From Chatham Observer, December 1885.

SUDDEN DEATH OF AN UPNOR MAN.

On Thursday, the 10th inst., a man named George Briggs, landlord of the "King's Head" beer house, Upnor, who had not been enjoying good health, went down the river on board Mr G. H. Curel's barge, The Brothers, of Rochester, in company with Capt. Smeed and his mate.

While off Port Victoria, Smeed and his mate went to bed about 9 pm, leaving Briggs up to call them for the purpose of proceeding early on the journey to London.

The mate awoke about 2.45 on Friday morning, and heard Briggs breathing very hard. Thinking something was amiss with him, he called Smeed, and they came to the conclusion that Briggs had fainted through the cabin being too hot. They pulled his boots off, and were about to put him in his bunk when he exclaimed "Oh ! Bill, I am going to die", and he expired almost immediately.

Dr. Langston, who had been attending deceased for some time for heart disease, did not think an inquiry necessary, as the cause of death was apparent"