdict in accordance with the facts returned. The deceased was a steady and well-conducted young man and his melancholy end has cast a gloom over the neighbourhood.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 1 March 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Ferry House Inn, Morice Town, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., on the body of CHARLES PEARSE, a young man lately belonging to the Water-Police Force. Several witnesses were examined and it appeared that the body was found in the water near Wilcove; the features were wholly unrecognisable, but the deceased was identified from his clothing. The Jury after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned, but how deceased came to his death the evidence would not show."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 29 February 1864
EXETER - The Case Of Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Welcome Inn, on Friday last before R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN KNOWLES, a man in the prime of life, who resided in Paris-street, and whose body was found in the Exeter Canal on Wednesday last. From the evidence tendered it appears that the deceased resided with his wife and two children in Paris-street, and lately belonged to the police force, but at the time of his death was out of employment. On Tuesday he had a few friends at his house with whom he partook of drink, and being affected with it he went to bed at an early hour. On the following morning he got up as soon as daybreak, kissed his wife and one of his children, wished his wife good morning and left the house. His wife took no notice of this, but thought he was going out for a walk. He was next seen at half-past six on the same morning by Mr Yeo, the landlord of the Custom-house Inn, near the Exeter Quay. He first of all passed his house and walked towards the quay, but afterwards returned, and asked Mr Yeo what time the ferryman came, as he wished to cross. He told him he would be there shortly, and the deceased came into the taproom and had nine pennyworth of raw gin. He left the house and Mr Yeo knew nothing more of him. The next place he was seen was at the top of Paris-street, where he was met by a dairyman called Martin, who saw him enter the Victory Inn. On the morning of the same day a hat belonging to the deceased was brought by a sailor to Mr Hare, of Paris-street, who sent it to the deceased's wife and she identified it as having belonged to her husband. Mr Hare had the canal dragged immediately and the body was found in the middle of the Exeter Canal, in fourteen feet of water, near Salmon Pool. It was taken to the Welcome Inn. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 4 March 1864
CHURCHSTOW - Fatal Gun Accident At Kingsbridge. - An Inquest was held at Elston Farm, in the parish of Churchstow, on Wednesday last, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM HURRELL, a boy 13 years old, in the employ of Mr Luscombe, who resides at Elston Farm. - Mr Herbert Luscombe, son of Mr Richard Luscombe, said: I am living with my father at Elston farm. On Monday the 29th February, in the morning, I had been out shooting. I brought in the gun and placed in a rack in the stable. The rack is seven feet from the ground. The gun was loaded, but I took off the cap before I placed the gun in the rack. There was no one in the stable when I put the gun in the rack. About half-past one o'clock on the same day I was coming across the courtyard with my father. I heard the report of a gun, and in a minute after I saw George Johns run out of the stable, and he said HURRELL was dead. I then ran to the stable and found the deceased lying inside the doorway. The door was open. I saw the deceased had a large wound in his neck. He was quite dead. I placed his body on some hay, and my father assisted me. The deceased was thirteen years old. I noticed the deceased had his right hand in his pocket and his left across his bowels. I sent for Mr Cornish, surgeon. I found my gun in the rack about the same place as where I left it. I should think the deceased was 12 feet from the rack. George Johns and the deceased were on friendly terms, and I saw them going towards the stable after dinner; they were laughing together. I have seen Johns with a gun in his hand. I have lent him mine, but I never knew him take it without leave. - Mr Richard Luscombe, father of the last witness, said: I am a farmer and reside at Elston. The deceased was in my employ. On Monday last, a little after one o'clock I saw the deceased and Johns leave my house together. I heard a noise, which I considered came from the fat bullock house. I asked my son Herbert, in the presence of Johns and the deceased, what the noise was. It seemed that Johns knew what it was, but did not speak. Deceased or Johns then went away, laughing. Shortly afterwards I heard the report of a gun and Johns came running towards me and said, "HURRELL has shot himself." Johns appeared frightened. I found the deceased lying on his back, quite dead. Johns was present. I asked Johns how the gun got from the rack. He said the deceased was taking down the gun and it went off. I have noticed the marks on the stable door; they are nearly in a straight direction. I think it possible that the gun might have been accidentally discharged by the deceased through holding it by the muzzle. - Phillip Rousham, sergeant of police, stationed at Kingsbridge, said: As soon as I received information of the death of the deceased, I went to Elston Farm. I searched the deceased, but found no gun caps nor any ammunition in his pockets. His right hand was in his trousers' pocket, and his left over his bowels. I examined the stable. I asked Johns to describe what took place. Johns said, "The deceased came into the stable after dinner, laughing, and I saw the deceased stand on the hay, put his left hand up to the rack where the gun was, and push it out towards the horses: the butt end was towards the horses." Johns also said the deceased told him that Herbert had given deceased leave to take the gun and fire it off. - The sergeant also said that Johns further stated that he and the deceased had not been larking, and that Johns told him he never fired a gun in his life. - The Jury found "That the deceased, WILLIAM HURRELL, died from a gun-shot wound, but how caused there is no evidence to show."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 5 March 1864
CHURCHSTOW - The Fatal Gun Accident Near Kingsbridge. - The following is the evidence of the surgeon, which we omitted to give in our impression of yesterday; and it will be seen from this that the surgeon believes that death was so instantaneous that the deceased could not have shot himself:- Mr Francis Shath Cornish, surgeon, of Kingsbridge, stated that immediately after the accident he was sent for to go to Elston Farm. He went immediately, and found WILLIAM HURRELL quite dead. There was a large wound on the left side of the neck, about an inch below the angle of the jaw to within two inches of the collar bone. ~The wound was about three inches in diameter. Also a small wound behind the neck, almost in a straight line, about two inches. He passed his finger into the wound and found the spine broken, which was quite enough to cause instant death. He examined the stable door and found the marks thereon in a straight line with the wound in the deceased's neck, with a slight inclination downwards. By order of the Coroner he made a post mortem examination, and found the spinal cords of the neck, from the second to the seventh, were broken to pieces with the exception of the front, as if the charge had passed transversely across. There were no marks of singeing, or burn on the clothes or on the wound. He had extracted some shot from the wound, and could not think that the deceased could have held the gun in such a way as to inflict the wound of which he died. He considered that death was so instantaneous that deceased could not put his hand in his pocket after he was shot.

STOKE DAMEREL - Melancholy Death Of A Pensioner At Devonport Through Excessive Drinking. - Yesterday afternoon Allan B. Bone, ~Esq., and a Jury, of whom Mr Thorne was chosen Foreman, held an Inquiry at the White Lion Inn, King-street, Devonport, into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM ROBERTSON, a pensioner, about 45 years of age, who died on Thursday morning last under very melancholy circumstances. It appeared from the evidence adduced that in January 1863, the deceased's wife had a very severe attack of illness, which resulted in her death, since which time the deceased has appeared to have been much affected and has been much addicted to drink, and in August last he returned to Devonport from sea. Since that time he has been intoxicated daily without intermission. He has also been accompanied in some of his pernicious caprices by a paramour, and on Tuesday evening last he went to her residence at 4 Cornwall-beach, and partook of some tea in company with the woman's two sisters. The deceased was then intoxicated, and appeared to be in a broken state of health, but notwithstanding this he afterwards partook of some liquor and borrowed some money in order to get more. The deceased and Mrs Knowles, who is a married person and has a husband at sea, went early on Wednesday morning to the Sun Inn, Fore-street, and there partook of some ale and then left, but met again at 11 o'clock in the forenoon in order to go to Millbay to receive the deceased's pension, but in consequence of arriving at Millbay too early to receive the pension they adjourned to a neighbouring beer-house and consumed a quantity of liquor, and on going to the pension-office the cashier refused to pay the deceased his pension, in consequence of his being in a state of intoxication. He, however, according to Mrs Knowles' statement, procured a pair of spectacles and thus got his pension without detection. On receiving his pension the deceased and Mrs Knowles again went to an ale-house and partook of some additional drink, which made him very much intoxicated and being unable to walk, a cab was taken, and Mrs Knowles, after paying the cabman the fare, left, with the understanding that he would take the deceased to his residence, 41, Cannon-street, which, however, the cabman did not do, and at about 6 o'clock the deceased was observed to be passing through Cannon-street, and unable to walk steadily, and on crossing the road and going on the pavement he fell very heavily on the ground. A person named Wills, who was passing at the time, with the assistance of two other persons, conveyed the deceased to his residence, and a pensioner named Searle remained with him in his room during the night and made a temporary bed on the floor. The deceased appeared insensible and did not show any signs of life except from his heavy breathing, and Searle, having no knowledge of the poor fellow's state, did not think it necessary to procure the aid of a surgeon until about six o'clock on Friday morning, when he found the deceased to be motionless, and he then called to Mrs Carlisle, a person residing in the same house, who, on feeling the body, found the deceased to be quite dead. Mr Bazely, surgeon, was then sent for, and finding that he could not render any aid, he made an examination to discover the cause of death. He found two bruises on the deceased's cheek and another on the lip, which was very severe, and a small quantity of blood was oozing from the nose. He could not discover any fracture in the skull, and from those facts he came to the conclusion that the cause of death was the combined effects of excessive drinking accelerated by the fall. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, remarked that in his opinion there had been some very injudicious carelessness on the part of the man Searle, under whose care the deceased was put on Wednesday night, but who did not think it necessary to procure medical assistance until after death. The Foreman considered that there was great blame attached to the cabman, who was paid an extra amount with the understanding that he would convey the deceased safe to his residence, but had neglected to do so. The Coroner thought it probable that the deceased, being intoxicated, might have become restless and insisted upon coming out of the cab. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased met with his death through Intoxication, accelerated by an Accidental Fall."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 7 March 1864
PAIGNTON - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon last at the Manor Inn, Preston, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., Coroner, relative to the death of WILLIAM FURZE, of Torquay, plumber, in the service of Mr D. Jones, ironmonger, ,who was thrown from a gig whilst driving. The Inquest was adjourned until this day.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 March 1864
ABBOTSKERSWELL - The Inquest on the body of MRS SKINNER was resumed on Monday before F. B. Cuming, Esq., when Mr Gillard and Mr Drake, surgeons, who had made a post mortem examination, gave evidence that her death resulted from the kick she had received from the cow. The Jury accordingly returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 19 March 1864
PLYMOUTH - Child Found Dead In Bed. - Yesterday morning a female infant, the child of MARTHA COLLINS, aged three months and two weeks, was found dead in bed. An Inquest was held before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, at which the mother attended and stated that the child was hers. She went to bed the night previous between eight and nine, and about three o'clock, the child crying, she got out of bed and procured a light. Shortly after she again went to sleep, the child lying on her arm, on the left side. She dressed about seven o'clock, and going, as was her usual custom, to kiss the child, she found it insensible, and calling a neighbour they discovered it to be dead. Dr Harper was sent for immediately and when he came he pronounced it dead. No marks of violence were found on the body and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found dead without any marks of violence."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 22 March 1864
PLYMOUTH - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of HENRY NICHOLSON, a first-class boy on board the barque Naval Brigade, who met by his death by a fall from the main-topsail-yard. Capt. Moon, of the Naval Brigade, stated that his ship was bound to Havre from Bombay, with a cargo of cotton, and he put into this port owing to contrary winds. On arriving in the Sound, the deceased went to furl the main topsail-yard, witness standing at the time on the gang-way to receive the tide surveyor, who was nearing the ship at the time. He heard a cry, and turning around he saw the deceased fall from the yard into the gunwale of the boat of the tide surveyor. He was immediately taken to the Hospital, where he received surgical aid, and he lingered until yesterday about noon, when death put an end to his sufferings. The evidence of an able seaman who was on the yard at the time having been taken, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - At seven o'clock another Enquiry was held at the Sailor's Home, Vauxhall-street, touching the death of a man named EMMANUEL ANTONIE. an able seaman, who had been serving on board an American ship James Littlefield. The captain of the ship. Heman Nickerson Bartlett, was called, and he stated that the vessel belonged to Bangor, in the state of Maine. The deceased, who was about 21, was a Brazilian. The vessel sailed from Callao on the 28th of November, with a cargo of guano, bound to Rotterdam. The deceased was taken ill on or about the ninth of this month. They had then been at sea for a long time. The deceased seemed to be afflicted with scurvy. There was a medicine chest on board, and medicines were administered to him. The mate saw him bathed and attended to him properly. In consequence of contrary winds, the vessel put into Plymouth on Friday last, when vegetables were procured for the deceased, and on Saturday and Sunday he appeared to be very much better, but in the afternoon he became worse and died about half-past seven o'clock in the evening. Mr Francis Fox, surgeon, said he had examined the body of the deceased, and found no marks of violence on it. He had no hesitation in saying the deceased died of scurvy. John Melville Getchell, able seaman of the ship, was called, and corroborated the evidence of Captain Bartlett. The Jury then returned as their verdict that the deceased died a Natural Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 28 March 1864
EXETER - Melancholy And Sudden Death In Exeter. - MR HENRY DANIEL, a clerk in the Exeter Bank, died on Saturday last very suddenly. The deceased had spent the previous afternoon at Exmouth, where he took tea with a friend. He returned to his home in St. Ann's-terrace, and retired to rest in his usual health. The following morning he got up and partook of some fish for breakfast, after which he was proceeding through the passage for his hat, when he suddenly fell. His wife and servant, who were close at hand, ran to him, and sent for Mr Woodman, surgeon, and MR DANIEL, Senr., who had not long left the house, but on their arrival it was found that he was dead. An Inquest was held the same evening at the George and Dragon Inn, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, and a respectable Jury (Mr William Manley, Foreman), when the above facts were elicited, and Mr Woodman added that from MRS DANIEL having told him that the deceased had lately complained of a few shooting pains in the head, and from the pupils of the eyes being greatly dilated, he had no doubt the deceased died from apoplexy. The Coroner told the Jury that it was one of the most sudden deaths he had ever heard of. He deeply sympathised with the relatives of the deceased,. and he was sure he was only expressing the feeling of the Jury when he added that they entirely concurred with him. The Jury acquiesced in these observations and then returned a verdict in accordance with the medical opinion. The deceased, who was only 34 years of age, leaves a wife and five young children. He was a young man greatly respected, not only by his employers, but by all with whom he was brought in contact; and several friends attended to hear the proceedings.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 31 March 1864
BLACKAWTON - An Inquest was held at Grimpston Farm, in the parish of Blackawton, on Tuesday last, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr P. Foale was the Foreman, on the body of PETER COWLES, aged 34. It appeared that on the 17th March the deceased had his right hand caught in a thrashing machine in his father's barn, and Mr P. Nind was sent for, who recommended amputation, but deceased would not consent to it. He was going on well for three or four days, when mortification set in and he died on Monday last. No fault appeared to rest upon any person; no one saw the accident and deceased could give no other account of the occurrence than that he had had his arm caught in the machine. The Jury returned a verdict "That PETER COWLES died from injuries received by Accidentally catching his right hand in a thrashing machine."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 1 April 1864
IVYBRIDGE - Fatal Accident At Ivybridge Paper Works. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at Ivybridge by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the death of WILLIAM HADDY, a lad about twelve years of age, employed at Mr Allen's paper manufactory, at Ivybridge. The evidence adduced went to show that in the morning about ten o'clock the deceased was engaged in the machine house with another person, and while changing some portions of the machinery to make a different sized paper, by some means was caught by the wheel and killed instantaneously in the machinery. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 2 April 1864
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Death Of A Woman At Plymouth. Neglect Of A Medical Officer, Relieving Officer, And The Deceased's Husband. - An adjourned Inquest was held at the Fisherman's Arms, Lambhay-street, before John Edmonds, Esq., coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of SARAH THEYERS, who was found dead at her residence, 190 Lambhay-street, on the previous Tuesday evening. The Enquiry was adjourned from Wednesday last, in order to procure the attendance of Mr John Henry Square May, the surgeon of No. 2 district of the Borough, and Mr John Ash, the relieving officer. The deceased, it appeared, was above 48 years of age, and for some time past had been in a state of great debility and extreme weakness, and the attention of Mr May was called to the fact, and on the 18th of February he gave a written order to Mr Ash, the relieving officer for the eastern division of the Borough, to supply the deceased with a pound of meat, which was accordingly done. On the 8th of March another order of a similar nature was forwarded to Mr Ash, who refused to comply with it because he had offered work to the deceased's husband and he had refused to do it, and, according to the rules provided by the Poor Law Board, Mr Ash was not justified in supplying provisions. Afterwards, however, Mr Ash heard of the state of the deceased, and on the 16th March he supplied her with some meat, and on the following day on receiving a note from Mr May, he further supplied her with food. Some conflicting evidence was adduced as to the contents of the note addressed to Mr Ash, the person who conveyed it to Mr Ash stating that it contained words to the effect that the deceased was in want of proper attendance and nourishment. Mr May, however, and Mr Ash, positively denied that the note contained those words, but Mr Ash stated that on receipt of the note he placed it in his pocket and had since missed it. Mr May expressed his opinion that the deceased did not die from want of proper care, but that the nature of her disease would account for her death. The witnesses were unanimously of opinion that Mr May was unremitting in his attention to his patients. The Jury retired for a short time, and on returning the Coroner stated that the Jury had come to the conclusion that the deceased died from the Visitation of God, but they were of opinion that great neglect rested with the husband because he had not made a proper application himself, and seen that his wife, as he was bound to do as her natural protector, was relieved; but it was not a case of criminal neglect. The Jury regretted, as far as Mr May was concerned, that he had not thought it advisable to have the deceased placed under the care of some person who was capable of taking care of her. The Jury thought that Mr Ash had been guilty of neglect in a measure in not relieving the deceased when application was made, and they were of opinion that the letter which had been sent to him by the surgeon had been suppressed. Mr Ash declared on his oath that he had not in any way suppressed the note but had missed it by accident. The Jurors then separated.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In The Hamoaze. - On Thursday afternoon a boat containing four persons - a boy named BENJAMIN WORTH, about 14 years of age, and three men - were despatched from the Jackall to the Sound, to take on board Mr Richard Sleep, a captain of a vessel in the harbour, and to convey him to the basin at the Devonport Dockyard. They proceeded in safety until within a short distance of their destination, when the boat, which was sailing, was steered out of the wind alongside H.M.S. Ajax, and immediately on getting from her the wind, which was blowing very boisterously, filled the sails, and before they could be unfastened the boat upset and the occupants were immersed. Mr Sleep, with great presence of mind, procured two paddles with which the boat was supplied, and placed them within the reach of two men, who were brothers, and named Hoskins, and he himself caught hold of the other person, and the whole of the men were thus saved and taken on board the Ajax, but the boy WORTH was not seen after the boat upset, and on the following morning Mr Bounsell, the government diver, descended to the spot where the boat upset, and found the boat and the boy WORTH, whose legs were entangled in a piece of rope, and it was thus that he had been unable to extricate himself from his position. An Inquest was held on the body of the deceased person yesterday afternoon, when evidence in accordance with the above facts was adduced, and the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death; and at the same time they highly commended Mr Sleep for the courage which he had exhibited in saving the lives of three persons when in such a perilous position.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 6 April 1864
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Maritime Inn, Torquay, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., on the bodies of ROBERT HAYMAN and HENRY WINTER, the two men who unfortunately lost their lives on Sunday last, as reported in yesterday's Mercury. Mr Alfred Saunders was chosen Foreman. The evidence of Richard Kelway, commissioned boatman in the Coast Guard Service, was taken, as also that of John Endacott, seaman of the Prince Consort. No further information was adduced respecting the cause of the accident, but the Coroner, in summing up, observed that in a town so much regulated as Torquay - there should be life-lines and buoys kept near the Pier Head in case of a similar occurrence. The Foreman expressed a hope that the Coroner would represent to the local Board of Health the necessity of licensing boats plying from the harbour and limiting the number of passengers to the size of the boats. - The Coroner quite concurred in the view taken by the Foreman, and the Jury then returned a verdict of Accidental Death. The Jury presented their fees to the widow of the boatman ROBERT HAYMAN.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 8 April 1864
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident In The Dockyard. - Yesterday afternoon an Investigation was instituted at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the death of a person named RICHARD HORN, who died from injuries received from falling down the hatchway of a vessel whilst engaged on board, on Monday last. The deceased was a shipwright and on the day in question he, in company with a shipwright named Robins, was at work on board the Doris, which was being repaired, and then lying in the northern dock of the yard. The men were engaged in lowering balks of timber down through the hatchway of the ship to the hold from the gun deck, for which purpose a cross iron bolt was affixed to the beam of the upper deck, around which a piece of rope was placed, and the end of it secured to the deck by means of a ring bolt; and the other end of the rope was for securing the timber to be lowered. The balk of timber, which was about 10 feet in length, and about 5 feet 9 inches in thickness, was attached to the rope, but it was found that it would not reach the hold unless the rope was taken from the bolt. The deceased held the rope to diminish the weight on the bolt, whilst Robins unfastened it; and that being done, deceased was obliged to hold the whole weight of the timber, which was about 1 cwt., alone. The rope slipped through the hands of the deceased, and he fell through the hatchway from a height of about 25 feet. He was immediately taken up by a man named Gribble, and conveyed in an insensible state to the surgeon's office, from whence he was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, where the poor fellow lingered until Wednesday morning, when he died at an early hour. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and they also expressed their belief that no blame was attached to any persons in reference to the death of the deceased.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 13 April 1864
LODDISWELL - On Monday last an Inquest was held by F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ROBERT KENNARD, at the Turk's Head Inn, Loddiswell. The deceased was unmarried and 21 years of age. On last Good Friday he left his home and rode out on a pony. He made no remark on his return, but on the day following (Saturday) he complained of pain, and then said the pony had tripped and thrown him over its head; this was all he said. Mr Pearce, a surgeon of Kingsbridge, was called in and attended the deceased, who was very ill for about a week, when the sickness with which he had been troubled ceased, and he appeared much better. But he very quickly grew worse, and died last Friday, at 10 p.m. Mr f. D. Pearce was examined, and stated that the deceased mentioned to him the circumstance of his having fallen from the pony. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased, ROBERT KENNARD, died from exhaustion arising from internal injuries which were produced by a violent strain received on the 25th March last, but by what means it was produced there was no evidence to show."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 19 April 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - A Case Of Suspected Ill-Treatment At Devonport. Exhumation Of The Body Of The Deceased Person. - An Inquiry was held yesterday at noon, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, into the circumstances attending the death of CAROLINE COBBLEDICK HELE, who died on the 6th inst. The deceased was interred in Stoke Churchyard, but, in consequence of a communication received by Mr Bone, the body was exhumed and underwent a post mortem examination, to discover whether there were any traces that would afford ground for suspecting that the deceased's death was accelerated by any violence on the part of her husband, JOHN COBBLEDICK HELE. Mr Brian, of Plymouth, appeared to watch the case of behalf of JOHN C. HELE. - Mr Robert Burt was chosen Foreman, and the first witness called was Elizabeth Facey, who stated that she was the wife of John Facey, residing at No. 16 Baker's-place, Richmond-walk, Devonport. She knew the deceased, and JOHN COBBLEDICK HELE, her reputed husband. She had known them about four years, during which time they had lived in a tenement at the back of 18 Baker's-place. She was in the habit of seeing the deceased very frequently and she kept a mangle and worked for her (witness), she being a laundress. The deceased died on the 6th inst. During the three or four weeks previous to her decease, she saw the deceased nearly every day. She remembered Good Friday last, and, up to that time, she seemed to be in her usual health. On the evening of Saturday, the 25th March, the deceased went to her room, but she did not then see any difference in her appearance. She did not look particularly at the deceased. On the following morning, however, she received a communication desiring her to go to the deceased's room, in consequence of her being ill, and unable to leave her bed. She found the deceased in bed, and she then seemed to be very ill. About an hour afterwards she again went to the deceased and gave her some broth, which she consumed, and she afterwards complained of pains in her side and back. On the following day she saw the deceased several times, and she saw the deceased at various periods up to the day of her death. She had an idea that she should die from her illness, and she stated this opinion several times during her illness. She repeatedly said she was suffering from her husband's ill-treatment. - Mr Brian here interrupted, and desired to know whether this evidence was admissible. What was being stated occurred in the absence of the husband, who was now in a very awkward position. - Mr Bone said that in the present case he thought the evidence could be accepted, because, according to the witness's statement, the deceased believed herself to be near her death, and a declaration when on a death-bed of any fact could be taken as evidence, but it must be with the proviso that the person was under the impression that she was near her decease. - Witness, continuing: Was positive the deceased made this declaration after the time she had stated her belief that she should not recover. On the Wednesday after Good Friday she received a message from one of the deceased's children, and she then went to the deceased. Her husband was there, and appeared to be intoxicated. Almost every day that she (witness) went to see after the deceased she was obliged to go to bed. She complained of a catching of her breath. The day that Mr Warren, the surgeon, visited the deceased (Friday, the 1st instant) she saw a slight mark on the right side of the neck of the deceased. She did not recollect that the deceased had been under a surgeon's care previously. A few weeks before her illness, she (witness) was standing on a mound opposite the door of the deceased's room, and she then saw her on the floor of the room, and her husband was dragging her about on the floor. They were then having an altercation, which was a very frequent occurrence. She had not seen any nurse or any person to assist in the household work during deceased's illness. A person stayed with the deceased the day previous to her death. When she complained of her illness she frequently said, "To think that I should be lying here through the ill-treatment of a man." Several days before her death she (witness) was in the deceased's room, when she remarked to the husband that she thought it requisite that a nurse should be procured to attend the deceased, and he replied that he was there and that the children were also there, and he thought that he could do without a nurse. The husband's brother voluntarily said that he would provide a nurse if the husband could not pay for one, but he demurred at this, and no nurse was procured. The deceased told her at one of her visits that her husband had made the mark in her neck with a buckle-strap. - Cross-examined by Mr Brian: When she complained of the pain in her side and her back, she did not at the same time say that she felt ill in her chest. The husband was a labourer, and earned 15s. per week, and had to maintain a family of seven children. The husband and the deceased did not live comfortably together. She had never seen the deceased intoxicated, and she believed that she always bore a good character. - WILLIAM HELE, about 18 years of age, the son of the deceased, had lived in Baker's-place with deceased and her husband, who was his step-father. He had four younger brothers, who were the children of the husband as well as of the mother. He was at home on Good Friday last, when the deceased and her husband quarrelled in the room adjoining the bedroom. His father was sober, and he told the deceased to desist, and he then went over the stairs, when the deceased was aggravating him. COBBLEDICK then came back and took up a basin and threw at the deceased. She retorted, and threw a dish at him. He then made an attempt to strike her, but he did not do so. The deceased then got up and caught her husband around the neck, and then fell on the floor on her knees, and afterwards got up, and COBBLEDICK then pushed her away. He did not recollect seeing the deceased being dragged about the floor. He had not seen his father kick the deceased since a week before Christmas. - Cross-examined: He did not see his father kick or strike the deceased during the time that they quarrelled on Good Friday, nor at any other time. - Rebecca Avery, the wife of Richard Avery, residing at Richmond Walk, stated that on the afternoon of Good Friday last she went into the deceased's room, when she stated that her husband had been quarrelling with her. She (witness) saw several pieces of a basin on the floor. On the following afternoon the deceased showed her a bruise on one side of the neck and on the following Monday she saw the deceased in bed, when she said that she did not think she would get over her illness. She complained that her husband had kicked and pulled her around the room by the hair of the head. She appeared to be very ill, and complained of a pain in the stomach. She saw the deceased on the following day, when she appeared to be getting worse, and the deceased frequently stated that her illness was occasioned by the cruelty of her husband. - Jane Hearn, residing at 4 Pen-tamar-terrace, the sister of the deceased, stated that the deceased was nearly thirty-eight years of age. On the Tuesday or Wednesday after the 25th March last she saw her sister in bed at her house. During the visit the deceased exclaimed, "Oh, I shall die!" She complained of a good deal of a pain in her side. She said that she was very sore, and she saw a bruise on deceased's body, which the deceased informed her had been done by her husband. - Cross-examined: The deceased had been affected with a bad cough almost from childhood. - Mary Avery, a single person, residing at Richmond-Walk, corroborated the previous witness's statement. - George dicks, a master mariner, residing in Baker's-Place, gave a general statement of facts relative to the state he had frequently seen the deceased in - she having occasionally marks on her face, and he had seen the husband intoxicated. - Peter Facey also gave evidence, which corroborated in part what had been previously elicited from the other witnesses. - Vivian Warren, a registered medical practitioner and house surgeon at the Devonport, Stonehouse and Cornwall Hospital, stated that on Friday, 1st April, in consequence of a communication which he received he visited the deceased. He found her in bed in an extremely weak state, and in answer to a question put to her she said that she was dying, and that it was all on account of her husband's ill-treatment. She stated that her husband had taken her by the hair of the head and dragged her around the room, and also that he had thrown a basin at her. She also complained that she had been struck with a buckle-strap, and she showed him an abrasion over one eyebrow, which she said was caused by the strap. he then proceeded to examine the deceased to see whether there were any bruises, and found no external marks of ill-usage, with the exception of the abrasion. He examined the neck, and found no marks there of any recent ill-usage. She had an extremely feeble pulse, very hot skin, frequent cough and complained of much pain in the back and side. He proceeded to examine the lungs and she then fainted, and from these symptoms, coupled with others, he formed an opinion that she was suffering from inflammation of the lungs. He prescribed for her, and afterwards left. She was in a very dangerous condition, so much so that he held out no hope of her ultimate recovery. - Cross-examined: The disease from which deceased was then suffering was not caused by the ill-treatment, but had she been suffering from disease of the lungs at the time of ill-usage it would probably have accelerated her death. - Christopher Bulteel, surgeon, stated that he first saw the deceased on SAturday, the 2nd instant, at her residence in Baker's Place. She was in a very enfeebled state, and had all the symptoms of inflammation of the left lung, and she expressed herself as having no hope of recovering. She said she had been ill for eight days, and had received no medical attendance until the previous day. He thought it of great consequence that in cases similar to that of the deceased medical assistance should have been rendered early as the issue of the cases depended principally on the attendance received. In consequence of a communication which he had received he was led to ask the deceased respecting the way she had been treated, and she said her husband had often ill-used her, and had kicked her on various occasions. He prescribed for the deceased and attended her until her death, which happened on the 6th instant. The deceased was in a dying state when he saw her on the first occasion, and she gradually grew worse after that time. He examined her externally, and found no marks of violence. On Monday he made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased, and it did not then present any external marks of violence. There was a small mark on the left side of the neck. The brain was healthy; as also was the heart, and all the viscera of the abdomen. There were adhesions of both lungs to the side of the chest which was the result of an old attack of pleurisy, probably of a distant period. The substance of the right lung was healthy, but the left lung was inflamed throughout. It was solidified and sank in water, and quite at its lower part was a large abscess, which was the result of the inflammation of the lungs proceeding to its third state. There was a fluid effusion on the lower side of the chest. There had been no fracture or injury of the ribs. In his opinion the cause of the deceased's death was inflammation of the lungs [?] that period prior to her death. Neither the symptoms during life nor the post mortem [?blurred image] tion of the lungs any ill-treatment by blows, or exposure, or neglect might tend to hasten a fatal result. From the symptoms of the deceased at the examination he was unable to form an opinion that the death of the deceased had been accelerated by any other than natural causes. It might possibly be so, but in point of time he would not call it an unnaturally accelerated case. Any ill-treatment sufficient to produce inflammation of the lungs would certainly have left some appearances which would have been recognised, but in the present case he had not recognised any such appearances. If, however, he could be sure that inflammation of the lungs existed at the time the ill-usage alleged took place, he should say that such ill-treatment would in all probability accelerate death. he had no evidence, however, that such inflammation did then exist. - Mr Brian briefly glanced over the facts of the case. - The Coroner made a brief summing up of the evidence, and said that now the Jury had heard the evidence of the medical officer it would throw aside all legal doubt which might previously have existed with respect to the acceleration of the death of the deceased by the husband's brutality; but there could be no moral doubt but that he had been guilty of great cruelty, but his treatment had not been of a criminal nature. However, he did not envy the man his reflections, because he had acted anything but a kindly part to his wife, and at the bottom of the whole of it was drunkenness, which was the production of many cases of criminality, and was the curse of the nation. When the deceased's husband became intoxicated it appeared that he got very excited and then ill-treated his wife - thus making his home one of misery. The issue of the case rested on the evidence of Mr Bulteel, the surgeon, who had made the post mortem examination. From his statement it would appear that the disease which was the cause of death was not occasioned by an ill-treatment, because if it had some internal traces would have remained, and he would have discovered it in his examination; but he had ascertain that no such marks existed. - The Jury consulted for a short time, and then returned a verdict to the effect that "The deceased died from Natural Causes." - The Enquiry then terminated, having lasted upwards of six hours.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 20 April 1864
PLYMOUTH - Death By Drowning. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall by John Edmonds, Esq., on the body of RICHARD TAYLOR, who was found drowned on that morning in Sutton Pool. The deceased, who was about 20 years of age, belonged to a fishing lugger named the Sussex Lily, from Shoreham, and a few days since he left the vessel to go on shore, and was not seen alive afterwards. The body of the deceased was found yesterday morning, within a few feet of the vessel to which he belonged, and probably he met his death by falling into the water on going to his vessel, without being able to procure any assistance. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - The Case Of Drowning At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Welcome Inn, Haven Banks, Exeter, yesterday, before the County Coroner (R. Crosse, Esq.) and a respectable Jury, of which Mr Dymond was Foreman, on the body of JAMES PRATT, a gentleman who met with his death by drowning in the Exeter Canal on Monday last, under circumstances detailed in the Mercury of yesterday. The deceased, it will be remembered, was boating in the Exeter Canal on Monday morning, with Mr Dunn and Mr Leary, when Mr Leary, who was steering, guided the boat near the stonework of the bridge, the deceased put his paddle against the wall to push it off, and the boat capsized. Leary saved Dunn and the deceased was seen to sink to the bottom. He was taken out about a quarter of an hour afterwards, and on being examined by Dr Farrant, life was extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. Mr H. W. Hooper, the City Coroner, being present, gave the deceased a most excellent character.

ILSINGTON - On Monday last an Inquest was held at the New Inn, Ilsington, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child named RICHARD HONEYWILL. - It appears that on Saturday last, about 12 o'clock at noon, a woman named Elizabeth Raymond heard some children say that a pig's-house was on fire. On coming down she was told that deceased was in the burning pig's-house. She endeavoured to save him, but could not, and sent the other children to call the child's father. - WILLIAM HONEYWILL, the deceased's father, stated that on Saturday last, seeing a large quantity of smoke near his house, he was going home, when he met some children, who said the pig's-house was on fire, and his child was in it: he then ran up and found the pig's house in flames, and threw some water into it, and went in and found that some bundles of reed and the roof were burning. The deceased, who was sitting near the reed, was insensible when he took him out. He sent for a doctor, who said there was no hope of deceased's recovery. He died on Sunday morning, at 3. He was three years and eleven months old. He did not know how the fire originated. He and his wife were both from home and the house locked up. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from injuries received from a fire in a pig's house on the 16th instant, but how the fire occurred there was no evidence to show.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 21 April 1864
KINGSTEIGNTON - An Inquest was held at the King's Arms, Kingsteignton yesterday afternoon, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., the District Coroner, on the body of HENRY PENDLE, a labourer, who committed suicide by hanging himself yesterday morning. It appeared that some years ago he underwent an operation, since which he has been occasionally subject to slight derangement of intellect. On a recent occasion the surgeon had cautioned his friends to keep his razor out of the way. He got up yesterday morning at about five o'clock, and after he had gone downstairs his wife called to him and asked him if he would light the fire. He said he would. She heard nothing more of him until a quarter past five, when an alarm was raised that the deceased had hung himself in the stable. When found he was quite dead, and it is presumed that he threw himself off from a place from which there was sufficient fall to break his neck. It was said that his mother died insane, and that his sister is now in a state that qualified her for becoming an inmate of a lunatic asylum. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 30 April 1864
EXETER - A Clergyman's Son Drowned. - On Thursday an Inquest was held at the Horse and Groom Inn, Heavitree, near Exeter, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner for the district, and a highly respectable Jury, on the body of FREDERICK MERTON PARMINTER, a boy about seven years of age. The deceased youth is the son of the REV. G. H. PARMINTER, rector of St. John and St. George, Exeter. From the evidence adduced it appeared that the deceased was seen at seven o'clock playing in his father's garden, and an hour after his body was found in the cesspool, in the garden. When taken out he was quite dead. It is supposed that he accidentally fell in while getting some water to water the garden. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 4 May 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Mason's Labourer. - An Inquiry was held yesterday afternoon at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of JOSEPH ALSOP, who died from injuries received by falling from a ladder a short time since. The deceased, it appeared from the evidence elicited, was a mason's labourer in the employ of Mr Ashey, and was about 21 years of age. On Tuesday, the 24th November, he was engaged on a building at Greenbank, and, during that day, he had been carrying stones on a ladder to the upper part of the house. At about five o'clock he was ascending the ladder, when by some means he slipped and fell to the ground, from a height of about 20 feet. The hod, however, which the deceased had with him caught in the scaffolding and did not fall. The deceased was immediately conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, where, on examination by the surgeon, it was found that the spine of the back and the right thigh of the deceased were broken. In February last the deceased was removed by his friends to 24 Hampton-street, where he lingered until Sunday morning last - no hopes having been entertained since the accident of his recovery. It was surmised that the cause of the accident was from the shifting of the top bar of the ladder, which it is supposed the deceased grasped, and from the insecure manner in which it was fastened the bar slipped, and the deceased fell in consequence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 10 May 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An Enquiry was yesterday instituted at the Devonport, Stonehouse and Cornwall Hospital, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr John Thorne was chosen Foreman, into the circumstances attending the death of a woman who fell into the entrenchment at Devonport on Saturday night last. The deceased was identified by a person on Sunday, who stated that she was the sister of the deceased and that the deceased's name was MARY ANN FRASER, but this individual did not appear to give evidence at the Inquest, neither could the whereabouts of the husband of the deceased be ascertained. - The principal evidence in the case was that of Frederick Smith, a seaman serving on board the Margaret Coke, merchant brig, who stated that at about half-past ten o'clock on Saturday night he was passing Morice Town Hill with the intention of going to his vessel, which was then lying at Keyham, when he met the deceased, who was partly intoxicated. She accosted him, desiring him to give her a glass of ale, which request he complied with. Afterwards they walked across the park towards some seats, and after staying there for a brief period, they both quitted the seats and got over the rails which separated the part from the entrenchment, but he was not at that time aware of the existence of the trench. They walked on still further in the direction of the trench, but after that he could recollect nothing further until he discovered persons raising him from the ground, and he walked with their assistance to the Devonport, Stonehouse and Cornwall Hospital. The deceased had hold of him by the arm at the time of the fall. She was quite a stranger to him. They had no altercation with each other. - Edwin King, a private in the Royal Marines, deposed to having been in the Devonport Park with a marine and two females at the time in question, on Saturday night. He saw a man and woman cross the Park towards the trench, and after being seated for a short time he observed the woman get over the rails by means of the seat, followed by her companion. They walked by the rails for a little distance, and then went nearer to the entrenchment, and the woman then caught hold of the man's arm, and immediately afterwards he saw them fall. He immediately ran towards Newpassage Hill, and gained access to the entrenchment, and went to the spot where the deceased was. He found her lying on her back, senseless and Smith near her, lying on his side. He waited for about a quarter of an hour, when, with assistance, the deceased and Smith were taken to the Hospital, Smith only being partially disabled, but the woman was totally insensible. - Anne Lees, a nurse of the Surgical Wards in the Hospital, gave evidence, from whose statement it appeared that she received the deceased and Smith at the Hospital, the deceased being in an unconscious state, and she was then attended by Mr Wey, surgeon. She appeared to have had her skull fractured and both wrists were dislocated. There were several cuts and bruises on various parts of her body. She did not become conscious of her position and she expired shortly before one o'clock. - Jane Toll residing at 61 George-street, Stonehouse, stated that the deceased occupied a furnished room at her house, having only come to the place on Saturday last. She was married, and in company with her husband, who was a hawker, and three men left the house at about half-past eight o'clock in the evening, and the husband returned at about half-past ten o'clock, and shortly afterwards again left. The deceased was not a quarrelsome woman, and she was clean in her habits, witness having had experience of the deceased before this time. The deceased generally went by the name of VEAL. - Another witness was examined, named Mills, who identified the deceased and stated that she had known her for some time, but not personally, and that a short time since, she asked the deceased her name, and she then informed witness that she was called FARYER. - The Coroner was of opinion that the correct name of the deceased should, if possible, be ascertained, and for that purpose he proposed that the Enquiry should be adjourned until Wednesday next, at the Devonport Guildhall, and he recommended that strict enquiry should be made in order to find the husband of the deceased, who could not be at any distant place. - The Jury coincided with the Coroner and the Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday, at ten o'clock

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 11 May 1864
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest at Newton. Dangerous Condition Of The Clay-Pits. - An Inquest was held yesterday by F. B. Cuming, Esq., the District Coroner, at Timewell's Jolly Sailor Inn, East Street, Newton Abbot, on the body of JOHN STANCOMBE, a child of six years of age, who was found drowned on the previous evening in the water contained in a spent clay-pit belonging to the Devon and Courtenay Clay Company. It appeared from the evidence of the father of the child, RICHARD STANCOMBE, who resides in Richards's Court, East Street, that he was employed at the Company's clay cellars on the banks of the Teign, near the viaduct of the South Devon Railway. On Monday afternoon at about five o'clock the child came to him with a message from its mother, on receiving which the witness directed the child to return home again, remarking to him that he was afraid he would get into the water. The child obeyed him, and immediately went away towards home, and witness watched until he was half-way up the marsh, when, thinking there was then no further cause of danger, he returned to the cellars. It was then half-past five and time for the witness to leave work; he then commenced closing the doors of the cellars, and while he was doing this a boy named Tucker called out to him that there was a cap in the pond, and something that looked like a little boy under it. The witness immediately ran towards the pond, and at the same time he called to a carpenter named Bulley, who was at work near at hand, and asked him if he had seen his little boy. Bulley replied that he had not.. On arriving at the pond the witness observed his son's cap floating on the surface of the water, and near to it the body of the child. A man named Cowley came over, and they got the body out with a crook; there appeared to be no life in it. Witness took it up and carried it to his residence, and sent for Dr Jane, but his services were of no avail, as he said the child was quite dead. When witness last saw the child alive it was a couple of gunshots beyond the pit in which the body was found. There was no rail or fence round the pit; the ground sloped down to the water, which was about four feet deep. It was an old clay pit, and was about four land yards from the clay cellars. The child had been in the habit of coming to witness, and had frequently passed the same pit in doing so. This evidence was confirmed by William Tucker and William Bulley. - The Coroner gave a very lengthy and lucid summing up, and explained to the Jury the bearings of the case in reference to the law of manslaughter; he observed that a child was drowned in one of the pits at the same place 12 months ago, and the Jury that sat on that occasion complained of the dangerous condition in which the pits were left by the company, whom they recommended to either fence them round or fill them up; this recommendation the company had not complied with, and the consequence was that now another life had been sacrificed; he said as the place was not a public thoroughfare, he did not see that the Jury could return a verdict of manslaughter against the company, but he thought it was desirable after what had occurred that all the exhausted pits should be closed up. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and coupled with it a very strong opinion of the dangerous state of the pits and a request that the company should be immediately applied to, to get the whole of the pits that are not in the course of being worked filled up.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 12 May 1864
TEIGNMOUTH - Sudden Death. - On Sunday a man named SELDON died at his lodgings in Parson-street, Teignmouth, suddenly. The deceased, who is a native of Tiverton, fought with another man on the 27th ultimo, and was severely punished that he could not attend to prosecute when the case was called on. He told the officer that it was a drunken brawl. It appeared he came to Teignmouth to engage stabling for some members of the Yeomanry Cavalry. He was sitting on his chair when last seen, from which he fell off to the floor and immediately died. An Inquest was held on Monday, and adjourned to Friday (tomorrow.)

STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An adjourned Inquest was held yesterday in the Council Chamber at the Devonport Guildhall, in order to hear any additional evidence which might have been obtained by the police since the adjournment on Monday last with respect to the correct name of the deceased person who met her death by falling over the entrenchment at Devonport on Saturday night last. It appears that P.C. Shubert on Tuesday went to No. 61 George-street, Stonehouse, where the deceased previously resided, when he saw Mrs Tall, the landlady of the house, who informed him that two men had called to the house on the previous day, and desired to have the deceased husband's clothes delivered to them. At first she refused the demand and desired to be informed the reason that FARRIER had not come for the clothes himself, and they then stated that he was ill and not able to do so, but they would not inform her where FARRIER was. One of the men then stated that FARRIER had told him that there was a little difference between Mrs Tall and him, and that he had given him directions to leave a portion of the clothing in her possession until he would be able to settle the amount owing. Mrs Tall then asked why MR FARRIER had not come to enquire for his wife, and the man again stated that in consequence of his sickness he had not been able to leave the house. She then delivered a bundle of clothes to the men, and after they were gone she followed them as far as Union-street, where they parted, and she endeavoured to keep the man who had the bundle in his possession in sight, but suddenly she missed him, and was unable afterwards to ascertain where he had gone. P.C. Shubert also stated that on entering the room which the deceased occupied, he found a carpet bag, which contained a number of cards, and the name of "WILLIAM FARRIER" was printed on them, and they appeared to be such as were used for hawking purposes. - The Coroner then stated that he had received a letter which bore the signature of WILLIAM FARRIER, but it was not strictly legal to read the letter and take it as evidence, yet he would do so merely for the information of the Jury. - The letter bore the Plymouth post-mark,, and was addressed to the Coroner, and was to the following effect:- "Tuesday, May 10th, 1864. - Honoured Sir, - On account of the uncertainty respecting the name of the unfortunate woman who met with such an untimely and terrible death, and who is my lamented wife, I have taken the liberty of addressing these few lines to you; so that yourself and the Jury may be satisfied as to her identity and her name. Your worship and those connected with the Inquest will think it strange that I do not present myself to give this testimony; it is to save myself additional suffering to what I have already suffered since I first heard of my calamity (what that is God only knows). The name of my unfortunate wife, then, was MARY ANN FARRIER; her age is 28. I am a licensed hawker, but am not, as stated in the papers, in connection with any other parties. As the witness, Mrs Tall, stated, my wife took a room in her house on Saturday morning, whilst I was out on business. She, with some other persons, had some drink, for when I came home about five o'clock in the evening I found her the worse for liquor - though two or three glasses of ale or beer was sufficient at any time to make her drunk. I spoke rather sharp to her about taking drink whilst I was out, but nothing in the shape of an angry dispute took place, as might be supposed from the papers, for we were comfortable enough a few minutes afterwards. About six o'clock I again went out, and came back about eight, and found her, if anything, worse than when I left. I had brought two men with me, and we all sat down to tea together. When we had finished, I gave her some money to make her market with as I understood she had not sufficient, and, after putting her cloak and bonnet on, we all went out together. When we got into Union-street, I found she was more intoxicated than I had supposed she was, and requested her to go home and go to bed, which she refused to do, saying that she was right enough. She accordingly went - as I supposed - to provide for Sunday, but I have never seen her since. Such, your Worship, is my statement, which you may rely on with as much certainty as if I were before you and upon oath. And now as to my remarks on her private character: I have to say that she was ever a most kind and affectionate wife to me; gentle as a child and free from duplicity. How she came into the company she was I cannot imagine; she must, indeed, have been dreadfully intoxicated, and been plied well with liquor to so far forget herself and me as to place herself in the position she was when she was so quickly and unexpectedly summoned before her Maker. I never knew her before to take a glass with anyone but myself, or a female friend. I have said this much that the public may not think too hard upon her conduct in the last hour of her existence. I beg your worship to accept what I have written as the solemn truth. I beg further to state that I am not in a position to bury the remains of my poor wife, as I am entirely destitute, at present living upon the generosity of others, so utterly am I prostrated in body and mind. - I am, sir, your afflicted servant, WILLIAM FARRIER." - The Coroner said that if the man who had written the letter had been present, his testimony might have been taken with respect to the name of the deceased, but from what had been adduced there could be little doubt but that the deceased's name was FARRIER, and from the evidence of Smith it appeared that death was occasioned by a fall into the trench, and that the fall was accidental. - The Jury coincided in the remarks of the Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Waterman By Drowning Whilst Intoxicated. - An Inquiry was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Ferry Inn, Morice Town, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, into the death of WILLIAM HARRISON, a waterman, who was drowned in the Tamar Canal on Saturday evening last. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased resided in Moon-street, and was in receipt of a pension in consideration of his services as a seaman. On Saturday evening at about six o'clock he was observed in a boat at the Newpassage quay under the influence of liquor, by Thomas Fred Saunders, a waterman. He left the quay and went to the Tamar Canal, and shortly afterwards a hat was found floating on the surface of the water, and an alarm being raised several men went to the spot and attempted to recover the body with a boat-hook. Mr John Ward, a hay and corn dealer, also arrived, and after diving several times without success, he was obliged to be conveyed to his residence, being quite exhausted by his exertions. A pair of grapnels were then procured and the deceased was soon found, and every effort was made by Mr Rolston, surgeon, to restore animation, but without success. The Coroner thought that there had been no evidence adduced to show how the deceased came in the water, and the Jury being of the same opinion returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 14 May 1864
TEIGNMOUTH - Manslaughter By A Sailor. - An Inquest was opened at the White Hart Inn, Teignmouth on Monday last, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on view of the body of SAMUEL SELDON, aged 50, a native of Tiverton, who suddenly expired at his lodgings in Teignmouth the previous day (Sunday). From the evidence given it appeared evident that death had resulted from violent usage, whereupon the Inquest was adjourned to Wednesday for the purpose of a post mortem examination. On Wednesday the Enquiry was resumed, when it was shewn that deceased had died from effusion of blood on the brain, caused by blows on the head and that he had been beaten by a sailor named John Hearn, on the 27th ult., at the Black Horse Inn, Tiverton, whilst in a state of intoxication. The Inquest was further adjourned to yesterday (Friday) when, from the evidence elicited, the Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against the sailor Hearn, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 17 May 1864
DITTISHAM - Fatal Accident At Dittisham. - On Saturday afternoon last an Inquiry was held at Bramble Tor House, in the parish of Dittisham, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr. W. Grills was Foreman, touching the death of RICHARD ROWSE, who, it appeared from the evidence of George Bale and John Kimber, was so crushed by a tree that three hours afterwards he died. The deceased, who was a labourer, was on the 13th May felling timber at Bramble Tor, in the parish of Dittisham, and whilst felling an elm tree he jumped from the hedge and fell, and the tree fell on his legs, breaking them both. He was taken to his house, where he died three hours afterwards. Deceased was forty-three years of age.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 19 May 1864
PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - The Suicide In A Vault At The Plymouth Cemetery. The Inquest. - On Saturday afternoon Allan B. Bone, Esq., the District Coroner, held an enquiry at the Townsend Inn, Mutley, into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN MANICOM, jun., who was found dead in an unused vault at the Plymouth Cemetery with his throat cut. The body when viewed by the Coroner and Jury was lying in the position in which it was found, and the determination of the deceased to make away with his life was apparent from the fact that his head was nearly severed from the body. On returning to the inn the following evidence was adduced:- William Gilbert said: I am a mason constantly employed at the Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse Cemetery. Yesterday morning about 11 o'clock I was walking up the northern end of the Cemetery, when I happened to look into the vault, the entrance to which was open. The entrance is about 2 feet 8 inches in height and about 2 feet 9 inches wide. I first saw a boot, and then I looked into the vault and saw the body of the deceased lying on the ground. I did not observe any ladder or anything else by means of which a man could get down into the vault. I thought he was asleep, until I saw the blood upon the sleeve of his shirt and his hands. I then called out for assistance, and Mr Gardiner, the lodge-keeper, came to me immediately, when a constable was sent for. I then went home to dinner, leaving Mr Gardiner there. today I went down into the same vault and saw the body of the same man. I saw the razor yesterday when I first looked into the vault lying in the same place where I saw it today - at the bottom of the vault, close by the side of the body. The handle and the blade are secured with a piece of cord so as to prevent the blade from closing, and the razor was covered with blood. It lay on the right-hand side of the body, and within reach of the hand of the deceased. I observed that his coat had been taken off, and was placed in a corner of the vault carefully folded up. - John Gwinnell Gardiner said: I am Superintendent of the Plymouth Cemetery. Yesterday morning, about 11 o'clock, one of my men came to me, saying there was a man in a vault, who, he believed, had cut his throat. I went to a vault near to which Gilbert was, and he told me he had seen boots shining in the vault as he passed by. A man named Easterbrook, who works at the Cemetery, went down and touched the deceased, and found he was cold and stiff. About an hour afterwards I went down into the vault in company with Dr Soltau, and looked at the body. It was perfectly dead and stiff. The body was lying prostrate along the vault, inclining a little to the right side. The chin was resting on the breast, so that no cut could be seen until the hat was taken off, when the head fell back and I perceived that the throat was very severely cut. It appeared to be completely cut through - everything being severed. The razor was lying on his right side. From the appearance of the cut it seemed to me to have been done - if done by the deceased - with his right hand. The vault in question has been built more than twelve months, in readiness for anyone who might be disposed to purchase it. A coat and waistcoat were lying on the left-hand side of the deceased, in the corner of the vault, where it appeared to have been placed very carefully. The razor was secured by cord tied tightly around parts of the handle and the blade, so as to prevent its closing. While Dr Soltau and myself were in the vault, Sergeant Nott, of the Stonehouse Police, came and searched the coat, waistcoat and trousers pockets. Two handkerchiefs were found in the coat pocket, with an old glove. In the inside pocket of the coat was found the stock that deceased had been in the habit of wearing. There was no stock about the neck, and the shirt collar was unbuttoned. A small pocket knife was found in the left hand trouser pocket and although of an inferior description, it appeared to have been recently sharpened. The Cemetery is always accessible to the public from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. I have made enquiries, and no one appears to have seen the deceased in the cemetery before he was found in the vault. - ANN MANICOM said: The deceased was my husband and he was between 56 and 57 years of age. He had no children. We lived at south-hill-buildings, at Stoke, in the borough of Devonport. We had lived there more than two years. His father lived in the same house with us. The last time I saw the deceased alive was about 3 o'clock on Thursday afternoon last, at which time he left the house, according to his usual custom. He did not say where he was going, and was not in the habit of saying. He was collector of part of the parish rates, and was very frequently out of doors on business. We had had our dinner at our usual time, viz, 1 o'clock. He was always a very temperate man, and never partook of any intoxicating liquor with his dinner. We usually took tea at 5 o'clock, and he regularly returned at that time. We expected him at 5 o'clock, but he did not return, and we never saw him afterwards alive. He has been very unwell indeed for some time past. About three years ago he had an attack of erysipelas in his leg and I do not think he has been well since. He has been attended by a surgeon on two occasions since for lowness of spirits, nervousness, loss of appetite, and restlessness at night. Since Friday week he has appeared very much depressed in spirits indeed, and complained that he could not sleep by night. On Tuesday I asked him to take some medicine. He said, "What for?" and I said, "Because you're ill." He replied, "I am not well," but would not take any medicine. One day for the week I asked him what was the matter, and he said, "Oh! it would drive him wild," and added, "Oh! the asylum" - alluding, as I supposed, to the pain in his head. When he could not sleep he complained of pain in his head. I have heard that the grandmother of the deceased died insane. He would take a book, but did not appear to read it, and would not take notice of anyone or anything, unless spoken to. I never knew him make any attempt of this kind before. He was, at one time, a boot and shoe maker by trade, but he had not followed his trade for many years. On Thursday morning last I asked him whether he had slept better during the night and he said, "Oh! no; I was awake long before daylight. I have had a sleepless night." - Wm. Mogg said: I reside at Devonport and for many years have been collector of rates and taxes in the Borough of Devonport. The deceased was also a collector of rates and had been an acquaintance of mine from boyhood. We met almost every Wednesday morning. There was always a peculiarity of manner about him, never caring to mix much with any society. Of late, occasionally, we have noticed he has come into the overseer's office, paid in his money, and gone away again without speaking scarcely a word. I have not seen him within the last fortnight. There was an appearance of gloom and dejection about him, and I have endeavoured by a little cheerful bantering to induce him to throw it off. It did not appear to have any effect on him. He was in the habit of taking a walk every afternoon, but was always alone. He was very regular in his accounts. I cannot say I have noticed anything like absence of mind. Frequently, on meeting him in his walk I have seen him looking down steadfastly on the ground, and when spoken to would start, just give a recognition, and pass on, without further notice. - Thomas Miller said: I am also a collector of rates and taxes at Devonport. I have known the deceased for about 30 years, and more particularly during the last 13 years. I used frequently to meet him at the Parochial Office, and then his manner was bloomy, reserved, melancholy and depressed. We could scarcely get him to sit down and converse with the rest. About a fortnight since I met him going home, and spoke to him. He scarcely answered me, and seemed disposed to shun me altogether. When he got to his door I spoke to him, and said "Good morning." He never answered me or took the least notice of me. There was something very strange about him. - EDWARD MANICOM said: I live at 34 Fore-street, Devonport, where I carry on the business of a bookseller and stationer. Deceased was my nephew. I have heard that his father and mother died insane. I have known deceased all his life time. He was a person singular in his habits, sometimes free, open and friendly; at other times it would be a difficulty to get a word from him. He appeared very diffident, retiring, and gloomy in his manner - a sort of desire for seclusion. At these time he would be very silent; but in general disposition he was very kind, and willing to be of service to anybody. Lately, I have not seen any change in him, because I have not been brought into contact with him particularly. - The Coroner, in summing up, said: The circumstances of the case appear to have shown a most positive determination on the part of the deceased to destroy himself. The circumstance of his having selected this extraordinary place for the commission of the act, the manner in which the razor was tied so as to prevent the blade from closing at all, the depositing of his coat and waistcoat in the corner of the vault, as well as the removal of his stock, which he had placed in his pocket, all betoken a very considerable amount of determination to commit the act of suicide. But that does not touch the important question of what was the condition of his mind at the time he committed this act? I may have had occasion to explain to some of you before what insanity means by law. It means that condition of mind which prevents a person from making the ordinary distinction between right and wrong, and, in fact, preventing his being aware, at the time he is committing the act of suicide, that he is doing an act which is contrary to the laws of God and man. And for the purpose of legally returning a verdict of insanity, it is necessary that the insanity of the party should be proved by evidence of some kind. Now there are some peculiar circumstances in this case in reference to the condition of the deceased's mind. I think a material circumstance is that one of his family died insane, and you have heard from two or three witnesses that there was also a peculiarity of manner about the deceased that he was gloomy, dejected, reserved, and scarcely ever mixed with any society. And we are told his habit was to go along the street looking down towards the ground, and, when spoken to, would start and appear to be startled. He also appeared to be indisposed to have any communication with others. These are some peculiarities certainly, and you have to consider the whole of the case as it lies before you, and to say, first, whether you believe that the deceased committed the act of self-destruction; and, next, whether you think at the time he did so, he was out of his mind. If you do so think, you will have to return a verdict of insanity; but if you think he was not insane, and understood what he was doing when he committed this act, then your verdict would be one of felo de se. However, you will consider what I have said and return such a verdict as you think is consistent with the evidence. The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 20 May 1864
TOTNES - Inquest On The Body Found In The River Dart. - On Wednesday lat, about the middle of the day, a boat full of fishermen coming up the Dart, saw the body of a man lying on the mud, left there by the tide. It was at the end of the Rifle Ground. The body was at once taken up and brought to Bridgetown, where an Inquest was held yesterday (Thursday) at Farley's Bridge Inn, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr J. Mitchell was Foreman. It appears from the evidence of the deceased's widow, that he was called WILLIAM DOWN, and was a basket maker, residing in Paignton, and on Tuesday his wife missed him. Search was made, but he was nowhere to be found. She also stated that he had been in low spirits for some time. John Salter, a labourer, also deposed to having seen the deceased on Tuesday evening last walking in the new walk near the Quay. He noticed that he appeared to be walking up and down in a strange manner. Thomas Potter, one of four fishermen, deposed to having been in a boat, and having found the body on the mud left by the tide, and that he with the others removed it to Bridgetown. The Jury brought in a verdict "That the deceased WILLIAM DOWN was Found Dead in the River Dart, but how he came by his death there, there was no evidence to show."

TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Accident Near Tavistock. - The Inquest on the body of the lad TREMELLAN was held before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., at the Roborough Inn, on Thursday morning. The evidence agreed in every important particular with the account of the melancholy occurrence which appeared in the Mercury yesterday. The verdict of the Jury was "Accidental Death". The coroner told the captain of the mine that a grating ought, if practicable, to be placed over the mouth of the shaft to prevent others from meeting with a similar fate to that of the deceased

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 21 May 1864
STOCKLAND - Suicide At Stockland. - A distressing suicide was committed on Tuesday by SAMUEL MATTOCKS, who married seven weeks ago, and took Rakshill dairy. He hanged himself in the potato-house, where his young wife discovered him dead. A Coroner's Jury have pronounced him Insane at the time.

TAVISTOCK - The Inquest on the body of BENJAMIN DURHAM, the man who committed suicide by hanging himself on Wednesday evening, was held before the Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., on Thursday morning. The Jury returned as their verdict:- "That the deceased killed himself whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity." The body of the deceased was borne to the grave yesterday evening.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In Tavistock-road, Plymouth. - On Wednesday evening an Inquiry was held by John Edmonds, Esq., into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES GULLEY, who died from injuries received by falling from a horse on Tuesday, the 10th instant. The deceased was a cattle dealer, and about 53 years of age, and on the day of the accident he attended the Roborough Hunt Races, and returned on horseback. On passing North Devon-place he was observed to be riding very unsteadily, and when in Tavistock-road he fell from the horse. He was immediately conveyed to his residence and surgeons attended him, and on examination it was found that he had sustained severe injuries in the head. The deceased gradually grew worse until yesterday morning when death terminated his existence. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Death Of A Woman Through Taking Poison At Devonport. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday afternoon before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, to Inquire into the melancholy circumstances which attended the death of TAMZIN BLACKER, who died on Thursday morning last from the effects of swallowing a quantity of the solution of chloride of zinc. Mr Robert H. Burt was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness examined was ELIZA BLACKER, the daughter of the deceased woman, from whose evidence it appeared that the deceased was 63 years of age, and was the wife of JOHN BLACKER, a superannuated ropemaker from the Devonport Dockyard, and resided at 26 Queen-street. On Wednesday last her brother, who had previously allowed the deceased the sum of 30s. a month, stopped the allowance in consequence of his marriage. In the afternoon of that day witness went to the Standard Inn, Queen-street, kept by Mr Hoskins, accompanied by the deceased and another of the family, and partook of some liquor. While they were at this house the deceased's son arrived, and an altercation ensued between him and his mother respecting some clothing, during which he struck her a severe blow, inflicting a serious wound on the forehead. Deceased attempted to retaliate, but the disturbance was quieted. Deceased had an aversion to the person whom BLACKER was about to wed. Witness afterwards went home with deceased, but left in a short time, and after being away for a considerable time she returned about six o'clock, and her younger sister then informed her that her mother had taken poison. On going to the room witness found a bottle on the table which had contained chloride of zinc, and which had been purchased for destroying vermin. The deceased appeared to be very ill, and had symptoms of sickness and was unable to utter anything intelligibly. After preparing something which she thought would relieve the pain of which deceased complained, she despatched a messenger for a surgeon. A few minutes afterwards a nurse from the Albert Hospital arrived, Mr Crossing arriving shortly after. He applied partial restoratives and deceased was then conveyed to the hospital. She had seen the bottle containing the chloride of zinc a few days before, and it then contained about a gill. - In answer to further questions from the Coroner and Jury, the witness stated that about 12 months ago the deceased fell and cut her forehead, which had been healed; but some further accident occurring, the wound became worse, and since that time the deceased had not been of the same disposition, and was quite different and strange in her manner, and latterly had been much addicted to drink, more especially since her son's arrival from the West Indies. Deceased was not aware of her son's intention to get married until Sunday last, when she discovered a note addressed to the captain of the vessel, desiring to be granted leave to get married. The deceased since that time had been very low, and had frequently stated that she was afraid that she would lose the money which her son allowed her; and she complained of having become indebted to several persons on his account, and this appeared to prey continually on her mind. - Mr Thomas Crossing, a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, in London, deposed to having been called to the house, 26 Queen-street, where he saw the deceased suffering from what was afterwards discovered to be the effects of having taken a quantity of chloride of zinc, which was a very powerful poison, and capable of terminating the existence of a human being within a very short space of time. The solution was named Bernard's Disinfecting Fluid, and was very rarely used, being of recent discovery. The deceased complained of violent pain in the stomach, and vomited a great deal, and the skin of her mouth and lips was corroded. She was unable to speak above a whisper, and she said that "she had taken it." He then administered an emetic, and after giving her a copious supply of warm water, she vomited effectually, so that the poison, probably, was all extracted from the stomach, but its irritant and destructive nature had acted on the constitution, and had been the means of affecting the coats of the stomach. She was then removed to the Hospital, and, after rendering all the assistance in his power, he left her to the care of the surgeon of the week. - Hannah Lees, the superintending nurse of the surgical department in the Hospital, stated that she received the deceased at the Hospital on Wednesday evening. She was immediately placed in a bed and she remained sensible for a considerable time. She said that "she had taken it," probably referring to the poison, but that she had been excited through trouble to do it, and expressed her sorrow for having done the act. At about two o'clock she suffered from a spasmodic attack, which continued at intervals until four o'clock, after which she became perfectly insensible and expired at about half-past ten o'clock on Thursday morning,. - LAVINIA BLACKER gave evidence corroborative of what had been stated by other witnesses. - ELIZABETH BLACKER was also examined, and, from her evidence, it appeared that she was at home when the deceased came to the house partially intoxicated, and sat on a chair near the sofa. She was looking out of the window, and was not interrupted during the time. When she moved from the window she saw that a bottle which was usually kept in a cupboard, containing chloride of zinc, was on the table, and the deceased appeared to be very sick and ill. She raised an alarm, and procured assistance, and then threw the bottle away. - JOHN BLACKER, the husband of the deceased, gave evidence as to her general health, after which the Coroner briefly summed up the evidence, and said that there was no reason to doubt but that the cause of the deceased's death was in consequence of her having partaken of a quantity of poison, but the question which the Jury would have to decide was whether at the time she committed the act she was of sound mind. If she was in a state of sanity the Jury would have to return a verdict of felo de se, but a contrary verdict if they were of opinion that she was labouring under a temporary attack, and under excitement. - He explained that the law presumed that a person was sane until the contrary had been proved; and in the present instance it had been shown that the deceased had lately been strange in her habits. The Jury then retired, and after a short absence they found a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 23 May 1864
EXETER - Melancholy Suicide At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Friday evening at the Pack Horse Inn, St. David's Hill, Exeter, before Mr Coroner Hooper, on the body of MR PHILIP JAMES, lodging-house keeper, 7 Bystock Terrace, who had that morning committed suicide by hanging himself. Deceased was 76 years of age, had been in his younger days butler to Sir Humphrey Davy, but for many years past had kept a lodging-house. From the evidence of MRS JAMES, now his widow, Mary Ann Fish, servant in the house and Mr Ezra Ayres, who had been acquainted with deceased for the last forty years, it appeared that so acute had been deceased's sufferings from a malady with which he was afflicted that he became deranged and hanged himself. The verdict returned was that deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death By Drowning At Devonport. - On Saturday afternoon last, at the Clowance Tavern, Clowance-street, Devonport, an Inquest was held before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, and a Jury, on the body of SAMUEL BLIGHT, a little boy, who was drowned in Stonehouse lake, near the Stonehouse Bridge, on the previous evening. After the Jury had chosen their Foreman and viewed the body, Samuel Goss was sworn, and deposed as follows:- On Friday evening he was at work on the left bank of the Stonehouse lake, when he was attracted by the cries of several little boys on the opposite side that one of their number had fallen into the water. Procuring a boathook, he got into a boat, and, accompanied by another man, crossed the stream. One of the boys pointed to the spot where they had seen the deceased fall in, and after feeling the bottom for a short time, he hooked the body up which was lying on its breast at the bottom. He carried it to the bank, where it was seen by two surgeons shortly after, who pronounced life extinct. When he took the body from the water it was quite cold. - William Bray, a boy 9 years of age, a playmate of the deceased, stated that on the previous evening he and the deceased were in company with several other little boys. Someone proposed for them to go bathing, and all acceded and repaired to the Parsonage field for that purpose. Witness, however, said that they had better go to the beach at Mount Wise, where they would be safe, whereas if they went to the Parsonage they might step on a slippery timber and fall in the water. Heedless of this caution, they all went to the field, and on arriving there undressed and went into the water. The deceased ran over the timbers and stooping down to reach a water blubber that was floating past, he overbalanced himself and fell in the water. Witness tried to reach deceased, but did not succeed, and he then called to him to come nearer, which he seemed to attempt by paddling his hands, but one of the boys calling to deceased to hold his hands up, he did so and immediately sunk deeper in the water. Witness after this saw deceased turn over in the water once or twice and he then disappeared altogether. All the boys then went to dress, but they did not call to anyone until they had partly dressed themselves. In answer to their cries, two men came across from the other side, and searched for the body. He then went and told the father of the deceased what had occurred. - WILLIAM BLIGHT, father of the deceased, a sawyer in the Devonport Dockyard, said he last saw his son SAMUEL alive on Friday, between 12 and 1 o'clock; he was quite well then. He returned from his work in the evening about half-past five, and had been in his house but 5 minutes when information was brought to him respecting his son. On proceeding to the field he found the news too true. The deceased was rather above nine years of age. - The Coroner summed up, commenting on the painful nature of the occurrence, and stated that as the case was a very plain one for the Jury, the only verdict they could return would be "Accidental Death". The Jury concurred in this, and the verdict was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 30 May 1864
UGBOROUGH - Fatal Accident At Ugborough. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the George Inn, Ugborough, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM SMALE, aged 24, who was accidentally killed that morning at half-past eight at the Wood Slate Quarry in that parish. It appeared that deceased went down the pit in the morning to saw a piece of wood and was being drawn up in the tub when the chain caught in part of the rock and snapped, and the poor fellow was precipitated to the bottom of the pit, a depth of 65 feet, and was killed on the spot. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 9 June 1864
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Yesterday evening an Inquest was held before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, at the house of Mr Gillhen, Stoke-lane, on view of the body of ANDREW FEWS, an infirm old man, who died suddenly, after a couple of hours' illness, in a house in Quarry-street, where he had lodged. The poor old fellow had been ailing for some time, but had contrived to follow his usual avocation, that of a hawker of nuts and caps about Plymouth and the vicinity. It was proved that deceased had been kindly treated by a woman named Mahoney, in whose house he lived prior and up to the time of his death. Consequently a verdict was at once returned that deceased died by the "Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 10 June 1864
EXETER - Melancholy Death - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Deaf and Dumb institution, Exeter, before Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner, on the body of HENRY REDWOOD, aged 16 years. It appeared by the evidence of Dr Scott, the master of the institution, and by that of two of the pupils, named William Vercoe and William Channing, that the deceased had been a pupil of the institution about five years, and that for some days past there had been discussions between the boys as to whether there was or was not a bird's nest in a certain tree in the playground. The deceased appeared to have left the house rather earlier than usual for the purpose of ascertaining the fact, and having climbed the tree, he fell from a height of 20 feet with the bough between his legs, fracturing his skull in the fall. He was removed to the invalid ward, and lingered about twelve hours, when he died. It further transpired that the deceased was a well-behaved boy, but much given to climbing trees, for which he had been punished only about a fortnight before, and that for nearly 24 years no accident of any sort had occurred to the pupils. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and upon the motion of Mr R. Blackburn, one of the Jurors, presented their fees of 12s. to the funds of the Institution.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 13 June 1864
TAVISTOCK - On Friday evening an Inquest was held at the Guildhall before the Deputy Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of WILLIAM ROWE, who met with his death under the following circumstances: On Wednesday night the deceased, an old man 67 years of age, had been drinking, and when he left the London Inn, at about eleven o'clock, he was quite intoxicated. A young man named William Kerslake went with him to take him home. When they got into Barley Market-street, Kerslake asked him if he could go on all right, as he was near his house, and he replied that he could. Kerslake then let go his hold, and the old man fell down with some violence, striking his head against the kerbstone of the pavement. He was taken to his home, where he died on Friday morning. The verdict of the Jury was to the effect that "The deceased died from an effusion of blood on the brain caused by a fall, his death being accelerated by intemperance."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 14 June 1864
PLYMOUTH - Concealment Of Birth At Plymouth. - Last evening, at five o'clock, an Enquiry was held at the "First and Last" Inn, Jubilee-street, Plymouth, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of a male child, who was born on that morning, and found concealed in a box in the possession of a servant named SUSAN STEER, who is about 17 years of age. Mr John Turner was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner, after briefly addressing the Jury, proceeded to examine the first witness:- Mrs Catherine Elizabeth Henwood, from whose evidence it appeared that she was the wife of Mr Francis Bassett Henwood, a Master in the Navy, who resided at 8 Alma-place, Plymouth. On the 17th December last she received SUSAN STEER into her service as a domestic servant. The girl was about seventeen years of age. About ten days ago witness suspected that the girl was pregnant, and she questioned her on the subject, but she denied that she was so. The girl STEER went to church, as was her usual habit, on Sunday. When it was washing day the girl invariably did it by herself, and, yesterday morning, witness called her at about a quarter to six o'clock, when she said she would rise immediately. Witness slept in a room on the first floor and STEER in a room directly over it. The girl was quickly down in the kitchen, when she complained of having been faint and ill during the night. She then assisted in getting the breakfast in the parlour. She afterwards went into the kitchen and washed the clothes until about eleven o'clock, when witness, thinking that she appeared very ill, suggested that a surgeon should be sent for, but she declined to have the assistance of a doctor. Witness communicated with her sister, who went for Mr Hicks, surgeon, who came in a few minutes. She (witness) went with Mr Hicks to the bedroom of the girl, and she saw the dead body of a child found in her box, which was opened by Mr Hicks. The girl wept a great deal, but did not make any remarks. During the previous night she did not hear any noise in STEER'S bedroom, neither was she called to render any assistance. - Mr James Hendy Hicks, surgeon, residing at 7 Brunswick-terrace, stated that, on that morning, at about eleven o'clock, he was sent for to visit the servant of Mrs Henwood. He was shown into the drawing-room, and Mrs Henwood left, stating that she would fetch the girl SUSAN STEER. He found by a conversation which he heard that there was a good deal of difficulty in getting the girl to undergo an examination, and he suggested that he should go to her. He consequently went to her and found her standing by the side of a washing tub, and greatly affected. She appeared very ill, and witness said to her there was something wrong, but he advised her to tell him the truth, and he would befriend her as far as was consistent. She then informed witness that she had been confined that morning at 3 o'clock. Witness then interrogated her as to where the occurrence took place, and she promptly replied that she had been confined in her bedroom and the baby was then in her clothes box. He then requested the girl to proceed upstairs, and on examination he found that the afterbirth had not been extracted, but that the umbilical cord had been severed about one inch from its root. He had done what was necessary in such cases, and afterwards, in the presence of Mrs Henwood, searched the box of STEER, and found the dead body of a male child wrapped in several pieces of cloth which were completely saturated with blood. Shortly afterwards he left and in the afternoon he made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased, but it was impossible to discover any external traces of violence. It was 21 inches in length, and full grown, and eleven inches from the navel to the bottom of the feet. He had not the least doubt, from the appearance, that the confinement took place at about three o'clock. The length of the umbilical cord remaining was 2 feet 3 inches. He then proceeded to examine the body and on removing the lungs from the chest and subjecting them to an hydrostatic test, he found that the lungs floated and when divided in small portions, each piece floated buoyantly, which, together with the appearance of the other contents of the thorax, left no doubt on his mind that the deceased had breathed in the progress of its birth, and that it died from haemorrhage in consequence of the umbilical cord not being properly secured. - The Coroner at this juncture said that the question it was necessary to ask the surgeon to know whether a case of child murder could be constituted would be whether the child was wholly born alive or whether it only breathed in its progress from the womb and died before it was really born. - Mr Hicks said that he was of opinion that the child breathed in its progress from the womb, but that it died before it was in fact really born. Mr Hicks then continued his evidence, and stated that in consequence of the tender age of the girl STEER, she endangered her own life by neglecting to have proper attendance at the time of confinement. It was an extraordinary occurrence that the person who had been confined had not died under such circumstances, but the only way that he could account for it was that she became faint, and haemorrhage did not ensue. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there could be no doubt, after hearing the evidence of Mr Hicks, that the child breathed, but that it died before it was really born. A fact to be considered was that STEER was only a girl of 17 years of age, and consequently did not know what was necessary to be done. If the child had been born alive it was impossible that it could have lived for any length of time because the navel string not having been properly severed, it would have resulted in death. The circumstance connected with the case showed that the deceased had not met with any injury, and therefore its death had not been occasioned clearly by any other means than from the inexperience of the mother. - The Jury, after a short consultation, agreed that the deceased breathed in its progress from the womb, but that it was not born alive, and that the deceased died from its mother not having sufficient knowledge of the usual procedure in such cases.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 16 June 1864
TORQUAY - Sudden Death. - An adjourned inquest was held yesterday at Baker's Country House Inn, Ellacombe, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., the District coroner, touching the death of THOMAS DAVIS, a quarryman, who was found dead in his bed at his lodgings of Mr Sims, sawyer, of Ellacombe, on Saturday morning last. It appears that deceased had been suffering for some days from diarrhoea and on Friday morning last he went to work at five o'clock, but returned again at seven. Between nine and ten Mrs Sims made him a cup of tea, after which he went to his room to dress, as he said he should go to Dawlish. When dressed he went to the Country House for a little brandy, and returned to his lodgings. Subsequently he went up to his bedroom and was soon afterwards found lying dead upon his bed. A post mortem examination was made by Mr James Evans, surgeon, but the evidence of this gentleman not being clear as to the cause of death, the Inquest was adjourned to the 30th instant, in order that the contents of the stomach might be analysed.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 21 June 1864
EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday before H. W. Hooper, Esq., on the body of an illegitimate child of ANN HUNT. The deceased was not kept by its mother, but by another woman, who on Saturday last, whilst feeding it, heard it make a noise in its throat, and shortly afterwards it expired. The child had been ill of thrush previously. Mr Perkins, surgeon, said that he believed the cause of death to be an inward spasm. The surgeon, at the suggestion of the Coroner, will make a post mortem examination and in the mean time the Inquest is adjourned until Wednesday next.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 22 June 1864
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held last evening at the Jubilee Inn, Jubilee-street, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of a child aged three months, named RICHARD ROWE, who was found dead in bed by his mother's side yesterday morning in Salem-street. the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Town Hall, Torquay, before F. B. Cumming, Esq., Coroner, respecting the death of EDWARD ADAMS, a tailor, residing at Braddons Hill-road West. From the evidence given it appeared that the deceased was 42 years of age, and had for some time exhibited a strange manner, and had taken some narcotic poison. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 27 June 1864
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Pinhoe, near Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Heart of Oak Inn, Pinhoe, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a young man named FOOT, 25 years of age, who met with his death on the previous day through an accident which occurred to him by his horses running away. The deceased, who was a carter, was driving his cart and two horses over the railway bridge at Pinhoe, when a luggage train passed under. The horses became frightened, and commenced rearing, whereupon the deceased went over to hold them. Both horses then ran off and the deceased became jammed between the cart and the boardings of the bridge. Assistance was immediately procured, but the unfortunate man died a few minutes after. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - The Late Accident At The Hooe Quarries. - On Saturday last an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of JOHN DODRIDGE, who died on the previous day from injuries he received on the 13th instant, whilst at his work at the Hooe Quarries. William Elliott, a quarryman, stated that he worked with the deceased at Hooe quarries, under Mr G. Hine. On the day in question, about half-past eleven, the deceased began to charge a hole which witness had bored, and then set fire to it, but it missed fire. He tried to fire it several times after, but without success. Deceased then went to dinner and after remaining away about an hour he returned to the hole, into which he poured a quantity of water, and began to bore in order to clear the hole for another charge. While so engaged the charge exploded and knocked the deceased down the quarry from a height of about eight feet. witness, who was standing about eight feet from deceased at the time, went and picked him up, when it was found that he had sustained several severe injuries in the lower part of his abdomen, and that his face was also much shattered - part of his nose and his right cheek being shot away, as well as his right arm being broken at the wrist, and the left hand frightfully lacerated. With the assistance of other workmen he was taken to the hospital at a quarter to three. Deceased never lost his senses, nor did he blame anyone as being the cause of the explosion. Witness believed deceased's death to have been purely accidental. Deceased was a single man, fifty years of age, living at Turnchapel, and was kept at the quarries for the purpose of blasting. It was always the custom to bore the charge from the hole after it had missed fire. - Some discussion here ensued as to the advisability of using safety fuse for boring the holes, which it appears was not employed on this occasion, the witness saying that owing to the nature of the rocks at the Hooe quarry it could not be employed. The Coroner said he thought it would be better in future if the quarrymen, on finding that a hole would not explode after repeated attempts, instead of boring out the same hole, were to bore another by the side of it, so that the danger of explosion by re-boring might be averted. - The Jury also concurred in this opinion. - George Weeks, another quarryman, and a fellow-workman of the deceased, having corroborated the statement of the last witness, the messenger of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Richard Morris, said the deceased was received at the hospital during the afternoon of the 13th instant, in a very lacerated condition. His arm was amputated soon after his admission by Dr. Whipple, whose patient he had been while in the hospital, and after lingering until Friday afternoon he died. - The Coroner summed up, and the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", at the same time recommending that the two witnesses - the quarrymen - should speak to their master, Mr Hine, as to the advisability of devising some means to prevent a similar occurrence in future.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 1 July 1864
TORQUAY - Adjourned Inquest At Torquay. - The Inquest relative to the sudden death of THOMAS DAVIS, of Ellacombe, which was adjourned from the 15th ult., as reported in the Mercury of the 16th June last, was resumed yesterday (Thursday) at four p.m., at Mr Baker's Country House Inn, Ellacombe. F. B. Cuming, Esq., the Coroner, stated to the Jury that in accordance with their recommendation he had forwarded copies of the evidence to the Secretary of State on the 17th ultimo, and a reply had been received from Mr Waddington to the effect that the Secretary of State did not consider the evidence sufficiently strong to warrant his ordering an analysis to be made of the contents of the stomach. The Coroner further said that being at Exeter on Wednesday last he had brought the whole matter before the County Magistrates, and they had instructed him, if the Jury could not come to a satisfactory verdict without the analysis being made, to send the stomach to Mr Herepath, in order that the required examination should take place. - The Jury were unanimous that this course should be adopted, as they could not come to a verdict while a doubt remained to be cleared up, and the Inquest was therefore adjourned to Thursday, the 14th inst., at the same time and place.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 2 July 1864
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held last evening at the Coburg Inn, Coburg-street, Plymouth before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child named ELEANOR AXWORTHY, found dead in bed by her mother's side yesterday morning, at 5 John's Lane, without marks of violence. A verdict in accordance with these facts was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Inquest On The Late MR ROGER HORSWELL. - An Inquest was held yesterday, before John Edmonds, Esq., at the Guildhall, on the body of MR ROGER HORSWELL who came by his death owing to an accident on the previous day, under circumstances which were described in the Western Daily Mercury of yesterday. The Jury, having been charged by the Coroner, proceeded to the dead-house to view the body of the deceased. Richard Morris, porter at the South Devon Hospital, stated that the deceased was brought to the hospital yesterday about half-past eleven, with his skull very much fractured, and he also had sustained a compound fracture of the left thigh and his left hand and right foot were much injured. He was sensible for an hour after he came into the hospital. Mr Whipple, the surgeon, attended him. The deceased died at half-past nine last night. WILLIAM HORSWELL, of 17 York-street, mason, stated that the deceased was his uncle; he was a master builder and mason; he lived at 16 John-street, and was about 60 years of age. Witness assisted him in raising a wall in extension of a workshop in Flora-street. The wall was raised entirely under his own direction. The new work was about 13 feet high; the old work was 9 feet high, and that had been standing above two years. That made the height of the whole about 22 feet. Witness was working at the wall yesterday, and was pointing; deceased directed witness to point the wall on one side, while deceased was pointing the other side and taking down the scaffold. In the morning witness had pointed about a quarter of an hour, and had pointed about three yards. Placed the ladder against the wall by direction of the deceased, who was then at the other side of the wall. Witness moved the ladder a little on one side to point another part of the wall and then while on it he found the wall giving way. Witness immediately stepped down three or four stages and slipped down, while the wall gave way, but he had no time to cry out. The ladder was about five feet higher than the wall. When the wall began to fall it fell on the deceased. Witness climbed over the wall and got to the deceased, and found him buried up to his shoulders in stones and mortar. He was not sensible at first, but after he was taken out he spoke and was sensible for some time. Witness assisted him to the hospital, and was with him when he died. Yesterday morning witness told the deceased that the wall was coming towards them, and was not upright, and he thought there was danger. Deceased said, "It won't hurt; it is better for it to be leaning this way than the other." He was the master and witness acted under his directions entirely. There was no mortar spared in the work. There were no pudlocks in the new wall. - Charles Harding stated that he was a furniture broker residing at 32 Flora-street. The deceased was raising a wall for witness, who found the materials. Paid deceased by the day, and he was to find the labour. In fact, deceased was the master of the work. Heard him direct the last witness and he labourer, so that whatever was done was entirely by his direction; the whole of it. If anyone was to blame the deceased was; but it was an imprudent thing, looking at the leaning of the work, to point it with a ladder as it was done. Nothing could be done more than was done to save him. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it appeared to him that the wall was not properly erected: but, inasmuch as it was raised under the direction of the deceased, no one was to blame but himself. One of the Jurymen stated that he believed that the wall would have come down even if the ladder had not been placed against it, for the wall was not well built, although the materials were good. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 4 July 1864
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - On Saturday evening an Enquiry was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of a journeyman painter, named SANDERS, who died on that morning. The deceased resided in Kinterbury Street, and for the past few days had complained of a pain in the head. On Friday evening, before returning to rest he partook of a small quantity of brandy with a view of relieving the pain. During the night he became very restless, and on the following morning rose at about six o'clock, and went to a closet in the back yard. After remaining there about twenty minutes his wife went and found him lying against the wall, and she then made an alarm, when it was found that the deceased had expired, but that his body was warm. A surgeon was sent for, but life was quite extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Sudden Death." We understand that the deceased has left a family of six children to lament his loss.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 6 July 1864
WIDECOMBE IN THE MOOR - Melancholy Suicide By Hanging At Widdicombe. - An Inquest was held yesterday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., District Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH HARVEY, widow, aged 89, who resided in Lower Town, Widdicombe. Mr Daniel Ward was chosen Foreman of the Jury. From the evidence adduced, it appears that the deceased met with her death under the following melancholy circumstances:- The deceased had, for the last seven months, been suffering from a painful disease, and latterly she had been in a very low, desponding state of mind as to the state of her soul, and occasionally gave vent t expressions indicating that she feared she should be eternally lost. These thoughts, it appears, terrified her exceedingly. On Saturday morning last the deceased was seen alive about ten o'clock, which, it appeared from the evidence, was the last time. Between 11 and 12 o'clock the same morning, a Mrs Turner, who lives in the same house, happened to go upstairs, when she found that the deceased's bedroom door was shut (which was an unusual thing, as the deceased woman would never allow her door to be shut during the daytime.) She also perceived that the string which lifted the latch of the door was taken inside, from which she suspected that something was wrong. She immediately procured assistance in the person of Henry Arthur Caunter, who, on finding the door fastened, inserted the blade of his knife and attempted to lift the latch, when he found a weight attached to it. He succeeded in lifting the latch, however, and the door opened ajar, upon which he put in his hand and cut the string, when the corpse of the deceased slid down, reclining with her back against the door in a sitting posture, on the ground. She was quite dead, and a more emaciated frame was never witnessed. - The Jury, in accordance with the facts, returned a verdict "That the deceased hanged herself whilst in a state of Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 9 July 1864
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - On Wednesday evening an Inquest was held at Mr Oldrey's Black Lion Inn, Exeter Street, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, touching the death of a woman named BLANCHE RICHARDS, aged 56 years, who died suddenly on the previous afternoon at her residence in Higher Street. The deceased was seen by a woman named Steer, who resides in the same house, to fall suddenly to the ground while engaged at work in the court, and on being removed to the house she died shortly afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died by the "Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 12 July 1864
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death By Drowning Of A Stoker In Hamoaze. - Yesterday afternoon an investigation into the circumstances attending the death of MICHAEL BOURKE, a stoker belonging to H.M.S. Indus, was made before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse. From the evidence elicited from the witnesses, it appeared that the deceased was doing duty on board the Centaur, lying near Wilcove, and on Saturday evening last a man named Jones, who was intoxicated at the time, challenged the deceased to swim. The deceased accepted the challenge, but Jones was afterwards prevailed upon not to attempt to swim. The deceased, however, divested himself of his clothing, and swam a certain distance apparently with the greatest facility, but when he was returning to the ship he suddenly threw up his arms above his head and floated on the surface of the water. Some uneasiness was experienced by the men who witnessed the movements of the deceased, and an alarm was immediately made, and boats were sent in the direction, when it was found that the deceased was dead. He was immediately conveyed to H.M.S. Indus, where efforts were made to restore animation, but without success. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Melancholy Suicide At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning at half-past eight o'clock, at St. George's Hall, before the Coroner, Allan B. Bone, Esq., into the death of JOHN SMALLRIDGE, who was found dead with his throat severely cut on the previous day. Twenty-three persons composed the Jury. The deceased, it appeared, was formerly a nurse at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, which duties he gave up a few months since on account of ill health. He then resided at Rock Cottages with his wife, who a few days ago left on a visit to Cornwall. On Sunday morning he was seen in the courtlage of his house, when he appeared in his usual health and spirits. A tenant named Tregar shortly before noon went to his room to enquire after some trifling thing, when the deceased did not open the door to its full extent, but gave Mrs Tregar what she required through a small opening of it. At about two o'clock in the afternoon a friend of the deceased's called to see him, and after knocking at the door and awaiting a reply for a considerable time he opened the door, when he found the deceased lying on the floor in a pool of blood with his face towards the ground. On reversing the position of the deceased, he discovered a frightful gash in the deceased's throat, and found a razor in his hand, the blade of which was secured to the handle by means of a piece of thread. A messenger was immediately despatched and Mr Perry, surgeon, soon arrived, but life was found to be quite extinct. Witnesses were examined who had lately noticed some peculiarities in the deceased, and it appeared that he had frequently evinced a dullness and had often complained, and some years since he received an injury in the head. - The Coroner, on summing up the evidence, remarked that he presumed the Jury would have no doubt but that the deceased had terminated his existence violently. The only question which remained with the Jury to decide on was whether at the time of the deed the deceased was capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. The law presumed a person to be sane until the contrary had been proved, and it was for the Jury to decide whether from the evidence adduced a proof of insanity had been shown. He would wish to impress upon them that insanity in the eye of the law meant that the person so afflicted was irresponsible for his actions. - The majority of the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 13 July 1864
EXETER - Death By Drowning. - An Inquest was held at the Papermakers' Arms, Exeter, yesterday, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, on view of the body of a boy named MOORE. It appeared that the deceased, who was about 11 years of age, went to bathe at the Head Weir on the following day, but that he became entangled in the weeds, and could not extricate himself. Another boy, named Strong, endeavoured to save him, but could not do so; however assistance was procured, and MOORE was taken out and removed to the above-named public-house, life being extinct. The Jury expressed an opinion that the weeds should be removed, and then returned a verdict of Accidental Death. We understand that the new bathing place is to be opened this day (Wednesday).

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 18 July 1864
MANATON - Death By Falling From A Horse At Manaton. - An Inquest was held on Friday, the 15th instant, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., District Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Thomas Drake was Foreman, at Edgebarton, near the parish of Manaton, on the body of JOHN ROWE, a servant in the employ of James Bryant, Esq. (late of Plymouth). It appeared from the evidence adduced that Mr Stephens, bailiff of Mr Bryant, purchased a pony a short time since, which was being "broken-in" by himself for further use as a hack. On several occasions the deceased had taken the pony from the stable to ride it without the sanction of the bailiff, who, suspecting such to be the case, had repeatedly cautioned the deceased against ever taking the pony out, as serious consequences might follow. On the evening of Tuesday last the deceased took the pony from the stable into the yard for the purpose of taking a ride, and whilst in the act of mounting the pony became restive and "bucked" several times, but not being able to succeed in throwing the deceased, gave a sudden plunge, which threw the deceased violently on his head. Mr Stephens immediately ran and took up the deceased, and on asking him if he was hurted he replied, "I am a dying man." The deceased was then taken into the house and reclined on a bed, where he expired about 15 minutes after. Mr Geo. Nelson Collins, surgeon, of Moreton, was sent for, but before his arrival life was extinct. The surgeon said that on examination he found a bruise on the forehead of the deceased, and stated that in his opinion the deceased died from concussion of the brain, which was occasioned by the fall. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 23 July 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Recent Fatal Accident At Devonport. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of GEORGE HAYMAN HENNA, a child about two years of age, who was recently killed by falling over a quarry at Devonport, was held yesterday at the Town Hall before Coroner Allan B. Bone, Esq. - Mr W. Martin Rickard, clerk to the Board of Surveyors of the parish of Stoke Damerel, was first called, and deposed that the plans produced by Mr William Bartlett, the town surveyor, were correct representations of a part of a field called "Forty-five Steps" field, to which the accident applied. The whole of the land delineated in the plan was the property of the War Department. The parish of Stoke Damerel had a right of way over the road there. The original path was much nearer to the quarry than the present path. The parish had nothing whatever to do with the repair of the path, or any portion of the land adjacent to it. The most northern part of the path consisted of a temporary path and bridge constructed by the War Department, leading from the main guard. The new path was proposed to commence at the south side of the eastern end of the new barrier, to be formed of good solid steps of ample width and of several platforms. It was to be well lighted and well secured, and would descend into the lower part of the quarry at the rear of Richmond Walk. The negotiations for this change had been concluded between the parish authorities and the War Department. Some delay had been occasioned, but they now appeared to be making some preparations. When the new road was made the present path would be abandoned altogether. - Mr William Edward Bartlett, the Town Surveyor, stated that he constructed the plans produced, and proceeded to explain them. The distance from the top of the quarry to the heap of stones on which the child fell was 50 feet, and the face of the rock at that particular part was perpendicular. The fence guarding the spot where deceased fell was constructed of bars nailed across some poles fixed in the ground. The space between the lower rail and the ground was from 11 to 16 inches. The width at the place where deceased fell was 16 inches. The ground inclined very much at that part, and it was very dangerous. For the purpose of making the fence more secure, he would suggest that vertical wooden palings, reaching from the ground to about six inches above the upper rail, should be fixed to the existing horizontal bars. The palings might be three inches apart. It would certain prevent the recurrence of any such accident. The length over which the paling would extend was about 200 feet. He should think that the expense of doing this would be about £5. - Several Jurymen bore testimony to the exceedingly dangerous nature of the place, and wonder was expressed that more accidents did not happen. - The Coroner said he believed no further evidence could be obtained. He was anxious that the Jury should have clear evidence as to whose property the ground was upon which the accident occurred, and whether there was or was not a public right of way over a part of the ground, and what was the nature of that right. He was also willing that the Jury should know something about the liability to repair the fences. It seemed from what they had heard from Mr Rickard and Mr Bartlett that the property was under the War Department and that the parish of Stoke Damerel had no authority to repair any part of the ground in question and that the maintenance of the fences rested with the Government. All that could be expected to be done was that there should be a reasonable protection to persons passing over the path. The nature of the ground was such, or rather the inclination of the ground in some parts was such, as to make it dangerous to persons who came within the fence which was erected. It must, however, be recollected in the present case, that the spot over which the child rolled, after escaping from the hand of his brother, was a distance of 20 feet from the road. here it might be said that the lad really courted the danger, for he travelled twenty feet from the roadway to get to this fence, and there the unexpected accident occurred, which resulted in the death of this child. They all understood that immediately the child slipped under the fence there was but little chance of his being saved, because the incline was so great at the particular spot that it was almost inevitable that the child should roll, as it did, to the edge of the precipice and then fall over. They knew the circumstance under which the child fell over the quarry, and therefore he need not occupy time by detailing them. Mr Bartlett had pointed out to them how this fence might be made secure, and one question for the consideration of the Jury was whether it might not be right and proper to make some suggestion to the head of the War Department in this neighbourhood - Col. Owen - to adopt the suggestion of the surveyor by erecting some vertical palings. He could not feel any doubt himself, if such a suggestion were made, that the authorities would without hesitation attend to it, and that it would prevent a melancholy accident of this kind happening again. At the same time it was quite true that one might put up almost any guard which would still be insufficient to protect the people if they persisted in not only leaving the road but in placing themselves in a situation of great danger. However, it was for the Jury to say, first, whether they had any doubt of this case being one of accidental death, and next whether they would wish to express any opinion as to the road being of that character which would render it desirable to recommend the adoption of the suggestion of the surveyor. - The Jury after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and appended to their verdict a recommendation to the effect that some more effectual means should be adopted for the protection of the public, and that the new roadway should be proceeded with as soon as possible.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 25 July 1864
TAVISTOCK - The Enquiry Into The Fatal Accident Up The River Tamar. - An Investigation into the circumstances attending the death of MRS ANN COOMBS, the wife of JOHN COOMBS, a nautical instrument maker, of Devonport, and of her infant child - ANNIE COOMBS - was held at the Ship Inn, Morwellham, on Saturday, at half-past 12 o'clock, before Allan Belfield Bone, Esq., the District Coroner. The Jury after being duly empanelled, proceeded to a neighbouring cottage and viewed the bodies, which were in a coffin, the infant lying in the arms of its mother. On their return to the inn the first witness examined was Miss Elizabeth Kevern, the daughter of Mary Ann Kevern, of Gloucester Street, Morice Town, who deposed that she had known the deceased and her family for nearly two years, and had been engaged by MRS COOMBS for some time past. On the previous Wednesday she accompanied the deceased and her child, and MR COOMBS, with the intention of taking a trip up the Tamar, and proceeding to the Weir Head. For this purpose a boat was hired, which MR COOMBS rowed, being occasionally assisted by the deceased. When they arrived at New-quay, a raft of timbers on the river impeded their progress, and they therefore stopped at New-quay, and partook of tea. They afterwards went to the boat to proceed to their journey, when the Volunteer steamer was off the quay, and they were permitted to attach the boat to a rope belonging to the steamer. The Volunteer then went on in the direction towards the Weir Head, and when near Morwellham, the swell of the water, caused by the motion of the paddles of the steamer, swamped the boat, when MR COOMBS instantly ran to the bow, thinking thereby to right her, but she went down, and the occupants of the boat were immersed in the water. The deceased having her infant in her arms, sank immediately and witness and MR COOMBS also sank, but were ultimately rescued by the timely assistance of the mate of the steamer, who disengaged the steamer's boat and thus saved them; but the deceased and her child were not afterwards seen on the surface alive. MR COOMBS was conveyed to the steamer, and it was with difficulty that he could be restrained from throwing himself into the water. About an hour afterwards, by the aid of grapnels the bodies were found, having become embedded in the bottom of the river. The husband of the deceased was examined; but he was so distressed in consequence of the loss of his wife, that the facts could scarcely be obtained from him; but his statement was quite corroborative of the other witness's dispositions. The Coroner briefly and ably summed up the evidence of the case, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing their belief that everything that could possibly have been done to rescue the parties after the boat had been capsized had been energetically performed, and without the least delay, and attached no blame whatever to any of the persons concerned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Suspected Case Of Poisoning At Devonport. - At the Devonport Town Hall on Friday an Inquiry was instituted into the death of EMMA MOORE, 32 years of age, wife of GEORGE MOORE, a boatswain on board H.M. gunboat Foxhound. Deceased formerly lived at Torpoint, but subsequently removed to Moon-street, Newpassage, and thence to Duke-street. The Jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was adduced:- Dr F. Row said that on Saturday night last he was called upon by a woman named Brooking - a nurse - who informed him that the deceased was ill and suffering great pain in her stomach. He sent some medicine for deceased to take, and found her in bed complaining of great pain in the stomach and bowels, and in answer to a question he put to her, she said she was near her confinement. She stated that for the last few hours she had been suffering from violent pains in the stomach. She was vomiting severely. He satisfied himself that she was pregnant, but found that labour was not immediately approaching. He was told that deceased had taken nothing for many hours but tea and gruel, and similar articles. He left the house, but again saw the deceased at half-past five the same morning, having in the meantime sent her some medicine. He found that her symptoms had not improved; she was still vomiting, and the extremities were becoming rather cold; she was greatly prostrated, and the pulse also indicated danger. He visited her three times afterwards in the course of the day, and on each of these occasions she seemed to be rallying. The next day he saw her twice, and her symptoms not being then so satisfactory, he suggested that her friends should be communicated with. The same symptoms continued, sickness and vomiting, and up to that time the bowels had not been affected. There were still no indications of labour. He continued the same remedies with the object of producing relaxation, and after frequent repetitions he was successful. She had no indications of fever, though she was exceedingly prostrated, and vomiting still continued. On Wednesday he was temporarily absent, when deceased was attended by Messrs. Cutcliffe and Bazely. On the evening of that day, however, he saw deceased, and at two the next morning witness delivered her by the use of instruments, from her extreme prostration. The child appeared to have arrived at maturity. Up to the time of her confinement she had been incessantly vomiting, but for a few hours after she appeared to rally - vomiting was not so urgent and she was tranquil. He remained all night with deceased, but left at three o'clock in the morning. He returned between six and seven the same morning, and then found deceased was hopelessly sinking. She died about eight o'clock that morning. - In answer to a question from the Coroner as to the cause of deceased's death, witness replied that from the symptoms during life there was no doubt she died from some serious affection of the stomach and bowels, not dependent upon her pregnant condition. He did not think the deceased died a natural death. He had found a teacup which deceased had drank from, and which contained at the bottom a settlement. He had taken care of this as well as the clothes which deceased had vomited on. To determine the cause of death a post mortem examination would be necessary. - Elizabeth Brooking, who lives in Morice Town, stated that she attended the deceased when she was taken ill. She fetched Dr Row, who attended deceased till her death. She had several times heard deceased say that "she knew a person who took brandy and pepper to put away a child, and that when a person took brandy and pepper the child on coming to the air would die." Witness said, "But you wouldn't do that?" whereupon deceased answered, "No, not for the world." Deceased had expressed to witness a wish that she might die, and several times she had said, "I wish the Lord would take me out of it." She gave no reason for saying so. She was with deceased at her house on the previous Saturday, and towards night deceased wished her to go home, telling her to send up her daughter the next (Sunday) morning, but as she had stated above deceased came to her house on Sunday morning. She gave as her reason for wishing her to go away on Saturday night, that she expected a young man there. She said he was called Simmons. The next day when she saw deceased she told her the young man had been there, and that she had wanted to speak to him, because he had three articles belonging to her - a watch, a gold locket, and gold pin. She also said he had not given her anything, and a neighbour had told witness that the young man was not there longer than a quarter of an hour. On the 14th, she went with deceased to look for the young man, Simmons, but could not find him. She said she wanted to see him because he had some articles belonging to her. She then said, "I have run through all my money on him; I have got myself in this low state all through him, and now he does not care for me, and if I can get my things from him I will never see him any more." Not finding Simmons they went to a public-house kept by a person named Warn, where deceased had a glass of gin and witness a glass. - EMILY RITCHLEY, sister to the deceased, stated that during the illness of deceased she gave her a dose of salts and senna. Though her sister was married, she believed young man Simmons was the father of the child. Her husband was at China at that time; he had been absent two years and six months. Deceased was given to drink. Simmons is not a married man. He is a builder and plasterer, and lives at Newpassage. - ELIZA CLARK, wife of James Clark, painter, Clowance-street, and another sister of deceased, said she had seen Simmons on the previous night. She asked him for her sister's articles alluded to above, and he gave them to her. [Witness then produced a watch, a locket and a pin which belonged to deceased]. She asked Simmons if he had seen her sister on the previous Saturday night, but he made no reply. - The Enquiry was then adjourned until this day, at one o'clock.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 26 July 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Case Of Suspected Poisoning At Devonport. The Adjourned Enquiry And Verdict. - The Jurymen appointed to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of EMMA MOORE, who died on Thursday last at her residence in Duke-street, under very melancholy circumstances, resumed their investigation before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at the Town Hall, yesterday afternoon. Mr Bartlett was chosen Foreman, and the following evidence was adduced:- Louisa Brooking was examined and stated that she was the daughter of Elizabeth Brooking, and on Monday last, the 18th July, at about eleven o'clock, she went to see the deceased at her residence in Duke-street. The deceased was in bed and vomited severely, and witness asked her whether she had taken anything to produce the illness, and she replied in the negative. She then alluded to her condition, and said that she was enciente, but the child was not that of her husband. The effluvia of the production from the stomach was very offensive. About a month ago she saw the deceased in Fore-street, when she said, "I'll go and drown myself, or else poison myself," but she did not attribute her reason for making this peculiar saying to anything that had occurred. - Elizabeth Brooking, the nurse, stated that Simmons had not offered her a particle of anything, and it was very rarely that he did so. - Joseph Simmons, a young man carrying on business as a builder, and residing in Hood-place, Morice-town, deposed that he was twenty-five years of age. He had known the deceased for about three years, and he had become acquainted with the fact that she was pregnant. He last saw the deceased on Saturday, the 16th July, at her residence. She was then sitting in a front room on the ground floor. There was no person with her, and he had an interview with her of about a quarter of an hour's duration. She was not sick at all, but she said that she felt annoyed because a Mrs Tucker, the person with whom she had been lodging in Moon-street, had opened a letter which had come from her husband, containing a cheque for twenty pounds. She (deceased) had procured the cheque and had taken it to the bank; but she had been informed that the money would not become payable for a fortnight. On the morning previous to the time of having this interview the deceased visited him at Ford, where he was employed in building, when he promised to visit her on the following evening. He had been intimate with the deceased for some time. She appeared in very good spirits, with the exception of being annoyed at the conduct of Mrs Tucker. She did not say anything to him about being tired of her life, neither did she give him any reason to apprehend any danger. The deceased appeared passionately fond of him, and had on many occasions said that she would follow him wherever he went. On Saturday evening she extracted a promise from him that he would see her again on the following Wednesday. This appointment he kept, but the deceased not being at the door - the place assigned for the meeting - he went away, and returned home without seeing her on that day. - John Filmer, an apothecary of James-street, stated that on Sunday, the 17th July, he remembered seeing a woman whom he believed to be the witness, Mrs Brooking, who applied to him for a remedy for sickness for a woman who she stated was enciente. He gave her 1 ½ dr. of tincture of Columbia in 1 ½ ozs of water, and 6 grains of carbonate of soda, and he directed that it was to be taken in tablespoonfuls at intervals of about two and three hours. - Mary Ann Price was examined, and from her evidence it was elicited that she was a midwife and on Friday morning last, at nine o'clock, she went to the room in Duke-street, in compliance with the deceased's stepmother's request, when she saw the deceased. She went there for the purpose of cleaning the room. She received from William Clarke, a painter, of James'-street, a teacup, which was nearly filled with a mixture, which had the appearance of brandy and pepper. She delivered it to Dr Row, who kept it in his possession. - Elizabeth Brooking, the daughter of the witness Brooking, stated that on Sunday, the 17th July, she saw the deceased at her mother's house in William-street, Morice Town. The deceased told her that she had been very ill during the previous night, and asked witness to go home and stay with her. Witness went home with the deceased, when she asked her to fetch a half-noggin of brandy, but witness returned, being unable to procure any, and deceased then got some herself, and returned after a short interval with a decanter in her hand. Witness took the brandy and gave it to the deceased in two equal portions, with a small quantity of water which was put in it, but nothing in addition to this. She drank it from a teacup which witness took from the cupboard, and she saw two other cups there, but did not ascertain whether there was anything in them. The deceased was sick about 10 minutes after first partaking of the brandy, and from that time she was constantly vomiting. She remained with the deceased until three o'clock, and then because of her dangerous illness witness fetched her mother at the request of the deceased. - Jane Tucker, residing at 26 Moon-street, stated that the deceased formerly lodged with her, and she left about three weeks since. She never received any letter addressed to the deceased until Saturday morning last, two days after her death. She informed the postman who brought the letter of the death of the deceased, and he took the letter away with him. At twelve o'clock on the night of Thursday, the 14th inst., the deceased came to her house, and immediately went to a bedroom and went to bed before witness was aware of it. The deceased looked strange and appeared as if she was deranged, and on the following morning witness questioned her on the subject, and she said that she did not know that she was in the house. - Dr Row was re-examined, and stated that on delivering the deceased he found that the child was dead, and that it had been so several days. On Saturday last he proceeded, in conjunction with Messrs. Cutcliffe and Bazely, surgeons, to make a post mortem examination of the deceased. The general external appearances were those of a healthy and well-developed person, with the exception only of a dark spot on the right side of the lips and chin. The lips were slightly excoriated. On opening the chest all the organs were found to be healthy. The domina vicera were examined separately, and, with the exception of the stomach, presented but very slight traces of disease. There was nothing in the state of the bowels to cause obstruction. On opening the stomach it was found to contain about three-quarters of a pint of fluid, which was very black. The coats of the stomach were throughout inflamed, especially at the lower extremity. In that part there were attached to its internal linings particles of black powder, and similar particles were also discovered diffused over other portions of the internal coat of the stomach, and where these particles were adherent the patches of inflammation were most severe. The back part of the throat and root of the tongue were also severely inflamed. The womb was contracted to a full extent which might have been expected soon after delivery, which showed, as well as the state of the external parts generally, that there had not been the slightest injury occasioned by the use of instruments in the delivery. On Saturday morning last he received from Mary Ann Price the cup produced, and he submitted the contents to a microscopic examination, and compared them with the particles previously referred to, which were removed from the stomach, and they corresponded very nearly. He had reason to believe that they were grains of pepper and that the cup produced contained a compound of black pepper and brandy. He had also examined the contents of the stomach and found similar particles diffused through it. The intensely black colour of the contents he believed to have been dependent upon the exudation of blood, consequent upon the highly inflamed internal surface of the stomach. So far as he could judge without chemical analysis, he thought that the cup contained no mineral poison. Taking an immoderate quantity of pepper and brandy would certainly produce vomiting, and such appearances as were evident in the examination. There was no case that he was aware of, of death having been caused by such irritants as pepper and brandy, but he believed it quite possible that, taken in large quantities, it would produce such appearances as were found on the deceased, and that death might follow. There were no appearances or symptoms about the body to account for death except from the administration of the irritants before mentioned. It was his impression that the deceased died from the effects of those irritants. Every internal abdominal organ was separately and carefully examined, with a view of discovering some possible cause of death. - Mr John Lane Cutcliffe, surgeon, s id that he conjointly with Dr Row examined the deceased and he quite concurred with him in his evidence. On Wednesday, the 20th instant, he was called to the deceased at about four o'clock in the afternoon. He found her in a very exhausted condition, and almost in a state of collapse. He prescribed some ice and other remedies, and he ultimately saw her again, when she appeared better. There was a case on record of cayenne pepper being taken in large quantities having caused death. He suggested during the deceased's illness that she should take some brandy, but she had a repugnance to it and refused to take it. - Elizabeth Powlesland stated that she lived in the house in Duke-street in which the deceased resided. The deceased had been there about three weeks, and about a week previous to her illness she informed her of her pregnancy. On Saturday week last, in the evening, she found deceased in the staircase apparently ill, but she ultimately went to her room. On Monday evening last she remained with the deceased whilst the nurse went away to call her friends. During her absence the deceased vomited exceedingly, and she said that she was like a person poisoned. Witness asked her whether she had taken anything, at which the deceased appeared very much annoyed, and she then asked if she had eaten anything to upset her stomach, and she replied in the negative. This was the whole of the witnesses examined. - The Coroner, after carefully summing up the evidence detailed above, remarked that there were several peculiar features in the case, and one especially to which he would refer. The young man Simmons visited the deceased on the evening of Saturday week, and immediately after this she was taken with a violent vomiting, but Simmons in his evidence adhered to his statement that nothing material passed between them. The deceased was attended by Dr. Row, who after her death made a post mortem examination, and found such appearances in the stomach which would naturally be produced by such irritants as brandy and pepper. This might have been taken to produce what a person had previously suggested to her - viz that it would kill the child immediately that it was exiled from the body and felt the air. They had no evidence, however, to show that it was done for the purpose. The first matter which the Jury would have to decide was as to the cause of the deceased's death, for which they would have to rely on the statements of the medical men; and if they thought she died from the reception of brandy and pepper in her stomach, they would have to consider by whose hands it was administered, and if it was administered by her assent, and whether it was done unlawfully or innocently. If a person partook of anything to procure abortion, and it resulted in death, the person would be responsible and the verdict of the Jury would be one of felo de se. - The Court was cleared, and, after a short consultation, the Jury returned a verdict to the following effect:- "That the deceased died from the reception of brandy and pepper in her stomach, but by what means, or by whom it was administered, the evidence did not show."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 4 August 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - Mysterious Death Of An Artilleryman At Devonport. - On Sunday morning last a person named JOSEPH BASTOW, a sergeant in the 5th brigade of Royal Artillery, was found dead in his bed, and on Tuesday an Inquest was held, which was adjourned in consequence of some suspicious circumstances being brought to light. It is alleged that a reluctance is shown by the men of the battery to complain of illness, in consequence of the harshness of the surgeon; and, in order to have the matter fully investigated, the Enquiry was adjourned until today (Thursday).

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 5 August 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Adjourned Enquiry Into The Death Of An Artilleryman. - Yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock, the Jury appointed to Enquire into the death of JOSEPH BASTOW, a sergeant of the 5th Brigade of Royal Artillery, stationed at the Plymouth Citadel, who was found dead in his bed on Sunday morning last, resumed their Inquest at the Devonport Guildhall. The investigation was adjourned from Tuesday last in consequence of some statements which were then made involving charges of a serious nature against the surgeon of the brigade. - Dr Fletcher, the officer in question, stated that he wished to correct a mistake which he made in his former examination. He had stated that he had not seen the deceased from the Wednesday previous to his death until his decease. He had given the assertion mature consideration, and he had found that on Saturday last he visited the barrack-room to make his usual examination of the men in the room, when he saw the deceased and asked if all was well, and he received no intimation of anything to the contrary. The medical man of the brigade was empowered to make a personal examination of the man and also to exempt him from performing his regular regimental duties. - The surgeon was further examined by the Coroner and Jury, and he stated that the deceased complained to him of his waistbelt hurting him, and that he could not bear the tightness of it; but he did not, in consequence, desire to go to the hospital, but merely wished to be exempted from performing his usual duties. Witness did not remember enquiring what was the reason why the deceased's belt hurt him, but when he complained witness consented to allow him to be excused from the parade. The deceased had been accustomed of late to work as a blacksmith in the barracks, and not to perform the duties of a non-commissioned officer. When he saw the deceased he did not complain of any difficulty in breathing or of a cough. Witness ordered the deceased to have a mustard poultice placed on his chest. He did not think that the circumstance of the deceased being drilled on Wednesday and Thursday last accelerated death. He had made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased in company with three other surgeons. - Mr Fletcher said that he wished to make an observation respecting the unfairness of the report of the first stage of the Inquest, as it appeared in the Western Morning News of Wednesday last. From what appeared in the report some grave inferences would have been drawn. It was there stated that the deceased, in reply to a question put to him by one of the men on the Thursday preceding his death, had stated that "the doctor made out he was going," which was not the language used by the witness. There were two other gross misstatements in the latter part of the report in reference to circumstances which had happened in the antecedents of the brigade. - Jeremiah Donovan, a gunner in the Royal Artillery, deposed to being surgery man of the citadel. He knew the deceased, and remembered his coming to the surgery on the 26th and 27th July. He received a report from the deceased with his name on it, and laid it on the table for the inspection of the surgeon. There was only one patient usually examined at a time by the surgeon at the office. He heard deceased complain to the surgeon of illness, but he did not want to go to the hospital. The door of the surgery was ajar, and witness was standing outside. On Wednesday, the 27th July, on the occasion of the deceased's second visit, witness heard him say that he felt better than on the previous day, but the surgeon told him that he could remain in barracks. The surgeon ordered some mustard for the deceased, but he could not recollect whether it was for the purpose of applying to the chest or not. - Bombardier Bennett stated that on the 27th July he saw the deceased at the temporary hospital at the Citadel, when he appeared as if he had been amazed. The deceased told witness that he was not very well and he thought that Dr Fletcher was of opinion that he was scheming. The deceased stated that the surgeon had said to him that he supposed that he employed men not to attend to parade. Witness asked him why he did not apply to go to the hospital and he replied that he did not want to go there if he could get excused from marching orders that was all he required. They remained in conversation until the deceased received the sick report and he then ascertained that he had been granted a day's exemption, and he went away apparently quite satisfied. - William Moore, a Sergeant-Major of the Royal Artillery, produced a sick report relating to the deceased's illness. Witness was not aware that the deceased was short in his breath. The deceased attended drill on Thursday and Friday last, but did not complain of being unwell. The deceased had rather a weak voice, but he had not recently perceived any difference in that respect. - William Kearne, a gunner of the 5th Brigade of Artillery, deposed to seeing the deceased on Saturday last on the field in the Plymouth Citadel. He was looking to some men who were playing at cricket, but he was not really engaged in the game, and only occasionally threw the ball. - Sergeant Chew was also examined, and gave similar evidence to the previous witnesses. - HARRIET BASTOW, the wife of the deceased, deposed that on Wednesday last the deceased complained of shortness of the breath, and of a tightness of the chest. He had a mustard poultice applied to his chest. His general health was very good, and he rarely complained of illness. - The Coroner briefly summed up, and remarked that there was no evidence to lead the Jury to believe that the deceased made any complaint of serious illness to the surgeon, and that he was not when sending in the report promptly attended to. It appeared that he never exhibited symptoms which led Mr Fletcher to suspect that he was suffering from disease of the heart, and it was somewhat remarkable and strange that when the deceased presented the report he made no mention of it to the medical officer. - The Jury retired for a short time to consider their verdict, and, on the re-opening of the Court, they found "That the deceased died from the Aneurism of the Aorta from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Accident Through Crinoline At Devonport. - Yesterday, at noon, Allan Belfield Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, into the circumstances attending the death of MARY JANE MURRAY, a little girl, the daughter of a fish-seller, residing in St. Stephen's-street, which occurred through the wearing of a crinoline, and it's becoming ignited on standing near the fire. The Jury, after viewing the body, which presented a fearful spectacle, returned, when the following evidence was elicited:- Mary Ann Clarke, the wife of a seaman, who resides at 39 Pembroke Street, stated that she was related to the deceased, who was nearly twelve years of age. Witness saw the deceased on Tuesday morning, at her house in St. Stephen's-street, which she left shortly before 6 o'clock with the mother of the deceased, and went to Plymouth. The deceased was frequently left home to take care of the younger children, which she was quite competent to perform. She returned to Devonport about 9 o'clock, and about a quarter of an hour after this she received information that the deceased had been burnt. She hastened to the house, where she saw the deceased lying on a sofa, with her clothes and her body very much burnt. There were only two rooms in the tenement in which her sister lived. The deceased when lying on the sofa had on the remains of the clothes which she usually wore. She saw the deceased at the hospital in the afternoon of the day on which the accident occurred, and she then stated that the accident occurred from her standing on a chair to wipe a mirror, which was placed over the chimney-piece; her crinoline first ignited and set fire to the other parts of her clothing. - Mr Thomas, a gentleman acting as a substitute for Mr Wearne, surgeon of the Royal Albert Hospital, deposed to rendering the necessary assistance to the deceased on her arrival at the hospital. She died after this on the evening of the same day. - John Palfrey, a general dealer, residing in Plymouth, stated that on Tuesday morning last, at about 9 o'clock, he was standing at the corner of St. Stephen's-street, with a cart selling potatoes, when he saw the deceased rush out of a doorway in George-lane, her dress being on fire. She proceeded in the direction of a coal store, the door of which was closed. She then went into a grocer's shop, and he ran after her, took off his coat, and wrapped it around deceased, which extinguished the flames. - In consequence of a statement made by the aunt of the deceased, a coal dealer, named William Hodge was called, Mrs Clark alleging that Hodge, seeing the deceased in the street enveloped in flames, and approaching the door, closed it, and remained stationary, and did not endeavour to render any assistance. - The Coroner addressed the man, who positively denied the allegations of the woman, and stated that he was about to open the store door, when he saw the deceased, and before he could render any help, she ran into a shop on the opposite side of the street. This he was prepared to state on oath. The Coroner said that if this was true, and he had no reason to suspect the truth of the statement, the man was not to be blamed. - Sarah Ann Crocker was then called, and stated that she was a nurse at the hospital, and attended the deceased until the time of her death, which happened on Tuesday night about 11 o'clock. - The Coroner remarked that this appeared to be another instance, which had unhappily been preceded by very many others, of the danger arising from the use of crinoline. In the present case there was a child twelve years of age, who in common with other children of a similar age, wore this style of dress, which projected so much as to make it very dangerous when approaching the fire. There was no doubt from the nature of the evidence that it was through this the deceased's clothes became ignited, and that she became injured so seriously as to result in death. - The Jury without the least hesitation returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the effects of injuries occasioned by the Accidental Burning of her Clothes."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 10 August 1864
BISHOPSTEIGNTON - A Man Shot At Bishopsteignton. - An Inquest was held yesterday by F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, at the New Inn, Bishopsteignton, on the body of WILLIAM STEVENS, gardener in the employ of the Rev. Mr Hill. It appeared that on the previous day the deceased was employed in cleaning a gun when it accidentally went off, and the shot entered under the deceased's left jaw, and passing through his head carried away the top of his skull, causing instant death. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

EXETER - Melancholy Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the Topsham Inn, Exeter, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH SQUIRES, a married woman, 36 years of age. The deceased, who was separated from her husband six years since, lived with her father, MR PHILLIPS, landlord of the Wellington Inn, King-street. On the previous Thursday night she retired to rest with her child, soon after eleven o'clock. Haring the child scream between twelve and one, Mr Phillips went into the deceased's room and found her attempting to throw her child from the window. He with difficulty took it from her and carried it down to his wife. During his absence a policeman heard cries of "Murder" and saw the deceased standing at the window of the house. On being asked why she called for assistance, she replied "For protection from those below." She then got on the window sill and threatened to throw herself out. The officer begged her to go back, but she took no heed of his warning. She suspended herself for a few moments by an iron rail outside the window (which was in the third storey) and then dropped to the ground. The policeman endeavoured to catch her, but she fell on a projection, and was thrown out of his reach. The unfortunate woman was picked up insensible and conveyed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it was found she had severely fractured her skull. She shortly afterwards expired. Several witnesses who were examined stated that the deceased was intoxicated at eleven o'clock on the night in question, and that she frequently appeared to have been drinking. The Jury, after an hour's consideration, not being able to agree as to the verdict, were locked up. Ultimately they returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 11 August 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident In Keyham Yard. Important Enquiry. - Yesterday afternoon an Enquiry was held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of a boy named JOHN VOSPER, who died on Monday from injuries which he received on the 26th July by being crushed in some machinery at the Keyham Yard. - The Jury having been sworn, the Coroner desired them to visit the place where the accident occurred. He wished them to examine the spot with some attention near the machine in which the deceased's limbs were caught, and the engine-house and parts adjacent, in order, as he said, that they might better understand the matter. Having first visited the body of the deceased, the Jury accordingly proceeded to Keyham Yard, and made an examination of the premises where the accident occurred. On their return, Mr R. J. Laity, surgeon, was called, and stated that during the time the deceased had been in the hospital, it had been found necessary to amputate both his legs. He rallied from the operation, but he gradually sank from exhaustion, having received a severe shock and lost a quantity of blood. - Richard Northcott said he was an engine driver working at the Keyham works, being employed by Mr Jackson, who is the contractor for enlarging the North basin of the Keyham yard. Mr Chas. Peach is the manager of those works. The accident happened at twenty minutes before twelve on the night of the 26th of July last. The deceased began his work at six o'clock. He was carrying water in buckets from a tub situated at the bottom of some steps, to the engine house, for the purpose of feeding the boiler. To get to the engine house it was necessary for him to pass over a portion of a stage, which was reached by the steps referred to. On the outer side of the stage there are wooden stanchions with a hand rail. The hand rail is about three feet from the base of the stage, and is the only protection they have. It had been up several years and could be moved with the hand. - Mr Williams: It will vibrate at least four inches by moving it with your hand. - Witness continued: They had to work to suit the tide. On the evening of the 26th of July they worked from six till about twelve o'clock. The deceased worked on until about twenty minutes before twelve o'clock. There was a light in the engine-room. There was no other light in or about the spot; but it was good moonlight. - Mr Williams: Wasn't your candle in a lantern? - Witness: It was. There was also a fire in the engine-room. The deceased carried two buckets of water each time he went from the tub to the engine-room. - The Coroner: Well in the day time I should feel it necessary to use the utmost caution, for the purpose of preserving myself from falling into the water over, or under the rails, and as to thinking myself safe in travelling from those steps and passing the revolving wheels, and going to the tub, which this boy had to do, I can only say that even in the daytime I should use the greatest caution in order to prevent myself from being drawn in by the motion of the wheels. - Mr Williams: Had the boy any hoop or rope to guide the buckets? - Witness: No, sir, nothing of the sort. There was no fence or screen to the wheels in the engine-room. The steps to the engine-room were not shaky. Witness had no reason to believe that the deceased had been asleep. - Dr Laity: The boy told me that he had been asleep and he was hurrying along because the water was getting low in the tub. - Witness: While standing by the fire in the engine-room he heard the deceased scream, and he stopped the engines immediately, and ran to see what the matter was. He went to the crank wheel, and there found the deceased, with his legs between the inner rim of the wheel and the wood framing. Mr Bullmore, the timekeeper, put the deceased about the work on the Saturday previous to the accident. Another boy had been there working, but he did not fancy it. - The Coroner: I should very much wonder if he did. - Witness (continuing): When he found the deceased between the wheels, he immediately reversed the engines, and tried to extricate the boy, but could not. P.C. Harvey soon came to his assistance, but they could not succeed in liberating him. Several men then came to the spot, and it was found that the only way to extricate the poor fellow was by putting large spars through the windows bearing on the engine house and by using tackle and blocks they lifted the shafts of the engine and the deceased was then liberated. Two hours was expended before this could be done. Every exertion was used during that time and Mr Leeson, chief engineer of the Zephyr, rendered great assistance. Dr Foster, of Keyham Yard, held the limbs of the deceased, and released him from the machinery. - The Coroner: Well, I cannot sufficiently express my surprise that any man should have permitted a boy of the age of the deceased, especially at that time of night, to work as he had in that place. As I said just now, I visited the spot and examined it carefully, and not only did it appear almost impossible for a youngster to avoid being caught in the machinery, but it seemed also most probable that anyone walking over that stage above the water, with buckets in his hand, particularly at night, would fall in the water. - Witness: I asked the deceased just before if he would have more light. - The Coroner: Yes, that is another feature in the case. There was no efficient light whatever except the fire in the engine-room, but which could not, as it seemed to me, be thrown on the path which the poor boy took. - This was the evidence of this witness, and he was then examined as follows: - Mr Williams: How long have you been in the employ of Mr Jackson? - Witness: About three weeks. - Mr Williams: I believe your former employer was a Mr Jackson also, working on the same job? - Witness: Yes. - Mr Williams: Have you ever been an engine-driver previously to going with Messrs. Jackson? - Witness: No, sir. - Mr Williams: How have you been previously employed? - Witness: I have been working with contractors under Government, erecting engines on board ship. - Mr Williams: As an engine-driver, are you satisfied with the way in which the engine in question was fixed? - Witness: Yes, sir. - Mr Williams: Do you happen to know who erected that engine? - Witness: Yes, sir. - Mr Williams: Who erected it? - Witness: The former Mr Jackson. - Mr Williams: Did Mr Jackson keep engineers in his employ capable of doing that? - Witness: Two engineers of the Plymouth Foundry did it. They were employed by Mr Jackson to do it. - The Coroner: Was there any screen to the machinery before the accident? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: But since the accident has there been a screen put up? - Witness: There has, sir. - Mr Williams: When your engine and machinery is in motion, how much do you think it vibrates? - Witness: I cannot answerable as to how much it vibrates. It depends on the rate at which the engine is working. - Mr Williams: Does it vibrate or not? - Witness: yes, it does vibrate. - Mr Williams: Does it vibrate a quarter of an inch? - Witness: Yes, and more. - Mr Williams: Does it vibrate half an inch? - Witness: Well, it is more than a quarter of an inch. - Mr Williams: I should think it was. Mr Williams: There is a piece of board at the entrance of the engine-room is there not? - The Coroner: yes, that is to facilitate the entrance to the engine-house, I believe. - Witness: Yes, sir. - Mr Williams: Well, now, do you happen to know whether there are any ledges across that board to prevent anyone from slipping over? - Witness: There are none. - Mr Williams: Is the platform over which the deceased had to pass roughed in any way, or are there any ledges on it to prevent any person from slipping? - Witness: No - Mr Williams: Now, you speak of having to use tackle and blocks to raise the machinery, in order to remove VOSPER from his perilous position. How much do you think you raised the machinery? - Witness: I cannot say. - Mr Williams: Don't you think that an ordinary pump placed in this tub or basin from which this lad got the water would answer the purpose, and supply the boiler with as much water as you would require to work the machinery? - Witness: Yes, it would supply us with more water than would be required. - The Coroner: Certainly. - This concluded the examination of this witness, and Mr Peach having been called, and having stated that he was the manager of the works in question, the Enquiry was adjourned until this morning at the Town Hall, Devonport. at 11 o'clock.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 17 August 1864
PLYMSTOCK - Inquest At Laira. - Yesterday morning Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Morley Arms, Laira, touching the death of a child named WILLIAM TALL, who died under suspicious circumstances, at Pomphlete, on Saturday last. The Jury having first visited the body, the following evidence was taken:- Charlotte Sargent, the first witness, said that, on Thursday morning last, the mother of the deceased sent to her, saying the child was ill, and asking her to come down. She accordingly went to her house and there found MRS TALL with the child in her lap, who was purging and vomiting. Witness stayed about half-an-hour, and then left, but returned again about nine o'clock in the evening, when the child was in the same state. He continued ill until about ten o'clock on Saturday morning, when he died. The husband of MRS TALL deserted her about a fortnight ago, and the child was nine months old. - Sarah Lapthorn said she was a niece to the mother of the deceased child, and remembered his being taken ill on Thursday afternoon last. She accompanied her aunt to Plymstock that same evening for the purpose of obtaining the services of a surgeon. She called on Mr Wilson, told him that the child was very ill, and asked him what the matter was with the child. She told him that he was taken sick, and he replied that he could not help it; he was not coming to Pomphlete that night. Her aunt said, "What am I to do with my child?" but Mr Wilson said he could not help it, and asked them to come inside, saying he would give them three powders if she would administer them. He gave her three powders and gave her instructions regarding them. MRS TALL asked him if he would be kind enough to see the child and give his opinion, but his reply was, "Oh, no, I have nothing to do with your child; your child is nothing to me." Then Mr Wilson referred to some person who, he said, had not paid him for looking after her child for three months. MRS TALL said she would pawn her bed to pay him the money, but he said it was no satisfaction to him; if the child was ill, it must get well again - he had nothing to do with poor people's children. He then shut the door. On their way home they called to the shop of Mr head and procured some of "Parrott's Mixture." On reaching home the powders were administered to the child, after which the mixture was given, but neither had any effect on the child, who died on Saturday morning. - Mr Wilson: Did I not tell you that I would have nothing to do with the case, and that there was another surgeon in the village? - Witness: Yes, sir. - Mr Wilson: Did not I advise you to go to Mr Mould? - Witness: No, sir. - P.C. Baker was then called, and he stated that on the previous Tuesday MRS TALL came to his house, about something she had lost. She said her husband had run away and left her. He asked her where he was gone, and she said, "He is gone to h...... or up in the hedge, and if this was out of the way (meaning, he believed, the child) I shouldn't care whether he came back or not." Soon after that she left. - ELIZABETH TALL, the mother of the deceased, said the child was nine months old. He had been very healthy up to Thursday afternoon last, when he was suddenly taken ill, purging and vomiting every half hour. She gave him some syrup of rhubarb, which appeared to ease it for a short time. At ten o'clock on the same evening she went to Mr Wilson, surgeon, in company with her niece. She asked him if he would be kind enough to see her child, but he said "No." He gave her some powders but before he did so he said, "Why don't you go to Mr Mould?" She answered, "One gentleman is no more to me than another." There was no particular reason why she went to Mr Wilson. After leaving Mr Wilson she went to the shop of Mr Head, and purchased half an ounce of "Parrott's Mixture," and having given the child the powders according to Mr Wilson's directions, she administered to it some of the mixture. On the day before the death of the child she went to the Board meeting at Plympton, and applied to Mr Pearse, the relieving officer, for a paper that the parish doctor might attend the child. Mr Pearse said "I can't say anything to you until business is over." She waited at the Board on other business, but did not again apply to Mr Pearse, as some person told her that Mr Coombes, at Oreston, could give her a paper. She went to Oreston, and obtained from Mr Coombes a note for Mr Wilson to attend her child, which she took to that gentleman's residence immediately, but he was not at home, and she therefore left the note with the servant. The child died at twenty minutes past ten o'clock on the following morning, and Mr Wilson arrived at twenty minutes before twelve. When she left the paper with the servant of Mr Wilson, she said he was gone to Wembury and would not be home for an hour. did not say to the girl "Shall I leave the note, or bring it up again in the morning?" She did not call or sent to Mr Wilson again. - Mr Henry James Wilson, surgeon, residing at Plymstock, deposed to MRS TALL having called on him on Thursday evening, and stated that he recommended her to go to Mr Mould, the village surgeon. She did not feel inclined to do so, and he gave some powders, composed of chalk and spices, which he usually gave children of the age of the deceased. On Friday evening, about nine o'clock, he returned home from Wembury, but did not receive the note until about ten, and understanding from his servant that there was no particular request for his attendance that night, he did not go until the following morning. The child was then dead. At the time he first received the paper he had no idea that there was any connection between that and the woman to whom he gave the powders. Had he known the case to have been one of danger he should have gone that night. - Mr Mould, surgeon of Pomphlete, deposed to having made a post mortem examination and found the heart, lungs and all the contents of the chest perfectly healthy, but rather congested and there was a large amount of bile in the gall bladder. The intestines generally were healthy. The larger end of the stomach was much thinner than usual, and in separating it from the surrounding parts it ruptured. The contents might have been from three to four ounces, of a semi-fluid character. It appeared to be rather a dark colour, and most particularly sour in its smell. On the outside of the stomach were one or two slightly inflammatory spots. In the small intestines he found the appearance of it known generally as intussusception. The cause of the death of the child he believed to be English Cholera, brought on by natural causes. He did not think the death of the child was in any degree accelerated by delay in receiving medical assistance. He thought the deceased could not have received any grater medical assistance than it did receive had Mr Wilson attended it personally on Friday evening. - The Coroner then briefly summed up the evidence. He said the report which he had received induced him to think that an Inquest should be held. The mother of the child had made use of a very indiscreet expression. Her husband had deserted her, and when the police officer saw her about something she had lost she made use of the very foolish expression which the Jury had heard in evidence. The death of the child happening so soon after an expression of that sort, raised a slight suspicion as to the cause of the death. In addition to that, understanding that there had been no medical attendance, that no medical man had attended upon the deceased during its life, that was another circumstance which induced him to believe it would be proper that some Enquiry should be made. Besides that he also learned that a medical note had been left for a surgeon to attend upon the deceased, and that the surgeon did not attend until after the child's death. Those were circumstances which induced him to consider that it was a proper case for some Enquiry. The cause of death was now clear enough, and although it was to be regretted that Mr Wilson did not personally attend to the child on the Friday evening - a regret which he dared say Mr Wilson shared with him - yet it was satisfactory to learn that his non-attendance on that evening had not in any way accelerated the death of the child, and that had he attended he could have done no more for the child than was done by his giving the mother the powders which were afterwards administered by her. The Jury must quite understand that a medical man was not bound to attend upon a patient, however urgent the case of that patient might be, and Mr Wilson was not bound to attend in the present case, unless he thought proper to do so in his private capacity. He was the parish surgeon, it was true, but he was not bound to attend a patient without a medical note. He had no idea that the case was a dangerous one, not being given to understand that it was so; and therefore he deferred his visit until the following morning. The child was then dead. There was another feature in the case, which was not a very pleasant one. This poor woman went to the relieving officer at the Board for a note, but she was put off by him, and told that she must wait until business was over - that was the business of the Board. He dared say the relieving officer had a great deal to attend to, but when a relieving officer was informed that a person in the parish was very ill, he thought it would be more satisfactory that he should give immediate attention to such an application as that. They did find that in country places persons were put to a great deal of inconvenience in travelling many miles under circumstances which made it very difficult for them. They had this to do before they could get medical assistance, and he therefore thought that applications of this sort should be attended to with the least possible delay. It was impossible in this case to come to a satisfactory conclusion without ordering a post mortem examination, and it was on that account that he desired Mr Mould to do so. They had heard that gentleman's evidence, and he presumed therefore that they would not feel it difficult to return a verdict "That the deceased died from English Cholera, produced by Natural Causes." - The Jury returned a verdict to that effect, exonerating Mr Wilson from any blame whatever.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 18 August 1864
PLYMOUTH - The Late Fatal Accident In The Sound. - An Enquiry was held last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, respecting the death of CATHERINE SNELL COLE, who was drowned in the Plymouth Sound on Saturday, the 6th of August, under very melancholy circumstances. The deceased was about twenty-five years of age, and had but recently been married. The following witnesses were examined:- Richard Bennett Willmott, gunner's mate on board H.M'S training ship Cambridge, now lying in Hamoaze, deposed to living at 17 Buckwell-street, Plymouth. He had known the deceased for a few weeks only; and on Saturday the 6th August, he hired a small sailing boat, about 17 feet in length, from Millbay, for the purpose of visiting a friend on board the ship Racer, which had recently arrived in the Sound. The deceased and her husband accompanied him, and they embarked from Millbay Pier shortly after six o'clock in the evening. They sailed to the Sound, and witness went on board the Racer, and left the deceased and her husband in the boat. He expected them to return to the vessel at about eight o'clock; but at half-past ten o'clock finding that they did not come, he procured a boat and landed at Millbay. He then went to the deceased's residence in Clarence-street, where he saw the survivor, who then related to him what had occurred. The deceased appeared to be very comfortable with her husband. - WILLIAM COLE, the husband of the deceased, and an able seaman on board the Cambridge, was next examined, and stated that after the witness went on board the vessel Racer, the deceased expressed a desire to see the breakwater, and he then steered the boat in a direction towards the extreme end oat the east of the breakwater. The boat had the jib and foresail down, and the mizen-sail was up. The deceased was in the stern, and he afterwards went to the foremost part of the boat rowing. After this they went to the Shag Rock, situated about half a mile outside the breakwater, and witness went to sprit the sail, during which time the deceased held the mainsail. At that moment the wind caught the boat on the bow, which frightened the deceased, and she then jumped up and went to the same side of the boat in which witness stood. The deceased's additional weight capsized the boat to the starboard, and they were both precipitated into the water. Witness caught hold of the keel of the boat, but the deceased sank almost immediately. He made one attempt to rescue the deceased, but failed in the endeavour. At the time of the occurrence, it was about 8 o'clock, and he remained in the water without any assistance being rendered to him for three quarters of an hour. He was ultimately picked up by some men belonging to Oreston. He immediately on landing detailed the accident to his friends, and a reward was offered for the recovery of the body of the deceased. He was of opinion that had the deceased remained in her position the boat would not have capsized. - Nicholas Bower, a fisherman, stated that on Wednesday morning he was returning from sea, and at seven o'clock when between Penlee Point and the Breakwater Lighthouse, he discovered the body of the deceased floating on the surface of the water. He took the body in tow, and when at the Barbican delivered it into the custody of P.C. Fuge. - William Fuge stated that on that morning at about half-past ten o'clock he received the body of the deceased from the last witness, and conveyed it to the station-house. He searched the body, and found a purse, a bracelet, a gold ring and several other articles. - The Coroner did not sum up the evidence and the Jury returned a unanimous verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 20 August 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident On The Plymouth Quay. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Red Lion Inn, Cambridge-street, on the body of ROBERT FINCH, who was killed by falling from a cart to the ground on Friday morning, whilst unloading a load of hay. - John Hitchins, son of Mr Hitchins, forage dealer, stated that he had known deceased, who was about 62 years of age, five years. He was a haycutter and waggoner in witness's father's employ. The deceased lived at No. 15, Morley-street, Plymouth. The bands for binding hay are made of reed, and the deceased generally made his own bands whilst going for hay. On the previous day he went to Port Eliot n witness's father's waggon, and brought home a load of hay about nine o'clock in the evening. The loaded waggon was left on Sutton wharf during the night. The deceased came to his work about six o'clock next morning, and, with the assistance of witness, he commenced to unload his waggon, and put the hay in a loft, standing in the cart whilst so doing. Witness was in the loft taking in the hay as he lifted it up. After about 45 bundles had been removed, he was removing another bundle, when one of the bands of the bundle broke as he was lifting it, and being thus over-balanced, the deceased fell to the ground off the waggon, a height of about 6 feet, and injured the left side of his head. Witness jumped into the waggon from the loft and thence to the ground, and lifted the deceased up. He was bleeding from both ears, and from his nose, and was speechless. Abraham Davis was standing by, and at the time of the accident took charge of deceased while witness went to deceased's wife on horseback; but before doing so he sent for a surgeon. He returned in about seven minutes and found that deceased was dead. He believed the deceased's death was purely accidental. - By a Juror: The weight of the bundle which deceased lifted when the accident happened was 60 lbs. The reed with which it was bound was sufficiently strong. Frequently bundles of hay are 90 lbs, or even 120 lbs. in weight. Abraham Davis, a house carpenter residing at Stonehouse, stated that on the morning of the accident he was at work repairing the premises of Mr Hitchins. He corroborated the statement of the last witness with regard to the fall of the deceased, and added that while the last witness was away he supported the deceased, who died five minutes after the fall. Dr Harper came to the deceased [?] minutes after his death. Deceased fell almost perpendicularly on his head. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt but that the death of the deceased was purely accidental, for he had made his own reed. - The Jury accordingly returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 27 August 1864
APPLEDORE - Mysterious Death At Appledore. - The death of a young woman named ELIZABETH FISHER, about 25 years of age, which occurred on Thursday last, has occasioned some excitement in Appledore. The deceased, who was subject to epileptic fits, resided with her parents, her father being a sailor. On Thursday morning the neighbours heard loud screams, and a Mrs England went into the house and saw the deceased stretched on the floor with her throat cut. The mother of the young woman was kneeling at her side, and told the neighbour when she went in, that her daughter had had one of her fits again, and had fallen on the chamber utensil and cut herself. The wound, however, according to the opinion of two medical witnesses, was produced by a sharp cutting instrument. No such instrument, however, could be found in the room. At the Inquest on the body, holden on Friday, Mr E. Pratt, surgeon, Appledore, stated he had known the deceased for many years, and had attended her frequently for epileptic fits. He was called upon to attend the deceased, and found her in her bedroom bleeding profusely from the nose and mouth. She was lying on her face and a chamber utensil was near her with a portion of the rim broken off. He examined the wound, and found that the blood-vessels in the throat were severed. The body was cold and she must have been dead three hours or so. It was his opinion that the wound was occasioned by a sharp cutting instrument, and not by the chamber utensil. He saw no external marks of violence. - ELLEN FISHER, sister to deceased, said she slept in the same room with deceased, and her mother. She got up on the morning in question at six o'clock, and when she went out spoke to her sister, who appeared to be quite well. After breakfast she was informed that her sister was dead. - At the adjourned Inquest, Hannah Harris said she went into MRS FISHER'S house in consequence of hearing screams. She saw the mother of the deceased by the body. - Police-constable Arnold said there was blood upon some of the clothes under the bed, but they were taken away and washed. - Mrs Harris: The deceased was without a stocking and shoe. She was lying at the head of the stairs on the mat with the mother bent over her when she saw her. The mother said, "I have taken the bit out of the throat." Witness said, "She's dead;" when the mother replied, "I have seen her longer in a fit than this." There was blood in each room. - Mrs England described the position of the deceased and of the mother, as similar to that given by the former witness. Mr Edward Pratt stated that he made a post mortem examination of the body and found a wound of four inches in the throat. The tissues were clearly divided to the bone, the wound being deeper on the right side. He did not think it likely that the wound was produced by the chamber utensil from the character of the wound. Dr Budd believed that the wound could be occasioned by the chamber utensil. He had matched the broken piece, and found it to correspond to the size and shape of the wound. - The Jury expressed a wish that the mother of the deceased should be examined. Mr Pratt stated that he had seen the mother, who was then too unwell to give any evidence. The Inquest was then adjourned until Monday.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 30 August 1864
APPLEDORE - The Mysterious Death At Appledore. - Monday:- The adjourned Inquest on the body of ELIZABETH FISHER was this day held at the Royal Hotel, before Mr Toller, Coroner for the District; Thomas Benson, Esq., Foreman. - The first witness called was MRS ELIZABETH FISHER, who said: I am the wife of JOSHUA FISHER and the deceased is my daughter. She was 23 years of age last June, and suffered sadly from fits. She slept with me; in the same room were ELLEN FISHER and HENRY FISHER, aged 13 and 11 years. I got up about half-past five, leaving the deceased in bed. Shortly before six I called JAMES and WILLIAM FISHER, who slept in another room, to get up to go to work. They soon left the house, and I then lit the fire. ELLEN FISHER also got up; she also went to work, at Mrs Wills'. I then went upstairs and saw that the deceased was the only person in the room. I asked her to write a note to Mrs Barrett's for some bread; she did so. I sent my son HENRY for some bread with the note which the deceased had written. he did not return before she was dead. I did not see him. I followed him through the garden, and told him to tell Mrs Barrett that she should have some money on Saturday. On my return, when I came up to my front door, I heard the deceased fall. I knew the fall. I then ran upstairs; I knew she was upstairs. she had written to Mrs Barrett for bread, butter and soap, for HENRY FISHER to take to her to get. I have run upstairs hundreds of times before when deceased has fallen. As soon as I got on the landing of the stairs I saw blood flowing into the little room, and I also saw blood on the landing of the stairs. I then screeched. I went forward, I saw her face, not her head. She was on her face and hands, her face in the utensil. I lifted her up on my left arm, and screeched before some people came to me. The utensil was close by the corner of the bedroom. I observed that the utensil was all over blood, and blood in it. A piece of the edge of the utensil was broken off. I took the piece out from here (the witness placing her hand to her throat). I saw the utensil was broken before I took her (the deceased) up. - By the Coroner: How far into the deceased was the broken part of the vessel? - I don't know sir. When I took it out I threw it on the floor. Mrs Harris, who had came in, told me she was dead, and told me to lay her down on the mat. The deceased was on my arm when Mrs Harris came in. It might have been Mrs England who came in first; I cannot say for certain. When Mrs England came, the deceased was on my arm. She did not stay long. She ran downstairs to call someone. I said to Mrs England, "I did not know what she (meaning the deceased) had done to herself." I said, "She has cut herself with a utensil." - The Foreman here remarked that if there did appear in the depositions of this witness any contradiction he should view that as having little or no weight. She must, as a mother, have been much bewildered. Any little contradiction would not be noticed. - Witness resumed: She did not struggle after I saw her. I think she moved the white of her eyes. (Here the witness became sadly affected). I emptied the same vessel in the morning and took it up again. My daughter (the deceased) was all dressed except a shoe and stocking. She had on a dark dress and linsey jacket. Mrs Harris told me, when I took her from the utensil, that she was dead. - By a Juror: Her head was not resting against the wall of the bedroom. The night before she had a fit; I was present, also my children WILLIAM and ELLEN; the other two had gone to bed. The other members of my family did not retire before the fit was over. She walked up to bed after the fit was over, without assistance. After she (the deceased) was in bed, my son JEM came in. he spoke to me, and the deceased spoke to him. She did not refer to his being out late; it was before eleven o'clock. He did not tell me where he had been. I did not hear any conversation between him and the deceased. I have heard the deceased reprimand him for being out late. My son ordered the coffin. - MARY FISHER deposed: I had heard of the death of the deceased. I went into her mother's house at about 10 minutes to 8 in great haste, holding up my clothes; I had heard that ELIZABETH FISHER had dropped down in a fit. I went upstairs and saw the deceased lying on her side. I volunteered my services and washed up the floor; it took me about ten minutes to do it. I took up the mat on which the deceased had been lying, took it downstairs and put it into water. No one told me to do it; I did it as a kind act. I found nothing in the room in the shape of an instrument. The family had been living on good terms. - HENRY FISHER deposed: I was soon on the spot and saw the deceased lying on her left side, with her head on the mat as far as her shoulder. - JAMES EVANS FISHER deposed: The deceased was my sister. I live at home. The night before her death I got home a quarter before 11. I spent the evening out. All were in bed when I came home. I went upstairs and into my own room first. I took my watch into the room wherein my mother slept, for her to see the time in the morning. I went back to my own room, and I think I spoke to the deceased after I was in bed. My sister, the deceased, was in bed with my mother. I got up at six the next morning and went to work. My sister asked me what time it was, I told her six. I work at Mr Cook's; the foreman told me of the death first. I was told this at half-past seven. I first heard that she had had a fit, and afterwards that she had cut her throat by falling on a utensil. I went home; I first met Mr Gibbs, who would not let me pass him. I concluded that my sister was in a fit from the position she was in. Saw blood on the landing. The deceased was inside the door. The utensil was jammed in the corner of the room. I did not know then that she was dead; did not know it until someone made answer. One stocking was off; I felt that foot, it was quite warm; I know now that she was dead. I locked the door the night before. - F. Trewin (C.C. No. 223) deposed to searching the premises. Nothing had been found to throw any light upon the case - no instrument of any kind. - It was here shown that the premises had been suffered to be open to the public, or anyone, when a Juryman stated that more watchfulness would have been observed had a cow died. There had been shameful neglect. This, he believed, emanated from higher quarters than this. The police should have had better instructions. - Hannah Harris deposed to seeing the body and corroborated the evidence previously given. - The Coroner then summed up, remarking that since they had last met every day had brought with it its anxieties. He was most anxious for a fair verdict. The case presented three points for their consideration - 1st. Had the deceased's life been destroyed by the hand of another person; had she destroyed herself; or was the death purely accidental. [The Coroner was continuing when our parcel left.]-

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 September 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Child Through Suffocation At Devonport. - An Enquiry was instituted yesterday by Allan B. Bone, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Barnstaple Inn, Princess-street, Devonport, into the circumstances attending the death of SAMUEL SARGEANT, about seven weeks old, who was found dead in bed on Monday morning. The parents of the child reside in Granby-street, and on Sunday evening they retired to rest when the child was apparently enjoying good health. On the following morning at about four o'clock the mother awoke and suckled the child, but on looking at it two hours later the child presented a strange appearance, and MRS SARGEANT observed a small spot of blood on the nostrils. She immediately alarmed a neighbour, who stated the child to be dead, and a messenger was despatched for a surgeon, who, however, did not attend. Mr De La Rue examined the child externally on Monday, but he could not discern any traces which would lead him to any positive conclusion as to the cause of death, and he ultimately made a post mortem examination of the body, and from the general appearance of the organs he believed that death was occasioned by gradual suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 September 1864
PLYMSTOCK - The Fatal Accident To An Attorney's Clerk Near Laira Bridge. - An Inquest was held at the Morley Arms, near Plymouth, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Lugg was Foreman, on the body of RICHARD JEWELL, aged 45 years, late managing clerk and cashier, in the employ of Edmonds and Sons, solicitors, of Plymouth, who met with his death on the previous afternoon by jumping from a gig, under the circumstances detailed below. - Robert Gard Edmonds (Edmonds and Son), Solicitors, Plymouth, was the first witness called, and he stated that the deceased was cashier and confidential clerk to the firm, and had been in their employment between 13 and 14 years, and was a very sober and respectable man. Yesterday morning, just after half-past five, witness was at the head of Old Town Street, when he took up the deceased in the cart - a very heavy four-wheeled dog-cart - which he was driving, for the purpose of taking him out for a mile, then to let him walk back. Deceased sat at his left-hand side. The cart was then driven along steadily, taking 21 minutes to get to the Laira bridge. On getting at the road where the Laira bridge ends, and just at the curve - still going along at a very easy trot, not much over 5 miles an hour - he saw something white flutter. He could not tell what it was, but a barge was loading near Pomfleet Quarry, and it came from that direction, and was within sight of the horse, and immediately the horse went off. As he made the bolt to go, witness had both reins in his hands, which he pulled hard, and that checked him in the rush for the instant; but exactly as he did that, the deceased put his hand out and pulled the left-hand rein violently, which brought the horse's head around to some large stones which were lying by the side of the road. He saw immediately that if the horse went in there a smash would take place, so he reached up and got over JEWELL'S left hand and got full power over the reins. The carts, as usual on that road, were on the wrong side, and consequently witness had to direct his energies to the right side of the road. The horse ran forward, and got out of the way of the stones. He could not see the deceased on the left, as he had to look to the right, but he felt the deceased moving, and witness said to him, "for God's sake, JEWELL, don't jump out." Witness pulled away at the reins with all his strength, and within sixty yards of the bridge he brought the horse fairly up off his fore legs, just in front of the coal store, near the Morley Arms. Witness jumped out directly, and got to the horse's head, and it was then he first missed JEWELL out of the cart. The horse shook and shivered very much. Back about thirty yards from where he stood with the gig he saw the deceased lying lengthways in the centre of the road. A man called Revell lifted him up, and on witness going to him he found blood coming out of the mouth and ears of the deceased, in very large quantities. The deceased was perfectly senseless, and upon witness's opening the deceased eyelid he found it "fixed." The people of the Morley Arms were aroused and the deceased conveyed therein, where every assistance was rendered by the inmates. Witness went back to Plymouth to get a surgeon, and brought back Mr Hicks in a cab, and he attended to the deceased, who still continued senseless, and remained so up to the time of his death. Witness also fetched the wife of the deceased out to the place where her husband lay. He last saw the deceased alive about half-past ten on the morning of the accident. He had been in the habit of driving the same horse which was in the cart at the time of the accident for some years past, and had only known him shy once before, and that was in consequence of a man firing a gun off inside the hedge of the road through which he was passing. The whip was in the socket and witness was sure that the lash of the whip did not touch the horse. The deceased was a healthy man and enjoyed good spirits. Dr Hicks had told him that the deceased's skull was broken at the base of the brain. - Some remarks having been made respecting the danger from the stones in the edge of the road, it was desired by the Coroner to fetch the man who had charge of the quarries. Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, of Plymouth, who was present at the Inquest, said that some years back, on returning from Yealmpton with his son, the horse they were driving ran away, and, coming into collision with those stones, the gig was smashed, and his son as well as himself sustained many severe injuries. - Peter Halse Eva, foreman of the Pomfleet Quarries, was then fetched, and on being sworn stated that the stones skirting the public road near the Morley Arms were the property of Messrs. Sparrow Brothers and Co., who owned the Pomfleet Quarries. Between Laira Bridge and the Morley Arms there were upwards of 40 large limestones, the largest of which weighed, probably, six tons, and the smallest about five cwt. All of these were within a foot of the turnpike road, and extended about 200 yards beyond the Morley Arms. On some parts of the road they are on both sides. The stones were put there to be dressed, and kept there until sold. He never heard of a horse being frightened by the stones. If a fence was put up it would inconvenience them, for they would not be able to get their stones there so easily. - The Coroner: But the public must be protected. Every man has a right to expect that he can carry on his business without being inconvenienced, but he must not do so to endanger the safety of the public. - Mr Eva did not think that the stones encroached on the public road, for there was 24 feet of clear roadway left, and if the stones were put back the carts would still go as near. - The Coroner: Has it never occurred to your mind that some plan could be adopted whereby accidents could be avoided? - Mr Eva: A fence could not be put up there. They had a right to the place. - Mr R. G. Edmonds said that shifting bars could be used which would act without the slightest inconvenience to the workmen. - The Coroner: I think the attention of Messrs. Sparrow should be called to the subject; it would be very desirable that they should endeavour to adopt some plan or other for the protection of the road and persons passing over it. I should be glad if Mr Eva would acquaint them of it. Mr Eva said that he would do so. - Robert Revell was then called, and upon being examined, he stated that on the previous morning, about six o'clock, he saw a cart with Mr Edmonds in it come over the bridge. Another person was in the cart, which was coming along very steadily. Just in passing the bridge the horse made a jump forward and ran off. No stripe was given to the horse, nor was there a whip in the hand of the driver. He did not notice anything on the road to make it frightened. On the horse starting, the man on the left hand side of the cart got up as if he was about to jump out, and witness immediately saw him on the ground. He went up to him and found him senseless. The rest of the evidence of this witness went to corroborate that of the first witness. - Joshua Bedman stated that at the time of the accident there was a barge at the quay, the mainsail of which was partly furled. A wind blowing made it flap. - EMMANUEL JEWELL, son of the deceased, said that the deceased was 45 years of age last month. - Mary Lang, hostess of the Morley Arms, stated that the deceased died about half-past eleven on the morning of the accident. - The Coroner then summed up, and in doing so he said he presumed that there could be no possible difficulty as to the verdict that the Jury would have to return in the case. Although he did not doubt that they would all concur about the danger attached to those large limestones being close to the turnpike road, yet their contiguity to the road had not in this instance anything to do with the accident which occasioned the death of the deceased. In all probability the horse, which was being driven very steadily, took fright at the white sails of the barge which was lying alongside the quay near the bridge. Mr Edmonds appeared to have acted with much presence of mind, and with great judgment, and he could not but think that if the deceased had remained in the gig he would have been - humanly speaking - alive at this moment; but the poor fellow, not unnaturally, but certainly very indiscreetly, and contrary to the advice of Mr Edmonds, jumped out of the gig and fell to the ground, by which fall he fractured his skull, and received a mortal injury, which rendered him insensible. He remained in that state two or three hours, and then died. He presumed that the Jury could have no doubt in returning a verdict of Accidental Death. - The majority of the Jury expressed themselves to the effect that the stones near the roadway should be removed, or fenced in, and the attention of Mr Eva was called to it. Mr R. G. Edmonds also spoke of the practice of the people on the road driving to the right of it. This, he said, arose from the badness of the road a short distance from the Morley Arms. - The Coroner also directed that every attention should be paid to the repair of the roads to prevent this from taking place. - The Jury then unanimously returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 6 September 1864
PLYMOUTH - A Pilot Found Drowned Near Sutton Pool. - John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, held an Enquiry yesterday afternoon at the Robin Hood Inn, New-street, into the circumstances attending the death of CHAS. TUCKER, a pilot, aged 66 years. The wife of the deceased was unable to attend, but her evidence was taken by the Coroner at her residence, 36 New-street, which was to the effect that for some time past the deceased had been suffering from disease of the heart, and that it had been a practice of his visit the Barbican Quay at an early hour every morning. The Jury then returned to the Robin Hood Inn, where the evidence of a waterman named Charles Tipper was taken. He stated that about 4 o'clock in the morning he went to the Barbican for the purpose of going into the Sound fishing. He went into his boat, and had proceeded only a short distance when he saw the body of a man in the water. He endeavoured to lift the body into his boat, but not succeeding in doing so, he raised an alarm, and P.C. Farmer, who was on duty at the time, came to his assistance. Having seen the deceased (whom he recognised) taken on shore, he proceeded to the Sound. P.C. Farmer deposed to having seen the body of the deceased examined by Mr Stevens, surgeon, who gave as his opinion that the deceased was not drowned, but that he fell into the water while suffering from a fit. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 8 September 1864
BIDEFORD - Inquest At Bideford. - On Tuesday evening an Inquest was held at the Council Room at the Town Hall, before Thomas Lawrence Pridham, Esq., Coroner, on the body of THOMAS COLEMAN, who had committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell at the police station in the forenoon of that day. The particulars, as far as could be then ascertained, were given in our yesterday's impression. The Jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the body, after which John Nicholls deposed: I supply the prisoners of the prison committed from the Borough and County, at a ¼ before 9. This morning I visited THOS. COLEMAN with his breakfast. I told him I was come with his "grub"; he replied, "very well." I opened the small aperture in the cell door, and handed him some tea, bread, and cheese. His wife passed by at this time, when COLEMAN desired her to bring him in his clothes. She replied, "You had better wear what you have on." She then asked him if I was the person who had prompted him to tell about the robbery, which he refuted. - By a Juror: I fancied the day before that he appeared strange. - Witness continued: I asked him why he did not lie down, and he replied, "I would rather lie down in the lower place." He then took up his Bible, and began to read. I had attended him the week previous. - By a Juror: He must have taken the matting cord from the higher to the lower cell. He appeared anxious as to his fate, viz., what would be done to him. He did not confess to me that Smalldon had stolen the wool. - Wm. Vanstone deposed: This day week I took the deceased into custody, on suspicion of stealing and removing wool from Mr Hutchings, of Barnstaple, and on the following morning he was remanded until Saturday last, at eleven o'clock, when he was discharged. He was again apprehended the same day by P.C. Sanders, on the charge of receiving wool, knowing it to have been stolen. On Monday he was brought before the county magistrates, and remanded until today, 2 o'clock. I visited the station at 10 o'clock this morning, and as I was unlocking the door, I said to the deceased, "All right;" and he replied "Yes." Shortly after 11 o'clock I was told that COLEMAN had hung himself, and the doctors came. He appeared in low spirits, and had been so ever since he had been locked up. He said to me the first night he was locked up, "If I had not been taken now I should have drowned myself," and he again said, "I should have given myself up." I apprehended him 2 ½ miles from the Torrington Road. He confessed to me that it was not Mr Hutchings' wool, but Major Wren's, and that the man who stole it had a large family, and was called Smalldon. What he told me was entirely voluntary. - P.C. Ireland deposed to finding the body hanging by the neck to the window bars of his cell. He immediately fetched Mr Craig, and he was cut down. When last alive he was very low in spirits. - The Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased, THOMAS COLEMAN, destroyed himself, but that there was no satisfactory evidence to show the state of his mind at the time he committed the act."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 12 September 1864
EXETER - A Serious Charge. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Poltimore Inn, St. Sidwell's, Exeter, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, on the body of JOHN SUTTON, a waiter, 68 years of age, who lived at Poltimore-square. On the 2nd August the deceased went to wait on the Starcross Club. He returned by train and having made some reference to Lord Courtenay and the recent election, he was ill-used by some young men, who rode in the same carriage, one of whom, named Arscott (the son of a surgeon), struck him a heavy blow. In consequence of the treatment he received, the deceased was obliged to procure medical aid, but he was not, until a short time before his death, confined to his bed. He gradually grew worse and expired on Thursday morning. Mr J. L. De le Garde, surgeon, who attended the deceased, said he was of opinion that deceased died from effusion of fluid into the pericardium, and that death was accelerated by the blows he received, which shook his feeble frame. The Jury thought it necessary that a post mortem examination of the body should be made, and the Inquest was adjourned till Thursday next for that purpose. The greatest interest was manifested in the matter, and it is thought that at the adjourned Enquiry some important and unpleasant disclosures will be made as to the treatment the deceased received in the carriage.

TAVISTOCK - Cruel Treatment Of A Child At Tavistock. - On Thursday, A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, on the body of a boy named RICHARD BURN, aged about four years, whose death was alleged to have been caused by the negligence and ill-treatment of his father and a woman with whom he cohabited. It appears that the deceased had always been delicate, and that so far from that inducing his father and his paramour to treat him with kindness it had an opposite effect. He was particularly ill-treated generally by the woman, who had three illegitimate children of her own. After a protracted Inquiry, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the death of the child had been accelerated by the gross ill-treatment of the father and his paramour. The coroner explained that such a verdict would necessitate a commitment for manslaughter, a charge which he considered the evidence was scarcely sufficient to substantiate. The Jury, with some reluctance, modified their verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 13 September 1864
BUCKFASTLEIGH - An Inquest was held at Cole's Globe Inn, on Saturday afternoon, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., (District Coroner), and a Jury, of which Mr J. Voce was Foreman, on the body of WILLIAM WILCOCKS, of Buckfastleigh, timber drawer, aged about 43. The deceased and eight or nine other men and women were returning in his cart from Totnes races on the evening of Thursday last. when they arrived at Puddaven public-house, about a mile out of Totnes, the deceased fetched some beer, which they drank between them, but he did not seem to be tipsy. They drove on until they came to Paper Mill Hill, about half a mile from Buckfastleigh, when SUSAN WILCOCKS (niece of the deceased), called to him by his name, but receiving no answer, they found him missing. She and a man named Addams went back as far as Austin's Bridge Gate in search of him, where they got a candle, and proceeded further on the road, making diligent search they had not gone far when they found him lying in the road, suffering from severe pain. Upon hearing them, deceased said, "Do come near me some of you," and upon being asked if anything was wrong, he replied "The wheel of my cart passed over my breast." Medical aid was immediately procured and the poor fellow lingered on until two a.m. on Saturday, when death terminated his excruciating pain. He leaves a wife and a large family to lament their loss. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BOVEY TRACEY - Supposed Suicide Of A Farmer's Wife And Murder Of Her Child At Bovey Tracey. - Much alarm was caused in Bovey and its neighbourhood on Saturday night last, by the report that SUSAN DAYMENT, the wife of MR DAYMENT, a farmer of Chudleigh, had, while in a fit of insanity, drowned both herself and her infant child, HENRY DAYMENT, in the river Bovey, near the house of her brother, MR PETHERBRIDGE, yeoman, of Little Bovey, in the parish of Bovey Tracey. The deceased had been suffering from depression of spirits ever since the birth of her last child, about three months ago, and was on a visit to her brother for change of air. The Inquest was opened yesterday afternoon by Francis Brooking Cuming, Esq., the Coroner for the District, and a respectable Jury, at Mr Petherbridge's residence, when the following evidence was given:- George Endacott, farmer, residing at Little Bovey, said he knew the deceased SUSAN DAYMENT, who was the wife of MR JOHN DAYMENT, farmer, in the parish of Chudleigh. On Saturday evening at half-past six he went along with deceased's brother and her brother-in-law to look for her, as she had been absent from home some time, and they feared that something wrong had happened. They found her lying in the River Bovey, where the water was only about two feet deep. She was on her face and hands, with her head down the stream, and her feet towards the bank. He did not then see the child, but helped to get the body of the mother out of the water. They tried to restore animation, but she was quite dead. She had on neither bonnet nor shawl, but otherwise her dress was complete. He observed no appearance on the bank of a struggle having taken place, nor did he see the marks of blows on her. He had not previously seen her on that day, but on the day before he saw her, but did not notice anything unusual in her manner. He had never heard that she was insane or had threatened to destroy herself. He first saw the body of the child after it was taken out of the water and placed on the bank, but did not know that it was then alive. There was a scratch on its nose. - THOMAS DAYMENT, farmer, of Bovey, said deceased was his brother's wife. He last saw her alive on Wednesday; she then seemed in low spirits. She had been ill ever since her confinement. She had had three other children, but had never suffered in a similar manner after a previous confinement. He had never heard of her having threatened to destroy her life, or that there had been any insanity in the family. He went with the last witness to look for her on Saturday evening, and found her body in the river, as had been described by him. Witness went into the water after the body, and on raising it the body of the child floated from under it. He did not observe any marks of violence. He went to look for her, because she had been long absent from home. He had no reason to suppose that any person had quarrelled with her. He did not know if she had any money with her. The child was three months old. - Samuel Carpenter, labourer, of Bovey, knew the deceased. On Saturday last, at about four o'clock in the afternoon, he was passing through the field adjoining the river, and in which the bodies were afterwards found, when he saw MRS DAYMENT walking backwards and forwards near the hedge inside the gate, with her child in her arms. He asked her if she was taking a walk, and she replied, "Yes." He then approached close to her, telling her he was rather hard of hearing, and enquired if the child was poorly, to which she answered that it was, and that she was also herself very poorly. He told her that she looked poorly, and then bade her good afternoon, and walked away. He did not see her alive afterwards. She appeared to be in low spirits. - Ann Endacott resided between Mr Petherbridge's house and the river. Between three and four o'clock on Saturday afternoon, the deceased came to witness's house; she had the child with her, and wore a bonnet, but had no shawl on. She said she was going down to the field to see her brother, and that she would call on witness as she returned. Witness did not notice that she was in a low state. She had not heard that deceased had quarrelled with anyone. - John Petherbridge, brother of the deceased, said his sister came to visit him on Thursday, and was to stay until Saturday last. At about ten o'clock on the morning of the last named day, deceased went out with him and during their walk she remarked that she felt giddy in her head, and was afraid she should fall down. She asked witness to take the child. He complied with her request and she continued walking by his side. They went up over the heath and down through the marsh, in which the deceased's bodies were found at a later hour in the day. At dinner she ate some mutton chops. He had never seen her eat so hearty a meal before. He told her he was going to the field to dig potatoes, and should return between four and five o'clock. He did not see her alive afterwards. She was not subject to fits. His mother had died of seizure; a sister, the eldest of the family, had died of seizure, between 60 and 70 years of age. Deceased had no medical man at Bovey. She possessed a cheerful disposition, but had for some time complained of giddiness. - As no further evidence was thought necessary, the Coroner gave a very able summing up. He pointed out to the Jury that it was quite clear that the deceased had come to their deaths by drowning, and the question they had to consider was whether the deaths were wilful or accidental by the mother going too near the river and slipping in, or by her falling in while in a fit. He thought if she had slipped in she would have fallen on her back, and have made some attempt to save the child, and not have held it under her. As regards the child, it could not have been the cause of its own death. If they considered the mother had caused its death wilfully, they must also take into consideration the state of her mind at the time. - The Jury then retired for a short time, and having consulted together they returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased were Found Drowned without any marks of violence on their bodies, and there was no evidence to show how they came into the water."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 16 September 1864
EXETER - Committal Of A Young Gentleman At Exeter On A Charge Of Manslaughter. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN SUTTON, a waiter, whose death occurred under the melancholy circumstances reported in the Mercury of Monday last, was resumed last evening. It will be remembered that the former Enquiry was held at the Poltimore Inn, St. Sidwell's, but in consequence of the want of room the Coroner (H. W. Hooper, Esq.) very judiciously appointed that the further Enquiry should be held at the Bude Haven Hotel. The greatest interest was felt in the proceedings, and the large room was crowded. Mr Daw appearing for the accused, whilst a clerk from Mr Floud's office took verbatim evidence on behalf of the friends of the deceased. There were also several medical gentlemen present. - The first witness called was John Parr, a grocer, residing in St. Sidwell's, who said that he occasionally acted as a waiter. He was at Starcross on the day of the regatta, the 2nd of August, and saw the deceased on the platform when the up train left, but he did not see him again that night, nor did he come home with him in the same carriage. He saw the deceased after he was ill, when he said that he was struck in the railway carriage by Mr Arscott, and that although there were several persons present they remained quiet, and did not attempt to assist him. He also stated that the deceased told him he was not only struck once, but several times, by Mr Arscott. He was perfectly sober on the day in question, and when he went down to the meeting of the Starcross Club on the 17th he complained that he was unable to do his work, and he (witness) and the other waiters assisted and relieved him from a portion of his duties. - In the course of the examination of this witness, Mr Daw objected to the line of evidence, but the Jury intimated they had a wish for him to proceed. He did so accordingly, whereupon Mr Daw said he had witnesses present who could prove that the deceased was intoxicated. A suggestion made by Mr Scott, one of the Jury, that those witnesses should be ordered of court, being agreed to. - Mr Thomas Easterling another "occasional waiter" was next called, and he gave similar evidence to the last witness as to the 2nd of August, adding that he had never seen the deceased drunk in his life. - Major Russell, of the Devon Artillery Militia, and residing at Southmolton, next followed, and said that Mr T. R. Arscott, a lieutenant, and Captain Devon, of the same corps, were with him. He said that he dined at the Courtenay Arms, but did not see the deceased there, the first time he saw him being when he entered a compartment of a second-class carriage at the station. He then stumbled over witness's feet, upon which he (the major) said, "Hold up old fellow," or something like it, and the deceased made some remark, and then a conversation took place between him and Mr Arscott. They "chaffed" each other until reaching near St. Thomas's Station, the deceased being good tempered, and both of them patted each other on the back the way up, using such words as "All right, old man!" and "All right, young fellow." There was a great deal of noise in the carriage between two men about the closing of the window, and suddenly he (witness) noticed the deceased holding his fist in Mr Arscott's face, and evidently threatening him, the latter putting his hand gently on deceased's shoulder, and saying "All right, old man, keep your temper." Deceased then struck Mr Arscott a violent blow in the face, and he instantly returned it. Witness then caught hold of Mr Arscott and called Mr Devon, who was the other end of the compartment, to help to separate them, which he did. Blood came from deceased's mouth or nose, Mr Arscott having struck him in the face. - In cross-examination by the Jury, the witness stated that something was said by Mr Arscott about the deceased drinking too much wine, but nothing about Lord Courtenay or the deceased and his vote. Mr Arscott was perfectly sober, and he should say that SUTTON was not so when he entered - that was judging from his excited state. - Captain Henry Charles Devon, of the Devon Artillery Militia, gave similar evidence, adding that Arscott did not strike SUTTON a very heavy blow, but the latter had a black eye when he again saw him at Starcross on the 17th - fifteen days after the occurrence in the carriage. - Mr Henry Cross, butler to R. S. Gard, Esq., M.P., deposed that he saw the deceased constantly on the evening in question, but did not notice him drink anything, for he was poorly all day. He also saw him on the platform and he was perfectly sober. He again saw him at St. Thomas when he came down the stairs, and observing blood upon his waistcoat he asked him what was the matter, when he replied that he had been badly served in the carriage. His eye was as large as a hen's egg. Deceased went into the Half-Moon omnibus, but he (witness) walked up to the city. He saw him the next day at his house, when he repeated the expression that he had been badly used by Mr Arscott. He saw him again at Starcross on the 17th August, and "a very bad black eye he had then." He was generally very sober and drank beer, but not wine. - Mrs Beazley, the landlady of the Courtenay Arms at Starcross, stated that the deceased came down by the one o'clock train and returned by the mail, and, being poorly, he drank some brandy two or three times during the day, although he generally drank beer. When he left the house she could "not say that he was quite drunk, but he had had enough," although he could walk straight and appeared to know what he was about. He ate little that day, and said he should not come till 4 o'clock the next time, as he felt so poorly. On the 17th he appeared better than on the 2nd. - Mr John De La Garde, surgeon, said he had, since the last meeting, made a post mortem examination of the body, in the presence of Dr Shapter, the senior physician and Mr De La Garde (his father), senior surgeon of the hospital. Mr Huxley, the house surgeon of the hospital, attended as a personal favour to assist him. - The witness went through the details of the examination, and came to the conclusion that the deceased died from disease of the heart, but it was impossible for him to swear that his death was accelerated by the blows he received; but it was his opinion that those blows shook his frame in his then feeble state. He could not swear, but it was his belief that the death was accelerated by the blows. - In cross-examination by Mr Daw. the witness said he had attended the deceased in November last, when he was suffering from a slight congestion of the lungs, brought on, he thought, by cold, but he did not detect any heart disease then. Judging from the result of the post mortem, he should say there was disease of the heart in November last. He had never seen him the least intoxicated. He firmly believed that the death was accelerated by the blow; in fact; he would give a positive opinion that it was so - from the blow on the side of the head, and the shock to the whole system. Had no doubt that on the 2nd August he was suffering from disease of the heart. He (witness) strongly objected to his going to Starcross on the 17th of August, but he would persist in doing so. - Dr Shapter confirmed the evidence of Mr De la Garde, as to the post mortem examination and said he considered the immediate cause of death to have been disease of the heart, but he could not say that he came to the conclusion that it was accelerated by the blows, although if he were asked hypothetically whether a man with such a diseased heart would not have his death accelerated by such blows, he should say he might. But considering the evidence, that he was better on the 17th than on the 2nd, he did not think his death was accelerated by the blows. - Some conversation having taken place as to the evidence taken on the previous occasion. - Mr Daw accused the Coroner of having upon his notes statements which were not evidence; to which Mr Hooper rejoined that if he were to confine himself strictly to that, he would never get any evidence at all. - Dr Shapter observed that the deceased's liver and kidneys did not indicate his being an habitual drunkard. - The son of the deceased asked for an adjournment in order that his attorney (Mr Floud) might be present; for he had heard that Mr Daw was not employed by Mr Arscott. - Mr Daw observed that of course he had been, or he should not have been present. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the present case was one of the most painful and difficult which had ever come under his knowledge. He had known the deceased for 30 years; he was always quiet and peaceable; and from his own knowledge of him he could not believe that he was the aggressor on the night in question. There was no doubt that the blow struck by Mr Arscott was of a very severe character to have left marks on his face for six weeks afterwards; in fact, it was, as Mr De la Garde had previously stated "a crushing blow." No regard should be nor would be paid to the position of the party concerned; and considering all the circumstances the verdict of the Jury must be either manslaughter or nothing at all, for it did not matter whether the deceased struck the first blow or not. It was, however, a difficult matter, and he must leave it entirely in their hands. - The Jury then retired and had not returned into the room when our parcel was despatched. - [By Electric Telegraph.] - A verdict of Manslaughter against Thomas Reynolds Arscott has been returned. The Coroner's warrant was issued, but bail would be taken.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 17 September 1864
SHALDON - Fatal Accident At Shaldon. - On Wednesday last an Inquest was held at the Crown and Anchor Inn, Shaldon, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a man named GEORGE POTTER, about 35 years of age, who was shot at Shaldon Regatta on the Monday previously. About two o'clock the sailing boats were coming in. The deceased having just landed from his boat, was standing on the quay, when the signal gun was fired by a man named John Greenslade, signalling the arrival of the first boat. The deceased was between twelve and fourteen feet in front of the gun at the time, and the instant the gun went off he was seen to fall from the quay. Mr Thomas Brooks, a surgeon, residing at Shaldon, deposed to having examined the deceased, and found a large wound on the right side upon the lower ribs, about 6 inches by 4. The walls of the abdomen over that surface had been entirely carried away, and the surface of the liver was visible over a space of 3 or 4 square inches. In the upper part of the wound the wadding of the gun was firmly impacted. It would not have been safe to remove it. The man was in a state of collapse, from which he partly rallied and retained consciousness until noon of the next day, when he died from the wound. The direction of the wound was upwards and backwards. There was a broken button and a shank of a common fish hook lying on the surface of the liver. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 19 September 1864
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On A Seaman In Plymouth. - An Inquiry was held on Saturday evening, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM POLLARD, a seaman, about 35 years of age, who was found drowned on Friday morning in the water near Prince Rock, Laira. Mr Thomas Broadrick was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The body presented a fearful appearance. The skull was entirely bare, and two large holes were visible in the neck. At first it was thought that these marks were produced by ill-treatment, and Mr J. N. Stevens, surgeon, was, consequently instructed to make an examination of the body. It was found that decomposition had commenced, and the surface of the body presented a sodden appearance, such as was usually observable on persons that have been drowned. The skin of the forehead and face had been removed altogether, with the eyes and cartilages of the nose. The flesh had been eaten away from each side of the neck and on the right side of the chest, immediately below the collar bone, and also from both hands, to such an extent as to expose the bones. There were no other marks of violence visible about the body. He had no doubt whatever that those injuries were occasioned by fish. It appeared that the deceased was a stoker belonging to the Royal William, lying in the Hamoaze, but had been recently serving on board the Indus, and was a very steady man. On the evening of Friday week he obtained leave of absence for the night, and on going ashore he proceeded to the residence of his sister, in King-street, East, where he remained until after eight o'clock. He then borrowed some money, and, on leaving, promised to return early in the evening. He, however, did not return, and he was not seen afterwards until Friday morning last, shortly after eight o'clock, when an object was observed by a man named Campbell, of Oreston, floating in the water towards Laira Bridge. Campbell rowed to the spot, when he found the body of the deceased. He towed the body to the Barbican Pier, from whence it was conveyed to a room in Catherine Street, and upon being searched numerous small articles were found in his possession, together with two gold coins, which were found attached to a piece of cord which was known to be the deceased's property. The body was fearfully disfigured, and had it not been for some marks on the breast it would have been impossible to identify it. The Coroner briefly remarked on summing up the evidence, that it was very satisfactory to find, now that complaints had been made respecting the inconvenience attached in procuring places for the reception of dead bodies, that it had been removed by the Inspector of Nuisances so as not to cause the least offence whatever. The evidence would not allow the Jury to come to any other conclusion than that the deceased was Found Drowned, because there was not the least light apparent as to how he came to his death. - The Jury accordingly returned an Open Verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 21 September 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Sea. - Last evening an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of FRANCIS NEWSON, which resulted from an accident whilst at sea. The Coroner said that the deceased was about 46 years of age, and was the mate of the Azorian schooner, Captain Austin, which belongs to Messrs. Baker and Daniels, of London. The deceased resided at Westham, Stratford, Essex, and a short time since the vessel made her departure for the Canary Isles. On the twelfth day of the voyage the deceased was engaged in shifting the tackle, when by some means his head was struck by the main boom, which occasioned a fracture of the skull. When the extent of the deceased's injuries was ascertained, the course of the vessel was altered, and she arrived at the mouth on the 14th instant. He was then conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died on Sunday last. This, the Coroner said, was the nature of the facts as they had been reported, but previous to the death of the deceased the vessel left the port, and if the Jury wished to return a positive verdict they would have to adjourn for a given time, but as there was not the slightest suspicion that the accident happened through any negligence he did not think it necessary to have an adjournment. The Jury coincided in the Coroner's remarks, and they accordingly returned an Open Verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 23 September 1864
TOTNES - Suicide At Totnes. - Last evening an Inquest was held at the Seven Stars Hotel, Totnes, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr J. Rees was Foreman, on the body of MRS MORGAN, who committed suicide under intense excitement. The Jury first proceeded to view the body, which was lying at the Dart Hotel. - The first witness examined was Miss Heath, the last person who saw deceased alive, and daughter of the persons with whom deceased and her husband had been lodging. She stated that the deceased and her husband lodged with them, and that they appeared to be on good terms. On the night during which the deceased destroyed herself witness called early in the evening on a Mr Butters, the Totnes excise officer, and about half-past ten or eleven o'clock, deceased and her husband came in. They stayed there until late. Witness left after they did. On her return home deceased and her husband were standing at the door, the former being only partially dressed, having been to bed, and she told witness she should destroy herself, because her husband had been out after she went to bed. This transpired in the closet, whither they had gone. MR MORGAN was the worse for liquor and went into the house. Witness endeavoured to pacify deceased, and promised to get her some tea, and she then went into the house. Whilst witness was getting up the fire, deceased ran out of the room, leaving her husband there. Witness went to the closet to look for her, but could not find her, and then ran into the street and saw deceased running down in the direction of the river. She ran after her and called to her. On coming on the Plains deceased was near the Wesleyan Chapel. Witness still ran after her, and then heard a splash and a scream in the direction of the town quay. Witness stated that she fell while running across the Plains, but raised an alarm, although no one came. A quarter of an hour after this deceased's husband came, and, with him, witness went on the quay, but could see nothing. Deceased appeared to be in a frenzied state when she was in the house, before she ran off. Deceased was 25 years of age, and leaves an infant seven months old. - Thomas Potter, a lighterman, deposed to finding the body of the deceased near the Bowling Green Quay on Wednesday afternoon. - Thomas Edward Owen, a surgeon, residing and practising at Totnes, stated that he had been attending deceased's child for the past three weeks. He had noticed that deceased was very excitable, and would be a likely person, while in a frenzied state, to destroy herself. He believed she was in a fit of temporary insanity when she destroyed herself. - The Jury were not all satisfied with the evidence brought before them, consequently they adjourned for ten minutes, during which time Mrs Heath, mother of the first witness was summoned, and gave her evidence in a very straightforward manner. She stated that about 8 o'clock on Tuesday evening MR MORGAN and the deceased went out together, returning about half-past eight. Witness's daughter also went out about the same time, but alone. Deceased and her husband remained home until about half-past ten or eleven, and then went out with the intention of going to wish Mr Butters "good bye" returning the second time about twelve. Deceased went to bed, her husband promising to follow; but after she was in bed her husband went out again, and she partially dressed herself, and fetched him home. In other respects, witness corroborated her daughter's evidence as to what took place before the deceased ran away. - After being locked up for a short time, the Jury brought in a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity, and that they (the Jury) were of opinion that the temporary insanity of the deceased was caused by her husband's drunkenness, and that those with whom she lodged did not exercise proper watchfulness over the deceased after she had threatened to destroy herself.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 September 1864
BUDE - Lifton - The harvest thanksgiving, which was arranged to be held on Thursday last, has been postponed sine die by the Rev. W. W. Martyn, the rector of the parish, in consequence of the fearful calamity which has befallen the parish, viz., the deaths by drowning of MR JOHN PROUT, grocer and chemist, MASTER ROBERT PROUT, aged 13 years, and MR W. M. LOWNDES, of Buckfastleigh, an assistant to Mr Doidge, surgeon, of Lifton, at Bude, on the 15th inst., as stated in the Western Daily Mercury on Monday last. The Inquest on the bodies was held at Bude on Saturday, before T. Good, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The funeral of MR PROUT and his son took place at Lifton on Sunday afternoon, in the presence of a large number of spectators.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Child At Eldad. - John Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at Gilhen's beer-house in Stoke-lane, on the body of a child named THOMAS SAMUEL BISHOP, residing at 6 Eldad-place, whose death was occasioned in consequence of injuries which he received by a fall while running across the court at the back of the house on Wednesday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 29 September 1864
EXETER - Sudden Death Of A Commercial Gentleman At Exeter. - An elderly gentleman of the name of MR G. LAWRENCE, who has upwards of 30 years been the commercial traveller to Messrs. Ellwood, hat manufacturers of London, died suddenly at the Half Moon Hotel on Monday. An Inquest was held yesterday (Wednesday) in the coffee-room of the same Hotel, before the City Coroner (Mr H. W. Hooper, Esq.) and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Mark Rowe was chosen Foreman. The following evidence was adduced:- MR WILLIAM LAWRENCE said: I am brother of the deceased. I am a French glove and brush manufacturer, living at 4 Dean Market-street, Islington, London. The deceased was a commercial traveller for Messrs. Ellwood, hatters. When at home he lived with me. He is sixty years old, and a single man. On Thursday morning, the 22nd instant, he left London for Oxford. He was in his usual good health. He has complained of a pain in his chest. He went from Oxford to Bath and Bristol; thence to Exeter. From there I received a letter from him. He has not been under any medical treatment. - Mr William Gunter Williams was next called, and deposed as follows: I am secretary to two mining companies. I lie at 120 Devonshire Road, Holloway, London. I knew the deceased intimately; on Tuesday week last was the last time I saw him alive; he was at my house in London. He appeared then perfectly well. I saw him the previous Sunday, and he complained of a pain in his chest; he told me that my brother-in-law had advised him to take the opinion of Dr Jenner; he did see him and said that he was to take care of his diet; Dr Jenner had also given him a prescription. On one occasion when the deceased was walking with me he had to stand still for a minute or so and complained of "a stitch in his chest." - Mr Charles Bisney, hatter, of Exeter, said: I reside in High-street. I knew the deceased. He came to Exeter on Saturday and I saw him about six o'clock. I asked him how he was, and he said "I have not been so well lately; I have been suffering from a pain of the breast bone. I asked him how long it had been going on, and what advice he had. He told me he had been examined by Dr Jenner and he had given him some instructions about his living; he had examined him and sounded his lungs; his liver was all right and only required a little care, and Dr Jenner had given him a prescription. I asked if he had taken the medicine, and he said, "No, I have not." He said he thought he was suffering from flatulency more than anything else. He took tea with us; had a mutton chop for supper a little before nine; he left my house at eleven. On the next day, Sunday, I saw him; he dined with me, and again left at eleven. On Monday he was again to dine with me; he did not come, and I went to the inn to see for him, and found him in his bedroom. I thought a great change had come over him. He was pacing the room rubbing his chest. He said, "Oh Charles, I am very glad to see you. I am in great pain. It will go off. I shall be all right soon." I remained with him an hour. I applied a bottle of warm water to his chest, and put him to bed and left him, promising to return very soon. I returned at three, and found him again pacing the room, and he said it was becoming very uncontrollable. He said, "I shall never recover. I am afraid one of these attacks will finish me." I advised him to have surgical advice. At first he objected to it, but eventually agreed to it. I went for Mr Cuming, but he was not at home. I went to the station at 5 o'clock to visit Mr Cuming; by his advice I applied mustard poultice, and again got him to bed. I stayed with him till six o'clock, and again returned at 8.5, and he said, "I am very glad you are come. I am very ill, but think I am in less pain." I said, "You had better take a little arrow-root with brandy," and he said, "Yes." His voice was very strong. While the arrow-root was being prepared Mr Cuming, again came, but left, saying he would see him between ten and eleven. At that moment the girl came out with the arrowroot in a cup and saucer. he was propped up in bed. I handed it to him. He took the cup and placed the saucer by his side. I saw him take two teaspoonfuls. I turned by back to read as I was going to read to him for an hour; but had not done so three seconds before I heard him throw the cup into the saucer, and on turning round found he had sunk back and expired. In conversation during the afternoon he said, "Now, Charles, my will is in that bag (pointing to a small leather one) and you take care of my property." - Mr Cuming was called, and said he saw the deceased during the day, and found him labouring under spasms of the heart (or disease of the heart), from which cause he expired. - The Jury, having heard the evidence of the medical gentleman, returned a verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death of MISS ST. AUBYN. - We regret to state that the death of MISS JULIA GENEVRA ST. AUBYN, the daughter of the REV. W. J. ST. AUBYN, the Rector of Stoke Damerel, took place at half-past ten on Tuesday night. It will be remembered that the unfortunate lady's dress took fire on Saturday, the 17th instant, while she was dressing, preparatory to going out to dinner. The accident was much more serious than was at first supposed, and has unhappily resulted in her death. - We understand that an Inquest was held yesterday before Allan B. Bone, Esq., when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 4 October 1864
EXETER - The Melancholy And Fatal Accident At Exeter. - The Inquest on the body of the young gentleman, a son of COL. PARRATORY, of Tiverton, and an inmate of the Rev. R. Roper's school at Mount Radford, near Exeter, whose melancholy death was recorded in our impression of Monday, took place yesterday in one of the large rooms of the school, before R. Crosse, Esq., County Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Col. Harding was Foreman. It will be remembered that the unfortunate young gentleman, accompanied by two other pupils, got out of one of the back windows of the school on Friday night, and in doing so deceased fell and received severe injuries, which, in a few hours, resulted in his death, concussion of the brain followed by compression having supervened. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 6 October 1864
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Tuesday morning, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., City Coroner, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalen-street, on the body of THOMAS GREENSLADE, aged 3 ½ years, who had died in the hospital from burns consequent on having set himself on fire whilst playing with lucifer matches in bed, on the 15th August last. The deceased resided with his parents in Barrack-road, and on the morning in question his mother was awoke by loud screams, when she discovered her child enveloped in flames. He was at once removed to the Hospital, where he lingered until the 1st inst., when death put an end to the poor little fellow's sufferings. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Severe Burns."

EXETER - On Tuesday afternoon an Inquest was held at Strong's Golden Eagle Inn, Bartholomew-street, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr W. Guest was the Foreman, on the body of MRS MARIA PATES, whose melancholy death was recorded in the Mercury of Monday. - The first witness called was MR GEORGE PATES, who said: I am a chemist and druggist, residing at No. 1 West-street. The deceased was my wife, and was 39 years of age. She has been ailing for the last two months. On Saturday last she went out at half-past ten in the morning to spend the day with her mother, who resides on the Topsham Road. Deceased rose down in a trap, and on getting into it she gave a very heavy sigh. I advised her, on hearing it, not to go. Deceased replied, "I shall be better directly." I then asked her sister-in-law, who was driving, to drive down slowly. I did not see her again till about 25 minutes to 8 in the evening. She walked home, being accompanied by a friend as far as the top of Holloway Street. I was standing at the shop door when she came in. She tried to speak. I directly saw there was something the matter, and followed her into the room behind the shop, where she leant forward and spat some blood. I was about to place her in a chair, when she again leant forward, and spat more blood. I had previously sent for Dr Farrant, Dr Hawkins, and Dr Drake (physician), but she was dead before either of them arrived. Dr Drake arrived first. - Thomas Hawkins: I am a surgeon, residing and practising in Exeter. I have known the deceased for five years. I attended her professionally and saw her last Tuesday, Sept. 27. She was then in a weak, debilitated state, suffering from phthisis. She had a cough. Was not aware she was in the habit of spitting blood. Was called to her on Saturday last, and on my arrival found her dead. Examined her externally, she being sat in a chair at the time. I consider the cause of her death to be rupture of a blood vessel in the lungs. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict in accordance with the above medical testimony.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 8 October 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - Remarkable Death At Devonport. - An Inquest was held on Thursday afternoon, at the Town Hall, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Samuel Bartlett was Foreman, on the body of HENRY ALLEN, a painter, formerly residing at 12 Canterbury-street, Devonport, and connected with whose death were some very mysterious circumstances, as detailed in the evidence below:- Joseph Murch, a tradesman of Devonport, stated that he knew the deceased, who formerly worked for witness as a painter. On Sunday last, about half-past twelve, as he was returning from chapel, and passing through the Stonehouse toll-gate, he saw the deceased standing under the archway of the toll-house through which the passengers walked. Just as he passed through, witness heard a man say, "Why don't you get out of the way?" The place where the deceased was standing was in the way, and he obstructed the passage through. The deceased replied, "I shall not." Witness then turned around towards the toll-gate and saw the deceased still standing in the same place. The person then present calling himself Samuel Lake, who was standing in the box of the archway, said "I will make you, then." The deceased again replied, "No you won't". Witness at that time noticed that the deceased was under the influence of liquor, but he was not so drunk as not to know what he was about. The man opened the door of his box, took deceased by the shoulders with both hands, turned him around with his face towards Plymouth, and pushed him on - still holding him - for 10 or 12 feet, and then gave him a push, which sent deceased 10 or 12 feet further. The deceased did not fall. Lake then walked back into the box and shut the door, but just as he had done so the deceased returned to the toll-gate, and struck Lake a rather heavy blow in the face with his fist. Lake was not at the time prepared to defend himself. Lake then came out of his box, and attempted to strike the deceased, and he believed he did strike him with his fist on the head. The deceased closed with Lake, and they both then began to pommel each other about the back of the head. They could not hit each other hard, being close together. By this time, in the struggle the combatants had got to the Devonport side of the gate, where they both fell to the ground on the pavement together, as he thought, side by side, and then rolled over each other. Here they still hit one another, but Lake at last got up, and stood over the deceased on the ground. The deceased said, "Is there no one to help me," and whilst he said this witness thought that the head of the deceased was between the legs of Lake. Just as the deceased said the above words, Lake walked back to the toll-house, and deceased rose from the ground and stood still. Witness, seeing a watch on the pavement, took it up, and the deceased identifying it as his property, he gave it to him, after satisfying himself that it did not belong to Lake. Deceased went over to Lake soon after, and said "You have got my hat." Lake gave him his hat, and received his own in return from the deceased. Witness then saw the deceased walk towards Devonport, but when about 150 feet from the toll-gate, he sat down on the kerb-stone and drooped his head. Whilst Lake and deceased were on the ground they were hitting each other, but not in such a manner as to hurt themselves. He thought that whilst Lake had the head of deceased between his legs, he hit him once. There was blood on the mouth of the deceased when he got up. - Other evidence having been given, Mr Wm. James Anniss, surgeon, of Devonport, said he visited the deceased on Monday last in the after part of the day. He found him lying on the bed dressed, and seemed to be suffering from pain in the bowels, and he also complained of striction. He was not feverish, and witness did not at that time think him dangerously ill. On the Tuesday a case of confinement kept him from town all day, and at ten o'clock in the evening he went to see him, and found him dead. At half-past six o'clock witness's assistant, Mr Coffin, and Mr De la Rue went to see deceased, and the latter surgeon also visited him at eight o'clock in the evening. There were no external marks of violence on the body. He had made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased. He found the intestines very much inflamed, and in the small intestines were ulcerations of long standing. There was also great adhesion of the intestines arising from inflammation. The appearances in the bowels were quite sufficient to enable him to form a confident opinion of the cause of death, and he had no doubt that the cause of death was the rupture of the intestines in the cavity of the bowels from ulceration. He was satisfied that the disease in the bowels existed for more than a fortnight before death. He did not think that a scuffle, such as Mr Murch had described, would have affected the disease. had it been so, the effect would have been produced at once. He was of opinion that the circumstance of Sunday last, as connected with the deceased, neither caused or accelerated the deceased's death. He thought the disease in deceased's body was the result of natural causes. - A Juror having asked Mr Anniss whether he thought that the deceased would have died if the scuffle had not taken place, that gentleman said he thought he would. - The Coroner said that that was a very remarkable feature in the case. - Ann McAlister here came forward, and, having been sworn, stated that she lived in the same house as the deceased. On Sunday afternoon last, with the help of the deceased's mother, she put him to bed. When the deceased was in bed he said to her, "I am done." She asked him what he meant, and he said that in the scuffle the man fell on top of him, and, as he fell, he heard something in his inside crack, and he had not been able to stand since. - It appeared that the deceased had a rupture some time since, and the Coroner asked the mother of the deceased whether, on Sunday last, the deceased wore a truss; but she said he did not, that he had left it off lately. - Witness (continuing): She asked deceased whether he thought his illness was the result of the man falling on him, and he said he thought so. He also said that he never felt it before like it. She then said that a doctor ought to see him, but he replied, "No; a doctor is no good for me. I am done. I felt something burst when I fell." - the Coroner (to Mr Anniss): Having heard this woman's statement, does it make any alteration in your opinion? -= Mr Anniss: No; I believe if the rupture had taken place then that the deceased would have died much sooner. - The Coroner in summing up the evidence, pointed out the remarkable nature of the case, and said he thought that after the surgeon's evidence they could not but return a verdict of "Natural Death." - The Jury, concurring with the Coroner's opinion, returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 10 October 1864
BUCKFASTLEIGH - An Inquest was held at Churchward's King's Arms Hotel, on Friday afternoon, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., District Coroner, and a respectable Jury (Mr Henry Symons, Foreman) on the body of .... LEE, the daughter of CHARLES LEE, of Buckfastleigh, sawyer, who expired that morning from injuries received by being severely burnt two days before. The Jury, having heard the evidence adduced, passed a verdict in accordance with the facts - "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 13 October 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident In Devonport Dockyard. - Allan B. Bone, Esq., the County Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Navy Inn, Fore-street, Devonport, on Saturday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN MAY, an engineman in the dockyard, Devonport, who was killed on Friday morning last, and the particulars of which appeared in our issue of the following day. - The machinery by which the accident was supposed to have occurred was first visited by the Coroner and Jury, and on their return, John Mudge, a stoker in the yard, was examined, and he deposed to having seen the deceased in the boiler-room of the millwrights' shop, and that a few minutes afterwards he saw him lying dead in the engine-room. - Robert Henry Picken, a wheelwright, whose evidence was corroborated by John Wilcocks, a labourer, stated that while at work in the engine-room, on Friday, he saw the deceased fall violently to the ground, and on his going towards him to render assistance he discovered that he was dead, and a portion of his brains scattered about the flooring. He immediately called for assistance, and John Mudge then entered the room. - Mr Charles Allnor, foreman of wheelwrights, stated that during Friday afternoon, after the Inquest, he had examined the machinery, and he found on it portions of human flesh, piece of brain, and several spots of blood, but he could not come to any surmise as to the cause of the deceased's death. - Some discussion then took place respecting the means of communication from the boiler to the engine-room, during which Mr Allnor stated that the engine-room door was kept shut, but there was another door communicating with the two rooms, which was always kept open. - After a few observations from the Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 22 October 1864
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Suicide Of A Young Man In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the London Mail Inn, Richmond-street, Plymouth, on Wednesday, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of ROBERT CORY, who committed suicide yesterday morning, by hanging himself in an outhouse at No. 10 Richmond Street. - Thomas Jinkin, builder, residing in Endsleigh-place, stated that the deceased, who was about 18 years of age, had been his apprentice about two years and a half, and his general conduct had been very good. On Monday he ordered deceased to mix some mortar in the yard, but he refused to do so, stating that he was too old to do such work. On the following morning he went to the yard as usual, shortly after six o'clock. Witness asked him if he was come to work, and he replied in the affirmative. He then said to him, "Your job is to make up some mortar," but deceased again refused to mix mortar, saying it was not his proper work. He told him that that was his next job, and he should do no more work till that was done. Deceased then left the yard. He informed the deceased's mother that he should summon him before the magistrates if he did not obey his orders, and that the probability was that he would be imprisoned, but if he returned all would be right. - Emma Hile, a little girl about ten years of age, living with her aunt at No. 10 Richmond-street, stated that shortly before seven o'clock yesterday morning she went to the wash-house and saw the body of the deceased hanging behind the door. - JOHN CORY, father of the deceased, deposed that he was a carpenter and that the deceased, who slept in a room adjoining his bedroom, had been very restless all the previous night, and had got out of bed several times. His master had treated him kindly; but he had told him that he objected to being kept to mixing mortar during so long a portion of his apprenticeship, and remarked that if he continued to be treated so he would want to undergo another apprenticeship. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity," and expressed an opinion exonerating Mr Jinkin from any blame in regard to his treatment of the deceased.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 28 October 1864
NEWTON ABBOT - Death Of A Child From Improper Food At Newton. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at the Commercial Hotel, by Francis B. Cuming, Esq., the District Coroner, on the body of a male child, named THOMAS WILLIAM WALKE, who had died in its bed on the previous morning. It appeared that the child was put to bed at ten o'clock at night with its father, MR JOHN WALKE, draper, MRS WALKE, owing to illness, sleeping in another bed, and at seven o'clock in the morning it was found to be quite dead. Before it was put to bed it was fed on rice and bread, which, as the child was only four months old, was, according to the evidence given by Dr Jane at the Inquest, very improper food for it, and the result was that it died of congestion. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with Dr Jane's evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 1 November 1864
EXETER - The Melancholy Suicide At Exeter. - The Inquest on the body of SAMUEL FLUELLIN, who committed suicide on Sunday morning under circumstances detailed in the Mercury of yesterday, was held at the Parochial School-room, Mount Radford, yesterday afternoon, before R. R. Crosse, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury, of which Captain Richard White, R.N., was Foreman, when the following evidence was adduced:- The Coroner first remarking that their duty was to ascertain whether the deceased destroyed his own life, or whether it had been taken by any other person. If it were taken by himself, then their duty would be to ascertain whether he was accountable for the act. - Ellen Newberry, being sworn, said she was 17 years of age. She was a step-sister to the deceased's wife, and performed the domestic work at FLUELLIN'S house. She had lived with him since the latter end of July, when his wife left him and he was living alone. Previous to the elopement she had lived with him and his wife, but left about four years, and returned after MRS FLUELLIN left. On Friday and Saturday last she observed something strange in his manner; the first time was when they were in the field on Friday afternoon; the deceased took some hay which he carried about from place to place without any object. He said to her that he was a long time there doing nothing, and she asked him what he was going to do, for he did not appear to be in his right mind, to which he replied, "Don't you think I am?" and she answered "No, I am sure you are not." They came in from milking at six o'clock. He refused to have tea, and she told him that if he would not she would not have any, and she put on her bonnet to go out giving him the keys, but he followed her. They remained out for some time, then returned, and he had a cup of tea, afterwards going out with the intention of taking a half-pint of beer. When he came back they went to a neighbour's called Delbridge, where he said he should very much like to know who had bailed Mutters, and expressed a wish that he could go to bed and never wake again. They returned home just before eleven, when he wanted to go into Mr Gage's next door, but she said she would go also, in fact when he knew Mutters was out he wanted to go out drinking, and that was the reason why she kept so close to him. They remained at Gage's until about twelve; whilst he was there he kept talking about Mutters. After leaving there, which was between twelve and one o'clock, he smoked a pipe and went to bed, whilst she laid down in the parlour until four o'clock, when she went to bed. About five o'clock he called her and they went milking. He went through his usual avocation on Saturday, and complained in the evening that Mutters had met him several times and had tantalised him, and that she (meaning his wife) had sent him out to do so. In the evening, when they went to the field, he again carried about the hay, remarking that he was a long time doing nothing, she repeating her observation of the previous night. On the Saturday evening they went to Heavitree to give one of the cows a bran mash, and coming home they had half a pint of beer between them. On coming home he sat thinking for about ten minutes, which was very unusual for him, and she asked him if he was not going to smoke. He replied that his pipe was upstairs. She fetched it, and about half-past 11 shew as going to bed, and wished him good night. That was the last time she saw him alive. Before she went to bed he said, "Are you going to bed like that?" upon which she went over to him. They both cried. He kissed her, shook hands, and left. He cried first, and that made her cry, for she thought it was very unusual of him. After she went to bed she heard him go down, but she laid down and did not hear him come up again. She locked the doors and took the keys in her pocket, so she was sure there was no one then in the house but themselves. The next morning she overslept herself, and about half-past six a boy came for the purpose of assisting him in milking. She went to get the keys, and to call deceased, when she found him lying on the floor on his face and hands. That was not the room in which he slept, but in one adjoining. On finding deceased in that state she ran downstairs, opened the window, and jumped out and obtained assistance. She was satisfied that the act was his own, and she believed that it was brought on by Mutters having tantalised him as he did in Radnor-place. The razor (produced) was the one belonging to deceased; it was on the washstand covered with blood, and the basin was half full of blood and water. Mr and Mrs Gage came in when she made the discovery, and also Miss Delbridge and James Pearse. - In reply to the Jury the witness said the deceased was not out of her sight at all on the Saturday, and he did not drink any brandy and water on either the Friday or Saturday evening. - Mr Fryer, who appeared to watch the case on behalf of the deceased's father, said he had no question to put to the witness. - Mr James Gillard, gardener, who resided next door to the deceased, said that he had not noticed anything peculiar about him lately, but when first his wife left him he was like a madman and he (witness) believed he would have committed suicide then if he had not been pretty well looked after. It was then talked of by the neighbours that he might do himself some harm, and in fact someone slept with him for some days. On hearing the alarm on Sunday morning he went into the room and found the deceased as already described, and then gave information to the police. - In reply to Mr Fryer the witness said the deceased was low when his wife left him, but he afterwards rallied. - James Pearse deposed to having seen the body in the condition descried before Gillard came into the house. - In reply to the Rev. G. W. B. Wills, the witness said he fetched the deceased's wife. - Mr George Wheeler, licensed victualler of Heavitree, deposed to having had a long conversation with the deceased on Friday and Saturday, and he did not believe he was in a sound state of mind on either of those days. He felt annoyed at Mutters meeting him, and it so preyed on his mind that he did not know what to do with himself, and wished someone would shoot him. - The Jury then returned a verdict "That the deceased Destroyed Himself while in a state of Unsound Mind." - [On returning from viewing the body, the Coroner said the sight was truly awful. The gas in the throat was frightful, and blood was still issuing from the wound.]

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 5 November 1864
TOTNES - Melancholy Death Through Falling From A Bed At Totnes. - An Enquiry was held on Wednesday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, with Mr John Mitchell, Foreman, at the Bridge inn, Bridgetown, on the body of RICHARD FLETCHER, who died on the previous day under very melancholy circumstances. It appeared from the evidence that on Sunday evening last at about half-past eight o'clock deceased was sitting on the bed, when, by some means totally unaccountable, he suddenly fell off on the floor, which was composed of stone. His wife immediately procured assistance and lifted him into bed, and despatched a messenger for Dr Hains, who on visiting deceased found him suffering from concussion of the brain, with a discharge of blood from the mouth and nostrils. Congestion rapidly followed, with a large discharge of blood from the mouth. The doctor expressed his belief that the fall was the cause of the deceased's death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 7 November 1864
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held on Saturday evening last, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Thomas Short was Foreman, touching the death of a man named JOHN SYMS, whose body was found floating in the water under the Hoe. - JOHN SYMS, the son of the deceased, was the first witness called. He said he was a hired ropemaker in the Devonport Dockyard. He identified the body as being that of his father, who had been also a hired ropemaker in the Dockyard, but had been discharged owing to his being over sixty years old. He (deceased) had been in the service of the Government 23 years - 17 of which had been continuous service, but 20 years' continuous servitude being required to entitle a hired man to a gratuity or pension deceased was discharged without the least remuneration. He had memorialized the Admiralty, but they had returned an unfavourable answer, and he had been in a desponding state ever since, and had been continually talking to himself about being wronged and treated badly by the Government. He was always very steady, and lived on very good terms with his wife and the rest of the family. The first time witness heard of his father being missed was on the same morning, about 11 o'clock, when his sister came to the yard to him, and told him that his father had left his home in Newport-street, Stonehouse, the evening before (Friday) and that the family had not seen or heard of him since. He at once got leave, and proceeded to search for him, but his inquiries were fruitless until about half-past four in the afternoon, when he saw the second edition of the Western Daily Mercury, which contained an account of the finding of the body of a man under the Hoe. He at once came to the Guildhall and recognised the body as that of his father. - George Bradford, a merchant seaman, said he was in a boat towing a "ketch" in company with a man named John Gove, and when under the Hoe they perceived some object floating between the yacht and the shore. They pulled towards it, and found it to be the body of a man. They took it into the boat, and proceeded to the Barbican, where they landed the body, and handed it over to the constable on duty. - Mr Fuge, the Barbican constable, corroborated the last witness's statement, and said he accompanied the body to the Guildhall, where it was searched. A pair of spectacles in a case, a pocket-knife, a tobacco-box, and 4 ½d. in coppers were found on the deceased. The three first named articles were recognised by JOHN SYMS, the son, as being his father's. - This being the whole of the evidence, the Coroner summed up, and the Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned without any marks of violence."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 14 November 1864
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Seaman From Accident In The Plymouth Sound. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, before J. Edmonds, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of JOHN THOMAS, aged 29 years, a seaman of the Lottie Warren, Captain Holmes, from New York to London. It appeared from the evidence that on the vessel putting into the port at twelve o'clock, the deceased was on the port quarter of the fore-yard, assisting two of the crew in furling the sails, and whilst leaning over the yard hauling up the clew of the foresail to better the appearance of the stowage of the sail, he lost his footing and balance and fell forward over the fore side of the yard, pitching on his head on the deck abreast of the foremast. The deceased was immediately picked up insensible and carried into the cabin, where every assistance was given to the poor fellow by the surgeon of the Wellesley, emigrant ship, then lying in the Sound. Plaisters were applied to the deceased's body without having the desired effect of restoring him, and stimulants were attempted to be given to him, but it was found that he could not swallow. The deceased gradually sunk, and, without even speaking after the accident, died at about four o'clock the same day. It was supposed that the deceased slipped his knee whilst on the rigging. The surgeons gave a certificate of the death of the deceased, which he said was occasioned by a collapse, the result of a fall from a height, causing a fracture of his skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 November 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At The Picklecombe Forts. - John Edmonds, Esq., the Borough Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Plymouth Guildhall, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of a man named TIMOTHY HORRELL, aged 33 years, who died on Sunday last at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, in consequence of injuries which he had received on the previous Wednesday, whilst working at the Picklecombe forts, Maker. - The evidence went to show that on the day named the deceased was authorised by John Shamble, the leading man of the labourers, to collect some wood and throw it down an area, where other men were working. While so engaged, a nail which was protruding from one of the pieces of timber caught in his coat, and the deceased was precipitated to the bottom of the area, a distance of about 14 feet. Shamble, who witnessed the accident, called to the men beneath to assist the deceased, and on his being brought to the surface, it was found that the right side of his skull was fractured. He was immediately conveyed to the hospital, where his injuries were carefully attended to, but the poor fellow lingered until Sunday, when death put an end to his sufferings. The Jury, of which Mr Joseph Northmore was Foreman, having heard the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Railway Accident Near Tavistock. The Coroner's Inquest. - An Enquiry into the circumstances attending the death of NICHOLAS BURNMAN, the old man who was killed on the Tavistock railway on Friday last was held before the Coroner (A. B. Bone, Esq.) at the Guildhall, Tavistock, on Monday. There was a highly respectable Jury, of whom Mr Roberts was Foreman. The body of the deceased having been viewed, the evidence of the witnesses was taken. - John Rowsell said he was a fireman or stoker on the South Devon and Tavistock branch of the South Devon Railway. On Friday he was on the engine of the 2.15 p.m. up-train, from Plymouth to Tavistock. He stood on the footplate of the engine on the left-hand side. After passing over the Grenofen viaduct, and when about 50 yards from the mouth of the tunnel, he saw a man close up under the side of the bank, about 20 yards from the line of rails. The man was working stone - lifting it with his foot on an iron bar. The man looked at him and smiled. The train passed rapidly by and witness saw no more of him. Have seen him at work there every day for about three weeks, and he always smiled as the train passed. He knew the man, for he saw him when he went out with a special train to Grenofen to fetch stones about a fortnight since. Mr Tomes, the local inspector of the permanent way, was there at the time, and spoke to the man, who returned in the train to Tavistock. - Joseph Booth, the driver of the engine of which the last witness was stoker, said he saw the deceased when he went by with the 12.45 p.m. down-train, from Tavistock to Plymouth. - Samuel Stanton, a miner, said he passed by the railway cutting on Friday last. He was walking on one side, at the top of the cutting and on looking down he saw the deceased standing at the foot of a pile of stones, on which he appeared to have been working. The deceased was picking in the loose stones, some of which were very near the railway metals, and he was standing from 18 inches to two feet from the line, with his back towards the rails, and his face towards the pile of stones. His right foot was on the Tavistock side. Witness walked on, and had not gone more than fifty yards when he heard the 3.30 .p.m. market train pass out of the Ash Tunnel, on its way to Plymouth. Witness went on towards his home at Whitchurch. - John Anderson said he was an engine driver on the South Devon and Cornwall Railways and their branches. He was the engineman of the 3.30 p.m. market train from Tavistock to Plymouth on Friday last. He left Tavistock at 3.34. He was standing on the right hand side of the engine. In its progress to and through the Ash Tunnel the train went at the rate of 23 or 24 miles an hour. On entering the tunnel he blew the whistle, as usual. He blew the whistle loudly enough for it to be heard through the tunnel. He had seen a pile of stones just beyond the mouth of the tunnel, on the Plymouth side. The whistle was blown loudly enough to be heard at that spot. The whistle was not blow on leaving the tunnel. The length of the tunnel was 14 chains. He passed through the tunnel and the train proceeded onwards without being obstructed in anyway. He was not sensible of any jerk or peculiar motion as the train passed by the heap of stones. The train was composed of three carriages and two trucks. It was a market train. ~The steps of the carriages project further out on each side of the line than the steps of the engine do. Witness went on to Plymouth, and was quite unconscious till the following day that a man had been run over. The market train ran only on Fridays and last Friday was the second time it had run. Witness did not see the deceased. It was his duty to look out and see if anything got in the way of the train. He looked out, but he saw nothing. It was a fine afternoon, neither foggy nor misty, but there was smoke in the tunnel. The place where the heap of stones was laid was in a curve. If the engine had run over the deceased witness would surely have felt a jerk. If the engine were to run over a small stone, a jerk would certainly be felt. - After the last witness had finished his statement the Coroner and Jury, accompanied by Mr Cockshott, went to the railway station to look at a third class carriage, on the wheels of which spots of blood, together with a few grey hairs, had been found. Having seen the carriage, the Coroner, the Jury, Mr Cockshott, the superintendent and sergeant of Police, and several of the witnesses, were taken by a special train to view the spot where the sad occurrence took place. The inspection was soon completed, and owing to the kindness of Mr Cockshott in providing a train, the Coroner and Jury were enabled to return to the Guildhall and to continue their investigation without much loss of time. - John Stanbury deposed that he, in company with others, went to search for the deceased when it was found that he did not return home at his usual time, and that he discovered the body of the deceased lying on one side of the line. The right foot and a portion of the right leg were smashed, and bruised, and the head was cut and injured frightfully. The deceased was quite dead. - Corroborative testimony concerning the finding of the body was adduced, and Mr Blatchford gave evidence to the effect that the deceased had been in his service; that he had been warned never to go on the line; and that he knew full well the times at which the train would pass through the cutting. - It was shown in evidence, also, that the deceased was very deaf. - Mr Cockshott, the traffic superintendent of the South Devon and Cornwall Railways, stated that on Saturday last, when he received a report from the guard of the goods' train that the body of a man had been found near the Ash tunnel, he immediately proceeded to examine the carriages, and found on a third-class carriage a gray hair - apparently a human hair; pieces of flesh - apparently human flesh; and several blood marks on the wheels. One of the steps had been knocked one inch out of the perpendicular, as if it had come in contact with something. The Coroner then read over the evidence, and the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Accidentally Killed by a Railway Train."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 17 November 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At The Drake's Place Flour Mills, Plymouth. - Yesterday afternoon an Investigation, instituted by the Borough Coroner, John Edmonds, Esq., was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, into the circumstances attending the death of HENRY REEVES, a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Daw and Serpell, proprietors of the Drake's-place Flour Mills, whose death took place on the previous evening. Mr J. W. Heydon was chosen Foreman. - The Coroner briefly stated the facts of the case, after which the Jury proceeded to view the body. - John Milford, a lad about 15 years of age, living at Wellington-street, and in the employ of Messrs. Daw and Serpell, stated that on Tuesday evening at six o'clock the men labouring at the mills left their work, leaving the deceased and himself there after that time. The machinery of the mills was in full operation, and he went outside to clear up the lees. He was absent but a very few minutes, and then he returned to where he left deceased, when he observed him ascending a ladder which was on a level with the troughs. The deceased directly afterwards again descended the "pit," and witness did not afterwards see him. He went outside the mills for the same purpose as on the previous occasion, and on his return he observed that the machinery had partially stopped. He called out loudly several times, and, receiving no answer, he immediately ran to Mr Serpell's house, and saw both that gentleman and his son, and they accompanied him back to the mills. - Samuel Nicholson Serpell being examined, stated that he was foreman to Messrs. Daw and Serpell, millers and corn merchants, at the Drake's-place Mill, situate at Tavistock-road. There was a pit underground below the mills, at the top of which there was a trap-hatch, and by descending a ladder access could be obtained to the shaft. It was necessary to go down the pit about twice a week to oil the turbine brass, which could not be done when the mills were working. The deceased was a miller and flour dresser at the establishment, and had been in the occupation of Messrs. Daw and Serpell about five years. He was a man of good character, sober habits, and was about 27 years of age. Witness saw the deceased several times during Tuesday, when he appeared to be in very good health and in his usual spirits. At about half-past six o'clock witness gave deceased some orders previous to his departure from the works. Shortly before seven o'clock the last witness came to his house, and from information then transmitted to him he went with his father to the mills. The last witness having told him that the water was running away, he immediately on going to the mill rose the waste hatch, and endeavoured to stop the machinery, but could not succeed in doing so because of the valves being broken. He screwed down the valve with some difficulty, and finding that the mills did not stop he apprehended that something wrong had occurred to the turbine shaft. He then fetched one of the workmen named Richard Jones, who on going to the mill went down the shaft, taking with him a lantern. Witness heard Jones say whilst at the bottom of the shaft, "It is him." Witness then procured the assistance of a man named Dennis to remove the body. - Richard Jones, a stone-dresser, in the employ of Messrs. Daw and Serpell, said that he had known the deceased between three and four years, and on the previous day he had seen deceased, when he appeared quite cheerful. Witness saw him alive at about six o'clock, and at about seven o'clock he was desired by a messenger to go to the mills. He procured a lantern and went into the pit, and the first thing that presented itself to his view was the deceased's clothes, which he found on the upright shaft. He also saw a piece of sack around the cogs. He then went further down the pit, and discovered the deceased's body at the bottom, it being entirely naked and quite dead. The bones of both arms were wrenched from their sockets and, in fact, all the bones in the body were apparently broken. He, with assistance, conveyed the body above, after which it was removed to the distillery and spirit vaults in High-street, kept by a relative of the deceased. From the fact of a piece of a sack being found with deceased's clothes, he thought that he was using the sack for the purpose of wiping the bearings of the upright shaft, and that whilst he was using it the shaft caught it and his arms with it, which probably occasioned the breaking of the valve rod, with which he doubtless came in contact. The upright shaft made between 200 and 300 revolutions per minute, and he had no reason to believe the death was anything but purely accidental. - The Coroner said that there was no direct evidence, but from the hypothesis of the witness the Jury could reasonably conclude that the deceased's death was an accident, because there was no reason to believe that the deceased himself put an end to his existence. - The Jury unanimously returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 18 November 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Explosion At Richmond Walk, Devonport. - The County Coroner (Allan Belfield Bone, Esq.) held an Enquiry yesterday afternoon, at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD SMEARDON, who was killed on the previous day whilst engaged in blasting a rock at Richmond Walk. - The first witness called was Henry Robjohns, who said: I am a labourer employed by Mr Triverton, the Government contractor, at the Richmond Walk Quarry. Yesterday morning, about half-past ten, I was at work in the quarry breaking a stone, and the deceased was at work on one of the rocks, about eight feet above the bottom of the quarry. He was boring out a hole, which had previously misfired. He was taking out the contents in order to re-charge it. It had misfired about eight o'clock in the morning. Two other men were assisting the deceased in the work by using a rod, made for the purpose of boring holes. They were "jumping" the rod, and turning it round in the hole, so as to get the powder out. Whilst they were thus employed the charge exploded. I saw the men throwing water in the hole not a minute before the explosion. This is done to prevent accidents. The rod they were using was the usual and proper instrument. When the charge exploded the deceased was knocked off the rocks. I immediately went to his assistance, and found him severely injured. His chin was cut open, and he had a very severe wound across the throat. He was taken to the hospital as soon as possible. He appeared to be insensible. The men were all perfectly steady and sober. The two others were also injured, one of them very severely. - Elizabeth Perrottei, nurse of the hospital, was then called. She said: The deceased was brought into the hospital yesterday morning a few minutes before eleven o'clock, and he was placed on a bed immediately. I attended him up to the time of his death, which occurred at a few minutes past one. He appeared to suffer very much, and a good deal of blood came up from his chest. One of his hands was nearly severed in two parts, hanging only by two or three leaders. The breast bone was entirely displaced, and his chin was cut right through. He essayed to speak once or twice, but was prevented from doing so in consequence of the blood coming up in his throat. - John Brown, the next witness, said: I am the foreman of the labourers engaged on the Government works at Richmond-walk. I saw the deceased at about eight o'clock yesterday morning, engaged with two other men, named Robert Kerslake and John Maddiford, in "tamping" a hole in the rock. They fired the hole and it blasted, but the rock was not displaced. They examined it afterwards, and were of opinion that it had misfired, and as is usual in such cases it was allowed to remain for two or three hours. Between ten and eleven o'clock they went to work again in removing the "tamping". I believe the ordinary rock powder was used and not the Patent Blasting Powder. I saw the deceased put water into the hole about two minutes before the explosion took place. The cause of the explosion, I should think was from the "jumper" striking fire in the hole. The men were all steady and sober. - John Maddiford, one of the men in the Hospital, and who is suffering from an injury in the eye, was next examined in the ward. He said, "I was at work yesterday morning with the deceased RICHARD SMEARDON. When the hoe was first fired it did not explode. This was, I think, between seven and eight o'clock. Some two or three hours afterwards, we were all three engaged in cutting out the tamping. We had no idea that there was any powder in the hole, or we should not have put a jumper in it. We had got down about five feet with a two-and-a-half-inch bit, when the rock suddenly exploded, and I was struck in the breast and knocked backwards. - Robert Kerslake, the other man, who was more severely injured, was next examined, and he said: I am a labourer, and yesterday, I was at work in the Richmond Walk quarry. SMEARDON and I charged a hole in the quarry in the usual way. We generally fire a hole twice, as firing it once will not discharge its burden. We first charged the hole on the day before. The hole was a very bad one, and the rock was shaky. The first time we fired it failed to explode and the second time we drove a needle down to the powder. We filled the needle hole with powder, and then lighted the hole. It went off, as we considered; and as it was an open rock we thought the powder had exploded, and ran away in the open ground at the bottom. We then waited two or three hours, when we thought the best plan would be to cut the hole out and make it larger. We therefore proceeded to cut out the tamping, when suddenly it exploded, and we were struck by the tamping and the powder. All three of us were injured. The rod, which was eleven feet long, was blown out of the hole. - This was the whole of the evidence, and the Coroner briefly summed it up to the Jury. He said he did not see that any reflection could be thrown on either one of the men, for they were experienced men, and carried out the work in the usual manner; but they had been labouring under a sad mistake, and thus it was, the accident occurred. - The Jury, of whom Mr Grylls was Foreman, then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 19 November 1864
TOTNES - Fatal Accident At Totnes. - An Inquest was held at the Bridge Inn, Bridgetown, last evening, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., on the body of a boy named WILLIAM RICHARDS, about 16 years of age, who was drowned on the previous night in the River Dart. - The Jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was taken:- George Madders, of Totnes, a labourer, said: About one o'clock in the afternoon I was in a boat looking for a boy, whom I heard was drowned just opposite Mr Barns's cellar, when I found the body nearly in the middle of the stream. I did not know the deceased. There were several of us in the boat and we took him out. The tide was about four hours ebb. We took the deceased to the Bridgetown Quay, and he was taken to Mr Farley's. - John Marshall, a sailor of Truro, said he had seen the deceased and heard he was called RICHARDS. Witness did not know him, but saw the deceased last evening between six and seven. They walked up Totnes-street together about half-way to the post-office from the quay. The deceased belonged to the Volinlina, a schooner. The deceased was perfectly sober. Witness had not seen the deceased alive since. - Joseph Rose, a sailor belonging to a vessel lying at Bridgetown Quay, said that last evening about eight o'clock he was on board his vessel. The Volinlina was lying a little astern. He heard a splash in the water and heard a voice say "Are you overboard?" There was no answer and the captain of the Volinlina hailed us, and said "Bring me a boat." I took a boat and went alongside of the Volinlina, and one of the men of that vessel, got into my boat. He called "WILLIAM," but there was no answer. We made search for the deceased. The boat of the Volinlina was adrift. - The Volinlina having gone to Dartmouth, and the captain having gone in her, the Inquest was adjourned until this day at seven o'clock to take his evidence.

OTTERY ST. MARY - Melancholy Suicide At Ottery St. Mary. - A melancholy suicide occurred at Ottery St. Mary on Monday evening last. MR ROBERT LIPPET, of Foxenholes, a highly respectable yeoman, after partaking of his tea with his wife, rose and went into the court and cut his throat with a razor. He was attended by Dr Whitby, who pronounced the case hopeless, and in about six hours he died. Deceased has left a wife and three young children. He had been for some time suffering from a tumour rising on the brain. Every care and attention was bestowed on him, and although in a desponding state, he gave orders to the men in the usual way, and his wife thought he was gone to see the men at the cider press, as he had on several evenings done so. He was well-known as a sound, practical, scientific and skilful farmer. An Inquest was held on Wednesday, before S. M. Cox, Esq., and a highly respectable Jury, when a verdict was given, "That deceased committed Suicide by cutting his throat while in a state of Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 21 November 1864
TOTNES - Inquest At Totnes. - The adjourned inquest on the body of WM. RICHARDS, who was drowned in the River Dart on Thursday night was held by Mr F. B. Cuming, (the Coroner) last Saturday evening, at the Bridge Inn, Bridgetown. - John Haynes, Captain of the Voluntina, was now present, and said: I belong to Port Isaac, of Cornwall. I have seen the deceased, and it is the body of WILLIAM RICHARDS. He told me he was 16 years old; he belonged to the Voluntina. On Thursday evening he left the vessel to fetch some paper and other things for the men and himself. He asked me if he should bring a loaf, and I said he might, and I gave him a shilling for that purpose. He left the vessel about half-past six; he was quite sober. I never saw him in liquor. My vessel was lying at Bridgetown-quay, about 20 feet from the shore. There was no communication from the shore to the vessel. The deceased took the boat when he left. At eight o'clock I was reading in the cabin, when I heard a noise on deck. I went on deck and called to the deceased. I said, "Have you locked the gate?" I got no answer. I then called to know if he was overboard, but received no answer. I then made an alarm to the schooner above to get a boat which they did. I heard no splash. I heard a noise, a sort of an exclamation. I never saw the deceased alive after he left the ship. I searched for the deceased for several hours - in fact, all night; the schooner's boat brought back my boat, there was nothing in it. All my men were on board and in bed; there are three men besides myself and the deceased. I never knew of his quarrelling with anyone. I cannot form any idea how he got in the water. The oar of the boat belonging to the Voluntina was on board that vessel, and it had been taken by the deceased. It was throwing the oar on board that aroused me in the cabin. It was very dark at the time and nearly high water. - John Philip Frost Palmer Hains, a surgeon residing at Bridgetown, said - I have examined the body of the deceased. I found no marks of violence. The teeth were clenched, and a quantity of blood was oozing from the mouth. With great difficulty I opened the mouth and found the tongue nearly bitten through by the teeth, and that was what caused the bleeding. There is no doubt but that death was caused by drowning. I do not think he ever rose after he went under water. - This being all the evidence, and the Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 30 November 1864
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Rising Sun Inn, Russell-street, Exeter, on the body of MR JAMES LEE, the late landlord, who was found dead in his chair at two o'clock that morning. It appeared that MRS LEE left her husband after 12 o'clock and as he did not come to bed she went down and found him as described. The evidence of Mr Johnson Webb, surgeon, went to show that deceased expired from spasms of the heart and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The deceased, who was 54 years of age, was a staunch Liberal and greatly respected.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 December 1864
YEALMPTON - The Frightful Suicide Of A Farmer At Dunstone, near Yealmpton. - Yesterday afternoon the County Coroner, Allan Belfield Bone, Esq., held an Inquest at Higher Dunstone Farm, near Yealmpton, touching the death of WALTER KING DAWE, who committed suicide on Sunday morning last under the most melancholy circumstances, the particulars of which appeared in the issue of the Mercury on Tuesday last. - The Jury proceeded to view the body, which presented a frightful appearance, the deceased's sister and brother were examined, in whose evidence the case was fully detailed. - It appeared that the deceased was forty-seven years of age and unmarried. He occupied a farm known as Higher Dunstone, and for a considerable time past, through some inexplicable means, he had been greatly depressed in mind, and quite eccentric in his manners. He was under the impression that his business was gradually being impaired, for which there was not the least foundation. He had, however, been out of his mind some years since, and he frequently expressed his apprehension of being removed to an asylum, and for a considerable period previous to his death he was in the habit of walking across the room occasionally making exceedingly strange gestures. In consequence of this depression medical advice was obtained, and directions were given that the movements of the deceased should be put under strict surveillance. He retired on Saturday night at his usual time, being then apparently much excited, and during the night he was very restless, and on two occasions he put on a portion of his clothing, and walked about the bedroom without any apparent object, there being a person at the time in the room watching him. After much trouble he was persuaded to return to his bed, but at about five o'clock he suddenly jumped towards the window, and attempted to jump through it, but he was prevented from effecting his purpose, though in the endeavour he broke three panes of glass. His sister remained with him after that time until about half-past six o'clock, when she went into the kitchen to provide some necessity. During her absence her attention was aroused by a noise on the upper floor, and she immediately ran in the direction from whence the sound proceeded, and discovered the deceased in his brother's room. Upon recognising her he endeavoured to evade her by creeping under the bed. She saw the floor besmeared with blood and a razor near the spot, and directly raised an alarm, when her brother instantly rendered her assistance, but the deceased resisted their efforts to remove him by violently clutching the bed-post with his left arm. Eventually, however, by further assistance he was removed in bed, where he became very violent, and a messenger was despatched for a surgeon. Dr Adams having arrived restoratives were applied, but they proved unavailing and the deceased expired shortly after twelve o'clock. - The Coroner having briefly recapitulated the evidence, the Jury, without the least hesitation, returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 December 1864
KINGSTEIGNTON - Fatal Accident At Kingsteignton. - An Inquest was held at the King's Arms, Kingsteignton, on Thursday evening, by F. B. Cuming, Esq., the District Coroner, on the body of GEORGE BOVEY, one of the foremen in the employ of Messrs. Watts, Blake, Bearne, and Co., the extensive clay merchants. Owing to the nature of the ground in which the pits are excavated to obtain the clay, it is necessary to use large balks of timber as struts to prevent it from falling in, and after the clay is extracted the balks are withdrawn and the ground allowed to tumble in. As the pits are generally deep (sometimes seventy feet) the removal of these balks is always attended with danger, unless great care be used by the operatives, and Messrs. Watts and Co., have provided portable cranes and other necessary apparatus for their security. It appeared that the accident happened when the balks were being withdrawn from an exhausted pit, and, as it was raining at the time, the men did not wait to avail themselves of the means that had been provided for their safety. The deceased was standing on a strut and in order to loosen it for removal he caused another balk to be "bounced" down on it, and it slipped away suddenly. The deceased immediately sprang towards another strut to save himself, but missed it and fell to the bottom - about forty-four feet - his head coming in contact with a piece of timber, with so much force as to cause instant death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The deceased, who was only twenty-seven years of age, has left a wife and two children.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 5 December 1864
PLYMOUTH - Inquest At The Plymouth Guildhall. - An Inquiry was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday evening at five o'clock, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Charles Pitts was Foreman, touching the death of a man named ROBERT WILTON, a coalporter, who was drowned while in a fit on Sutton Wharf. - William Widger, deputy harbourmaster at Sutton Harbour, said he was on the wharf about nine o'clock on Saturday morning, and was standing close to the deceased. A French schooner was coming in at the time, and the pilot called to him to warp a rope for him. He turned round and saw a boy who had been standing beside deceased falling over the wharf. He did not know that deceased had fallen over till he saw two caps in the water. The boy came to the surface and was rescued, but the body of the deceased was not recovered for half-an-hour, they not being able to get the grappling irons sooner. The body was taken to the Guildhall, and put in the deadhouse. - John Hodge, a rigger, said he had frequently seen the deceased have fits, and this was the third time he had taken the deceased out of the water. He was on the quay on Saturday morning, and heard the cry - "A man overboard!" he went over to the edge of the quay, and saw the head of deceased rising about a foot under water. Deceased did not come above the surface, but if grappling irons had been hung up n the shed he was certain he should have been able to save the man's life. - The brothers and sister of deceased having identified the body, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said he would represent to the Chairman of the Sutton Harbour Company the necessity of having grappling irons and corks hung up in the shed, so as to be available when wanted.

EGG BUCKLAND - Horrible Death Through Suffocation At Laira. - On Saturday afternoon the County Coroner, Allan Belfield Bone, Esq., held an Enquiry at the Crab-tree Inn, Crabtree, touching the death of JOHN POTE, a boy about 14 years of age, whose death was occasioned by suffocation under the most melancholy circumstances. - It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased was in the employ of Hubbard Brothers, contractors, of Stonehouse, who have in their possession a number of barges, to one of which - a barge named the James - the deceased belonged. The barge arrived in the river Plym on Thursday last, and was moored opposite the amphitheatre at Saltram. In the evening a man named William Horne, one of the crew, went on shore, and William Johns and the deceased returned to the vessel. At about midnight they trimmed the barge and made preparations for its start on the following morning. After Johns had proceeded to the cabin the deceased placed on the hatch, and after making up a good fire, composed of coals in the grate, they laid down on the floor. At about half-past seven o'clock the next morning two men, named respectively William Horne and James Fuens, who were on board another barge, in close proximity to that in which Johns and deceased were, hailed them, and receiving no reply, Hore and Fuens went on board, when they discovered the cabin hatch closed, and another hatch in a slanting position over the top of the chimney, which protruded some inches above the deck. The hatch was removed, when the cabin was discovered to be filled with smoke, the heat prevailing being intense, and a strong sulphurous vapour being emitted. There was no fire in the grate, and nothing but ashes, apparently burnt out. Horne, on looking around, saw deceased lying on his back on the locker, and Johns was found in a similar position, groaning deeply, but the deceased was perfectly still. Upon an examination being made of POTE, it was found that life was quite extinct, but Johns, being apparently alive, was removed to the Crabtree Inn in a senseless condition. Medical assistance was procured and Johns, after a few hours, recovered, but POTE had expired some hours previously. - The Jury unanimously returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased was Suffocated by a sulphurous vapour, being confined in the cabin of the barge." - The Jury suggested that bargemen in particular should be very careful as to the material that was burnt, because in some instances, when ventilation was even very good, the vapour would be inhaled, and death occasioned in a very short space of time. The Coroner hoped that Johns, who had so narrowly escaped, would attend to the suggestion of the Jury, and at the same time expressed an opinion that the hatch which was placed on the top of the chimney - according to the evidence - by the deceased gradually lowered, and at length altogether closed on the chimney by the rise of the tide.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident On Board H.M.S. Achilles. - A fatal and melancholy accident occurred on Friday last on board her Majesty's iron-clad frigate Achilles, now lying in Plymouth Sound. The vessel has for some time past been lying in the harbour at moorings off Keyham, and on Friday morning it appears that several men were on the mizen-top placing it in its proper position. It having nearly been fixed, at this juncture the captain of the top and another man were engaged in entering the "fid," which is an iron bar three inches square and nearly two feet in length, and by some unaccountable means the lashing, which was made of 3 ½ inch "rumbo" gave way, and the fid was jerked out, falling on the quarter deck. By the force of the sudden occurrence, one of the men was knocked through the "lubber's-hole" but he luckily escaped unhurt. The fid, however, struck an able seaman who was on the deck, named JOHN SMILLIE, on the right cheek and he immediately became insensible. He was conveyed to the sick bay and after a minute examination, the surgeon, Dr Drew, discovered evidence of internal haemorrhage having commenced and the man was directly taken in a boat to the Royal Naval Hospital, but previous to arrival there he expired. - On Saturday morning at half-past 10 o'clock an Inquest was held at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr G. W. Stear was chosen Foreman. The facts given above were then adduced in evidence. There being no defects known to have existed in the materials used on the occasion, and the Jury being of opinion that the occurrence was purely accidental, they returned a verdict to the effect that every person concerned was exculpated from blame.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 15 December 1864
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide At Richmond Walk. - An inquiry was held on Monday afternoon at two o'clock at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, before Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Robert Burt was Foreman, into the death of the man JOHN MARTIN, who cut his throat on Saturday morning last. - JANE MARTIN, a girl about 16 and daughter of the deceased, stated that the deceased kept a beer-house called The Tradesman's Arms, in Baker's-place, Richmond Walk. She lived with her father, together with her sister and brother. Deceased's wife had not lived with him for more than three years. On Saturday morning about half-past six the deceased told her to get up and get him a cup of tea, as he was not going to get up early. She did so, and took him up a cup. About half-past eight her sister went upstairs for something, and came down a few moments after and said her father had fallen out of bed, and that there was blood on his hand. She went out and asked a mason called Lamerton, who was working next door, to go up and see what was the matter, she being afraid. She had not seen her father after she took the tea up to him. Her mother had been in the habit of leaving the house about eleven o'clock at night and returning the next morning about 8 or 9 o'clock. The deceased had quarrelled with his wife on Saturday week last. Deceased had gone to bed in the afternoon tipsy. Some men made a noise and woke him up. He came down and began to "jaw." Her mother then interfered. They were going to strike each other, but witness went between them and received a blow from her father, which she believed was intended for her mother. Her mother lived in a furnished room in Princess-street. Witness had frequently seen her with a sailor named Hambrook. Her mother received half-pay from Hambrook. - John Lamerton corroborated the statement of the last witness, as to her having called him to go up to see what was the matter with her father; and further said - When he went up into the room the first thing he noticed was the chamber utensil nearly full of blood. A razor was beside it, and the deceased was lying on his left side, on the floor. He lifted him up and then saw that his throat was cut nearly from ear to ear. He went for assistance, and in about half an hour Dr Swain, jun., arrived, who attended to deceased. Witness helped to carry deceased downstairs. He was placed in a cab and taken to the Hospital. He had known deceased for 22 years. Saw him on Friday, when he did not appear to be exactly right. He told witness he was just out of his mind, and that his wife had not been home for the week. - Elizabeth Perrotti, a nurse of the hospital, said: About 11 o'clock on Saturday morning deceased was brought to the Hospital in a cot by some men. He was taken from the cot and put in a bed in the main ward, where he was attended to by Dr Swain and the house surgeon. The throat was cut from ear to ear. They administered beef tea and brandy through the orifice, which was all they could do under the circumstances. He brought up small quantities of blood from the time he entered and just before he died brought up about two quarts. He died about five minutes to one. - JANE RICHARDS, mother of deceased, said her first husband was called MARTIN. Deceased was her son. Deceased was 53 years of age, and was a cabinet-maker by trade. Latterly he had not spoken very sensibly. He married his present widow about 19 or 20 years ago. She had seen him very often during the last two months, and on Thursday last she saw him and he said he had been beaten by some fishermen, and for some months he had not appeared to be in his right mind. He complained of his wife's conduct to her. The house in which deceased lived belonged to her, and she maintained his children. - ANN MARTIN, wife of the deceased, said she had not lived with him for three and a-half years. She attended the beer-shop by day, and went away by night and she had a room in Princess-street. Her children lived with deceased, and she maintained them. She had not seen him since Saturday week last when he came to her room in Princess-street, and told her to make haste down to the beer-shop. She went down to the beer-shop and deceased was there. She saw he was looking very strange and put him to bed, and gave him some medicine. About half an hour after he came down. She was scrubbing the floor and was on her knees, when he jumped at her throat and hit her a blow in the eye and made it black. She took her bonnet and went out of doors. The man Hambrook did not live in her room. Hambrook lodged in the same house. She received half-pay from him. She washed his clothes and got his victuals. The half-pay was £1 5s. per month. He belonged formerly to the Warrior, but he belonged to no ship now. Deceased sent to her by Hambrook, and asked her to meet him somewhere, but she did not see him then, and had not seen him since. She had been beaten so on the day named that she was ashamed to go out. - P.C. Shubart deposed that from information received he went to Richmond Walk and found a razor (produced), which was covered with blood, on the wash-stand in the room. He came to the Hospital and saw deceased. Deceased appeared to know him, and nodded his head to him. - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict "That JOHN MARTIN, not being of Sound Mind, killed himself by cutting his throat." - The woman MARTIN was recalled and the Coroner addressed a few words to her, by the desire of the Jury, to the effect that her having been away from the deceased for a week had seemed to pray on his mind, and that her receiving half-pay from seamen and her conduct towards deceased generally was highly censurable.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 17 December 1864
TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Accident Near Tavistock. - Yesterday afternoon an Enquiry was held by A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner for the District, at the Guildhall, Tavistock, touching the deaths of the unfortunate men STEPHENS and RICHARDS who were killed by a fall of earth at the Wheal Josiah shaft of the Devon Great Consols on Wednesday last. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 21 December 1864
TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. - An Inquest was held last evening at the London Hotel, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., and a Jury, of whom Mr A. Browse was Foreman, touching the death of MR STEPHEN SPURLING, 50 years of age, a member of the Stock Exchange of London, who committed suicide that morning by throwing himself from the third storey of a lodging house in Salyard-terrace. The evidence of his brother and a keeper from Exeter went to show that deceased was of Unsound Mind at the time, and a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 December 1864
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident In The Streets. - An Inquest was held at five o'clock on Wednesday at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, King-street, before John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr Rickard was Foreman, on the body of a boy named JAMES HEDDER, who was killed by a cart running over him. - The father of the boy identified the body, and said the boy was four and a half years of age. He saw him last at a quarter to ten on that morning, when he was alive and well. - William Smale, a carpenter, in the employ of Mr Elliott, said he was in King-street, under the railway arch, about one o'clock, and saw a man driving a cart towards the Market. He was going along at a jog trot. He saw the deceased run from the pavement across the road. The horse which the man was driving knocked the boy down with its breast, and the wheel of the cart went over his chest. The horse then started off, and he ran to its head. He did not think the man saw the boy, nor did he think the man was to blame. He appeared to be in great trouble about it. The boy died instantaneously. - Mr Thomas Broadlick, baker, said he saw the boy playing in the street a few minutes before the accident. He left the door for a few moments, and immediately heard a great screaming. He went out and saw the man John Thomas stopping his horse. Having ascertained what was the matter, he asked the man if he had done it, and he said, "Yes, I am the man." He saw the body of the deceased lying on the pavement. He was quite dead. - Mr Joseph Pantoll said the man was going at a jog trot. He did not think he was to blame. - The Coroner said he had seen Mr Evans, wine and spirit merchant, of Bedford-street, the master of the man, who said he was a sober, steady man, and he did not think the man was in the least to blame. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Awfully Sudden Death At Plymouth. - John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth and a respectable Jury, of whom Mr William Woolf was Foreman, met last evening for the purpose of Enquiring into the circumstances attending the death of HANNAH MOSES, a lady aged 86 years, who has for some time been residing at 16 Alfred-street, Plymouth. The Inquest was first opened at the Guildhall, but shortly afterwards adjourned to the late residence of the deceased, where, the Jury having viewed the body, evidence was taken. It appeared from the statement of the witnesses examined that the deceased had been infirm for some time, but had never kept her bed. About 8 o'clock on Thursday evening the deceased retired to rest, and was then apparently in her usual health. Half an hour afterwards a noise was heard upstairs as of something heavy having fallen, and the person who generally attended upon the deceased proceeding thither, she found her mistress on the first landing, she having fallen, it seemed, over nine stairs to the place where she was lying. Assistance was called and the deceased removed to her room, and a medical man was also sent for; but his efforts to restore animation were unavailing, for there could be no doubt that the unfortunate lady was dead when picked up. In the fall the deceased received a wound on the right temple, from which blood flowed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 29 December 1864
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant In Plymouth. - On Tuesday afternoon Mr John Edmonds, Borough Coroner, and a Jury, met at the Plymouth Guildhall to Enquire into the death of an infant aged six months, the offspring of THOMAS PELLOW, keeper of the Royal Standard Inn, High-street, and which was found dead in its bed on the morning of Monday last. It appeared that the child was healthy up to the last few weeks, when it suffered from a cold. It was put to bed on the evening of the Christmas-day, and about one o'clock on the following morning the parents went to bed. The mother suckled the child then, and when she fell asleep it was still at her bosom. The mother did not awake until 8 o'clock, when the baby was still in her arms, but dead, although warm. The father called a neighbour, who came, and he also fetched Mr Rendle, surgeon, but it was found that life was extinct. The mother stated that the child was teething, and before going to bed, a soothing powder was given to it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "died a Natural Death by the Visitation of God."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 31 December 1864
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Pauper In Plymouth From Excessive Rum Drinking. - A Jury was empanelled on Tuesday at the Plymouth Guildhall, and they, together with the Coroner, proceeded to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a pauper named JAMES SMALE, who died on Monday last from excessive rum drinking. - MARY SMALE, wife of the deceased, stated that she and her husband had been inmates of the Plymouth Workhouse for the last two and a half years. The deceased was 61 years of age, and was before he went to the union a shoemaker by trade, but for some considerable time he had worked for Mr Pollard, coal merchant, on the Parade. His health was bad, and he suffered much from asthma. On Sunday last she took her Christmas dinner at the Workhouse, but her husband went out on leave on the Saturday previous for a day, and did not return. She got leave on the following day, and found her husband about seven o'clock in the evening at a house in Southside-street, asleep in the cellar. - Thirza Williams, wife of Josiah Williams, stated that her husband kept a lodging-house in Southside-street, Plymouth. She knew the deceased for many years previous to his death. About half-past three o'clock on Monday afternoon the deceased came to her house alone. He seemed as though he had been drinking to excess, but had been asleep and had just awoke. He was shivering with the cold, and asked to be allowed to warm himself by the fire, where he sat for some time. Another inmate of the Workhouse named West, sat at the other side of the fire-place. West asked witness for a glass, and she let him have a half-pint glass, and he then went and procured a noggin of rum. A small drop of warm water was put into it, and SMALE took a glass and drank it up in two or three draughts. SMALE rose up and went alongside of West and after a few minutes West went out and fetched another quantity of rum in a ginger-beer bottle. This was poured into a glass, and witness said that it ought not to be given to SMALE as he had had enough; but West said that it would not hurt him. West drank a little, and SMALE took the rest, and emptied the glass, there being no water put with the spirit. Shortly after this SMALE fell asleep, and was removed into a back room, where he still slept for a considerable time. Deceased's wife came about 6 o'clock and upbraided West for giving her husband drink. She went out to see her husband, but did not then remove him. An hour afterwards the wife wanted her husband to go home, and a man named Gummo went out, and seeing the state of the deceased came in and told witness that he thought he was dying. She then sent for a policeman, who got a surgeon, but the deceased was then dead. - Samuel Gummo, a porter on the quay, deposed to finding the deceased lying in the back kitchen, and that he shortly afterwards died. He saw deceased's wife there, and she had been drinking, but she could not be called altogether tipsy. West was insensibly drunk. - The Coroner summed up the evidence, remarking that the conduct of West had been disgraceful and the Jury must all feel very indignant, as ratepayers, to see those persons towards whose maintenance they paid so heavily abusing the charity that was given them. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased died from the effects of drinking rum."