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From the Kentish Gazette 5 June 1838.
(Full
account found from this link. Paul Skelton)
Full Particulars, up to the latest hour last night, of the conflict
between Sir William Courtenay and a detachment of the 45th Infantry,
in the Blean Woods, near Canterbury, on the 31st of May; and the
evidence adduced up to the same period, at the Inquests upon the
bodies.
It is now six years since the individual, whose death has entailed
misery and ruin upon the families of a large body of agricultural
labourers, first made his appearance in the county of Kent.
His assumption of the Devon Peerage, and his claims to other titles
and property, together with his reported wealth, the narratives of
his Palestine pilgrimages, his magnificent and costly Eastern mode
of dress, his manly and elegant figure, his impressive countenance,
and his dauntless spirit, induced people of every grade to look upon
him as a man of "more than common cast."
It would be needless to enter into a recapitulation of the eccentric
man’s life during the few month’s he sojourned in the city of
Canterbury. His contest for parliamentary honours in opposition to
the Hon. Rd. Watson and Lord Fordwich, proves that, however well
qualified for winning the golden opinions of the poorest and most
ignorant, art and study, or a close observance of human nature, had
endowed him with a tact which made him estimable in the eyes of the
better educated, and enabled him to ingratiate himself into the good
opinions of the learned by an originality of idea, a brilliancy of
conception, and a fluency of choice and classical language. These
distinguished acquirements carried public opinion in his favour even
among the most sceptical, and from his friendly disposition to the
poor, and general urbanity he dwelt in the hearts of all men, until
the wildness of his schemes to retrieve, as he said, his lost
property, and the exposure of the deceit and falsehood which he
practised, overwhelmed him suddenly with disgrace and infamy.
We subjoin a brief notice of his early connexion with Canterbury:—
Sir W. Courtenay first appeared in Canterbury in the Michaelmas of
the year 1832; and the first rumour was, that an eccentric character
was living at the "Rose Inn," who passed under the name of Count
Rothschild, but had been recently known in London by the name of
Thompson. His countenance and costume denoted foreign extraction,
while his language and conversation showed that he was well
acquainted with almost every part of the kingdom. He often decked
his person with a fine suit of Italian clothing, and sometimes with
the more gay and imposing costume of the eastern nations. In
December of the same year he surprised the citizens of Canterbury by
offering himself as a candidate for the representation of the city
in parliament, and created an entertaining contest for the honour
long after the sitting candidates had composed themselves to the
delightful vision of an unexpensive and unopposed return, he was
also a candidate for the eastern division of this county, but polled
only four votes, the county voters having derived a lesson of wisdom
from the sad effects of his former freaks and follies. After
striving in vain to possess himself of a seat in parliament, at
least a return of having been elected for one, the adventurer
appears to have studied with much more ardour and vigilance than
before to captivate the affections of the lower orders in the city.
He made it known that his condescension was as great as his rank and
wealth, and that he should be willing to accept of invitations to
visit the humblest families — to eat and drink at the peasant’s and
the labourer’s table — to make one of a larger or smaller party at
the lowest public-house, — to enrol his name in the meanest society,
and to have it published abroad that Sir William Courtenay preferred
being the companion of the cottager and the friend of the poor. It
is easy to conclude that such intelligence charmed a million hearts,
and obtained entreaties for his company from every quarter. So
numerous were his engagements, that he was obliged to run or ride
from house to house, taking a slight repast at each, and generally
concluding the day at a banquet prepared by a number of his new
friends in some club-room.
During the whole of this period, the excitement produced by Sir
William was beyond conception. He set at defiance the civic
authorities, and the Mayor and Magistrates of Canterbury, although
professing popular principles, were obliged on one occasion to seek
safety in military aid.
Shortly after this he got into a more serious difficulty, by
interfering in behalf of a party of smugglers who were captured and
conveyed to Rochester for examination. The outline of this affair is
as follows:—
In the month of February an action took place between her Majesty’s
sloop Lively, a revenue cruiser, and a smuggling boat called the
Admiral Hood, near the Goodwin Sands, which ended in the capture of
the latter, which, with the crew, was taken to Rochester for
adjudication. On boarding the smuggler no contraband goods were
found; but, during the chase, she was distinctly seen by the Lively
throwing tubs overboard, and some of them were marked and picked up
by the crew of the cruiser. On the examination of the smugglers
before the magistrates at Rochester, Sir William Courtenay made his
appearance, attired in a grotesque costume, and having a small
cimetar suspended from his neck by a massive gold chain. On one of
the men being examined. Sir William became his advocate; but the man
being convicted, a professional gentleman from London defended the
next, and Sir William presented himself as a witness, and swore that
he saw the whole transaction between the Lively and the Admiral
Hood, and was positive that the tubs, stated to have come from the
Admiral Hood, had been floating about in the sea all the morning,
and were not thrown overboard from that vessel. The object of this
statement was evidently to prove that the Admiral Hood was not a
smuggler, and consequently to procure the liberation of the men. The
solicitors for the Customs, having undoubted evidence that this
testimony was false, determined to proceed against an individual who
had been guilty of such a public and daring act of perjury. The
trial came on at Maidstone, before Mr. Justice James Parke, on the
25th of July, 1833, when he was found guilty of wilful and corrupt
perjury, and sentenced to imprisonment in gaol for three calendar
months, and at the expiration of that term to be transported to such
place beyond the seas as his Majesty, by and with the advice of his
Privy Council, should direct, for the term of seven years. Before,
however, the three months’ imprisonment had expired, it was found
that Sir William was completely out of his senses; the sentence was
annulled, and he was sent to the Kent Lunatic Asylum at Barming,
where be has been confined until a few months since.
Whilst at Barming-heath his admirers, particularly among the poorer
Classes, seized with avidity all tidings of him. They supplied him
regularly with every necessary and luxury, and contributions were
made weekly for his maintenance in a style befitting his exalted
situation in life. A few months only were suffered to elapse ere
addresses, memorials, and petitions, praying for his le-lease, were
forwarded to the Government. After a detention of four years, Mr.
Toms, of Cornwall, the father, and Mrs. Toms, the wife of the
self-dubbed Knight of Malta, applied for his release, and on the
father offering to be responsible for his conduct, and to be bound
to take care of him. Lord John Russell directed the case to be
inquired into, and reported to him. The surgeon represented that,
although of unsound mind. Sir William was not a dangerous madman,
and the Home Secretary signed his order of discharge from
confinement. With old Mr. Toms' acquiescence, his son paid a visit
to Mr. Francis, of Fairbrook, near Canterbury. The Knight domiciled
with the family, and they lived very comfortably for several months.
Sir William amusing himself by traversing and exploring the immense
woods which intersect — nay, almost cover — that part of the
country. At length a rupture broke out between the friends, on the
subject of his parentage and prospects; and he was, ultimately,
ordered to quit the house. This he did, and his clothes and property
were conveyed to another destination, and then removed to Bosenden,
the residence of John Culver, where Sir William took up his abode.
He now paid frequent visits to the husbandmen of the neighbourhood.
It may be scarcely credited, but the influence which he obtained
over the agricultural laborers was not merely the result of his
complacency.
He interlarded his conversation with stories of his Divine agency —
affirmed himself to be the Redeemer, and that the eternal happiness
and misery of mankind was at his direction. In conversing upon these
topics he threw into his manner so much earnestness and wildness,
that the ignorant audience, if they felt any doubt of his superhuman
power, did not venture to express it. Whether at this time he
entertained the projects which his partisans have declared he
subsequently conceived is a matter of doubt — and it is much to be
questioned whether he would have gone farther than proclaimed
himself a Supreme Being, and have exacted implicit obedience from
his misguided friends, had not some of the more respectable
inhabitants of Boughton and the adjacent parishes, and also of
Canterbury, become objects of his wrath from the persecutions and
degradation he fancied he had received at their hands.
One of his hands had been lacerated years back by some accident, and
he Converted the circumstance into a corroborative proof of his
story. Me pointed out the scared wounds, and solemnly affirmed that
they were the marks of the nails which pierced him when he suffered
for their sins on the Cross. Another wound in his side he exhibited
at times, as proceeding from the spear with which the Roman soldier
thrust him. He pronounced himself invulnerable — neither sword nor
gun-shot could injure him, and that he was two thousand years of
age. That he could render all who believed and obeyed equally
impervious to outward assault; and that if he permitted himself to
be slain at any time it would only be to show that he could of
himself rise again. Nor was this all; — one evening, when he was in
the midst of his followers, and had been lecturing them upon
spiritual subjects, he went to the door, and calling their attention
to his movements, pointed out the north star. To convince the
unbelieving, who had as yet seen none of his works, he said he would
shoot the star with his pistol, and it should drop into the distant
ocean, he accordingly fired, and his fanaticised audience stood in
mute astonishment, and on recovering their breath, exclaimed they
had seen it fall!
We could multiply these instances, but they are heartrending and
sickening to the well-informed mind. We shall relate but one more,
and this we shall do, because up to Saturday night his followers
obstinately persisted in its belief. To introduce the incident here
is somewhat out of the order of events, but as connected with the
subject of our present paragraph, we append it. Previous to the
conflict with the soldiers, Sir William stated to the persons who
assembled round him at Bosenden farm, that if he fell in the
engagement, some one must immediately pour water upon his lips. It
would be an act of special grace for any one to be suffered thus to
treat him, and would bring down heavenly blessings upon the favoured
individual. The application of water to his lips at this important
crisis, would preserve him from mortal death, and, he should rise up
again and live amongst them, even though his body had been cut to
pieces by his enemies. Sarah Culver, the daughter of the farmer at
Bosenden, actually walked a distance of half a mile with a pail of
water, which she poured on his lips and stanched his wounds with, as
he lay dead on the field of carnage. His surviving followers remain
firm in their expectation that as his behest was complied with, he
will rise again, and appear a Saviour and a King amongst them,
either on the third or seventh day.
Such was the enthusiastic and fanatic state, to which he had wrought
the minds of upwards of one hundred persons previous to the day of
his death.
We shall now trace his conduct from the Sunday which commenced the
week of his outrages. He had won to his interests many, not merely
labouring men, but small farmers — and persons doing well in the
world. It has been said that his partizans were men suffering from
the operations of the New Poor Law Act, and that their distresses
drove them to acts of rebellion. This is not true. We cannot on
inquiry find that a parish pauper was of this party. They were all
in full employ. Wills, who seconded Courtenay with so much
resolution at the fight, lived in a good house at Fairbrook, has
property of his own, and farms a small portion of land. Wraight, who
is killed, occupied sixty acres of land — eighteen of which were his
own property — had a team of horses, and was doing prosperously.
Foad was well off, and was much esteemed by his wealthy neighbours;
and several, or nearly all, were in the employ of excellent masters,
and had been so for a series of years.
On Sunday Courtenay visited Wills. In the afternoon he had tea at
Kennett's, a labourer’s, at Dunkirk, at the foot of Boughton-hill.
After tea he preached a sermon to a large party of his followers,
one half of whom were women. On Monday he was in the neighbourhood
of Boughton, and was met by small parties of labourers, with whom he
conversed earnestly and shook hands. A numerous party of people of
both sexes, visited him at Culver’s, at Bosenden, by invitation to
tea on Monday evening.
On Tuesday morning, early, Courtenay met a party of fourteen or
sixteen unarmed men, residents of Dunkirk, and proceeded at their
head through Boughton, calling at Mrs. Palmer’s, a strong partizan,
and other shops, and purchasing bread and cheese. They then marched
to Wills's, at Fairbrook, from which place he sent for a pound of
tobacco and beer for the men. Here the party regaled themselves for
two or three hours, and several flocked to his standard. When at
Boughton he was attired in a shooting jacket, but having mustered a
company of determined and powerful men, to the number of between
forty and fifty, he bedecked himself in the showy vestments with
which he had aforetime imposed upon and deluded the citizens of
Canterbury. His "gold"” chain and glittering orders were exposed,
and his pistols and dirk were stuck in his belt.
They then proceeded to Graveney, and at a bean stack a loaf was
broken asunder and placed on a pole. Thence they proceeded to
Goodnestone, near Faversham, producing throughout the whole
neighbourhood the greatest excitement, and adding to their numbers
by the harangues occasionally delivered by this ill-fated madman. At
this farm Courtenay proclaimed that he would "strike the bloody
blow," and introduced a bundle of matches into the stack, but which
fortunately did not ignite. It is uncertain whether he intended to
fire the stack at that moment, to infuse terror in the
neighbourhood, or whether his conduct was directed by a desire to
show to his party that he should not hesitate to have recourse to
the most outrageous acts to promote his views, and that he
considered himself superior to mortal vengeance or human
retribution. It is reported, that this and other stacks were to be
lighted as a signal to confederates who had not yet joined his
standard on the flag of defiance having been unfurled, and that all
who did not wish to be victims of his desolating power, or who
desired to aggrandize themselves by the ruin of others, must, at
once, declare in his favour. Certain it is, that mysterious threats
and imprecations were chalked on the walls and gates in the adjacent
country, foretelling the arrival of a day of devastation and
bloodshed, when the fire of the Lord should be kindled, and the
enemies of godliness and the oppressor should meet with the just
reward of the wicked. The Union workhouses were to be opened, and
the inmates released, and the wails razed to the ground. Many of the
active officers of justice were to be immolated — an instance of the
cruelty to be proclaimed was witnessed by the murderous and
barbarian like treatment received by the constable on the following
Thursday — and the lands and possessions of the despoiled were to be
distributed among his followers. Several of his active and zealous
attendants were already, by promise, rich and great men. To some he
had allotted farms — to others, treasures — and the rewards to all
were to be measured by the daring and firmness they evinced to his
cause. None appear to have questioned either his ability or right to
rob, and destroy, and murder. He had in repeated instances exhibited
his Divine origin, and it was not for them to dispute the behest of
a man with whom, by an unaccountable fascination, they had leagued.
They next proceeded to a farm at Herne-hill, where Courtenay
requested the inmates to feed his friends, which request was
immediately complied with. Their next visit was at Dargate-common,
where Sir Wm., taking off his shoes, said, "I now stand on my own
bottom." By Sir William’s request his party went to prayers, and
then proceeded to Bosenden-farm, where they supped, and slept that
night.
On Wednesday morning the party left Bossenden. They had slept all
night in a barn, where a guard had been kept over them to prevent
intrusion. At three the band left the barn, and passing through
Brighton, Ospringe, Greenstreet, Bapchild, went to Sittingbourne,
and breakfasted at the "Wheat Sheaf." By Courtenay's orders all the
men were armed with bludgeons; he himself being laden with pistols
and a dirk. A white flag, bordered with blue, and bearing the device
of a lion rampant, was borne in front of the procession. For the
breakfast Courtenay paid 25s.; and shortly afterwards his party
increased to nearly a hundred strong. From Sittingbourne they
marched to Newnham, again partook of refreshment at the "George."
Courtenay asking the labourers as they passed to join his ranks, — as
he would provide them with provisions and money From thence they
directed their course to Doddington and Eastling, over Throwley
Forstall and Seldwich Lees, through Lord Sondes’ park to Sellinge,
and rested in a chalk-pit belonging to Mr. Clackett, at Gushmer.
Having stayed here two or three hours they formed its rank at the
sound of a bugle, and proceeded back, passing at the foot of
Boughton Hill, returned to Culver's house, at Bossenden. This round
was a distance of about 30 miles readied Culver's at about five
o'clock. They had now about sixty in company, who had supper at
Culver's. A grey horse, on which Courtenay had figured at Canterbury
during his better days, was led in front of the party by Tyler. The
brute is a most vicious one, and none but Courtenay dared to mount
him.
In the evening, at about nine o'clock, Mr. Curling, of Herne-hill, a
respectable farmer, went from the "George Inn" at Boughton, to
Culver's house, to inquire after some of his men, who had left his
employ. On reaching Culver's house he was hailed by Sir William
walking in the garden. He demanded, in a very authoritative tone,
"What do you want?" Mr. Curling replied, "I'm looking after some men
who have run away from my service." He rejoined, "We have none of
them here and after a few more words Mr. C. left and returned to the
"George."
The magistrates having granted a warrant to Mr Curling to apprehend
his men, supposed to have joined Courtenay's party, he put it into
the hands of Mears, the constable, who on Thursday morning proceeded
to Culver's residence to execute it.
The circumstances attending to the death of the constable will be
found in the report of the inquest on the body. We shall, therefore,
make no further reference to the horrid and brutal murder here, but
proceed to detail the occurrences which subsequently transpired. On
the two assistants escaping, they applied to the magistrates for
aid, which was promptly rendered. Courtenay had an interview with
this force near the ozier bed and exchanged fires, and madly exposed
himself to three shots returned to his men, and exclaimed, "You see,
nothing can touch me I am proof against steel and bullet." The
magistrates offered a reward for his capture but no one ventured on
the dangerous undertaking. Expresses were sent to Canterbury for the
military; and after considerable delay, a reinforcement arrived.
Courtenay had now left the ozier bed; his party carrying oak boughs
over their shoulders, and proceeded to Mr. Francis's. Here he
demanded gin and water for his men, but on the suggestion of Mrs. F.
that beer was their more usual beverage, he desired they might be
supplied with it. He took gin and water himself. After a long lapse,
it was reported that the military were sent for and he drew off his
men towards the woods, and took his station in a thick jungle. This
position was admirably adapted for Guerilla warfare. They lay on the
side of a gentle slope, hid in underwood of four or five years’
growth. In their front the base of the hollow was comparatively
clear, only a few oak stems and low shrubs growing on it: whilst on
each flank and behind him the wood was almost impervious. About a
quarter of a mile in his rear was Culver's house. The men lad down
in the brushwood, and the only sign of their temporary habitation
was the occasional shaking of the boughs as they crept about to
communicate orders.
From whatever cause Sir William chose this spot, he could not have
selected one more easy of defence had he permitted his friends to
use fire-arms. It is said he had aforetime had the place pointed out
to him as where the Danes fought a sanguinary battle, and he
intended it to become celebrated for the defeat of a military force
by a body of unarmed peasantry. At two o’clock a division of the
45th marched into the dingle, accompanied by Dr Poore. N. Knatchbull,
esq. W. H. Baldock. esq. R. Halford esq. and other gentlemen. The
military formed a double line of fifty, extending across the bottom,
and on the Church wood side of a rivulet dividing it from Bosenden,
and within twenty or thirty yards from Courtenay’s band. Ten rounds
of cartridge were served to each man and they were ordered to load.
During this operation Sir William's party lay perfectly quiet, and
whilst the soldiers were waiting for "the word." Courtenay thrusting
his scimitar into the long grass, took up a bludgeon, and advanced
towards them. At the same moment Lieut. Bennett advanced from the
ranks, stepped over the rivulet, and in disobedience of the order of
his superior officer to "fall back," still approached to Courtenay.
It was at this moment he met his death. The tragic scene is related
in the examination at the inquest.
We visited the spot on Saturday. It is a sweet, secluded and
romantic glen — the hills mantled with luxuriant shrubs rising with
a gentle ascent on all sides, the approach is by two roads each of
which the military took. At the bottom of the glen the brushwood has
been cleared away, and the view until the eye rises to the elevated
ground is uninterrupted and picturesque — oak trees overtopping the
copse at short distances throughout the whole extent. The long grass
where Courtenay and his band were concealed is bent by the recumbent
posture they assumed. The scene of the conflict is still more
distinct. The grass as if in sympathy with those who so lately
encumbered it with their inanimate and ghastly forms is dead or
withering away. Pools of blood met the eye in various directions.
The twigs of the saplings and the smaller branches of the underwood
are split and riven by the bullets of the musquetry, and the stems
of the oak show by their multifarious incisions how sharp and close
was the firing. Where a few days ago the shouts of rebels and the
report of deadly musquetry were heard - now nought only reached our
ear but the gentle swelling of the zephyrs, and the melodious and
shrill warblines of the woodland songstresses.
The conflict lasted but a few minutes. The fall of Mr. Bennett was
the signal for a general assault by the military, and Courtenay fell
next by a ball which penetrated his left shoulder. He fired a second
pistol, but whether it took effect has not been yet ascertained. His
attack was resolutely supported by his followers, who abetted him
with a daring and determination worthy a better cause. On seeing
their leader fall they fought desperately, and, notwithstanding the
deadly weapons with which they were assailed, they rushed forward to
the muzzles of the guns, and attempted to beat them down or to wrest
them away. The steady fire of the soldiery however, was too
effective, and after seven of the party had been stretched dead on
the field, and a greater number wounded, they took to flight.
The soldiers immediately ceased to fire, and the special constables,
lushing forward, made several of the band prisoners. The dead were
picked up and laid alongside the bank of the rivulet, and the
wounded were conveyed, with all imaginable speed, to Boughton.
Courtenay was attired in a mackintosh, with abroad leathern-belt —
wore thick overalls on his trousers — had a yellow handkerchief
round his neck, and a white straw-hat. His beard and his hair was
long, and several of his followers were allowing their beards to
grow after his example.
Of the civil force one only was killed, and whether by Courtenay's
second pistol, or by a musket-shot, is not ascertained. His name is
George Catt, He lived at Faversham, and kept a beer-shop. He was a
powerful man, and was supposed to be rushing towards Courtenay, when
the shot passed through his head and killed him instanteously.
Several of the military were bruised with the bludgeons, but Lieut.
Bennett was the only one shot. This young officer had seen some
service in the Burmese war; where, it is said, he distinguished
himself. He had only lately obtained his lieutenancy, and a few days
before his death had returned to the regiment on the expiration of a
leave of absence. His father is an unattached officer, living in
Ireland. The company to which he was attached was not ordered on the
mournful duty, but he volunteered his services, and strongly pressed
for permission to be of the party. We know not with what truth, but
it is reported, that one of his brother-officers remonstrated very
strongly with him against going on the expedition, because he had
dreamed that he (the Lieutenant) had been shot.
The body of the officer was conveyed by the soldiers to the "Red
Lion," and the bodies of Courtenay and his comrades were carried to
the same place, and laid in the stable. On the following day a cast
was made by an Italian tarrying in Canterbury of Courtenay’s head,
when his fine flowing beard and glossy locks were shaven off.
The body was afterward removed to the house, where it underwent a
post mortem examination. The medical gentlemen gave the following
report of his wound.
The ball entered in front of the joint of the left shoulder passed
along under the collar bone, fracturing the first rib, then through
the upper part of the left lung, through the spine, crushing the
second dorsal vertebrae, through the right lung fracturing the
second rib on the right side of he chest. Here the ball took a
backward and downward direction, making its escape from the back
just below the right shoulder-blade.
There was a quantity of extravasated blood on the head above the
forehead supposed to be occasioned by
the blow struck by Milgate. He had also a bayonet-would on the cheek
and a slight abrasure of the skin on the left hand. His skin was
delicately fair, his body very muscular, and his hands and feet
particularly small. There was a great thickness of fat on the
internal parts of the body, and his heart was unusually large. After
being deprived of his hair, it was difficult to recognize any of his
features. Such was the anxiety to possess something belonging to
Courtenay, that his beard was clipped, and the buttons torn from his
clothes, and his shirt nearly stripped from his back before he was
conveyed off the field of battle.
There was nothing very remarkable in the other bodies. They were
clothed in husbandmen's attire, and their features gave no clue of
the agony they must have suffered for the few moments some of them
survived their deathblow.
The body of Lieutenant Bennett lay at the public-house until the
next evening, when it was conveyed in a hearse to the Canterbury
barracks. His fate is universally lamented. He was a very
fine-looking young man, and an only son. He has died with the
reputation of having been an excellent officer and a perfect
gentleman. The shot which killed him made but a slight puncture in
entering his right side, but created a dreadful laceration in
passing out on his left. To look upon his body and behold it
penetrated by the mortal wound by which he died, and perceiving also
that the wretches who had murdered him had, in the rage of the
moment, inflicted a severe blow upon his left temple, one was
inclined in grief and agony, to heap curses on their heads. By this
selfish and base outrage they brought death to many of the ignorant,
murdered so brave and kind-hearted a gentleman as Lieut. Bennett,
and entailed misery upon his family, his connexions, his brother
officers, and upon every one who was acquainted with him.
Another man was discovered in the woods on Saturday. He was wounded
by a bullet, which passed thro’ his throat and out of his mouth.
Three men were reported as found on Sunday; two of them dead. Baker
died on Saturday. Thirty one of the band resided at Herne hill.
Several of the party are still missing; and their friends are
scouring the woods in search of them.
Various causes will be assigned for this riot, and the rioters were
not all actuated by the same motive. That some of the poor wretches
believed Toms, alias Courtenay, to be Jesus Christ, there is no
doubt whatever; numerous instances can be furnished to prove it; nor
is it at all doubtful but that revolution, or rather the war of the
poor against the rich, to obtain by force a share of their property,
influenced others — and this feeling is deeper-seated amongst the
agricultural population than many persons are disposed to believe.
The prevailing sin of ingratitude was never more strongly
exemplified than in the threatened murder of the bailiff, at Dargate,
who, for a great length of time, has paid the labourers good wages,
and has always been ready to recommend an addition to the price of
piece-work agreed on, if the job proved a hard one. In cases of
sickness, or when the men were otherwise prevented from working, he
was always ready to plead their cause and describe their
necessities: and yet these very men not only knew of Toms intention
to murder him, for having declared him to be an impostor and madman,
and for endeavouring to dissuade them from this delusion, but
actually stood in deliberation (within sight of him), as to the
fittest time for Toms to execute his purpose and to destroy the
premises.
The eloquence of the madman was captivating, and many who heard him
have declared that they were nearly carried away by it, against the
conviction of their reason.
It is a fact that Nicholas Mears, the man who was murdered by
Courtenay, was so strongly impressed with the certainty that
Courtenay would kill the first who should attempt to take him, that
when he and his brother were proceeding to the fatal spot, he said
to his brother:— "It is certain one of us must die in this attempt;
which shall it be:" and then almost immediately said, — "It shall be
me — I shall not leave any children." He also bade an affectionate
farewell to his wife in the morning, and said he did not like the
business he was going on, and that he would rather go anywhere else.
It is known by the friends of George Catt, that it was his
intention to have pinioned Courtenay — and that it was in pursuance
of such intention that he availed himself of the opportunity of
rushing at Courtenay the instant he had fired his pistol, and thus
exposed himself to the fire of the soldiers. It is eagerness and
intrepidity had been previously noticed by the magistrates, and
which, most likely, accounts for his being described in the papers
as a constable.
Twenty-five of the prisoners were confined in Faversham gaol on
Friday night, fourteen of which remained until Monday.
On Saturday, late in the evening, two country youths found a
haversack, belonging to Courtenay. There was in it a pistol heavily
loaded, a small hatchet or tomahawk, and other articles. It was
lying a distance of forty rods from the scene of action. The pistol,
with which he killed the officer, has not yet been produced. On
Sunday thousands of people visited the scene of action, and it was
reported that two bodies and a wounded man had been discovered.
There are still five or six missing. Of those engaged, thirty-one
were Herne-hill men.
Previous to Mears’ death Courtney addressed his men at Culver’s, and
said to them, "This is the day of judgment — this is the first day
of the Millennium — and this day I will put the crown on my head.
Behold, a greater than Sampson is with you! If any of you wish to go
home, you may have my permission to go; but, if you desert me, I
will follow you to the furthermost part of hell, and invoke fire and
brimstone from heaven upon you!"
During the whole period of the inquiry, the village of Boughton was
in the highest state of excitement and bustle. On Thursday a
detachment of military were present as guards over the prisoners.
Vehicles of every description, and from all parts, were rapidly
passing to and fro; the connexions of the deceased' were lamenting
their untimely end, and constables and specials were in attendance,
bruised, maimed, and bleeding.
The attendance of reporters for the press, from London, Canterbury,
and other places, was very numerous, and the utmost attention was
paid to their accommodation both by the magistrates and the coroner.
Sir Edward Knatchbull, one of the county representatives, attended
the inquest on Saturday; and afterwards swore in a large body of
special constables. Several thousands of persons visited the scene
of action on Sunday.
The tragic affair has been brought before both houses of Parliament;
in the lords by the Earl of Winchelsea, and in the Commons, by Mr.
Plumptre.
The following lines are said to have been found in Courtenay's
pocket. They are in a female hand:—
"Is it a delusion? No, its peace I hear
"As yet welcome sweet guest
"A passing spiriet softly wispers
"Him safe from harm—and when
"The loud clash of War’s alarm attacks
"Him and boasts the tyrants proudly
"Round him still his manly heart
"Shall know no fear—
"Then sink not oh! my soul nor
"Yeald to sad despair, the cause is
"Great that calls thy Lord away
"A sinking spiriet and a silint
"Tear but ill becomes the child
"Who from the bonds of Satann
"May go free."
INQUEST ON MEARS, THE CONSTABLE.
On Friday morning. Mr. DeLasaux, the Conner, held an inquest on the
body of Nicholas Mears. The Magistrates present were — Rev. Dr.
Poore, N. Knatchbull, Esq., and W. H. Buldock, Esq.
The first witness was John Mears, brother of the deceased. He said,
I am a constable of Boughton, and yesterday morning I went to
Bosenden to execute three warrants, to apprehend William Courtenay,
alias Toms, William Wills, and William Griggs. I went in company of
the deceased and Daniel Edwards to Culver’s house. Saw William
Price, William Burford, Thomas Mears, alias Tyler, and several
others. As he approached near to the house he saw Courtenay. Heard
some one say "Is that them," but heard no answer. Courtenay
approached, and asked who was the constable, and his (witness’s)
brother said "I am." Courtenay put his hand forward, and presenting
a Pistol, fired it, and shot him. Courtenay then struck at witness
with a dagger, but he fell back and escaped. Deceased said "oh
dear!" and held himself up by the hedge for a few moments. Courtenay
in running after witness stumbled, and that circumstance witness
escaped. Edwards was with him; there was a crowd of ten, fifteen, or
twenty persons present. He (witness) then went to Faversham, and
obtained warrants against William Courtenay alias John Toms, and the
others named. He could not recognize more. He then went to the
Magistrates for assistance to apprehend the parties. Dr. Poore and
Norton Knatchbull, Esq., with a great body of persons, accompanied
him back to the place. They went to Fairbrook field, where they
understood the party had assembled. He could here only recognize
Courtenay, who had forty or fifty persons with him armed with
bludgeons.
In answer to a question by Dr. Poore:— Saw to flag.
Re-examination continued:— Saw Major Handley, and his brother, the
Rev. Mr. Handley, pass near the spot at which the rioters had
assembled by the ozier bed. Courtenay presented a pistol or
something at them; he heard a report, and saw a flash from it. The
murder of his brother was committed in the early part of the
morning, about six o’clock. Saw William Wills at the ozier bed, and
Tyler also. Had not seen Wills in the morning. Will is a labouring
man: there was nothing in his hand. Tyler had a bludgeon. They
followed the party to the tile-kiln leading towards Bosenden. He
(witness) went to the "Old Red Lion" public house on the turnpike road, and there met a body of soldiers. Courtenay’s men walked in
procession in military order, under the direction of Courtenay, and
formed to the sound of bugle. They marched towards Mr. Francis’s
house. Could not see if they went into the house. They turned round
the woods into Bosenden, to which place witness accompanied Mr.
Knatchbull and the soldiers. There was about fifty soldiers up the
lane. The Magistrates divided themselves among the companies of
soldiers. As they proceeded up the lane they heard a noise in the
woods, and immediately turned up a pathway leading through. Having
proceeded nearly half a mile they saw a body of men. Could
distinguish Courtenay, the two Wraights (the elder of which is
dead), Alexander Foad, Thos. Tyler or Mears, William Wills, George
Branchard, William Rye, — Spratt, Edward Curling, Phineas Harvey,
William Burford, and ---- Griggs. Witness did not recognize any
others. Courtenay had a pistol in his right hand. One of the
military officers approached to arrest Courtenay, who beckoned to
his men, and said "Come on." Sir William presented the pistol, and
immediately fired at the officer and killed him. The officer, as he
was falling, appeared to strike at him with his sword. They were not
a stride apart, when the pistol was fired it almost touched the
officer. The sword struck Courtenay on the head. Heard an order
given for the military to fire, which they did. Wills was very
active in assisting and defending Courtenay. He had a bludgeon in
his hand, with which he struck about him. The whole party came
forward after the firing, and attacked the soldiers and the civil
force violently and with resolution.
By Dr. Poore:— I heard Courtenay say to his men, "Follow me close,"
or something to that effect.
Examination continued:— The men rushed forward, and on the soldiers
firing Courtenay and some others of the party fell.
By Dr. Poore:— The officer fell before the soldiers fired.
Examination continued:— Courtenay and some were killed on the spot,
and others seriously wounded. The confusion lasted a considerable
time, and several were taken into custody. The soldiers continued to
fire until the rioters desisted from attacking them. The officers
gave the signal to cease firing, which the soldiers did immediately.
Daniel Edwards examined:— I live at Boughton; am a labourer, and one
of the Petty Constables of the Hundred. I accompanied Mears, by his
direction, on Thursday morning to Bossenden, to execute some
warrants. When we got there I saw Wm. Price, Wm. Burford, Thos.
Mears or Tyler: they had large sticks or bludgeons of flayed oak,
with nobs. Saw Courtenay come out of Culver’s house at
Bossenden; he
crossed a style which is near the house, and advanced towards us. He
asked "Who is the constable?" Nicholas Mears (the deceased) said "I
be." Courtenay went to him, holding a pistol in his right hand, and
a dagger in his left. He presented the pistol at the deceased, and
shot him. Deceased hung a little while by the railing of the hedge,
and then fell to the ground. Courtenay then took the dagger into his
right hand, and struck at the last witness, who escaped from the
blow. Courtenay then returned to Culver’s house. He came out again.
Nicholas Mears said, "Oh dear, what must I do; must I lay here in
this dishabille." Courtenay answered, "You must do the best you
can." He approached him, and taking his dagger from his left side
with his right hand, struck him three times across the shoulder with
it. I then ran away myself. I was distant from him about three parts
of a rod when this took place. Tyler nodded his head to me to run
another way when Courtenay was running after the last witness. We
were about a rod from the house when Courtenay came up to us. On my
retreating towards the woods I looked round, and saw Courtenay still
striking the deceased with his dagger; and on my reaching the wood I
heard the report of a pistol from that direction. I continued to
walk through the woods, and reached Nash Court, when I again saw
Mears the constable, and accompanied him to Faversham. We returned
to the ozier bed. I saw Courtenay and the three persons before
named, and others whom I should know if I saw them. The men were in
the ozier bed. Heard the report of a pistol, and was told by some
gentlemen to get my gun. I was close by my own house. Heard a horn
sounded, and the men formed themselves info marching order. They
past my house towards Mr. Francis's. I went home, and saw no more
till after the fight. Miss Jane Horn was standing in my garden when
the men passed, but I did not hear any conversation pass between her
and any of the party.
The prisoners, to the number of three-and-twenty, were then passed
before the witness to identify them. He recognized two besides those
named — William Nutting and William Price.
Rev. Mr. Handley examined.— I reside at Hernhill. I first saw eleven
or twelve of the rioters proceeding from the direction of Mr.
Francis’s house towards the osier bed I was in company of my
brother. We rode up to the rioters. I saw Courtenay leave his party,
and advance to another body - some short distance from the bed. He
addressed them, and I could distinctly hear the word "cowards"
repeated. I approached the rioters, and exhorted them to leave
Courtenay, who was guilty of the murder of one of their neighbours,
and told them that they were guilty of high crimes and
misdemeanours, and bringing themselves into great trouble, or words
to that effect. Courtenay returned from the other party, which it
afterwards appeared were the civil force, whom he invited to attack
him; and addressing himself to my brother (Major Handley) or myself,
said, "I will plant a bullet in your breast, sir!"
By a juror:- I was twenty-five or thirty yards from Courtenay at
this time.
Examination resumed:— Major Handley replied, "You are a madman;" and
Courtenay fired a pistol at the Major. Major H. then said, "I wish
to parley with you and your men." Courtenay turned round, with an
insulting movement of the hand, treating the offer with contempt.
The Major then spoke to the men, and told them they were guilty of
high treason. I addressed them to the same effect. We then joined
Mr. Norton Knatchbull’s force. I shortly afterwards saw Courtenay
and his party proceed towards Mr. Francis’s house; they passed me
within about twenty yards, in single file, Courtenay directing them.
I recognised six men by name, and one personally. They were —
William Knight, Thomas Mears or Tyler, E. Wraight the elder, Edward
Curling, Noah Miles, Charles Hadlow, and a youth named Hadlow, whose
Christian name I did not know. I called them by their names, and
asked them to leave the party. I said to Noah Miles, "Have you any
regard for your family?" He said, "I have a regard for my family." I
spoke also to Hadlow and Wraight. From what I saw of the desperate
and resolute conduct of the men, I considered it necessary that the
military should be called in. It would have been imprudent in the
magistrates to advance against them with only the civil force; they
were not sufficiently strong to quell the disturbance, nor to have
apprehended Courtenay and those against whom the warrant was issued.
Mr. Charles Neame, of Selling, yeoman:— I know Noah Miles; I saw him
with Courtenay’s party at the end of Nash Court-lane. He had left
the party immediately after Mr. Handley had addressed them; he said
he was tired of the party, which was then entering the wood. Miles’s
son left with him. I am fully satisfied the civil power was
insufficient to quell the disturbance; it could not have withstood
the force and desperation of the attacks. There would undoubtedly
have been much more bloodshed had not the military been called upon
to interpose. I am confirmed in this opinion by the bold bearing of
the rioters after the fall of Courtenay.
John Ogilvie, surgeon, of Boughton, had, with the assistance of Mr.
Andrews, of Canterbury, examined the body. They found a gun-shot
wound; the ball had entered at the seventh vertebrae, and came out
at the breast, at the seventh rib. In its course it had passed
through the liver, wounding the great vessels and nerves and causing
death. Another gun-shot entered the breast above the ninth rib, and
lodged in the body, but after the most careful examination it could
not be found. There was a wound also on the left shoulder, made by a
sharp instrument, which had fractured the neck of the bladebone; it
was about two inches in length, and one deep. There was also a
slight wound on the left arm. Either of the gun-shot wounds would
have caused death.
The evidence having been brought to a close, the Coroner proceeded
to sum up. All those persons that were in company with the man who
fired were equally guilty with the murderer. Although the hand of
Courtenay was proved to have been the one by which death was
occasioned, all those persons who were sworn to as being seen in his
company namely, W. Price, A. Foad, William Nutting, T. Mears, and W.
Burford, were equally guilty of the offence with Courtenay. Murder
had been defined to be that of a person of sound memory and
discretion unlawfully killing n fellow creature. The jury were not
to inquire to-day whether the party committing this offence was of
sound mind. That would be left for trial by another Court.
After a few other observations, the jury consulted a few moments,
and returned a verdict of "Wilful murder against William Courtenay,
alias Tom, William Burford, Thomas Mears, alias Tyler, Alexander
Foad, Wm. Nutting, and William Price." After which, the Coroner
issued his warrant, and the four survivors, Foad, Nutting, Mears,
and Price, were conveyed to Maidstone gaol, to take their trial at
the next assizes.
INQUEST ON LIEUTENANT BENNETT OF THE 45th REGIMENT. SATURDAY.
Elliott Armstrong, Major of the 45th Infantry, was first called. He
said, in pursuance of an order from my commanding officers to place
myself under the direction of Dr. Poore and other magistrates, I
attended from the barracks at Canterbury, and proceeded on the
London road about four miles, to the "Red Lion" public-house, at Boughton. This was on Thursday the 31st of May, at ten o'clock. A
body of troops, consisting of 100 men, accompanied me, with a
proportion of officers and non-commissioned officers. On reaching
the "Red Lion" I met Dr. Poore, Mr. Knatchbull, and other
magistrates. By their directions I left the London road, and divided
my party into two divisions, — the deceased, Lieut. Henry Bosworth
Bennett, accompanying one division, with Captain Reed at their head,
attended by N. Knatchbull, Esq.; I left the road some distance
higher up with the other division. I proceeded with Dr. Poore about
a mile-and-a-half into the centre of the jungle. When there, a man
in front of us, answering the description of Courtenay, got up out
of the jungle, at the head of a number of others, and I had just
given my men orders to load with ball-cartridge, when I saw the
deceased, Lieut. Bennett, come up on the left flank of us, facing
Courtenay and his men, who were on my right flank. Courtenay’s men
had a white flag with them; I imagined it a flag of truce, and
seeing the men advance and Major Handley coming to me and saying
they were coming to parley, I advanced to meet them. Major Handley
called out "You deluded and misguided men, are you coming to reason
with us." Courtenay made no answer; but, taking off his hat, turned
round to his party, and said "Follow me." During this time deceased
was advancing rapidly towards Courtenay, and Courtenay quickened his
pace towards him. I called out "Fall back, Bennett, fall back," but
being not more than four yards from Courtenay he did not do so.
Courtenay and Bennett nearly closed, and almost rushed against one
another. Lieutenant Bennett raised his right arm and was about to
strike at Courtenay with his sword, when he (Courtenay) advanced
with his pistol in his right hand, ready cocked, and fired. The blow
from the sword and the pistol took effect at the same time. Lieut.
Bennett made another blow or two; he raised his left hand and
immediately fell. I then asked Dr. Poore if I was to fire, but from
the scream of horror of my men at seeing Bennett fall I could not
distinctly hear his answer, but I imagined it was in the
affirmative. I gave directions to fire with ball, and to take
Courtenay and any of his party dead or alive, and the men did so.
Courtenay and several of his men fell. The remainder made a rush on
the soldiers, who had formed into one division under my command.
Courtenay’s men made the attack very resolutely with bludgeons. I
never witnessed more determination in my life; so much so that I was
obliged to order my men to charge with the bayonet to take them
prisoners. This was soon accomplished, and I then ordered the bugle
to sound for the firing to cease, which it did immediately. I gave
the prisoners we had captured into the charge of the constables. In
consequence of the violent attack made by the mob with their
bludgeons several of my men were wounded, many seriously;
particularly Lieutenant Prendergast, who was knocked down by a
bludgeon and severely beaten. I consider the civil power could not
have subdued the mob without the aid of the military. I distinctly
heard the report of two pistols from Courtenay’s party; and I firmly
believe both were fired by Courtenay. I firmly believe that the
constable, Catt, was killed by the second pistol; and the more so
because I believe him to have been out of the line of the soldiers
fire when he fell. I can identify as being present William Wills,
Stephen Baker, Thomas Griggs, and George Branchett. I never saw a
more furious or mad-like determination in my life than I witnessed
in the attack by Courtenay’s party.
The Rev. John Poore, D.D. of Murston, Sittingbourne, examined:— On
Thursday morning last, in consequence of the riotous proceedings of
a person calling himself Courtenay, and others, and of their
desperate conduct in shooting a constable named Mears, in the
execution of his duty, and considering it impracticable for the
civil power, unaided by the military, to arrest them, I applied to
the commanding officer of the 45th regiment of Foot, quartered at
Canterbury barracks, for their co-operation. The military were some
time before they arrived. I proceeded towards Canterbury to meet
them, and met them near the "Gate" public-house. I immediately
communicated to Major Armstrong the desperate conduct of the party;
expressed my opinion that, whoever came first into contact with
Courtenay would be shot, and said he must be taken, dead or alive,
and his party dispersed; and that I hoped it would be done without
effusion of blood. The witness then described the division of the
troops as stated by the major. He (witness) accompanied one division
down the Barn road leading into Blean Wood. After proceeding a mile
and a half further we received information, on which Major Armstrong
halted, and asked me if the soldiers should load. I said
"certainly;" and the order was given to that effect. The cartridges
were tied in bundles, and were not ready for immediate use; and this
circumstance occasioned a slight delay. I then observed Courtenay,
and about forty or fifty men with him. They had a white flag near
the front, and Courtenay was at the head, with a pistol in his right
hand. He called out to his men, "Boys, come forward, and don’t
behave like dastardly cowards," or similar words. At this time Major
Handley rode forward and called to Courtenay's followers— "Good men,
he is deceiving and deluding you — he is leading you to destruction;
are you open to reason," — or words to that effect. Immediately
afterwards I saw the deceased (Lieutenant Bennett) close by
Courtenay. I heard the sound of a pistol, and the deceased fell. I
then heard Major Armstrong call to me, "Dr. Poore, where are you?" I
ran towards him, and the troops began firing. The result was that
Courtenay and several of his party were shot, and others taken
prisoners. I saw Courtenay’s party attack the constables and
soldiers. I saw Wills attack and strike Major Armstrong with a
bludgeon. When the riot was quelled, I took down upon the spot the
names of the following parties, who were either dead, wounded, or
taken prisoners. Killed on the spot — William Courtenay, Edward
Wraight, Pheneas Harvey, George Branchett, William Burford, William
Forster, George Griggs, and William Rye. Wounded taken prisoners —
Stephen Baker, Henry Hadlow, Alexander Foad, and Thomas Griggs. The
other prisoners were, Edward Wraight, John Edward Curling, and Sarah
Culver.
Thomas Milgate, a coach porter, of Canterbury, examined:— On the
31st of May I went towards a wood called the Blean, and observed
several gentlemen on horseback. They said it would be as well to
watch the movements of Courtenay’s party to prevent their escape. In
consequence of this I accompanied Robert Little, the Superintendent
of Police of Faversham, and proceeded a short distance into the
wood, and then separated, I taking the extreme left of the party.
Having gone a quarter of a mile I came directly upon them. I saw
about forty lying down in a circle, Courtenay being in the centre,
with a flag planted near him. When I was observed Courtenay started
from the ground, and said, "Up, men." He held a pistol in his right
hand, and said to me, "Move no further." Two other young men with me
retreated into the woods, hallowing all the time as loud as we
could. Mr. Little and others then joined us. We remained quiet for
some time, expecting the soldiers to come in behind us. A body of
soldiers did come in front of us, and drew up in a line. Courtenay’s
party laid down after I left, but on seeing the military they all
rose again. Courtenay said something to them, but I could not hear
it. Courtenay faced the military, and his men then marched one by
one towards the troops. I saw Lieut. Bennett at the extreme left of
the troops, and Courtenay and he advanced towards each other.
Courtenay turned towards his men, and they approached and formed
nearly a circle round the two. Some gentlemen then rode forward, and
begged of Courtenay and his party to desist, and not lead the poor
men on to destruction; they made no reply, but Courtenay said to his
men, "Come on, my brave fellows; keep close." The men not coming on
so quick as he wished, he again said. "Come on, my men," apparently
in a passion. I got nearer the officer, and the officer got nearer
to Courtenay. When about two rods from the officer Courtenay ran and
sprang over a stump of a tree towards the officer, and going up
close to him with a pistol in his right hand, and a bludgeon in his
left, he placed the pistol close to the officer's body and fired.
The officer immediately struck at Courtenay with his sword, and
Courtenay staggered; but whether struck, or to avoid the blow, I
cannot say. The officer staggering, several of Courtenay’s men
struck at him as he was falling. I recollect Wills as next to
Courtenay. I, and one of the men before mentioned, who is dead
(Catt), stepped forward, and with a bludgeon given me by a Mr. Pell,
struck Courtenay on the head. He staggered back, but whether he fell
I can’t say, as I was knocked down directly. I saw Courtenay
standing just above me; the guns began firing, and Courtenay was
shot and fell down close by me. He was, just before shot, fighting
with Little and others. I was again violently struck with a
bludgeon, partly on my thumb and partly on my bludgeon. I got up,
and the man who struck me ran away. I cannot swear to him. When I
got up I saw two men coming towards me. I seized one of them, and
the other Mr. Little took. The rioters were soon after dispersed.
Edmund Foreman, of Hernehill, a wheelwright, having been examined,
Bartlett Allen Chambers was called. He is a constable of Faversham,
and took John Silk into custody. He received a gun-shot wound while
taking him.
Robert Little examined:— I reside at Ospringe, in the parish of
Faversham, and am superintendent of the police. I saw Edward Wraight,
jun. and Alexander Foad in Bossenden-wood; took them into custody.
Foad was wounded in the mouth while fighting with me. I saw Sarah
Culver in the wood, and sitting with Courtenay in the circle, with
the flag between them. I know her by her bonnet. When the affray was
over, I said to the constable that was with me, "There is a woman in
the wood — don’t let her go." After the officer was shot I ran into
the centre of the mob, and struck down Edward Wraight. Edward
Curling struck at me, and so did Alexander Foad. William Wills I
captured, with a flask, now produced, full of powder. John Spratt
and Thomas Tyler Mears acted with great violence. William Wills had
a pistol in his right hand as he entered the wood at Tile-hill, near
Boughton-hill.
Thomas Andrews examined:— Is a surgeon, residing at Canterbury.
Examined the body of Lieutenant Bennett, assisted by Mr. Ogilvie.
Found a gun-shot wound on the right side of the chest, passing
through the right lung, running completely through the heart, and
making its exit on the opposite side of the body. The wound caused
instantaneous death.
Benjamin Jacobs examined:— Resides in St. Peter’s-lane, Canterbury,
and is a general dealer. Went into Bossenden-wood on the morning of
the 1st of June (Friday), at ten minutes past seven, and near the
spot of the riot found the following articles, produced:— A brown
camlet cloak, lined with green baize; then a blue bag, containing
nearly two hundred matches; a leather bag, containing about 140
leaden balls of different sizes; a piece of oilskin; a pair of
boots, maker’s name, "Goldsmith, Watling-street, Canterbury, 1834;"
a Mackintosh cape; a flannel jacket; and an old newspaper — the
Evening Mail of July 29, 1831.
William Exton examined:— Early on the same morning I found in the
wood a leather pistol case, with hare-skin flap; one cotton glove, a
blue jacket, a waistcoat, two short gaberdines, and a burning lens
in a tin case.
John Ogilvie, surgeon:— Resides at Boughton. Corroborated the
testimony of Mr. Andrews.
Some doubts were raised as to the woman Culver being in the midst of
the party, and Milgate and Little were again questioned. Milgate did
not see her.
The Coroner summed up in a few words, having laid down clearly
yesterday the points for the consideration of the jury. They would
bear in mind that it was sufficient for their verdict that the
parties before them should have been proved to be present with this
deluded and deluding madman. With respect to the woman Culver there
might be some doubt, it appearing that a woman was there, and her
name might have been Burford.
The jury retired for a short time, and on their return the foreman
pronounced a verdict of wilful murder against William Courtenay
alias Toms (dead), Edward Wraight the elder (dead), Edward Wraight
the younger, Thomas Mears alias Tyler, James Goodwin, William Wills,
Win. Forster, Henry Adlow, Alexander Foad, Phineas Harvey, John
Spratt, Stephen Baker, William Burford, Thomas Griggs, John Silk,
George Branchett, Edward Curling, George Griggs, and Win. Rye. —
Sarah Culver, Wm. Spratt, and Samuel Eve, they did not consider
sufficiently identified, and they were detained in custody to answer
the general charge of misdemeanour.
FUNERAL OF LIEUT. BENNETT.
At five o’clock on Saturday afternoon the burial of this lamented
officer took place at the Cathedral. The avenues leading to the
place of interment were thronged with spectators, who appeared to
sympathise in the dejection and sorrow which marked the countenances
of the soldiery. The procession was headed by the light company,
carrying their arms reversed, followed by the band, the drums
muffled, and playing solemn dirges. The undertakers, Messrs.
Bellingham and Mr. Kelson, builder, walked next, and preceded the
coffin, which was covered with black cloth, six of the deceased's
brother officers bearing the pall. The chief mourner, Lieutenant
Colonel Boys, walking behind, closely followed by the rest of the
officers of the regiment. The remainder of the 45th followed without
their fire-arms. The procession entered the south western entrance
of the cathedral, proceeded up the centre aisle of the choir, and
through the sanctuary into the cloisters. On entering the sacred
edifice several of the prebendaries and minor canons met the body,
and the Rev. W. F. Baylay read, with much solemnity, the beautiful
funeral service. The grave was on the southeast side of the
cloisters, and the coffin having been lowered into the silent tomb
and the service concluded, the light company fired three times over
the grave. The soldiers then retired in the same form as they
entered, and marched back to the barracks — the band playing
military airs. The cathedral was thronged to excess, but the utmost
order prevailed, — every one being impressed with the awfully tragic
end of the lamented deceased.
MONDAY (YESTERDAY), June 4.
INQUEST ON GEORGE CATT.
Before entering into this melancholy catastrophe, Mr. Shepherd, at
the opening of the Court, addressed the jury in the following
terms:— "Gentlemen, — I produce a letter to the jury, directed to
one of the magistrates, General Gosling, Ospringe, Kent, who is
absent; but his son opened it and forwarded it to me. I mention
this, that it may go forth to the public."
(copy).
24, Marshal Street, Golden Square, June 2, 1838.
Sir, — Having seen, through the medium of the public papers, an
account of the fatal riot near Canterbury, I beg to state that I
know well the person assuming the name of Sir William Courtenay, and
that his real name it John Tom, a native of the town of St. Columb
Major, in Cornwall; and that I also knew his family, having been
brought up in the same town. — I am, Sir, your’s most obediently, G.
B. ROGERS.
"I also beg to state that on Saturday evening a bundle was brought
to me — viz. a leathern wallet containing a laden brass blunderbuss,
a pistol laden with ball, a hog knife, sharp, and ground up fresh, a
hatchet, also recently ground, a large bundle of matches, a flute, a
jacket, a bible, a bundle of string, a perfectly new belt for a
brace of pistols, a cavalry sword with sharp edge, and a pistol
case.
The Coroner then proceeded to examine evidence touching Catt’s
death.
Stephen Champ, a labourer, residing in St. Mildred’s, Canterbury,
was first called. He said — I saw the deceased, George Catt, in
Bossenden-wood, acting as constable, on Thursday, the 31st of May.
Saw Lieutenant Bennett in front of his detachment; he went up and
met Courtenay; Courtenay was advancing to Bennett. Some words were
spoken by Lieutenant Bennett, but I did not hear them; they were
addressed to Courtenay. Saw Courtenay lift his hand and fire the
pistol. Heard the shot; they were quite close. The Lieutenant fell
directly. Lieutenant Bennett had a sword in his hand. He did not
strike any one else; if he had struck any body else, I was close
enough to him, and must have seen him do it. There was no person
within the reach of Bennett but Courtenay. Lieut. Bennett was the
first man who fell. None of Courtenay’s men were near to
Bennett before he fell. Catt was at his (the officer’s) right hand,
and I think the soldiers shot him by accident.
Thomas Millgate examined:— Is a coach porter, residing at
Canterbury. Saw Lieut. Bennett in Bossenden wood on the 31st of May
advance towards Courtenay. Courtenay was advancing rapidly towards
Bennett, and when within two strides of him presented a pistol with
his right hand and shot him, he staggered, striking at Courtenay,
and then fell. Bennett did not strike any body before he fell. None
of Courtenay’s people were near enough for Bennett to strike them.
Courtenay was scarcely near enough for the sword to reach him; and
Courtenay was half-a-rod in advance of his followers. Saw Catt after
he was dead. I consider he was shot by the soldiers, from the
position in which he was running. I believe him to have been shot by
accident.
Question by the Coroner:— If any body was to come before me to-day,
and say that Bennett had run a man (one of the mob), through the
body before he fell or was shot, should you think he was telling the
truth or not?
I should consider he would perjure himself if he did so.
I did not hear more than one report of pistols from Courtenay’s
party.
John Ogilvie explained the nature of the wound, which is much larger
than either Mears or Bennett’s.
[This answer was elicited to do away with the impression of Catt’s
having been shot by Courtenay, and not by the military].
Henry Ashbee, Colking Farm, parish of Boughton, yeoman, examined:—
Was in Bossenden wood on 31st May. Saw the commencement of the
affray. Saw the mob headed by a person calling himself Courtenay.
Saw the officer that was killed there; he was leading a detachment
of soldiers. Saw him leave the soldiers and advance towards the mob.
Saw Courtenay come forward towards the officer. He said to his men,
"Come on my men, prove yourselves men, and not cowards!" He was, at
this time, leading them in a contrary direction to Bennett. Shortly
afterwards Courtenay approached Bennett. He appeared to have a
pistol in his left hand — at least, this is my opinion. He had a
light stick in his right-hand. I mean a white stick, a club. I am
certain that the bludgeon was in his right hand, as he flourished it
over his head. When the pistol went off it appeared to go over
Bennett’s head. Bennett, as Courtenay came up, struck at Courtenay
with his sword; but very faintly. Bennett appeared to endeavour to
strike up Courtenay’s pistol, and in doing so overshot
himself, and the sword went up in the air, and fell faintly over his
shoulder. Bennett was surrounded by the mob immediately, and my opinion is
that Courtenay’s pistol missed Bennett, and that one of his people
rushed forward and shot him just as he was about to strike
Courtenay. I was within ten paces of Courtenay. No one was near
enough of Courtenay’s party to be reached by a sword in the hands of
Bennett. Catt was, undoubtedly, shot accidentally.
Mr. Ashbee said that Milgate was mistaken in saying he struck
Courtenay, as he considered that Milgate was not nearer at any time
to Courtenay than three paces.
Thomas Andrews, surgeon, &c. corroborated Mr. Ogilvie’s statement.
The deceased was shot by a musket-ball, and not a pistol, as his
wound was much larger than either Mear’s or Bennett’s; and unless
the pistol was close to his mouth, it could not have made so large a
hole as a musket.
The Coroner left it to the jury to decide the point at issue. They
returned the following verdict — "We unanimously consider George
Catt was shot by the military by accident, while in the execution of
their duty."
An extraordinary scene was witnessed by the appearance of Mr.
Church, surgeon, of Sittingbourne, who stated he considered
Lieutenant Bennett struck one of Courtenay’s party before he (Mr.
B.) received his death wound.
The Jury found a verdict of Justifiable Homicide in the cases of
nine of the Courtenay party, who died from their wounds; and having
complimented the Coroner upon his impartiality, and expressed their
intention to recommend all the prisoners to mercy, the painful
investigation terminated.
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