Crimes & Criminals

Newcastle Courant August 16 1800 The criminal trial that excited most attention at our assizes, was that of John M`KERAN, for breaking the house of Matthew BELL, Esq. of Woldington, near this town. This trial came on at the Moor Hall, before Baron GRAHAM, on Monday, at twelve o`clock, and lasted till four in the afternoon.

It appeared by evidence of a boy named Job WILKES, a chimney sweeper, between 15 and 16 years of age, that having been sent to sweep the chimnies of Mr BELLS house on the 11^th of December last, he had laid down to sleep under a table in the back kitchen. About one o`clock in the morning, he was awaked by a noise, which proved to be occasioned b a man coming in at the window, and sliding down upon the table under which the boy lay. The boy was now completely awake, and observed, most attentively, the proceedings of the prisoner, whom he identified in the clearest manner, describing every part of his dress very minutely. He related that after the prisoner came upon the table, he pulled off his boots, pressing his heels against the edge thereof, and then went to the fire-side to warm himself; (the coals had been raked out of the bars, but were in a glass under the grate).- He remained there near ten minutes, and then turned about his face toward the window, the moon shining exceedingly bright at the same time, which afforded the boy a complete view of his countenance, and enabled him to identify him so particularly. He now very deliberately came to the table, and ate some beef and bread, and drank a pot of beer, which were set by the servants for the boy when he began his work in the morning. This done, he took from his right hand pocket a hammer and chisel, with which he pazed or forced open the door leading into the front-kitchen, and the noise occasioned by the fall of some part of the frame of the door, awaked the under-butler, who slept not far from the kitchen, and who came immediately to the spot. The rest of the servants were then called up; search was made throughout the house, but the prisoner had made his escape out of it, passing the chimney-sweepers boy, who was then in the front-kitchen. From the very particular description given by the boy, M`KERAN was traced to a lodging house in Ponteland about two miles and a half from Mr BELL`s house, where he was apprehended; and in the course of the evening offered a sum of money and his watch to induce the constable, &c to let him away, but which they very properly refused. An alibi was attempted to be proved; and the principal evidence brought forward for this purpose was a very old woman, who said, she saw the prisoner in bed in her house the night the burglary was said to be committed that she locked her door, as usual, but that she had left the key in the lock. A woman of the name of FLANNAGHAN, who lodged in the same house, was also called on for the prisoner, but did not appear.

The Judge now recapitulated the evidence, and laid great stress upon the clear, district and intelligent evidence of the boy; after which the jury brought in a verdict, finding the prisoner Guilty, as above stated – and he afterwards received sentence of Death

Gibraltar, January 3. Tomorrow three of the ringleaders belonging to the 25^th regiment, are to be shot on the grand parade, in presence of the whole garrison, at eight o`clock. Their names are PASTORET, TEIGHMAN, and REILLY – the two former are Duch, and the last an Irishman. It appears clearly that the whole of the late mischief and disturbances, both in the Royals and the 25^th regiment, originated solely in the foreigners and drafts, none of the old soldiers having been at all accessory to the business. The garrison is all quiet as usual.

Newcastle Courant 8^th January 1803 Whereas James LOWRY, formerly of North Shields, in the County of Northumberland, late of Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, and Tinkler Row, in the County of Durham, Shoemaker, stands charged with divers Felonies, and hath absconded; Whoever will apprehend the said James LOWRY, and lodge him safely in any of his Majesty`s Gaols, in the United Kingdon, shall receive a Reward of FIVE GUINEAS from the Corporation of Newcastle. Lowry is about 40 Years of Age bow legged and Roman nosed, has black curled Hair, and speaks the Scotch Dialect;- Mayor`s Chamber, Newcastle 10^th December 1802

Newcastle Courant 15^th January 1803. At the General Quarter Sessions for this town, on Wednesday last, James DAWSON for stealing a silver fish knife, and John DAWSON, for stealing corn, were severally sentenced to be transported seven years. Robert DICKENSON, for stealing iron the property of his employer, and Edward SMITH, clerk to Mr RAYNE, for embezzling his master`s property, were severally sentenced to twelve months hard labour in the house of correction. Francis YEOMANS, for stealing corn, Margaret SMITH, for stealing a bed, and Thomas JOHNSON, for stealing a jacket, were severally sentenced to six months hard labour in the same place. Jane CURRY, for stealing a piece of calico, and Thomas RUTHERFORD, for stealing a jacket, were severally sentenced to three months ditto, in the same place. Margaret LOW, for stealing searing apparel, two months. Elizabeth SMITH, for ditto, one months. Isabella ANDERSON, for ditto, one fortnight. John WRIGHT, for stealing a box, one wee.

At the General Quarter Sessions for the county of Durham, on Monday last, George SNAITH was found guilty of stealing geese, the property of William YOUNG of Brancepeth, farmer and sentenced to be transported for 7 years; Hannah SNAITH, Elizabeth SNAITH, Ann SNAITH, Elizabeth LITTLE, and John VAZIE, indicted for the same offence were acquitted: James MIDFORD for larceny, was sentenced to hard labour in the house of correction 1 year; George PATTEN, for ditto, to be kept to hard labour in the same place 6 months; Eleanor WALKER, for stealing shawls in the shop of Mr SHIELDS of Durham, to be kept to hard labour 3 months in the same place; Robert RAINE, charged with larceny, was acquitted, Against George MACKIE, and William MIDDLETON no bills were found.

Last week were tried before the high court of justiciary at Edinburgh, Lieutenant-Colonel George MACKENZIE, Captain J.B. MacDONAGH, Serjeant Andrew MACKAY, and Serjeant Alexander SUTHERLAND, all of the late regiment of the Ross and Cromarty Rangers, on a charge of being guilty of the murder of certain persons, named in the indictment, on the 4^th of June last, in a riot in the streets of the city of Aberdeen. Ensign John LANNIGAN, of the same regiment was included in the indictment, but did not appear; the court pronounced sentence of fugitation against him.

The trial lasted several days: at two o`clock, on Monday last the jury returned their verdict, finding Lieut.-Col. MACKENZIE and Captain MACKAY and SUTHERLAND not proven. The panels were then dismissed from the bar.

Three other indictments were then called against the same persons. The diets against Lieutenant-Colonel MACKENZIE and Captain MACDONAGH in each of them were deserted simpliciter. Ensign LANNIGAN was outlawed for not appearing. The diet against the serjeants was continued til the 14^th of March, it being the intention of the prosecutors to bring them to trial on another of the indictments.

Newcastle Courant 15^th January 1803. On Thursday last, Peter JOHNSON, mate of a brig lying at Blyth, was robbed on his way to Sunderland, near Cleadon, by three men, of his watch and five shillings in silver.

Newcastle Courant 22^nd January 1803 At the General Quarter Sessions for Northumberland, held at Morpeth, on the 15^th inst, Jane BLACK, late of North Shields, single woman, was indicted for stealing a bullock`s heart, the property of Mr Thomas RATCLIFFE, and pleaded guilty: she was sentenced to be confined in the house of correction at Morpeth, six months, and at the expiration thereof, to be passed to the place of her legal settlement.

Hannah BURCHALL, found guilty of keeping a disorderly house, at Alnwick, and also of assaulting Margaret M`CREA, was sentenced to be committed to the house of correction at Morpeth, for one month. Jane RUTHERFORD, alias Jane FLETCHER, indicted for two assaults on Margaret M`CREA,l pleaded guilty thereto, and was sentenced to be committed to the house of correction, at Morpeth for fourteen days.

Articles of the peace were exhibited against Margaret BARNETT, of North Shields, for threatening to set fire to the house of Thomas SHORTRIDGE, at North Shields, and she was committed to the house of correction until she find sufficient sureties for her good behaviour for twelve months.

Articles of the peace were also exhibited against Henry JARVIS of North Shields, boatman, by Mr John REAY.He was committed to the house of correction at Tynemouth, until he find sufficient sureties for his good behaviour for twelve months.

A man apparently about 25 years old, of a Jewish appearance, has lately been in the neighbourhood of Stainddrop collecting umbrellas under pretence of repairing them, and has decamped with a large collection

Newcastle Courant 12^th February 1803 On Wednesday last, John MARTIN, labourer, was committed to Durham gaol, by the Rev. Wm NESFIELD, charged on the oath of Jonathan CLEMISON, with assaulting and robbing him on the road near Neville`s cross, within two miles of Durham on Saturday evening last, of three one pound notes, one guinea in gold and some silver.

Newcastle Courant 29^th January 1803 On the 23d of January, Mr Justice BELL, with a party of soldiers, surprised a number of people in the act of making bank notes, at a paper-mill, near Templeoge, near Dublin. The note makers made a desperate resistance, in which two of them were killed ; four were afterwards made prisoners. In suddenly forcing into their apartments, Mr BELL received a wound of a bayonet in the knee, from a woman, The notes taken are executed with astonishing accuracy, and are to a very considerable amount.

Newcastle Courant Feb 12 1803 A considerable quantity of salt was seized at Hexham early on the morning of the 8^th instant. The contraband dealers had unloaded three horses, when a revenue officer saluted them with “Gentlemen, you are very early for the market;- I suppose you have got corn in these bags.” One of them replied, “Some seed barley, sir” The officer, trusting more to his hands than his eyes, laid hold of it, and found that it was most proper for him to reap a part of the harvest.- It is lamented, that this clandestine traffic should be pursued and encouraged, when every liberal minded individual must consider those concerned in it as public plunders.

Newcastle Courant 19^th February 1803 On Tuesday last, John TODD, of Middleton in Teesdale, was discharged from gaol at Durham, where he had been confined for one month, having been convicted before James O`CALLAGHAN, and Ralph SPENCER, Esquires, two of his majesty`s deputy lieutenants for the said country, and committed by them for being guilty of fraud, wilful partiality, and gross neglect of his duty, by making a false return of men liable to serve in the militia for the township of Middleton in Teesdale of which he was constable.

Newcastle Courant 19^th February 1803 On Wednesday last, Ralph COOK, a noted poacher was committed to the gaol of Berwick, for wilfully and maliciously shooting at Margaret, daughter of William SUGGATT, hairdresser. He had been out with his gun, and being followed and hooted on his return by some children, he turned; and lodged the contents of the piece in different parts of her body. Several of the shot cannot be extracted, and she recovers but slowly.

Newcastle Courant 19^th February 1803 On Saturday last, two boys were detected stealing a handkerchief in a small shop in this town, and were apprehended and taken before the mayor. Upon the examination it appeared that they had stolen the handkerchief and other articles, for the purpose of raising money to put into one of those too common games, denominated raffles, which it appeared was held almost every night in a private house near the Quayside, and frequented entirely by children, not 14 years of age. On Monday, the woman who kept this house was brought before the magistrate and sufficient evidence being given of her guilt, she was convicted as a rogue and vagabond, under a late very beneficial act of parliament for suppressing illegal lotteries and games, and committed to the house of correction until the next sessions. This act of parliament usually called the little-go act imposes a penalty of 500l upon persons suffering any lottery or game of that description to be carried on in their house, but authorizes the magistrate, when he thinks proper, to wave the penalty, and proceed against the party as a rogue and vagabond.

Newcastle Courant March 19^th 1803. On Saturday last the Yorkshire assizes ended. John TERRY and Joseph HEALD, of Flanshaw Lane, near Wakefield, two apprentices guilty of the wilful murder of Elizabeth SMITH, a very old woman, into whose house they broke, and barbarously killed her, as formerly detailed, were executed on Monday, and their bodies given to the surgeons for dissection. William DIBBY otherwise SWALE, Thomas SCOTT, and Robert BURGESS, (aged 16) for horse stealing, and Jane GILMORE, for grand larceny, without the benefit of the statute, also received sentence of death.

Newcastle Courant 19^th March 1803 The execution of HEALD and TERRY, was attended with circumstances of horror seldom witnessed. After sentence, they manifested some signs of contriction, particularly HEALD, who during the trial behaved with great levity. On Monday morning, the ordinary attended them to administer the sacrament, when TERRY informed him that HEALD was innocent: on which the ordinary referred to TERRY`s own confession of the manner in which they perpetrated the murder. TERRY said “that he had been induced to make that confession, as he had been told that he should thereby save his own life; bu he now declared HEALD to be innocent, and that he would not be hanged with an innocent man.” The ordinary informed the judge of so extraordinary a circumstance: his lordship humanely sent his marchal to attend the prisoner, with a discretionary power to respite the execution, should any circumstance appear that would justify the measure. The marshal was convinced from the conversation that TERRY was not speaking the truth, and in consequence they were left to their fate. In proceeding to the drop, TERRY exclaimed aloud “that HEALD was innocent, that they were going to hang an innocent man” and he appeared to have worked himself up to a state of frenzy. It was by the utmost exertions of five or six men that he could be dragged to the drop; he tore off his cap, and attempted to escape from the scaffold, which he would have effected, but was prevented by the clergyman, calling out all the time “that HEALD was innocent.” The latter however never asserted, his innocence, but submitted with decent composure, desiring TERRY not to be so clamorous, as to deprived him of the clergyman`s assistance; but he was not to be restrained. At the moment when the platform sunk, which put an end to the life of HEALD, TERRY made a spring, and threw himself against a rail of the scaffold, ot his foot upon the edge of a beam, and caught the corner post with his arm, by which he supported himself, and in this dreadful situation he continued for about a minute, till he was forced off by the executioner, and launched into eternity. The probable reason for TERRY`s behaviour, was either to delay the execution, or by declaring an innocent man was going to suffer, he wished to excite the compassion of the spectators, and induce them to attempt a rescue.

Newcastle Courant March 19^th 1803 Derby Mercury. On Saturday se`nnight, at night, about seven o`clock, as an old man named BINGHAM, nearly seventy years of age, was returning from Barlbro` to Clown, Derbyshire, he was overtaken on the road by a young fellow called WELLS, whom he had seen before at a public house, where he had refreshed himself, and where he had unfortunately told the company he had five shillings to carry to his family. For the sake of this pittance the young wretch assaulted the poor old man, and after robbing, most barbarously murdered him, by beating out his brains with a stake, which he had plucked from the hedge. Just as he had accomplished this atrocious deed a third person who had been with them at the public house, arrived at the place, and saw the murderer running away. He called after him aloud, but receiving no answer, went forward, and discovered by moon light, the old man just expiring in his blood. He immediately alarmed the neighbourhood, and from the place where the murder had been committed, WELLS was traced in the snow, to his mother`s house, where he was apprehended in bed, his hands and cloaths yet bloody. The next day the coroner`s inquest sat on the body, and brought in their verdict “wilful murder,” against WELLS, who was consequently committed to DERBY goal, for trial at the assizes next week. During the sitting of the coroner`s jury, he confessed the fact, and said he had only intended to rob the old man, but a black shape that stood by at the time, advised him to commit the murder for his security.

Newcastle Courant 19^th February 1803 Poachers. A Caution- The act 39 and 40 Geo. III cap. 50 after reciting that idle and disorderly persons frequently assemble and assist each other in the destruction of game in the night, and, if interrupted, are guilty of violence, &c. enacts,- that if any persons, to the number of two or more, shall enter into, or be found in any park, wood, plantation, field meadow, or other open or enclosed ground, in the night, namely between eight at night and six in the morning, from the first of October to the first of February; or between ten at night and four in the morning from the first of February to the first of October, having any gun, net, engine? Or any other instrument, for the purpose, and with the intent to take, kill, and destroy game, &c. Or if any person shall be found with any gun, &c or bludgeon or other offensive weapon aiding, assisting, or abetting any such persons, the owner or occupiers thereof, or their keepers or servants, or any other person, may apprehend and such offender, and deliver him in custody to a peace-officer, who shall convey him before a justice; or in case such offender shall not be so apprehended, any justice on information on oath of one witness, may issue his warrant to apprehend such offender; and if convicted, he shall be deemed a rogue and a vagabond, within the meaning of 17 George II.c.5 and shall suffer as thercia is directed. Whipping and imprisonment is made the punishment of the first offence; transportation of the second.

In the night of the 3d Instant, the shop of Mr John BULMAN, hardwareman, in this town was entered, by picking the lock of one of the doors, and a great quantity of goods stolen thereout.- On Saturday last a warrant was granted to search the house of one John CARLTON, at the Ouseburn, near this town; part of Mr BULMAN`s goods, as also aparcel of base coin, and 62 picklock keys, all of different constructions, and one of which opens Mr BULMAN`s lock were found in the house. CARLTON, who has long been a notorious character, is in prison. He also stands charged, along with the celebrated William TOWNS, James LOWRY, (both likewise in custody) as being the persons who, one night in October last, broke into the warehouse of Mr T.GREENWELL, of Gateshead. CARLTON`s face yet bears testimony of Mr GREENWELL`s very courageous defence of his property. Mr GREENWELL hearing them breaking in, armed himself with a poker, went down stairs and struck at one of them, who instantly fired a pistol, but fortunately missed him. He instantly renewed his blow, and brought the villain to the ground and would have secured him, had he not been dragged away by his companions.

On Saturday last, WHITEHEAD the militiaman, and one of the women concerned with him, were committed to Durham goal, charged with uttering counterfeit shillings, &c. at Sunderland. It appeared on their examination, that they had been long in the habit of circulating this base money, and had contrived to issue it to a considerable amount. It is mostly plain, and may be best detected by holding the edge at a considerable distance from the eye.

This week, Robert YOUNG, a Serjeant in the 3d regiment of Guards was apprehended at Hadon Bridge as deserter, and carrying off a very large sum of money belonging to the regiment, from Chatham.

In the night of Tuesday last some thieves robbed most of the best houses in Durham of their brass knockers.

Newcastle Courant Feb 26 1803 At Alnwick, on the 19^th instant, Robert GIBSON, of Lesbury, husbandman, was convicted before the honourable Charles GREY, John CLUTTERBUCK, H.C.SELBY, and William BURRELL, Esquires, four of his majesty`s justices of the peace, in the penalty of five pounds, for using a gun and setting dog to kill and destroy game, without being duly qualified.

Newcastle Courant 26^th February 1803 At the same time Stephen STANDLEY, William NEIPER, and John RAND, three constables of Alnwick, were severally convicted, for negligently permitting persons in their custody, under warrants granted by H.C.SELBY, Esquire, to escape and go at large. Fines of ten shillings each were imposed upon Stephen STANDLEY and William NEIPER, and five shillings upon John RAND.

Newcastle Courant 2^nd April 1803 At Surrey assizes, James HOSKINSON was sentenced to seven years transportation for bigamy. The prisoner had been a serjeant in the 2d Light Dragoons, and had married his first wife, Jane STEVENSON, at Newcastle, where she is still living. Soon after his marriage, he went abroad, and was absent near ten years. On his return he married Mary MAYOR, at Croydon, pretending that he was a single man. He was however, soon found out to be otherwise, and the constable of Croydon was dispatched to Newcastle, to ascertain the truth of the prisoner`s marriage with his former wife. On his arrival, he found the woman to whom he had been regularly married, and returned with the certificate of her marriage which was produced in court, with other evidence, that left no doubt of his guilt. The prisoner owned that he had been originally wedded to Jane STEVENSON, and that he left her ten years since to go abroad; during which time, he said, he had repeatedly wrote letters to her without having once received any in return, and at last had given her up for dead

Newcastle Courant 2^nd April 1803 At Derby assizes, William WELLS was found guilty of the wilful murder of George BINGHAM, an old man whom he robbed of 5s as detailed in this paper a fortnight ago. He was executed on Saturday se`nnight. At the place of execution, after being suspended, the rope slipped and the wretched malefactor fell to the ground; his leg was broken, and he was otherwise much bruised. He was immediately tied up again, and died after a very severe struggle. His death twas as dreadful as his life had been depraved. It has been said that he acknowledged the commission of another wilful murder about two years ago, when he drove a wagon over the body of his unfortunate victim, and reported that he had met his death by a fatal accident only

Newcastle Courant 9^th April 1803 Robert BURGESS was executed at York on Saturday last for horse-stealing , pursuant to his sentence.

Newcastle Courant 9^TH April 1803 On Wednesday last, a Keelman, who came to this town, from Swalwell, for the purpose of engaging in the press-gang, got drunk, and violently assaulted every woman whom he met on the Quayside. One woman he knocked down, dragged her by the hair, and pulled quantities out of her head, and afterwards trampled upon her breast, and kicked her. He was a prime seaman, and has been sent by the magistrates to serve hi majesty

Newcastle Courant 16^th April 1803 The Keelman, commonly called the buck of Swalwell is detained on board the Lapwing, as the woman whom he so violently assaulted, as mentioned in our last, is not expected to live.

Newcastle Courant June 4 1803 On Tuesday se`nnight, a traveller from a mercantile house in Hull, was stopped about six o`clock in the morning on Bramham moor, between Leeds and Tadcaster, by a single highwayman, well mounted. Who demanded his money, and after having obtained provincial notes to the amount of upwards of 120l rode off, wishing the gentleman a good morning.

Newcastle Courant 25^th June 1803 On Saturday last, Mary MOODY alias BRON, a fashionable demirep, was fully committed for trial, for stealing an infant from St Andrews workhouse in July last, as formerly detailed, it appears she obtained the child for the purpose of palming it as her own upon a gentleman who kept her.

Newcastle Courant May 20 1803 The noted James LOWRY, was a few days ago lodged in the prison Jedburgh, on a charge of breaking into a warehouse in Kelso, and stealing a quantity of stockings. He had returned to Yeavering, in Northumberland, where making free, somewhat too openly, with the wet cloaths on a hedge, the hue and cry went was raised, and a chase commenced, in which the culprit shewed that his heels were as light as his fingers, and would have effected his escape, but unluckily in his flight he plumped directly upon a party who were in search of him from Kelso, and by them was safely lodged in durance.

Newcastle Courant June 18 1803 On the 10^th inst, William ANDERSON was committed to the house of correction at Durham, by William GREIVE, of Ord-house, Esq. one of his majesty`s justices of the peace for the county of Durham, for absenting himself from his service with George DAVISON, farmer at East Ord, before the term of his contract was completed.

Newcastle Courant 16^th July 1803 On the 9^th instant, Edward DICKMAN, of Rennington Hill-Head, in the parish of Embleton, yeoman, was committed to Morpeth gaol, charged with killing Margaret CAIRNES. This unfortunate man, who is not of a sound mind, is the only prisoner in the Northumberland calendar for the ensuing assizes. After the assizes 1801, there were no less than 26 felons in the gaol, 9 of whom were under sentence of transportation, and 23 debtors. There is now only the above criminal, and about 13 debtors, a circumstance much to the credit of so large and populous a county as Northumberland.

Newcastle Courant July 16 1803 FIFTEEN GUINEAS REWARD Whereas late on Friday Evening or early on Saturday Morning last, the bleaching Yard belonging to Wm Newton, of Ovingham, in the County of Northumberland, was feloniously broken into, and the following Articles taken away: ONE TOW WEB 33 Yards in length, numbered 593; ONE TOW SHEETING, in length 36 Yards, of which 19 were left and 17 taken away, spun to about 30 Cuts in the lb:- Whoever can give Information to Mr Newton, so as he or they may be convicted thereof, shall receive a Reward of TEN GUINEAS from the said Mr Newton, and a further Reward of FIVE GUINEAS from the Ovingham Association. Geo Burnett, Treasurer. Ovington, July 9 1803.

Newcastle Courant July 30 1803 At the Yorkshire North Riding sessions on the 12^th inst. Thomasin WITHAM was found guilty of having been a ringleader in a riot at Whitby on the 21^st of last month, excited with a view to rescue an impressed sailor, and was sentenced to 12 months hard labour in the house of correction.- Mary HENDERSON, and John HENDERSON her brother, Osmotherly, (two children of John HENDERSON who, with his son William, was at the last assizes, sentenced to 7 years transportation for ass-stealing.) for stealing wool in Osmotherly aforesaid, the same being pulled from the backs and sides of live sheep, were sentenced to be kept to hard labour nine months.

The Times 2 Aug 1803 At York Assizes, Mary CHAPPEL was found guilty of the wilful murder of a new born female bastard child.

John MANSFIELD was found guilty of assaulting Isabella ORD, with intent to commit a rape upon her, and for stealing from her several articles Death

John HOLDEN, for uttering with intent to defraud, a forged promissory note. Guilty. Death

On Saturday the assizes for Yorkshire were opened before the Sir Hon, Alexander THOMSON, and the Hon. Sir ALLAN Chambre, Knts – Samuel HAGGAR, for burglary; Ralph DABB, for returning from transportation; John MANSFIELD, for a rape and robbery; John FORBES for felony; John HOLDEN for uttering with intent to defraud a forged promissory note; and Henry HODGE, Mary MARSHALL, Thomas SMITHIES, and John HARRISON, for divers thefts, have all been found guilty.- Robert ANDISSON, alias SCOTT, is remanded to the hulks, from which he had escaped.- Joseph SHAW, Hannah TATTERSAL, John MORLEY, Richard LAWRENCE, and Timothy COATES, were acquitted. – John ASHTON was discharged by proclamation.- There were no prisoners for trial in the city gaol.

Newcastle Courant 6^th August 1803 At Dorchester assizes last week, Captain WOLFE, and Lieut. HASTINGS, of his majesty`s ship L`Aigle, ND Lieut. JEFFERIES, of the marines, were tried on an indictment, for the wilful murder of --- Lano, of the island of Portland, on the 2d of April last, while endeavouring to impress seamen. Before many of the prisoners witnesses were examined, the Judge and jury were so thoroughly convinced of their innocence, and of their having acted only in the execution of their duty, that they were all honourably acquitted.

At Durham assizes, James ALLAN, of North Shields, the famous piper, aged 77, for stealing a horse out of the stable of Matthew ROBINSON, of Gateshead, was found guilty, DEATH. John MOSES, late of York, labourer, for a burglary in the house of Benjamin JACKSON, of Barnardcastle, guilty. Thomas DAVIS, for a burglary in the house of David MOODY, in Elvet, guilty. Martin WIND, of Gateshead for assaulting and stabbing W. CLAUGHAM the younger, of Usworth, was fined one shilling. John MARTIN, charged with a highway robbery, on the highway between Brancepeth and Chester-le-Street; George CUMMINGS, charged with forgery; and Robert MURDY; of Norham, charged with maliciously firing a gun at, and wounding, James RICHARDSON, of Norham aforesaid, were severally acquitted.

Newcastle Courant Aug 6 1803 At the Yorkshire assizes, Martha CHAPEL of Ackworth, aged 19, was found guilty of the murder of her bastard child, and executed on Monday last. She died a sincere penitent. John MANSFIELD, for highway robbery and John HOLDEN for forgery, are left for execution. John FORBES, and Samuel HAGGAR, for grand larcenies; and Ralph DIBB, for returning from transportation, also received sentence of death, but are reprieved. John ROBINSON, for publishing a seditious libel, to stand in the pillory at York this day, and be kept to hard labour in the house of correction twelve months. Tho. SMITHERS for grand larceny, transported 7 years. Henry HODGE, fined 6d, and imprisoned 6 months. Mary MARSHALL, fined 6d. and kept twelve months to hard labour. John HARRISON, for manslaughter, fined 1s. and imprisoned one year. Rebecca Beaumont, for concealing the birth of her bastard child, to be imprisoned two years.

At these assizes an action was tried, Wharton versus Lumb, - for an offer to bribe a voter of the late Durham election. The jury gave a verdict against Mr LUMB, who is clerk to a mercantile house at Leeds. The statutory penalty is 500l.

In the gaol of this town , there are 7 prisoners for trial 7 of whom are women, viz. Isabella SIDWELL, charged with stealing 9 guineas in the house of Thos. DIXON; Mary LOWRIE, and Hannah YARMOUTH, charged with pocket-picking; Sarah WHITE, and Mary DAVISON, alias SCOTT, charged with shop-lifting; Margaret CUTTER, charged with stealing 15l. in the house of Thos HARVERY; and David ANDERSON for a misdemeanour. In Morpeth gaol there is only one – a lunatic.

Newcastle Courant Aug 6 1803 Before the judges left Durham, they were pleased to reprieve James ALLAN (the piper), and Thomas DAVISON, condemned for horse-stealing and burglare. John MOSES, for a robbery in the house and shop of Benjamin JACKSON of Barnardcastle, was left for execution.

On Monday last, John YOUNG, of the Castle-garth in this town was committed to Newgate, charged with the wilful murder of George PEARSON, who died on Sunday of the bruises he received a fortnight before, in an affray with the said John YOUNG.

At the sessions for East Lothian, held at Haddington the 2d instant, a complaint was brought against Robert BROWN, farmer, at Spott, and Adam TURNBULL, farmer, in Newbiggin, for refusing to give in a return of their live and dead stock, according to the directions of the defence and security act, for which the justices fined them 25l. each; and Adam TURNBULL was committed to prison for four day, for insolence to the court.

Newcastle Courant 20^th August 1803 On Monday last, John MOSES was executed at Durham, pursuant to his sentence at the assizes, for a burglary at Barnardcastle.

At Carlisle assizes. John HATFIELD, the Keswick impostor, was found guilty of forgery in the name of the Honourable Alex Augustus HOPE, and received sentence of death.

Wm LAMB, for manslaughter, was fined 1s – Wm SLACK, charged with the wilful murder of Robert BOWMAN; and Alexander ROSS, charged with assaulting a revenue officer, were acquitted.

Yesterday se`nnight, a person of very genteel appearance was taken into custody at North Shields, by the officers at Tynemouth Barracks, as answering the description of a person who had been seen in Scotland, and was suspected of being a spy. His strange and evasive answers confirming these suspicions, he was taken before the Rev. Mr WALLIS, at South Shields, where he and his servant, who was also apprehended, underwent an examination: they remained at that place until Sunday last, when in consequence of some information from Leith received by the Mayor, they were both brought up to Newcastle, and on Wenesday they underwent an examination before the Mayor and General DALRYMPLE ; both remain in custody. The master is a very genteel looking man, and has been an officer in the army.

On Saturday night, Silvester de VOLI and Joseph MAROTTI, two Italians, who were apprehended at Perth on suspicion of being French spies, and John GORDON, an Irishman, with a forged pass in his possession, were brought from Perth, and committed to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, Mr CHAPERON, late a French teacher in Greenock and M.Du GOURE, of the same profession in Dundee, were also brought to Edinburgh in custody. These five persons have since been committed to the castle. I is reported that a French colonel`s commission to Dugour, signed by the Great Little Man, was found among his papers. Edinburgh Herald.

Yesterday se`nnight, the master of a sloop from Aberdeen, together with the mate and one of his men, were committed to the goal of Berwick upon Tweed, for a violent assault upon Ralph BUGLAS, a sailor. The quarrel originated in a public-house on the Parade, between one and two o`clock in the morning. Some national reflections having been thrown out by the latter, upon quitting the house he was followed by the captain and his associates, who stabbed him with their knives in different parts of the body. He recovers so very slowly, that he is not yet pronounced to be out of danger.

Newcastle Courant Aug 27 1803 On Saturday last, John MANSFIELD, chimney sweeper, was executed at York, for attempting a rape, and afterwards committing a highway robbery.

W. SLACK, charged with murder, and tried at the Carlisle assizes was found guilty of manslaughter, fined 6s 8s. and ordered to be imprisoned 12 months.

Newcastle Courant Sep 3 1803 On Thursday se`nnight, Lancaster assizes closed at the Crown End: John ORD and Patrick MURPHY, each only 17 years of age, for a burglar at Ormskirk; and James FODEN (only 18) for forgery, received sentence of death.

It is said that HATFIELD is to be executed this day at Carlisle. He has given notice in the Carlisle paper, that he will not address the public at the place of execution and that it is hoped no person will print any thing on the occasion to the annoyance of his friends, as his papers will be published in London as soon after his decease as possible.

At Whitehaven, on Monday se`nnight, William KNOTT, in a fit of passion, threw a knife at his wife, which missed her, but unfortunately struck his son (a boy about nine years of age) in the side and occasioned his immediate death. The coroner`s inquest sat on the body, and brought in a verdict of manslaughter against the unhappy father, who has been committed to Carlisle gaol.

Newcastle Courant Sep 10 1804 On Saturday last, John HATFIELD was executed, pursuant to his sentence, on the Sands, near Carlisle. About four o`clock in the afternoon the melancholy procession moved from the gaol. The prisoner was indulged with a chaise, in which he was accompanied by the gaoler and the executioner: to the latter he made a small present, requesting him to use as much dispatch as possible in putting a period to his sufferings. On their arrival at the place of execution, he surveyed the fatal tree with the utmost composure and serenity, and stepped out o fthe carriage and ascended the platform with unshaken firmness: but on the rope being placed round his neck, he became a little tremulous, which the gaoler observing, humanely asked him if he wished for any support. “No!” replied he, “Though my body may appear weak, my mind is perfectly firm” After thanking the gaoler for the humane indulgence he had on all occasions experienced from him, and invoking the blessing of God upon the immense concourse of surrounding spectators, he was launched into eternity, and expired apparently without a struggle. He took his final leave in the gaol of the Rev. Messrs MARK and PATTINSON, the clergymen who attended him while under sentence, it being his wish not to would their feelings by causing them to be witnesses of his melancholy exit. His conduct, while under sentence, was that of a sincere and truly penitent christian, equally removed from levity and despondency, and he made the best possible use of the short time allotted him to prepare for his latter end, which he contemplated with a composure and equanimity of mind, which excited the admiration of all who visited him. His hair, which he wore tied, he caused to be cut off a few days previous to his execution, and transmitted it, along with the whole of his papers, &c. to a friend in London. Thus ignominiously terminated the life of a man, who by a proper application of his superior and shining talents, might have been an ornament to society, instead of being one of its most dangerous members.

Newcastle Courant Sep 10 1803 James JACKSON, under hostler at the King`s Arms Inn, Dumfries, convicted of fabricating and publishing false reports, in regard to riots and disturbances in different parts of the country, has been sentenced, by the magistrates, to pay a fine, and to be imprisoned three weeks.

Newcastle Courant Sep 17 1803 The late John HATFIELD who was executed on Saturday se`nnight, at Carlisle, exhibited a strange mixture of villainy and humanity. His conduct to the unfortunate Mary of Buttermere affords a singular contrast to the following letter, addressed to a medical gentleman in Carlisle. It was, the reader will perceive by the date, written the Saturday preceding his execution. Dear Sir, I have some time purposed addressing you, but the sensibility of your heart towards me, when we have met lately has deprived me of an opportunity. Thomas HETHERINGTON, a prisoner here for debt, applied too late to the society for the relief of such persons, to sue for his six-pences, and he is left to the cheerless prospect of a long cold winter, without any hope of relief. He is 83 years of age; his son, who was confined with him for the same debt, died by his sie, soon after my arrival here. The debt, was only 23l. the cost are 24l 10s !!! The society never give more than ten pounds to any one case; for that sum I have already recommended him, and as it is the last recommendation of a man whoe pleading they have kindly and invariably attended to for many years, we will hope that will be complies with. But my dear sir, I do not find any disposition in the plaintiffs attorney to accept it, and beg your merciful assistance that we make interest a little higher. The debt was contracted for beer, with a brewery at Alston Moor; the old man has been their customer 18 years as a publican, The principal proprietor is said to be Mr residing at Pray do be so good as solicit the very excellent chancellor, now in residence there, to use his benevolent influence with Mr that he may condescend to accept all we can offer for this poor man`s liberty. If he will accept the ten pounds, let him only direct his attorney to say so by letter, post-paid, addressed to the secretary, Mr GRASSWELL, No 7 Craven-street, Strand, London, and that gentleman will pay all due attention to it. May he who comforts me beyond expression ever bless you and yours. Dear sir, I am yours, With true affection and gratitude, Saturday Aug., 27, 1803. John HATFIELD

Newcastle Courant Sep 24 1804 On Saturday; at the Old Bailey Sessions, Mr Robert ASTLET, late Cashier of the Bank of England, was again put upon his trial, by a fresh constructed indictment, charged with embezzlement of the property of the Bank of England. The evidence was nearly the same as on the former trial, which proved that the prisoner had embezzled Exchequer Bills to the amount of £200,000. In this indictment they were stiled papers partly printed and partly written, purporting to be exchequer bills. Mr ERSKINE, in behalf of Mr ASTLET, took his former ground of objections; viz that the Exchequer Bills embezzled had been informally issued, and were no more than waste paper. Mr Justice Le BLANE said, he would leave that point to be determined by all the judges. The jury found the prisoner guilty on the facts, and the point of law will be argued next Sessions. The punishment is death.

On Friday, Michael CARNEY was found guilty of the wilful murder of his wife, on the 2d of August last by violently beating her, and was executed this day. It appeared by evidence, that this monster beat his wife to death, because she had not got his dinner ready exactly at the moment he came home to it.

Humphrey CRAWLEY was found guilty of endeavouring to seduce John HALL, then serving in the 2d regiment of the Tower Hamlets militia, in the land forces of hi majesty, from his duty and allegiance. A second count in the indictment varied the charge, be stating the attempt of the prisoner to seduce the said John HALL to join a certain society of persons, with intention to join and assist Napoleon Bonaparte, in case of hostile invasion of the kingdom, &c Death

Newcastle Courant Oct 1 1804 On Monday last, an inquisiton was held by Thomas PATTEN, of Ryton Esq. one of the coroners for the county of Durham, on the body of Henry WILSON, one of the constables of Spital near Berwick, who died in consequence of a wound on his head from an adze, received while in the execution of his duty in endeavouring to preserve the peace, on the morning of ht preceding Sunday, as stated in our last. After a careful examination of several witnesses, the jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against a fisherman named Alexander NICHOLSON, and he was committed on the coroner`s warrant to Durham gaol. The elder Johnson whom the alarm brought to the spot, and who received a blow which cut off part of his ear, we understand is not yet out of danger; but we are informed, by the best authority, that the assertion in our last, which stated a person of the name of WILSON, (not the deceased) to have struck the blow, and afterwards absconded, is in both respects erroneous; the person or persons who assaulted JOHNSON remain yet unknown, and although great pains have been taken both by William GRIEVE, Esq. a neighbouring magistrate, and JOHNSON`s family to discover the offender, it has hitherto been without effect, and no person has absconded on that account.

Newcastle Courant On Monday se`nnight, an inquest was held on the body of a new born infant, found in a coppice at Redheugh near Hexham. It appeared that a servant of Mr CHARLTON, of that place, had privately delivered herself, on the Saturday preceding; but being afterwards taken very ill, a medical attendant discovered the cause – wilful murder.

Newcastle Courant Oct 8 1803 At the general quarter sessions for this town, held by adjournment on Wednesday last, Mary KING, for stealing wearing apparel; and Dorothy ENTWHISTLE, for stealing a web of linen at the Lammas fair, on the Cowhill, were severaly sentenced to be transported for seven years. Mary CRAM, and Mary USHER, for stealing butcher meat, were ordered to be kept to hard labour for 3 calendar months in the house of correction.

At the Northumberland sessions held at Alnwick on Thursday se`nnight, Ann HALLIDAY was found guilty of larceny, and sentenced to be confined in the house of correction at Tynemouth in a solitary cell, for one calendar month.

Newcastle Courant 8^th October 1803 On Monday at the General Quarter Sessions for Durham, Mary JONES and William KECKLEY, were found guilty of larceny, and sentenced to be kept to hard labour in the house of correction for one month. Sarah WATSON pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two month`s imprisonment. A woman, late of Sunderland was found guilty of keeping a disorderly house, and sentenced to one years imprisonment, and to stand in the pillory at Durham and Sunderland, one hour at each place. The grand jury paid to Mr WOLFE, keeper of the gaol, 17s 6d. to be applied in making soup for the prisoners. On Wednesday evening, two Woman, under sentence of transportation, escaped out of Newgate.

Newcastle Courant November 12 1803 Early in the morning of Saturday last, a singular escape out of the gaol of Berwick upon Tweed, was attempted and effected by William MUIR, private in the 61^st regiment of foot, confined on a charge of having broken out of the gaol of Paisley, in the month of July last, and a deserter from the artillery, brought in the preceding evening. By the assistance of MUIR`s irons, from which he had contrived to disengage himself, they succeeded in displacing a piece of the flooring, about a foot square, strengthened by two iron bars below, which they also removed; and having pushed away the ceiling, squeezed themselves through this scanty opening, suspended by a rope of straw, manufactured out of their bedding, into the outer hall below, from which they escaped by the window. The hall is very lofty, and the descent from the window into the street is upwards of 15 feet. Neither of them has yet been retaken. MUIR was enrolled as a substitute in the Army of Reserve in this town, and attached to the 2d battalion of the 61^st regiment, and on being discovered in the ranks was taken into custody for the purpose of being sent again to Paisley, where he had been confined on a charge of highway robbery.

Newcastle Courant November 19 1803 On Thursday se`nnight, an inquest was taken before N. MILNE, Esq. one of his Majesty`s coroners for the county of Lancaster, on the body of Mr T. ALDRED, a very respectable farmer at Ormston, who was found murdered on the hedge-side, near Throstlenest bridge. It appeared that the deceased had gone to Manchester on Tuesday, for the purpose of receiving a considerable mortgage from his attorney; that the same was deposited in the bank, and that he returned home between seven and eight in the evening, with only a small sum in his pocket. The body was examined by Mr CLOUGH, surgeon, who found that the deceased had been shot through the heart with slugs, which had passed through the breast bone, and between the ribs on the opposite side, lodging themselves in the muscles of the back, from whence they were extracted. The perpetrators are not yet discovered.

A few days ago, Mary CLARKE, a girl of 13 years of age, was committed to Derby gaol, on her own confession, for setting fire to a barn belonging to Mr BOOTH, of Pentridge, containing 10 waggon loads of hay and 17 of corn.

On Monday last, in Sunderland harbour, Wm. STEVENSON, a boy belonging to the Harriet of that port, fell from the mast head, on the deck of an adjoining ship, and was killed on the spot.

Newcastle Courant December 3 1803 On Saturday evening last, a man named Thomas SPEARMAN, took the carcase of a sheep from the stall of a butcher, in the market here with which he made off, but was followed and taken into custody. He was on Monday committed for trial at the sessions.

On Wednesday se`nnight, at the Session-house, New Bailey Salford, near Manchester, a person apprehended on suspicion of the murder of Mr ALDRED, the farmer, at Urmston, during his examination, dropped down dead at the bar.

On Monday, before the high court of justiciary, Edinburgh, John COWIE was found guilty of the murder of his wife, on the 21^st of May last and was sentenced to be hanged at the usual place of execution on the 4^th of January next. It appeared in evidence, that the deceased had been subject to intoxication, and lost her life in one of the barbarous instances of correction which she received from her husband. He is a labouring man, and lived in Borthwick`s Close, Edinburgh.

Newcastle Courant 17^th December 1803 The judges have decided on the case of ASTLETT, the defrauder of the Bank. The majority of their lordships were of the opinion, that though the exchequer bills purloined by him were no property on which a criminal conviction could be founded, he was guilty of stealing paper, value 39s. the property of the Bank, for which offence he is liable to a sentence of transportation: it is understood that nine of the judges were of this opinion, and three that his offence was not cognizable by the statutes.

Newcastle Courant Dec 17 1803 On Tuesday the 6^th instant, John PALMER, of Darlington, innkeeper, was convicted before the sitting magistrates at Durham, in the mitigated penalty of 10l. for refusing to swear to his account of the number of post horses, which he as a licensed postmaster had let to travel post, upon application made to him for that purpose, by a person truly authorised by the commissioners under the Post Horse Act, to administer the oath: and on the same day, William CLARK, of the city of Durham, was convicted before the same magistrates in the mitigated penalty of 5l, for letting to hire a horse to draw a gig without a license for that purpose.

Tuesday last, a woman named WOOD, was committed to Berwick gaol for stealing, in the face of day, a quantity of muslin in the shop of Mr John ARCHBOLD, draper. She had secreted the goods under her apron; but they were discovered upon her before she quitted the premises.

Newcastle Courant Dec 24 1803 James SMITH, the person who broke into the desk of the artillery serjeant, at Berwick, as advertised in the Hue and Cry, was removed from Morpeth gaol to Berwick yesterday morning

Newcastle Courant Jan 5 1804 Court Martial – His majesty has confirmed the proceedings of a general court martial holden., at Brighton, on the 12^th inst, for the trial of Col. ELLIOT, of the first dragoon guard, on charges exhibited against him by Capt. SOBER, of the same regiment, whereby he has been adjudged to be dismissed his majesty`s service.

The king has likewise ratified the proceedings of a general court martial lately held at Weymouth, for the trial of Capt. JOLLIFFE, of the 2d Somerset militia, on certain charges adduced against him, of which he was found guilty, and was adjudged to be dismissed his majesty`s service, and to be rendered for the future incapable of filling any military capacity whatever.

Newcastle Courant Jan 5 1805 Apprentice Run Away. Whereas James STOREY, Son of John Storey, late of the North Shore, within the Liberties of Newcastle upon Tyne, Alehouse keeper, but now of Hillgate in the County of Durham, Boatman, in the Month of December last, ran away from the Ship Swallow, of this Port. Thomas LONGRIDGE, Master, and has not returned.

Notice is hereby given, that whoever harbours or employs the said James STOREY, will be prosecuted as the Law directs, and any Person who will apprehend the said James STOREY, and give Notice thereof to John OXLEY, Broad Chare, or Joseph BAINBRIDGE, Pilgrim-Street, Newcastle, so he may be committed, shall receive a Reward of FIVE GUINEAS. The said James STOREY is about twenty Years of Age, five feet six inches high, brown Complexion, blue Eyes, wears his own short dark Hair and has a small scar on the little finger of his right Hand.

Newcastle Courant 26 Jan 1805. CHISHOLME & RIDDLE. At a court of gaol delivery, holden on Monday last at Berwick upon Tweed, before John Hullock, Esq. recorder, John Stephenson, Esq. mayor, and Wm. Grieve, James Bell, David Stow, John Clomie, and David Logan, Esqrs. Magistrates for the borough, Wm CHISHOLME, of Spital, was indicted, for burglary and larceny, in the dwelling house of Samuel Burn, Esq. collector of the customs, at Berwick, and stealing therefrom, in the night of the 26^th of November last, five guineas, a seven shilling piece, two shillings, one sixpence, and other valuables in notes, &c. amounting in the whole to upwards of eighty pounds the property of Mr John Thompson, deputy comptroller. In the course of the evidence adduced on the part of the prosecution, Mr Recorder took an objection to that clause in the indictment, which stated the house to be the dwelling-house of Mr Burn. From the case of Chelsea hospital, the KING v PATEN, and some later decisions, particularly one that had come within his own cognizance, the case of a pitman who occupied, rent-free, one of a range of cottages provided for him and others, by their employers, tried before Lord Ellenborough at Durham, two years ago, he argued that Mr Burn, occupying the house in question as collector only, by the licence of the king, and paying neither rent nor taxes, it could not be considered in point of law as his dwelling house. Fo this was opposed, by Mr Jameson, attorney for the prosecution, the evidence of Mr Collector Burn, who stated that he occupied the whole of the house, and had the complete controul of every part of it, insomuch, that he could set apart what room or rooms in it he thought proper for the transacting of public business ; and could covert, if he pleased, that part of it now used as an office into bed-rooms, or to any other purpose that better suited his convenience ; that the rent, though allowed him in his accounts, was paid by him ; and that were he removed from the collectorship to-morrow, he could not, he conceived, be compelled to leave the house without the usual legal notice. The relevancy of the cases adduced by the recorder was not, in the opinion of the court, materially affected by this evidence, and, on the authority of these cases, they agreed that the charge of burglary could not be maintained. The interest excited by this trial, being unusually great and the hall uncommonly crowded ; never perhaps was public sensation more bitter, than at the prospect which this flaw in the indictment ; held forth of this culprit`s being again let loose upon society. This general sentiment however, partly abated on the resumption of the trial, on the 2d charge contained in the indictment,, and entirely subsided, when on the clearest evidence, the prisoner was found guilty of stealing to the value of seven shillings, the only part of the money that was clearly identified, and sentences to seven years transportation. Andrew RIDDLE, an accomplice, was admitted king`s evidence, and discharged

At the quarter sessions for Berwick upon Tweed, yesterday se`nnight, Hannah HUNTER was convicted on the statute of the 20^th of George the 2d, at the instance of the Berwick association for prosecuting felons, for obtaining from Mr William Morrison, grocer, ¼ lb of tea, by false pretences, and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment in the gaol of Berwick.

At the quarter sessions at Cockermouth, on Thursday se`nnight, Cornelius MURRAY, was convicted of stealing out of the shop of William Elliot, at Egremont, two shoes, (not stated in the indictment to be “a pair,” because they were not fashioned upon one last,) and sentenced to seven years transportation.

At the close of the Northumberland session, William STEWARD, vagrant, committed to prison at Hexham, for obtaining charity under false pretences, was brought up and examined. He confessed himself an imposter, and was sent on board a tender to serve his majesty.

At Durham sessions last week Thomas STEVENSON, for uttering base silver, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, and to find security for his good behaviour for 6 months longer, himself in 100l and two sureties in 50l.

A very awful circumstance took pace minutes after the verdict of guilty had been pronounced on a man named Joseph BLACKBURN, for stealing pattens, Mr Peter Brown, hair-dresser, in that city, one of the jury, suddenly dropped down in the jury-box, and instantly expired.

Last week, the house of Mr George Lambert, of Felton, in the absence of the family, was broken into, and a web of unbleached cloth, about 43 yards, cut in two, and a brown silk gown, and sundry other articles of women`s wearing apparel, taken away.

Saturday, one of the Shields coaches, (with 8 passengers in the inside, and two children, and 10 on the outside,) was overturned about 3 ½ miles from Newcastle. One man on the outside, having his legs through the rails, had both broken, and his recovery is doubtful. Two or three more were much hurt. This netarious practice in coachmen, of overloading their vehicles, has been frequently reprobated, yet still they persist, and aided by drunkenness, misfortunes, as above recited, ensue..

Newcastle Courant March 2 1805 At Alnwick, on the 23d of February last, Robert ALLEN, of Whitton, near Rothbury, was convicted in the penalty of ten shillings, for riding in his cart upon the Alemouth turnpike road, near Alnwick, without reins to his horses.

Newcastle Courant Mar 9 1805 On Saturday last, George MADDISON and John DOUGLAS, carters, were each fined in the penalty of five shillings and costs, for negligently driving their carts through the streets of Gateshead, so as to endanger the life of an infant child whom the wheels of one of the carts passed over ; and the magistrates likewise ordered them to pay the expenses attending the care of the child.

Several shopkeepers at Perth have been robbed by a man, who asked change for a 5l note, and ran off with the money without giving the note in return. Last week a person came to the shop of Mr Henderson, grocer, and having purchased some tea, asked change of a 5l note to pay it. The shop boy went up stairs to Mr Henderson, who gave him change ; but suspecting this might be the person who had lately defrauded others, he hastened round to the front of his shop, where, with two acquaintances, he watched the proceedings of his customer. As he expected, the man, on receiving the money, immediately darted out of the shop, but not with such nimbleness as to prevent Mr Henderson and his friends layi

Newcastle Courant March 23 1805 On Saturday last the assizes at York castle closed at the crown court. Samuel COLLIER , for setting fire to a cotton factory ; Ann HAYWOOD, for the murder of her female bastard child ; John WILKINSON, for the murder of his wife ; and Benjamin OLDROYD, for the murder of his father, received sentence of death.

George JACKSON, for stealing a gun, also being a deserter from the 2d Lancashire militia ; Edward BLAKE, for stealing Pontefract bank notes of the value of 85 guineas ; Charles SIMPSON, for stealing a pack of wool ; Robert TURNER, for breaking open a desck, and stealing thence gold and notes to the amount of 60l. and William STEPHENSON, for stealing three keys, to be transported for 7 years.

John NEWELL and George WOOD, for house-breaking ; Andrew BULMER, for stealing, in company with Edward BLAKE, Pontefract bank notes of the value of 85guineas, John DOWKES for stealing a silver pint ; Ann PHILIPS, for stealing three bills of exchange, to be imprisoned six months each, and the two former fined 1s to the king. John ARMEROD, for stealing 21 reels of cotton twist, and William Hatfields for bigamy, to be imprisoned one month. Peter DALES, for stealing tallow, &c. to be imprisoned 25 days and whipped. Henry BARMBY and James COX, for an assault, to be imprisoned one month. John CARLISLE, Hannah GLOSSOP, Mary GLOSSOP, Sarah THOMPSON, John STOCKTON, Charles BRAMALD, Peter LAW, were acquitted. No bills were found against George SMITH, Peter RICHMOND, and Jane RUSSELL.

On Monday morning, WILKINSON and HAYWOOD were executed. Their behaviour after their trials, and at the place of execution, was becoming their unhappy situation. Wilkinson was in his 32d year ; Haywood was a neat looking woman, only 23. OLDROYD in consequence of some contradiction in the evidence against him, is respited for the present.

Newcastle Courant 30^th March 1805 Abel SIMPSON, of Market-Weighton, and Robert JARAM, late of South Dalton, in Yorkshire, labourers, are committed to York Castle, charged with having stolen the horses, saddles &c from Longacres and Dunkirk, in the parish of Lamesley, as advertised in the last Hue and Cry. One of the horses was found dead near York.

Newcastle Courant June 8^th 1805 Last week was committed to York Castle, Sarah the wife of Joshua CROWTHER of Tong, in the West Riding, carpenter, charged upon the oath of her husband, with having cut him on the head with a hammer, and also with having cut him in the neck with a razor, with intent to murder or maim the said Joshua CROWTHER.

Yesterday se`nnight a most foul and atrocious murder was committed, in the face of day, upon a young woman, in a cellar in Oak-street, Manchester. It appears that the deceased resided with her sister, who is employed in a cotton factory. About two o`clock P.M. the unfortunate woman was observed reeling cotton by some of her neighbours, and about three the body was found almost lifeless, the livid hue of the face indicating the strongest symptoms of her having been strangled. Her apron was found upon the floor without strings, together with a pair of tongs. Exclusive of three guineas in money, the drawers were completely ransacked of all the wearing apparel belonging to the deceased and her sister who has remained, ever since the tragical event, in an indescribable agony of mind. An inquest was held upon the body on Saturday ; but no clue having been obtained that could lead to a discovery of the perpetrators of this diabolical deed, the coroner was under the necessity of adjourning the inquisition for fourteen days, during which interim, it is to be hoped something may occur to detect the murders.

On Saturday John FALCUS was fined 40s before the mayor of this town, for going with his cart by way of Heaton Colliery, and evading the payment of toll at Byker Bar.

Newcastle Courant June 22 1805 At an adjourned sessions held at the justice room in Durham, the 15^th inst, Francis NEAT, the gate-keeper of the toll bar at the south end of Tyne bridge, in the county of Durham, was convicted in the mitigated penalty of 40s, and expenses, for demanding and taking one penny from Robert Carr, servant to Lieut. Col. Daniel Seddon, for passing through the said gate on horseback, when he was attending his said master on his majesty`s service. The part of the penalty directed by the act to be paid to the informer, Lieut. Col. Seddon has ordered to be given to the Durham blue coat charity school. At the same adjourned session a miller was convicted in the mitigated penalty of 40s and expences, for neglecting to make the weekly return to the corn inspector, of the quantity of corn purchased by him, according to the act.

Newcastle Courant June 29 1805 On Saturday last, Christopher EALES, common carrier between this town and Barnardcastle, was commited to Newgate, charged with forging the acceptance of Messrs RODDAM and Co. of Gateshead, to a bill which he had procured to be drawn upon them for upwards of 45l. and uttered with a design to defraud Mr Wm Spencer. It is remarkable that the prisoner cannot write his name.

On Wednesday last, a man named John SMITH was caught in the act of picking a persons pocket on the race ground here. He was immediately taken up, and the next day was committed to Newgate for trial.

Newcastle Courant July 6 1805 John JACKSON late of Whitby, whitesmith, is committed to York castle, charged upon the oath of Henry Linton, of Whitby, brewer, with being armed with a brace of pistols concealed, and shooting at him the said Henry Linton, and threatening to blow his brains out, or kill him, upon the king`s high road, in the parish of Lyth.

At Morpeth on the 3d inst, Margaret WILSON, was committed to the house of correction at that place, for seven days, for absenting herself from the service of her master, Mr Joseph COULL, of Ogle Castle, without his consent.

On Tuesday se`nnight, two French officers, prisoners of war, upon their parole at Litchfield, fought a duel with pistols, near that city. One of the combatants fell, having received a dangerous wound in his hip, whence the ball penetrated to his back ; the other, and the seconds, made off from the field of battle, and have not been discovered. The wounded gentleman is in a fair way of recovery, but refuses to divulge the names of the parties, or the cause of quarrel. So determined were these combatants upon destruction, that it is said, they fired at the short distance of three paces.

Newcastle Courant July 13 1805 Thomas RUDDICK, alias FIDDLER, a boy about eleven years of age, was committed to Carlisle gaol on Monday last, on suspicion of breaking into the house of James Walker, of Blackwell-hall, near Carlisle, and stealing divers good,

Newcastle Courant July 13 1805 On Monday last, Richard METCALF, Bishopwearmouth, quarryman, was committed to Durham gaol, charged by the coroner`s inquest with the wilful murder of a child about 16 months old, the natural daughter of his wife, on the Saturday night preceding. The child was left in the cradle by the mother, and in her absence, the crime was committed by this unnatural father in law, by bruising the head, &c. it is supposed in consequence of the child`s crying.

Five pounds have been paid to the North Shields Dispensary, being a sum agreed to be given to that benevolent institution by the mate of a ship, in consideration of a prosecution against hi, for an assault being withdrawn.

Newcastle Courant July 20 1805 At the general quarter sessions of the peace for this town, on Wednesday last, Isabella PATCHET was convicted of larceny, and sentenced to seven years transportation. Elizabeth PRINGLE, for ditto, to be confined to hard labour in the house of correction six months. Jane ADAMS, for ditto, to be kept to ditto one month.

Ambrose OYSTON, master flax-dresser, and High JONES, flax dresser, of this town, convicted by two magistrates of unlawfully combining to entice a journeyman of Robert Colhoun, flax merchant, to leave his service, and having appealed against such conviction, the same was at these sessions confirmed ; and the said Ambrose Oyston and High Jones were committed to the common gaol in this town, to remain three calendar months, and were also condemned in 10l costs, and to be imprison until such costs are paid.

Newcastle Courant 3^rd September 1825 North Shield Police.- On Tuesday last, before Wm Wright, Esq. Wm Young was convicted of being a rogue and vagabond, by going about begging and being intoxicated, and was committed to the house of correction at Tynemouth for 14 days.

Elizabeth Robson, of Gateshead Fell, single-woman, is in custody, on the charge of murdering her new-born illegitimate child. The body was found between her bed and the mattress. An inquest was held on Wednesday, and adjourned to last night, but we were unable to obtain the verdict.

Newcastle Courant. 3^rd November 1827 Newcastle Police. On the 22^nd ult.a man, who called himself Matthew McINTYRE, was committed for trial at the next sessions, charged with stealing a silver watch out of the cabin of the ship Miner, a London trader, when lying at Newcastle Quay. The watch is the property of John BROWN, the mate of that ship.

North Shields Police. William WILLEY, innkeeper, North Shields, was convicted in the mitigated penalty of 40s and costs, for keeping a disorderly house as a public-house.

Alexander THOMPSON, apprentice to Thos. Bourn, was committed to the house of correction at Tynemouth for 14 days, to hard labour, for absenting himself from his master`s service without cause.

Robert ROBSON, of Blyth, for breaking and entering (in the night time) the ship Eleanor, belonging to Sir M.W.RIDLEY, Bart. In Blyth harbour, and stealing provisions.

And Dorothy HULDIE, the wife of Thos. HULDIE, mariner, for stealing a watch from Robert BARNES, of Earsdon, pitman, were committed to the same prison to take their trials at the next sessions.

Wm HENDERSON was also committed for stealing two watches from Mr Robert HUME, of North Shields, pawnbroker, and Jerome BOMBELLIE and Stephen BOMBELLIE, for receiving one of the watches, knowing the same to have been stole.

James RAWLING was committed to Morpeth gaol, to work on the walls of the new prison, for three months, unless the maintenance for an illegitimate child should be sooner paid.

Edward HALL was convicted in damages and costs, for breaking and destroying the property of Mr Robert ROLL, of Tynemouth

Newcastle Courant April 6 1805 On Tuesday a postmaster of Hexham, was fined in two mitigated penalties of 5l each, with costs, for evading the post horse duty.

Last week was committed to York castle, George JOHNSON, late of Gateshead, in the county of Durham, labourer, charged by James HORNER, of Foston with stealing a bay mare, on the 2d ult, out of a stable belonging to the said James Horner, in Thorton-in-the-Clay.

Newcastle Courant April 27^th 1805. At the Newcastle general quarter sessions, on Wednesday last, William BAILEY, for enticing an apprentice of Messrs Hawks and Company, to steal his master`s property, and for assisting him therein, was sentenced to be transported for 7 years. Martha GREEN, for stealing linen from the house of Mr Horsley ; and Grace GRAY, for stealing various articles from the shop of Messrs Lamb and Phillips, to be confined to hard labour in the house of correction 3 months. Hugh JONES and Ambrose OYSTON, who on the 8^th instant were convicted before two magistrates for attempting to entice a journeyman flaxdresser from his employment for the purpose of keeping up a combination for obtaining an advance of wages, and adjudged to be imprisoned 3 months in gaol, having appealed against such conviction to this sessions, the appeap was not proceeded in, but put off to the next sessions, affidavit having been made that the ill state of health of one of the defendants rendered it unsafe for him to attend, according to his recognizance.

At Durham sessions, Ann GRAHAM, for stealing two pillow slips and a blanket, was sentenced to one month`s imprisonment in the house of correction ; Jos CHICKEN for stealing a regimental cloak, to be imprisoned for 24 hours ; Catherine FURNACE, alias MEDDLESON, charged with stealing a sheet, was acquitted.

At the Northumberland sessions, Margaret THOMPSON, for stealing a woman`s shift, the property of John Robson, of Morpeth, was sentenced to be confined in the house of correction at Morpeth two weeks, Andrew YOUNG, charged with stealing about half a sack of wheat flour, the property of Edward Brown, baker, of North Shields – acquitted. William FLETCHER, charged with the same offence – no bill. Michael FINLEY, charges with stealing a basket of coals from Cowpen colliery – acquitted. Alexander ROSS, charged with an assault – acquitted.

On Saturday se`nnight, Thomas LEE, formerly of Pocklington, grocer, but late of Hull, was committed to the gaol of that place, charged upon oath with uttering counterfeit money. The prisoner was a bankrupt a few months ago, and had obtained certificate. On searching his house nearly twenty pounds in counterfeit gold and silver coin was found, together with near sixteen hundred pounds in cash, notes, and bank securities. The latter circumstance having excited suspicion, the assignees under the commission of Bankrupt went to Hull, and after a full investigation, he was on Wednesday se`nnight committed for trial at the assizes on the capital charge of having secreted effects from his creditors.

Newcastle Courant 4^th May 1805 At Morpeth, on the 1^st inst, Robert DAVISON, George DAVISON, and Wm BIRNET, were severally convicted in the penalty of 10s for riding in the carts upon the turnpike road near Stannington, without reins to their horses.

Newcastle Courant Aug 3 1805 The assizes for Yorkshire commenced on Saturday last, before Sir Alan Chambre, and Sir Tho. Manners Sutton, knights, before whom the following have taken trials :- Benjamin KINSTON, (aged 25), late of Leeds, whitesmith, for stealing from out of the travellers room, in the Sraffords`s arms inn, in Wakefield, in the night of the 21<sup>st</sup> of March, one pair of leather bags, containing different articles, the property of Barnabas Hawley, of the city of London, mercer, viz. one red leather pocket book, containing two bills of exchange, one value 144l. 12s and the other 30l. with several other notes and articles. – guilty. William TAYLOR, charged with stealing, at several times, from the cotton mill, and a smith`s shop, near the said mill, belonging to John Green, at Burton in Lonsdale, a large quantity of brass wheels. – acquitted. Robert GOLDSBROUGH, and Ann IVESON, charged with horse stealing – no bill found against Goldsbrough ; Iveson acquitted. William DICKENSON, late of Pudsey, for stealing, three hides, four skins, and a bark bag, from the drying house of John Wright, at Horsforth ; also for stealing, on the 5^th of April, a quantity of, cloth from the tenter of James Broadbest, at Bramley – guilty. Margaret JOHNSON, late of Perth, in North Britain, widow, for stealing out of the dwelling house of Michael Parker, at Ripon, linendraper, one piece of buff coloured printed cotton of the value of 2l – guilty. Robert BROWN, of Tickhill, labourer for having, on the 21^st of May ; broke open and stolen from the house of Thomas Ledger, of Tickhill, several sums of money in guineas, in notes, and in seven shilling pieces ; a great coat, a waistcoat, and a shirt, the property of him the said Tho Ledger. – guilty – DEATH. Ann BULMER, (aged 21), singlewoman, for stealing from a desk in the room of William Henry Loxdale Eden, cornet in the first or royal regiment of dragoons, in the barracks, in the township of Gate-Fulford, near York, one gold watch, one white pocket handkerchief, one draft for 157. 15s together with some provincial notes, and a small sum in gold and silver – guilty – DEATH Mary BELLAS, (aged 17), for stealing from the post office at Wakefield, (where she was employed as a servant). A letter containing bills of exchange, and one note to the amount of 1278l 17s 6d, the property of Messrs Ingram, Kennet, and Ingram bankers, Wakefield, which was by them delivered there, consigned to Robert Williams, Esq. M. P. banker, London – guilty. James LIGHTOWLER, (aged 19), for stealing a black mare, the property of Robert Coward of Beagball?: also charged with being a deserter from a recruiting party belonging the first regiment of foot guards – guilty – DEATH. Abel SIMPSON, (aged 40) late of Market-Weighton, in the East Riding, labourer, for having on Tuesday the 12^th March stolen from out of the stable of Thomas ROBSON, of Long Acres, in the county of Durham, a dark bay or brown bay gelding, two saddle and one bridle, the property of the said Thos. Robson ; and also a black gelding, the property of William Ridley, out of his stable, situate at Dunkirk, in the said county. – guilty – DEATH Robert P?ARAM (aged 32). Late of South Dalton, in the East Riding, labourer, for the same offence – guilty – DEATH. Samuel MIDGELEY, charged with stealing from the bleaching crofts of John Wilson, and Co. four pieces of lined. Acquitted. George JOHNSON, (aged 39­), late of Gateshead, in the county of Durham, and since of Usworth, in the same county, labourer, for stealing a bay mare, the property of James Horner, of Foston, in the North Riding, on Saturday the 2d day of March, 1805, or in the preceding night, from out of a stable belonging to him, situate in the township of Thonton in the Clay, in the North Riding – acquitted. John GARBETT, a private soldier in the 7^th dragoons, charged with highway robbery – no bill found. Michael PARKER, of Minship, in the West Riding, labourer, for having maimed William Lyall, sheriff`s officer, ( while in the execution of his office in arresting the said Michael Parker) over his head, face, and various parts of his body, with a hedge stake, threatening at the same time to murder him – imprisoned six months, and to find sureties. Benjamin CRAVEN (aged 24) of Horbury, in the parish of Wakefield, labourer, for killing and slaying Isaac Whiteloy of Almondbury, in the West Riding – guilty. William SWALE, alia DIBB, (aged 30) for wandering at large after being capitally convicted for horse-stealing, and thereby received sentence of death, but was reprieved upon condition of being transported for life. – guilty – DEATH. Charles BRAYSHAW, guilty of manslaughter – no bill found.

Newcastle Courant Aug 3 1805 A few days ago, Mr M McNaughton, aged above one hundred and five years, left Killin, Argyllshire, to sail for Jamaica, on a visit to two sons.

Newcastle Courant Aug 10 1805 On Saturday last the business at York Castle closed at the Crown End, when Abel SIMPSON, Robert JARAM, and James LIGHTFOWLER, for horse-stealing ; William DIBB, alias William SWALE, for returning from transportation ; Robert BRWON, for house-breaking ; and Sarah CROWDER, for stabbing and cutting her husband with a razor with intent to murder him, received sentence of death, Mary BELLAS, for stealing a letter from the post office at Wakefield ; Margaret JOHNSON, for stealing a piece of printed cotton ; William DICKINSON, for stealing three hides, &c. and Ann BULMER, for stealing a gold watch, &c. from a room in the barracks near York, were sentenced to be transported for seven years. Benjamin KINGSTON, for stealing a pair of leather bags, &c. from the travellers room in the Stafford Arms, Wakefield, to be imprisoned in the house of correction for one year. Benj CRAVEN and Charles BRAYSHAW, for manslaughter, fined 1s each, and the former to be imprisoned in gaol three months. Michael PARKER for wounding a sheriff``s officer in the execution of his duty, to be imprisoned six months. John JACKSON, for shooting at Henry LITTON, acquitted, but to remain in custody. Francis BARCELONA, for the murder of George PLUMMER, acquitted but to remain on sureties. Mary ATKINSON, for the murder of her infant, acquitted on account of her insanity at the time. James TOWNSEND, for the murder of William STABLES, to enter into recognizances, with wureties, for his appearance at the next assizes. All the prisoners that received sentence of death are reprieved.

The trial of Thomas LEE, late of Hull, for secreting his effects from his creditors under the commission of bankrupt, came up on Thursday morning at eight o`clock, and lasted until two in the afternoon, when he was acquitted without calling any witness, by objections to the technical form of the indictment.

On the 2d inst, came on to be tried before Mr Justice Chambre and a special jury, an information filed by the attorney general, by order of the house of commons, against Messrs Joseph Mosey ALLAN, Richard DEWES, Thomas ABBOTT, William WHITEHEAD, William ALLINSON, William HENLOCK, and Ann HOUSEMAN, for a riot and misdemeanor at a late election of a member for the borough of Knaresbro` ; when after a trial which lasted 20 hours, Messr ALLAN, DEWES, and ABBOTT, were found guilty ; the rest were acquitted.

On Tuesday the assizes were opened at Durham, in the usual form. The sermon before the judges was preached by the Rev Dr Prosser, from Deut. P 17. The calendar contained 11 prisoner for trial. George AINSLEY and Jane his wife, late of Framwellgate, charged with stealing wearing apparel at Newton-hall, also with a robbery in the house of Wm Lawson, at Moorsley-banks – the husband guilty on the second indictment. James TURNER, of South Shields, for stealing twelve calves from R.Atkinson, of Marwood.- guilty. Christopher SCORTON, of Staindrop, for stealing a mare from R. Harbottle, of the same place – guilty. John LAWS, of South Shields, chimney sweep, for stealing upwards of 20gs in the house of E. Robson, widow – guilty. Thomas GUTHRIE, of Chester-le-street, pitman, charged with killing James YOUNG, at Washington – acquitted.

Newcastle Courant Aug 17 1805 At the Moothall, Thomas CLARE, late a private in the 2d Staffordshire militia, was found guilty of the murder of William Todd, of Hartley, pitman, at Cullercoats, and received sentence of death, which was carried into execution yesterday, at the Westgate, near this town. He confessed his guilt and died penitent. Isabella BUCKLER was found guilty of a robbery in the house of Thomas Christie, and received sentence of death, but is since reprieved. John CHAPMAN, of North Shields, bookbinder, for forging a Greenland protection, was sentenced to six months imprisonment. Wm ILEY was tried for rape on Margaret Anderson, and acquitted. John CHARLTON a youth of 13 years of age, charged with killing – Hudson, his companion, with a gun, near Alemouth, surrendered himself in court and was tried and acquitted.

At the Guildhall, Christopher EALES, late a common carrier between this town and Barnardcastle, was found guilty of forging the acceptance of Messrs Roddam and Co of Gateshead, to a bill which he had procured to be drawn upon them for upwards of 45l and uttered with design to defraud Mr Wm Spencer, and received sentence of death. The prisoner could not write, but had employed a boy in this affair, whose evidence was clear against him. He is left for execution on the 31^st. D FINLAY charged with uttering a forged check, purporting to be drawn by Mr C Angas on the Tyne bank, was acquitted. Against Isaac ROBSON, charged with the murder of Thomas Sparr, of Gateshead, by wilfully running down with their keel, on Ascension day, a boat in which the said Thomas Sparr and 22 other persons were attending the mayor`s procession were declared guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to one year`s imprisonment. Against John SMITH, charged with pocket picking, no bill.

At Durham, Richard METCALFE, of Bishopwearmouth, labourer, was found guilty of the murder of John Parker, an infant, the illegitimate son of his wife, and executed on Monday. Geo AINSLEY, and Jane his wife, charged with burglary – the husband found guilty, and received sentence of DEATH ; against the wife, no bill. James TURNER of South Shields, labourer, for stealing twelve calves from Geo Atkinson, of Marwood – guilty, DEATH. Christopher SCORTON, of Staindrop, for stealing a mare the property of Robert Harbottle of the same place – guilty, DEATH. John LAWS, of South Shields, chimney sweep, for stealing 20 guineas from the house of E. Robson, widow – to be transported seven years. John SMITH of Lanchester, waggon-driver, charged with killing Joseph Hunter at Tanfield – guilty of manslaughter, fined 5s, and to be imprisoned 1 year. Tho. GUTHRIE, of Chester, pitman, charged with killing James Young at Washington ; William SMITH, charged with larceny at Barnardcastle ; Thomas BAISTER, of Monkhesledon, charged with stealing a watch from the body of a shipwrecked seaman, which was cast on shore there ; and Isaac HOWIE, of Gateshead-fell, quarryman, charged with a rape on his own daughter, a girl under 16 years of age, were severally acquitted. The girl gave her evidence in a clear and circumstantial manner against Howie, her father ; but she could not describe the nature of an oath, and it appeared had been brought up without the least sense of religion ; which circumstances, added to her silence for five weeks after the crime was alledged to have been committed, and which she mentioned to her mother only when a second attempt was said to be made, induced the jury to return the above favourable verdict.

Newcastle Courant August 24 1805 On Monday last, Ann MASON, of the Dog-Bank, in this town, saleswoman, was brought before the magistrates at the Guildhall, charged with purchasing cloaths belonging to a soldier, of which she was convicted, and sentenced to pay a fine of 10l. It is hoped this will operate as a warning to others following such illegal practices.

James LUKE, charged with stealing a suit of wearing apparel from a person with whom he slept, and Christian GILES, charged with stealing a bundle at the Cowhill Fair, have been committed for trial at the next sessions, by the magistrate of this town.

On Sunday night, the 11^th inst, at Greysouthen, in Cumberland, a person named William WOODMAN, with several others, had been at a neighbouring public house, where they had drank to excess. Woodman and two others, left the alehouse in apparent friendship. They had not however, proceeded more than two hundred yard before a quarrel arose between Woodman and one of his fellow pitmen. Being about to proceed to blows, the other person in company, (Henry WILSON, of BRATNWAITE) interposed, with intention to prevent their fighting. Woodman thereupon made use of very abusive language, and repeatedly struck at Wilson, who becoming irritated by such unmerited treatment, gave Woodman a violent blow about the stomach. He immediately fell and expired. The deceased is supposed to have been a native of Haltwhistle, and has left a widow and five children. The coroner`s inquest brought in their verdict, manslaughter against Wilson, who immediately surrendered himself , and proceeded directly to Carlisle to take his trial. He is a person of a fair character, and employed by the proprietors of Seaton Iron Works, as manager of their pits at Braithwaite.

Carlisle assizes were opened in the usual manner yesterday se`nnight. The calendar contained six prisoners or trial viz: Geo PAVEY, and Jane USHER alias ADAMSON, for a riot at Workington. Pavey acquitted ; Usher sentenced to be imprisoned a week. James DIXON, for stealing wearing apparel – to be transported 7 years. Against Ralph WILSON alias John STOREY, charged with stealing several bank notes in the house of Andrew GRAHAM of Scarr ; and John BROWN, charged with having implements for coining and base money in his possession – no bills were found. Henry WILSON charged with killing Wm WOODMAN – acquitted.

At Warwick assizes a cause (HARDING, OAKES, and WILLINGTON, v HEATH) came on to be tried before Mr Baron Thompson, which excited a considerable degree of interest. The plaintiffs are bankers at Tamworth, in Warwickshire, and the defendant is a person of property residing in the same place. The defendant was accused of writing and publishing malicious libels against the plaintiffs, with intent to injure the credit of their bank. The libels were all similar and consisted of the words. “Fronti nulla fides” ( appearances are deceitful) which were written in large characters upon many of the five guinea and one guinea cash notes of the plaintiffs. The defendant pleaded not guilty, but 61 notes so written upon were produced in court, and his hand writing upon them was clearly proved. The plaintiffs did not attempt to show any special damage : but form the whole of the evidence the malicious intent of the defendant was satisfactorily proved to the court, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiffs, with 500l damages.