West Kent Guardian, 2 January 1841.

CORONER S INQUEST.

An inquest was held on Thursday se’enmght, at the "Crown Inn," Chislehurst, before Mr. C. J. Carttar and a highly respectable jury, upon the body of Priscilla Ann Sharp, whose death it was alleged had ensued from having been prematurely removed from the workhouse of Newington-butts, Surrey, under the following circumstances. The investigation created great interest in the neighbourhood, and the jury-room was crowded to an overflow.

Mary Sharp, sworn, said I am mother to the deceased, and hold the situation of mistress to the poorhouse of Chislehurst. She was 22 years of age, and had been living with her aunt, who is matron of Newington workhouse, which is situate at Walworth. My daughter had been living there about six months as her assistant. I do not know whether she was appointed by the guardians or not. She had enjoyed good health. I received the letter I produce on the 16th instant, which states that my daughter was ill, and requested me to fetch her home. I immediately went to town, and found my daughter very ill, and confined to her bed. I saw a medical gentleman and a person who stated that he had written the letter to me. I was asked by Mrs. Phillips (my sister) to take her home with me. I replied that she was too ill to be removed. She then said, “Here is a medical man, and he knows best." The doctor observed that she ought to be blooded. I requested that my daughter might remain until the morning. He said that she would be too ill to go then. I said, “if that is the case, she is not fit to be removed to night.” He replied that he would have blooded her, but that he understood she was going away. I then went up stairs to my daughter. Mrs. Phillips came into the room and said, "Make haste, the fly is waiting.” My daughter said, “Is my mother going?” and she said, “Yes, and you are going too.” Mrs. Phillips said she had better be wrapped in a blanket.

My daughter was not able lo get out of bed, and a man was sent up to carry her down to the fly. I said to Mrs. Phillips, “How cruel you are, you would not serve a pauper so:" when she replied, "Don’t be saucy.” When my child was carried into the fly, she perspired violently. She did not express any wish to go home. She said “Oh dear,” when my sister told her she was going.

By the Coroner:- I had but little conversation with the medical man. He said that she might then be removed, but would be too ill to-morrow. We came home in a close fly, and reached Chislehurst about 9 o’clock at night. She did not speak during the journey. The medical man gave me some medicine before I left. She had cold shivers with perspiration. After we reached home I sat up with her all night. She was very ill next day. I went in the morning for Dr. Williams of Bromley, who pronounced her dangerously ill, and expressed much surprise at her being removed. She expired on Monday morning, about 11 o'clock. Every attention was paid her after I got her home. She sobbed very much, and said that if her aunt came she would not see her.

Mr. William Lambe, of No. 1, Bolingbroke-row, Walworth, surgeon and apothecary, sworn, said, I am not surgeon to the union. I know the deceased. I was called to attend her on the 11th inst. at the poorhouse, by Mrs. Phillips. The deceased was in her sitting room labouring under fever. Her pulse at eighty-six. Her breathing bad. I gave her medicine. On the following day she appeared better. On Sunday she was not so well, and I gave directions that she should remain in bed, the fever having increased. On Monday she was rather better. I continued the medicine. On Tuesday she was decidedly worse, and I thought, from the deceased’s state, it would be advisable to write to her friends, Mrs. Phillips having mentioned the uncertainty of her continuance as matron. She was worse on Wednesday afternoon, and her pulse varied from 98 to 100, and I considered her in a more excited state of fever. I saw her mother there, and she has given a correct statement of what transpired. I told her mother that the deceased required more attention than Mrs. Phillips could devote. She spoke of the state of the weather, and wished her daughter not to be removed until the following morning. I said that if she was removed, it must be done at once. Mrs. Phillips had said that it was necessary for her to be removed, as the board of guardians had told her that a master and matron had been engaged. I then informed the mother that it would be better to send for a doctor directly after she got home. I particularly stated this.

By the Coroner:- The circumstances demanded that she should lie removed, and I gave particular orders concerning her being wrapped up, and that the windows of the coach should not be opened. She was not in a high state of perspiration when she was removed, as has been stated by the mother.

By the Coroner:- I was not aware of her death until I received your summons. I was much surprised. I did not think she was in danger when she was removed. I thought the clothes I had ordered to be put on would keep her in a proper temperature.

Coroner:- Do you consider it was prudent to remove her in the state she was in.

Witness:- She was a young lady I much respected, and I thought it best to remove her as I have stated. I heard no positive denial on the part of her mother as to her removal. She appeared satisfied with what I told her.

The inquiry was adjourned till Monday.

The enquiry was resumed on Monday. The interest this case had excited was much increased, and a vast number of persons had collected to hear the result.

The names of the jury having been called over, the following additional evidence was adduced:—

Edward Augustus Williams, surgeon, Bromley, sworn, said, I knew the deceased, and attended her a day or two before her death. The deceased's father came on Thursday morning for my assistance. I told him I would come over in two or 3 hours. I understood that medicine had been brought with her from town, and I desired that it might be given her until I came. I saw her at six o’clock that evening very ill in bed; her countenance was blue, great difficulty in breathing, and prostration of strength. I considered her in great danger, and informed her mother so; the mother said the medical man had desired that she should be blooded as soon as she reached home; she was, however, too ill to be blooded then. I prescribed medicines but had no hopes that she could recover—twenty-four hours had elapsed since she came home before I saw her. (Mr. Lambe, at this moment, came into the room, but was requested by the coroner to leave, which he did.) Witness resumed:- I continued to visit the deceased until she died, on Monday morning. I did not attempt to bleed her. She rallied very little. I believe that her death arose from inflammation of the lungs. Since her death I have made a post-mortem examination; Mr. Lambe and my assistant were present at the time. I found death was caused by inflammation, and extensive disease of the pericardium of the heart; the substance of the lungs and viscera generally healthy. The deceased was not emaciated in body. The disease of the heart had existed many months, and was sufficient to cause death ultimately, without inflammation; a person diseased at the heart would be more susceptible of inflammation: I treated her for inflammation of the heart, and for fever. I should not have altered my treatment had I been aware of the disease of the heart. The inflammation of the heart arose from natural causes.

By the Coroner:- I have heard the circumstances of her removal. I heard of it in the neighbourhood.

Coroner:- Can you give any opinion as to her fit state for I removal?

Mr. Williams:- I believe she would, eventually, have died if she had remained.

Coroner:- We must go a little farther, by asking you if you think her removal accelerated her death?
Mr. Williams:- I imagine that being wrapped up and taken in a close fly, she would not be hurt.

Coroner:- Taking the evidence of the medical man—her pulse at 100, and the necessity that she should be blooded—do you think if she had not been removed the would have died so soon?

Mr. Williams:- Not having seen her previously, I could not I give an opinion; she should, however, have been attended to when she arrived home.

Coroner:- Are you a friend of Mr. Lambe's?

Mr. Williams:- I have no acquaintance with Mr. Lambe.

Coroner:- Do you think her death was not accelerated by the removal?

Mr. Williams:- I do not think it was. I believe she would have died if I had seen her directly. I might have relieved her.

Foreman of the Jury:- Do you think, if you had seen the deceased previously to her removal, you could have prolonged her life?

Mr. Williams:- Not having seen her, I cannot judge.

Foreman:- There was no emergency for removing her, and possibly her life might have been prolonged.

A Juror: There is one point which has not been answered to my satisfaction by Sir. Lambe; who has only said that the aunt of the deceased was so desirous of her leaving the house.

Coroner:- That is not a point for discussion now.

Juror:- There is a medical man in this village, and he should have been sent for, and not have waited for Dr. Williams.

Foreman:- There was no occasion to remove her, and the caution that was taken proved the danger of doing so.

Mr. Lambe was here called in and examined.

Coroner:- Mr. Lambe, will you be good enough to give us again your opinion as to the state of deceased when you last saw her.

Mr. Lambe recapitulated his evidence on his first examination.

By the Coroner:- I saw her about half-past 4 o’clock; she was not then in a state of perspiration.

Coroner, to Mr. Williams:- Can you state, from the particulars now given by Mr. Lambe, as to whether there would be any impropriety in removing her?

Mr. Williams:- Her pulse being from 98 to 100, I can see no objection, with proper care. Mr. Lambe was recalled, and in answer to the coroner, said that he did not apprehend any danger from the removal.

Coroner:- I want a straightforward answer. Was there only not danger, but did you deem it proper to advise her going?

Witness:- I did not see any impropriety or danger.

Coroner:- Will you tell us the state of the deceased on the post mortem examination?

Mr. Lambe:- The heart was in a diseased state. I should imagine it had been so from infancy.

Coroner:- Then you are still of opinion that death was caused by inflammation, fever, and disease.

Mr. Lambe:- I am, sir.

Foreman of the Jury:- If the deceased had remained at her aunt's, and had been bled, and had had the common attention of the inmates of the house, what would have been the result?

Witness:- You speak to me as if I had been instrumental in her removal. I heard no objection raised by the mother to her being removed.

A Juror:- Shall we get at the motive for removing deceased from Mr. Phillips’s?

Coroner:- We cannot examine Mrs. Phillips to criminate herself, if there is no proof of ignorance, or negligence, or force used, the law would not reach the party, it might appear unkind of Mrs. Phillips in wishing deceased to leave in the state she was in; but still she did not keep the medical man from view, if Mrs. Phillips wished the deceased taken away, or, rather, insisted that she should be; the question was asked personally of her medical attendant, whether she was in a fit state to be removed—the responsibility must rest upon him. For instance, if my servant was ill, and I wished her to leave, or to be taken away, and I asked a medical man if it would be proper to do so, and he said it would, I should hold him responsible for such advice.

A Juror:- The mother in this case is to blame.

Coroner:- Her mother appears here in an innocent point of view; it was a late hour when she came home.

Mr. Lambe added, in answer to a question from the coroner, that his reason for saying he would go with the deceased was, the mother said that she had seen her much worse, and had cured her herself.

Coroner:- If a medical man is so ignorant of his profession, that a person under his treatment dies from neglect, then he is the responsible party. If the deceased had died on the journey, there would be proof that inflammation was existing at the time she left; but in my opinion Mr. Lambe did all he could. If there was an error, it was any error of judgment. All proved that the case was one of some danger. (To Mr. Lambe.) If no application had been made to you by Mrs. Phillips, would you have wished her to be removed?

Mr. Lamb:- Certainly not so.

Foreman:- What time did Mrs. Phillips apply to you to know the state of deceased the day she left?

Witness:- lt was only in the morning.

George Hill Vaughan, of Chester-place, Old Kent-road, writing master, said, I have seen the deceased. The last time I saw her was on Tuesday evening; she went down stairs and seemed very poorly. I saw her on Wednesday.

Coroner:- You have just said that Tuesday was the last time you saw her.

Witness:- I meant that I had seen Sirs. Phillips.

Coroner:- I believe you wrote the letter to Mrs. Sharpe?

Witness:- I did, sir. I saw her when she (the deceased) was going away.

Coroner:- Why, you said just now that you had not seen her since Tuesday.

Witness:- I forgot to mention that I saw her when she was going away. (Much surprise was here evinced.) I heard Mr. Lamb say that she ought to be bled that night. I did not hear the mother express a wish that she should remain. I assisted in putting deceased into the fly. I heard Mr. Lambe give orders for some gruel and medicine to be given to the deceased.

Mrs. Sharpe recalled,

Coroner:- Did you say anything to Mr. Lambe about deceased's illness before?

Mrs. Sharpe:- I do not recollect that I did; she has been unwell before, and I have doctored her myself.

Coroner:- Was any person present when you had any conversation?

Mrs. Sharpe:- There was.

Coroner:- Is this the person (pointing to Mr. Vaughan)?

Witness:- He is the person.

Coroner:- Did you communicate to Mr. Lambe that you had doctored the child yourself?

Witness:- I do not recollect.

Coroner:- It is a great pity that your memory fails you on so many occasions.

Witness:- Mr. Vaughan was in the room the whole of the time.

A Juror:- Did you know a medical man resides in this place?

Witness:- I did; but Mr. Williams has always attended my family.

Mrs. Martha Phillips said, I reside at Newington poor-house.

Mr. Carttar, addressing Mrs. Phillips:- I suppose you are aware of the circumstances attending this inquiry; you are not bound to answer any questions that may criminate yourself. If you like to give any particulars, we shall be glad to hear them.

Witness:- I am most willing to do so, sir. Witness added, my niece has been unwell since she has been with me. She was very unwell on Thursday; I sent for Mr. Lambe, and told him that if it was likely she would continue ill, it would be better for her to go home. He said it was cold, and he would see her next day. She was better and more cheerful on Sunday. I suggested the letter to her mother, not with the idea of her fetching her home. I was surprised to see her mother return with the messenger who took the letter. She did not go up to see the deceased for some time after she came in; I do not know the cause. I introduced Mr. Lambe to my sister. He told me that my deceased niece had better go home, and he mentioned the same to my sister. She answered, "very well, sir, I can nurse her best.” Mr. Lambe told her to have a doctor directly she got home, and added that he would go himself rather than she should neglect doing so. (Mrs. Phillips was here much affected). I said to my sister, do not delay.

Coroner:- Did you say to Mrs. Sharpe, there’s no time to dress?

Witness:- I did not, sir. My niece was dressed, and had on several additional articles of clothing. The mother assisted in dressing her. She got out of bed herself, and would have walked down stairs, but I begged of her not, and sent a man up to carry her dawn, I asked her how she was, and she answered, pretty well.

By the Coroner:- I heard that my sister had said that she would not turn a pauper out on such a night; she did not say so to me. I believe we are on good terms.

Coroner:- This testimony confirms the evidence of Mr Lambe. It is at variance on many points with that of Mrs. Sharpe's; it will not do that Mrs. Sharp should leave this court without the case being fully explained to her. Mrs. Sharp recalled—

Coroner:- Did you not state that your deceased daughter was not dressed?

Mrs. Sharpe; She was not, sir.

The Coroner then repeated Mrs, Phillips's statement, and Mrs. Sharpe said it was true.

Coroner:- You stated on your first examination that your daughter was lifted out of bed.

Witness:- I do not know, sir. I was down stairs at the time.

Coroner:- Did you say to your sister that you would not turn a pauper out on such a night?

Witness:- I did, sir.

Mr. Vaughan:- It was to me that you said so. The witness did not contradict this.

Coroner:- Your recollection is very imperfect on many things.

Coroner, addressing Mrs. Phillips:- it has been stated that it was necessary to remove the deceased in consequence of youi leaving your situation.

Mrs. Phillips:- That is true, sir. I did not apprehend any danger, or she should not have been removed on any account. I should not have had her removed if the medical man had said there was the least danger. I wrote to my sister after my niece had left. (The letter was read by Mr. Carttar, by which it appeared she was very solicitous to know how the deceased was; likewise admonishing Mrs. Sharp for some remarks that had been made, reflecting on her. A letter was also read from the Overseers of Newington, giving Mrs. Phillips an excellent character for humanity. A gentleman present likewise spoke very favourably of Mrs. Phillips, and added, that the deceased and Mrs. Phillips always appeared on most friendly terms.)

Sir. Carttar briefly summed up, and concluded by saying if appeared from the evidence that death was not accelerated by the removal.

The room having been cleared, the jury consulted for some time, after which they returned the following verdict, "That the deceased came to her death by natural causes at the same time they regretted that the mother of the deceased had not acted upon the advice of Mr. Lambe, immediately on their arrival at Chislehurst.

Mr. Carttar, addressing Mr. Lambe, said, I have no doubt this case will act as a caution to you on future occasions; at the same time you leave here without the least imputation on your professional character. The Coroner, in addressing Mrs. Sharpe, said, I perfectly coincide in the verdict of the jury, at the same time I beg to say that your statement is not what it ought to have been; you have led the jury to imagine that you have forgotten or you have wilfully mis-stated what you knew.