Monmouthshire Merlin

ttritisfn The Bank of England have issued a notice relative to the closing of the Bank books, previously to the payment of the dividends in the several stocks enumerated, which become due on the 5th of October next. Reduced Annuities will close on the first of next month; the four per cents, of 1826, on the 4th; the 3k per cents, reduced on the 3d; long an- nuities on the 5th; and Bank stock on Sept. 23d. They will all open for transfers between the 15th and 24th of October. The Lord Chancellor, under the powers of the late Act of Parliament passed for the Relief of his Majesty's Ro- man Catholic subjects, has been pleased to appoint several attorneys at law, professors of the Roman Catholic religion, Masters Extraordinary in Chancery. ARRIVAL OF THE DUCHESS OF CUMBERLAND AND PRINCE GEORGE.—Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cumberland and Prince George, with their suite, left Ber- lin on the 24th of July, and arrived at Lisle on the 5th instant, where she was met by her illustrious consort. His Royal Highness arrived at Calais at two o'clock on Wed- nesday morning, where, after partaking of some refresh- ment, he left for Lisle, which the Royal Duke reached that night. Their Royal Highnesses left Lisle at ten o'clock on Thursday morning, and arrived at Calais the same even- ing, where the Royal Duke and Duchess, with Prince George and suite, embarked on board the steam-packet, which was in waiting for them. The vessel left Calais at three o'clock on Friday morning, and arrived at Greenwich about four o'clock in the afternoon. Their Royal Highnesses immediately landed. Two of the King's carriages were in readiness to convey them to town. The Duke and Duchess, with the young Prince, rode in the first carriage. In the second were the Countess Steinenbach, Miss Cropper (la- dies in waiting to the Duchess), and the Rev. Mr. Jelf (tu- tor to the Prince), together with Mrs. Ford, female attend- ant to the young Prince. The remainder of the suite fol- lowed in the Duke's carriages. Soon after six o'clock, the Duke of Cumberland left town on a visit to the King at the Royal Lodge, Windsor Park. In the course of the even- ing, Prince and Princess Esterhazy, the Dowager Duchess -of Richmond, Earl and Countess Gower, and a number of other persons of distinction, called to make inquiries after the Duchess the answer was, that her Royal Highness was m good health, considering the fatigues of so long a journey. Information was received at the Stamp-office a few days since, that a large parcel of Stamps, ordered to be sent to the distributor at Bath, had not reached their destination, and it was discovered that the parcel referred to had been stolen. It appears that the parcel was sent to the Saracen's Head coach-office, from Somerset House, to be forwarded to the distributor at Bath, Mr. R. Crutwell, but that it was entirely lost sight of after passing out of the coach-office. Every exertion has been used to discover the robber, and means have been taken, if the Stamps are offered for sale, either in London, Bath, or elsewhere, to secure the party having the Stamps in their possession. The Stamp-office have offered a reward of £50 for the apprehension of the offenders. Among the property stolen are sixty administra- tion Stamps of £ 30 each, and twenty-five of 10s each. A great number of probate Stamps of £2, fll, £ 22, and £140 were also in the parcel, besides several other Stamps of large value. There were also six sheets of £10, and six sheets of C20 Stamps. Not the least idea can be formed how the robbers managed to get possession of the parcel, and it is not at all known when and where they effected their purpose. From the activp exertions making to secure the offenders, it is fully believed that they will soon be ap- prehended. SAUSAGE MEAT.'—The Corporation of London seem de- termined to stop the supplies of rotten or diseased meat for toe manufacture of sausages. A large oven running upon two wheels, and to be moved by a horse, has been con- structed for the purpose of burning the putrid meat which shall be seized hereafter. In shape it somewhat resembles a covered errand cart, and it can perform the operation of turning before the door of the offender, with perfect safety as far as respects the danger of setting fire to the neigh- bourhood. An application has been made by the Corporation of London to the Directors of the Bank of England for the loan of £1,000,000, but the Board of Directors will not decide upon it till their next weekly meeting on Thursday next. It is said, that previous to this application, a nego- tiation for the loan of the sum required was opened by the London Bridge committee with the Equitable Assurance committee, and acceded to, but with the stipulation that the whole of the money should be taken at once and this not suiting the views of the committee, who only wish to take it in instalments as the works proceed, the offer was declined. The annual Hop Dinner at Castle Hedingham took place on Wednesday last. Several lots were put up, and taken in at between Xg and £ 12 per cwt. For some of the growth of 1827, offers between £ 4 and C5 were made, but not ac- ceded to: one gentleman, however, sold the whole of his growth at £9. 10s, and half a ton of Kent Hops, also of the present year's growth, were contracted for at £9. 5s per cwt. The duty was estimated, and bets laid, at from £ 30 to £ 36,000.—Chelmsford Chronicle. SEDUCTION AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.—A young female, respectably attired, attracted the notice of some bricklayers, at work at Paddington, about eight o'clock on Friday morn- ing. She was crying most piteously as she walked to and tro, and ultimately she threw herself into the Regent's Ca- at the second bridge from Camden-town. A man of the name of Bannister, one of the bricklayers, instantly plunged into the water after her, and in less than two mi- nutes brought her to the bank. She was taken to the house of her preserver, a short distance from the spot she had in- tended to make her grave. On recovering herself she burst Into tears, and returned thanks for the interference that had been made to save her life, but said that she was ruined, and could never return to her father's home, at Hornsey. She had been seduced about three weeks ago at Peckham, where she was on a. visit, by a gentleman, whose proposals were honourable, even after the first rash step had been taken. She accompanied him from Peckham to London last week, and they resided in lodgings in Wilderness-row, Goswell-steet, till Saturday, when he deserted her, and left ner in penury. The father of the unfortunate girl will be written to on the subject, and every means will be used to restore the penitent to her paternal roof. MURDER AND SUICIDE.—On Saturday morning, about eight o'clock, the family of Mr. Bradley, of the Bull Tap, Holborn, were thrown into the greatest consternation, under the following distressing circumstances:—About six o'clock on Saturday morning, Mrs. Bradley arose, and served in the bar till a quarter before eight o'clock, when she said she would go up stairs and fetch the child down: being longer iiijl'ni mil I inniwiniin iin ■! iii'iin nii'ihH iiHMililll w111" absent than was necessary a. female servant weM up; Mto, on reaching the bed-room door, was much surprised to find it fastened in the inside. She immediately acquainted her master, who instantly burst it open, when, to his horror and astonishment, he discovered both his wife and child (an in- fant about three months old) lying on the floor weltering in their blood, and both quite dead, and a table knife, with which the fatal deed was committed, on the floor by their side. The child's bead was nearly severed from the body, and the unfortunate woman's throat was dreadfully cut.- The deceased left a letter on the table, in which she stated that no one but herself was to blame for the rash act. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley had only taken the Bull Tap a week yes- terday. An inquest will be held this afternoon. MATRIMONIAL INFIDELITY.—A most distressing case of matrimonial infidelity has just occurred in the western su- burbs of this town. A married man, the father of five children, one of them born the previous Sunday, has eloped with a married woman, the mother of seven. Before her departure, the female abstracted from a chest deposited in her husband's house, the property of his sister, a Bank ac- knowledgment for £30, the hard earned savings of many years, from a very moderate sum of wages received for ser- vice in a family in the neighbourhood. The deserted wife is in a state of distraction.—Perth Courier. The Speaker of the House of Commons has hired for a time the fine mansion and park called Mistley Hall, near Mistley Thorn, in Essex. This magnificent house, and the noble domain attached to it, were once the property of the notoriously hard liver, the Right Hon. Richard Rigby, Pay- master General. Here it was that bons-vivants and wits of the highest order held their midnight orgies for years. Fox, Windham, Sheridan, Fitzpatrick, Burke, Hare, Coke of Norfolk, his present Majesty, and the Duke of York, under the hospitable roof of the Right Honourable Host, often drank deep. It was on one of these memorable occasions, after the bottle had circulated with unusual celerity, and one Royal Duke had fallen from his chair, that the Prince of Wales, who at these libations was always an over-match for his brother, burst out into the well-known exclamation, there lies the hopes of our family! satirically alluding to the late King's partiality for the Duke of York. Mistley Hall is now the property of Lord Rivers. THE NEW POLICE FORCE.—The Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police sit daily in an apartment at the Home Office, and are in constant communication with Mr. Peel. Circulars have been despatched to the different parishes in which it is intended to commence the experiment under the Bill, and preference will, we presume, be given to such watchmen as come within the provisions of the Act, (that is to say, under 35 years of age, and not less than five feet seven inches in height,) who may be considered deserving of confidence. The present Bow-street night patrol, under similar circumstances, we trust will also be employed. The men, we understand, are to be on duty both night and day, and are to be relieved at stated hours—to be alternately engaged sixteen hours out of the four-and-twenty on one day, and eight hours on the other. The pay of the privates will amount, we believe, to a guinea a week. The serjeants are to have higher pay. They are all to wear an uniform costume-blue frock coats, with white metal buttons, bear- ing the words "Metropolitan Police Force." A straight sword, a broad black belt round their waists, and a brass plate bearing their number. In addition to this, they will carry a small turned staff of authority. Each district will have its given number of men and serjeants, over whom a superintendent will keep a watchful eye, and report any impropriety or negligence to the Commissioners. The offenders who may be apprehended during the day or night will, it is understood, be taken before the police magistrates as heretofore.-Lundon Paper. THE BISHOP OF NORWICH AND THE MARRIAGE ACT.- During the performance of the marriage ceremony at Yar- mouth, a short time since, Mr. Alexander, a Dissenter, one of the parties, delivered a protest against the form of mar- riage according to the Church of England, and prescribed by act of Parliament, on the usual grounds, viz.-that mar- riage is purely a civil rite, and the form established not only oppressive, but one for which there is no scriptural au- thority that, conscientiously considering the Church of England only as a civil institution, it was to be lamented that it should call upon those who performed one of its civil rites to witness, and appear to unite in, the worship of a plurality of gods; and that the repeal of the statute esta- blishing so objectionable a form, from which Jews and Quakers were exempted, could not be attended with the smallest inconvenience. This protest was forwarded to the Bishop, who, it appears from the Suffolk Chronicle of to- day, (Aug. 8) replied to it in the following terms:—" Sir, your remarks upon the £ form of solemnization of matri- mony' in the liturgy of the established church, appear to me very satisfactory; and I would gladly undertake to give my reasons for thinking so in the House of Lords, did not the infirmities of age remind me, in a manner not to be mis- taken, that I am near the end of my journey to that country where they neither marry nor are given in marriage." AWFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD.—(From the Caledo- nian Mercury.)—Aberdeen, Aug. 5. Since the great storms in 1799 and 1812, no similar visitation has happened in this quarter, that could at all be compared to the deluge of Monday last. The wind blew chiefly from N. and N.N.W., and the rain fell in torrents during the whole day and the greatest part of the succeeding night, extending along the line of the Moray Firth, and over the whole of this and the adjoining counties. The consequence has been the flooding of the rivers, streams, and burns of the districts, to a degree that is but too fatally evinced by the scenes of devastation and mischief that mark their course. In the river Dee the rising of the water was first perceptible on Monday after- noon, about four o'clock, from which hour it continued to increase till a late hour on Tuesday morning, when it had attained an elevation of about eight feet above its ordinary level, and in some confined places not less than twelve feet; and the quantity of water discharged by it may be estimated from the fact, that at the time of dead low water, the whole expanse of our harbour was filled to the height of an ordi- nary spring tide. A similar rise took place in the Don, the Ury, and the Deveron. It was lamentable to see the mul- titude of sheep and lambs, and the quantity of timber, hay, straw, &c. which floated through the harbour yesterday into the sea, and were lost. The damage over the whole district must have been equally great. One of the most disastrous effects of the flood that we have hitherto heard of, is the destruction of the beautiful suspension-bridge at Charleston, recently erected by Lord Aboyne. At the bridge of Dee the old road was entirely covered; and from Mr. Blakie's house to the farm of Kemhill, on the north side, was one continued sheet of water, the flood rising to within a foot or two of the present turnpike. The shipping in the harbour suffered no damage. The water of Feugh rose so as to cover the bridge, but with the exception of carrying away a part of the parapet, it did no other damage. The aspect of this mountain stream, when at its height, was singularly awful and grand. The Don along its whole course exhibited the picture of a frightful inundation. All that part of the Garioch which borders it and the Ury was one broad ex- panse of water. In the town of Kintore, such was the height of the stream, that a boat was made use of to effect a com- munication between the houses; and farther down at the Bridge of Dyce, the whole low grounds were flooded and on the turnpike-road the top of the toll-gate was barely visible. We are sorry to learn that, in attempting to cross the burn at Bridgend of Monymusk, on horseback, Mr. Wm. Williamson, flesher, George-street, was unfortunately carried off, and drowned. The horse was taken out, a little way down the stream, quite dead. Since writing the above/ we have seen the intelligent guard of the Duke of Gordon coach, who has just returned from Huntly, beyond which place he could not proceed yesterday, and brought back the coach with difficulty to Aberdeen. He gives a very fearful picture of the state of the country, and of the destruction of crop, the breaking up of roads, and the demolition of bridges. From all these circumstances, we begin to fear that the full extent of this calamity is not yet known. We can state, from the best authority, that the present quarter's revenue is going on most satisfactorily there be- ing already a surplus of four hundred thousand, from the large sums paid at the customs on corn, sugar, and other imports.— British Traveller. It is understood that commissions have passed the great seal, empowering Mr. Sergeant Taddy to try causes on the Oxford Circuit, to assist Mr. Baron Vaughan. The wife of a labourer, residing at a place called Black- stone, has suckled a pig to her breast, in order to rear it. She continued the practice in presence of several witnesses, and appeared to take as much care of it as if it had been a child; she was finally induced to desistfoy the interposition of several respectable persons. The neighbourhood have given the pig, which is about ten weeks old, the name of Charlotte, while its nurse is known by the cognomen of the old sow. The pig and her infant have both been seen on her lap at the same time.—Plymouth Herald. MURDER IN NORFOLK.—A man named Richard Scott was committed to Norwich Castle a few days ago, charged with the murder of James Freeman. This dreadful occur- rence took place on Saturday afteiviSon, in the parish of Carleton Rode, near Hi gharry the foJIfiwing deplor- able circuujsiuLic. -A appJars^lat'it, m \tfhftse fau.i!^ insanity is said to have prevailed, went on Friday morning last into the Queen's Head public-house at Burnwell, and there alarmed the landlady by his wild looks and violent be- haviour, striking his hand with great force on the table in the kitchen, and exclaiming at the same time, '"Look, there is the devil; I can see him." The man afterwards, on leav- ing the public-house, went to his own residence, in Carle- ton Rode, and there repeated similar acts of frenzy. On the following morning (Saturday) Scott went to a surgeon, to be bled, and on his return, after having the operation per- formed on him, he accidentally met on the public road the unfortunate James Freeman, a man of eighty years of age, who had been walking that morning from the county gaol, whence he was discharged, after a sharf imprisonment for some minor offence. Scott no sooner approached the poor old man than he, madman-like, cried out here is the devil!" and instantly aimed a blow at him with a large stick, which felled Freeman to the ground. The wretched maniac then, with repeated blows, fractured the skull of his victim in a dreadful manner, and speedily put an end to his existence. This murderous attack happened to be seen by a person, who ran to the place and seized hold of Scott, who yielded up both the deadly weapon and himself without resistance, and, with the aid of other persons, he was conveyed to his own cottage, and there kept in close custody. His beha- viour when there was comparatively tranquil, but his lan- guage was of the same incoherent and distempered cast as before; and in consequence of the strong muscular effort which he had recently exerted with such fatal effect, the vein that had been opened in his arm burst out afresh, and he was reduced to a state of great weakness and exhaustion by loss of blood. A coroner's inquest having been held on the body of the deceased, after the facts of the case had been adduced in evidence, a verdict was returned by the jury of wilful murder against Richard Scott, and he was forthwith committed to the Castle at Norwich.-Norwich Gazette. STEAM VESSELS.—There are 510 steam vessels of all sizes in Great Britain. The largest in England is the Soho, of London, which registers 353 tons; and in Scotland, the United Kingdom, of Glasgow, which registers 335. The smallest is the Fortfield packet, of Sunderland, which is but four tons. The smallest in the river Thames is the Rapid, of 33 tons. A most interesting trial for murder took place on Monday at Bury St. Edmund's, and it is one of the most affecting and extraordinary of any that ever took place in a Court of Justice (for a report of which see our* iasi page). Its effect upon all who witnessed it seems to have been proportion- ately great. The Counsel on either side were moral, pa- thetic, and supplicating; the Judge (Baron Garrow) was all but in tears; the Jury were overwhelmed with grief; those inside the Court were weeping, and those outside were cheering. Altogether it was a scene more like what one reads in the last volume of a sentimental love-tale than any thing that transpires in real life. The denouement of the catastrophe is still more extraordinary, for whatever may be the strange expedients to which love-ever fertile in inven- tion—occasionally compels his victims to have recourse, this is really the first time we ever found out that the way to win a wife is to cut her throat. COMMISSION OF LUNACY.-On Wednesday se'nnight a trial took place at the Sun Tavern, Chatham, before F. Whitmarsh, Esq. one of the Commissioners of Lunatics, as- sisted by John Gibbs and Edward Twopenny, Esqrs. aris- ing out of the following circumstances:—A young lady named Chapman, who, we understand, had formerly been confined in the private lunatic asylum at Town Maling, was living under the care of her aunt, Mrs. Groombridge, at Chatham. An individual, having nine children by a de- ceased wife, and living on fenss.o? intimacy with Mrs. Groombridge, succeeded in marrying Miss Chapman in the month of June last, removed her from the care of her aunt, and was concealed with her several weeks from the know- ledge of her friends. They, however, to defeat the sordid intentions of her husband, sued out a commission of lunacy in the Court of Chancery, and a jury was impannelied on Wednesday to try the sanity of the young lady. A number of witnesses were examined on both sides, chiefly medical gentlemen. For the young lady there were examined Dr. Smith, Dr. Perfect, of Town Maling, and Messrs. Godfrey and Seaton, surgeons on the other side were Dr. Davies, and Mr. Robertson, surgeon. The sitting was commenced at nine o'clock on Wednesday morning, and continued until four o'clock on the following morning, when the jury re- turned a verdict—That the young lady was of unsound mind, and incapable of managing her affairs. The result will therefore be as usual in such cases, she will be placed under a guardian appointed by the Court of Chancery.- Kentish Gazette. IRELAND.-The Duke of Northumberland has issued a proclamation, offering a reward for the apprehension of some Ribandmen concerned in the late murder of one, and the wounding of six other Brunswickers, three of whom have since died. This proclamation is a very proper and just proceeding on the part of the Lord Lieutenant. It is in a strict spirit of impartiality, and cannot fail to please all parties equally. Ireland requires fair play and no as- cendancy of faction. Dublin Castle, Aug. 5. Whereas it has been represented to the Lord Lieutenant, that a party of persons called Orangemen, on their return home after dining together in the vicinity of Arneybridge, were attacked by a large assemblage of persons called Ribandmen (who had been previo sly dislodged from a position which they had taken on the mountain between Florence-court and Swadlinbar), when one man of the Orange party was piked to death, and six others wounded, three of whom have since died. Now we, the Lord Lieutenant, for the better "apprehending and bringing to justice the person or persons concerned in this barbarous murder, are pleased hereby to offer a reward of X200 to any person or persons (except those actually concerned in the commission of the murder) who shall give such information as may lead to the apprehension and conviction of the persons con- cerned, not already apprehended. By his Grace's command, F. LEVESON GOWER. CASE OF SEDUCTION.—A case transpired at the New Bailey, on Thursday, which disclosed a most horrible sys- tem and which, it is to be feared, has been carried on to a considerable extent in this town and neighbourhood. About three weeks ago, a person having, from dress and manners, every appearance of a respectable lady, called at a registry-office, in Birmingham, and inquired for a young female servant. She described herself as a Mrs. Woiling, residing at Hulme, near Wolverhampton requiring a young girl to act in the capacity of an assistant servant. The wo- man who kept the office immediately recommended to her notice a girl named Morgan, who was at that time in ser- vice, but who would be at liberty in the course of a week. The girl was immediately sent for and upon Mrs. Wolling stating the nature of the situation she wished her to fill, and the terms she would give her, she went back, and requested her mistress to allow her to quit that day, as her new mis- tress was in immediate want of npr services. This request was, however, not complied with and the new engage- ment was, in consequence, not entered into. At the con- clusion of her time, Morgan returned to the house of her grandmother (being an orphan), residing at Willenhall, near Wolverhampton. On Saturday last, she was, however, agreeably surprised by the arrival of Mrs. Wolling, for the purpose of renewing her engagement. The poor girl im- mediately acquiesced in the proposal; and her mistress being at the time extremely urgent, she agreed to return home with her that day. Previous to their leaving, Mrs. Wolling stated that as it was impossible that the gid's clothes could be got ready on that day, they had better be forwarded by the carrier, on Monday. Instead, however, of goin°- to Wolverhampton, they proceeded to Wednesbury, and upon their arrival at that place, Wolling communicated to her companion that she had property in the neighbourhood of Manchester, and as she understood from a gentleman who had been reading the newspaper in the inn, there were at present considerable disturbances in that town, it would be necessary for her immediately to set off, and see to its secu- rity. Upon this statement, the girl agreed to accompany her to Manchester, before going to her residence near Wol- verhampton. They consequently took their places in the next coach, and arrived in this town on Sunday morning last. In the meantime, Morgan's sisters and grandmother became extremely alarmed; for, on inquiry, they could not learn that either there was such a place as Hulme, near Wolverhampton, nor any family of the name of Woll- ing in the surrounding country. Messengers were im- mediately sent off to scour the neighbourhood, and dis- cover the retreat of the parties. A Mr. Preston, a neigh- bour of the Morgans, was extremely active. On the Tues- day evening, one of the sisters, who was on the search at Bilston, met with a Welshman, who stated that he had been in company the same day with a party at the Red Lion, Wolverhampton, who were conversing upon the circumstances of the abduction, and one of them said the woman and girl had been in that house the day of the flight, and went off by a Wolverhampton coach. This was communicated to Mr. Preston, and, about twelve o'clock the same night, he started off, in company with the girl's sister, to Wolverhampton, and found that this in- formation was correct. He there learned that the woman and her future victim had proceeded to Manchester, whither they immediately followed. On their arrival in this town by the assistance of the police, Wolling and her companion were traced to a house in Jackson's-lane, Hulme; and a most heart-rending disclosure followed. The unfortunate girl stated, that on the Tuesday morning, an elderly gentle- man, whom Wolling stated to be her uncle, came to the house. He went direct up stairs to bed; and shortly after- wards her mistress took her into his room, under the pre- tence that he was unwell of the rheumatism, and directed her to rub him. This process, she said, was necessary, as he found it impossible to keep himself warm. Here the woman left her, and subsequently a scene took place, which, though related in open court, is unfit for publication. Suf- fice it to say, that the unfortunate girl fell a victim to the arts of the hoary seducer. On going down stairs, in a state of great distress, she shewed to the procuress the gifts in 11 11 jewellery with which the fellow had presented her, who, in reply, said, "Oh yes, my uncle will be very kind to you, if you will be kind to him." The seducer left the house shortly after he had accomplished this purpose, on his return to Liverpool. On the girl making this statement, Wolling denied that any man had been in the house since their arri- val, except the tax-gatherer; this denial she frequently re- peated in the hearing of Mr. Lavender and Page. On Thursday, when before Mr. Foster, she varied her story, and said that a gentleman had come in on the morning in question to inquire fof lodgings; that, while there, he was taken ill, and the girl attended him but who he was, or what occurred between them, she knew not. It appeared, from the evidence of the neighbours, that she had occu- pied the house for about three months, and that it was frequently closed for several days together. Mr. Foster, after hearing these shocking details, declared that if what the girl stated was true, and there was no reason to disbe- lieve her, the prisoner was the most abandoned wretch that could be conceived and it was very desirable that the fel- low for whom she had pandered should be discovered, he remanded her until this day. She stated that she formerly resided in Park-lane, Liverpool; but, on Mr. Foster request- ing her to furnish the police with some reference as to her character and occupation, she was unable to name one. The prisoner's appearance is remarkably genteel, being habited, when in the dock, in a handsome black silk cloak, Leghorn bonnet and veil. When called upon for her defence, her manner and utterance were affectedly polite. There is little doubt she is connected with a gang who have infested this neighbourhood for a considerable time past; and it is hoped that the present disclosure will lead to a knowledge of other parties connected with this infamous and abominable sys- tem. Within these few months, several applications have been made to the police by the friends of girls who have been decoyed from home by a woman answering the de- scription of the wretch now in custody. The unfortunate girl is 16 years of age; but, from her simple and artless manner when under examination, we should suppose there would be no difficulty in a woman of the prisoner's address imposing upon her credulity.—Manchester Advertiser. There is at present at Tattershall an ass, belonging to Mr. Robert Lill, upwards of 36 years of age. Every day it goes to work, and appears not at all impaired in strength by age. Despatches are received at the Foreign Office, from the Right Hon. R. Gordon, dated Constantinople, July 17. On the day previous Mr. Gordon had an interview with the Sultan, and was most favourably received, and, from the negociations that have already been carried on between the Allied Ambassadors and the Porte, a most favourable ter- mination is confidently expected. DEVONPORT, AUG. 8.—The Danish brig of war St. Thomas, 16, Capt. Keevman, arrived in the Sound yester- day morning, twenty-five days from the island of St. Thomas, in the West Indies, on her way to Copenhagen, having on board the Governor-General of the Danish West India Islands. We learn by this vessel that his Majesty's ship Barham had sustained such serious injury on her lately taking the ground off Laguayra, that it was probable she would never be fit to return to England. We understand the Governor-General will proceed hence to London, pre- vious to his going to Denmark.

-»$0.- FRIDAY'S LONDON GAZETTE, AUGUST 7. INSOLVENTS. George Brown, Maldon, Essex, timber merchant. F. and C. Griffith, Southampton-row, Bloomsbury, linen dra- pers. Thos. Hitchcock, Old Ford, ale brewer. Robt. Ragge, Great Bookham, Leatberhead, Surrey, saddler. BANKRUPTCIES ENLARGED. John Anderson, West Smithfield, bookseller, from Aug. 14 to Aug. 28. Saml. Cook and Chas. Martin Oliver, Alie-street, Goodman's- field, upholsterers, from Aug. 7 to Sept. 25. Richard Mott, Newington-causeway, tailor, from Aug. 18 to Aug. 28. Joseph Springhall, Southgate, IVells next the Sea, Norfolk, ship-owner, from Aug. 14 to Aug. 24. John Walmsley, St. Peter's-road, Hammersmith, builder, vic- tualler, from Aug. 11 to Nov. 6. BANKRUPTS. John Mills, Camera-street, King's read, Chelsea, currier. Cordt Schroder, Berner-street, commercial-road, and Ellen-st. St. George's, sugar refiner. Thos. Collins, Witney, Oxfordshire, blanket manufacturer. George Blake Costde, Hetton-le-Hole, Durham, innkeeper. W. Graham, Eden-brow, Wetheral, Cumberland, corn dealer. John Howes, Norwich, grocer. William Rhodes, Stockport, Cheshire, corn dealer. John Williams, Nantwich, Cheshire, victualler. DIVIDEND. J. Morris, J. B. Morris, and T. Morris, Leominster, Hereford- shire, bankers, Aug. 31, at the King's Arms Inn, Leominster.

.ifotrton. The Journal de; Debats, dated July 10, contains some interesting particulars (see our last page) respecting the re- ception of Mr. Gordon, the British Minister Plenipoten- tiary at the palace of the Porte at Constantinople, by the Kaimakan, as substitute for the Grand Vizier. The first accident which has befallen the French fleet off Algiers is rather unfortunate. On the appearance of two boats' crews, containing twenty-four persons, the Moors made an immediate descent upon the adventurers, and, agreeably to established custom, cut off the heads of twenty- three, which they sent into Algiers, under the guardianship of the twenty-fourth, who was reserved to take charge of his headless companions, and carry the news of their mas- sacre to the Dey. Letters from Toulon of 31st July, bring accounts that the brig Hussard had returned from Algiers, bringing despatches for the Government from the Commander of the blockading squadron. Information received by the ship Provence states, that on the arrival of Labretonniere before Algiers, he sent in a flag of truce, which was well received by the Dey, to know if he would again enter into a negociation to terminate the differences. The Dey answered that it would not be a difficult task, and it would be satisfactory to him to have it amicably settled. He also informed the flag of truce that they need not be under any apprehension for the safety of the French prisoners, as they were so well treated that he doubted they would return again. It was stated, that according to preliminaries agreed on, the ship Pro- vence was to enter the Bay of Algiers the day after the de- parture of the Ilussard on the 27th instant, when the nego- ciations were to commence immediately: but some persons think, who are well informed, that this is only a ruse de guerre on the part of the Dey to gain time for the winter season to approach, when the French ships cannot remain off Algiers. The Prussian State Gazette to the 4th inst. contains news of considerable interest from various quarters of the theatre of war. The Russians, it seems, have succeeded in de- ceiving the enemy in Shumla, as regards the object of their march. The Turks, imagining that that town was threat- ened, directed their entire attention to it, while the Rus- sians, with a view to keep up the delusion, never moved any of their troops from Shumla, until their place was sup- plied by reinforcements from Silistria, when a vigorous movement took place silently, and by night, On the 8th/' says the Prussian State Gazette, after detailing a variety of preliminary movements and skirmishes, General Roth marched towards Aspro, and pushed his advanced guard to Palisfana, the most elevated point of the Great Balkan. The enemy was struck with such terror, that he did not even attempt to dispute the passage over this lofty moun- tain, which may be considered as having been overcome at least by the left column. All our troops continue their movements to-day. The Grand Vizier has not made the smallest movement from Shumla." Thus it should seem that the Turks have been completely out-generalled, while the Russians have displayed a degree of promptness, dex- terity, decision and perseverance singularly contrasted with their lethargic and inefficient movements during the last campaign. CHANGE OF THE FRENCH MINISTRY.-—PARIS. AUG. 8. The French Ministry is changed. The Prince de Polignac has been charged to form a new Administration. The or- dinance is to be signed to-day, at St. Cloud it will appear to-morrow in the Moniteur. I can state with certainty that Prince Polignac is Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. de la Bourdonnaye Minister of the Interior, and Adm. de Rigny Minister of the Marine. There are persons whom this sweeping change will surprise, especially as the ex-rmmste- rial paper, the Messager des Chambres, had denied, in the most positive manner, that any change was to take place. The ex-ministers themselves made the same statement so late as yesterday. The Royalists, as you well may suppose, are overjoyed at the triumph of their party, for such they consider the change to be, as all the new Ministers belong to the right, or the centre-right. The Royalists have been much in the habit of styling the old administration, I mean that which existed yesterday, the ministry a la Goderich, and of main- taining that it would come to the same end, and be suc- ceeded by a Tory Ministry. I may observe, en passant, that this opposition Tory is likely to become quite French, for the Royalists seem much disposed to take it to them- selves. They have then, at least, as they say themselves, a Tory Administration. It is to be hoped that they are not deceiving themselves in their expectations of the good it will produce, both in France and out of France. I send you with this an article extracted from the Gazette de France, the organ of the Tory party in France. This article is nothing more or less than the manifesto of the new Ministry-it is very important, as it indicates very clearly the policy, both foreign and domestic, that will be followed by Prince Polignac and his colleagues. There is no idea that the new administration will make any attempt to encroach upon the charter, as some persons have asserted would be done, were the Prince to come into power. It is thought in the country that the new Ministers will begin their career by some measures calculated to in- sure the liberties and rights of the people. It is thought that they will do away with the odious monopoly of the University, and make it lawful for any one to teach and to establish schools—in fact., every one will be allowed to edu- cate his children without any interference on the part of Government. It is thought that the age of admission to the Chamber will be reduced from forty to thirty years, and that the num- ber of Representatives of the people will be raised from 430 to 650. My time is short, and I shall close my letter, by observ- ing that the change of the Ministry is considered as a total discomfiture of the Russian party. There is now no danger whatever of France joining the Muscovites in their projects, whatever they may be. The Const Hut ionnel has been la- bouring hard to prove to the good people of Paris, that the success of the Cossacks was essential to the existence of French liberty; but this new discovery of the love of his Imperial Majesty for charters and liberty will be of little avail now—at least such is the opinion of the best informed persons. I do not pretend to give you any opinion of my own on the subject. ENGLISH THEATRE IN PARIS.—The performances at the Salle Favart on Wednesday last were The Stranger and the fourth act of The Merchant of Venice. Mrs. West, who took the character of Mrs. Haller, was assailed throughout the piece by the most obstinate hissing, which the applause of the rest could not subdue. In the third act, says the French writer, the trembling Mrs. Haller fell at the feet of the Countess, less overcome by her painful confessions than by the ungenerous usage of the audience. The two ladies then retired, and Mr. Abbot, who had not sustained any part in the piece, came forward and addressed the house (a improvise) in the French language" Gentlemen, I come to make an appeal to French gallantry and gene- rosity." (Loud applause.) Numerous voices. The hisses are neither French nor English, they are the canaille." Mr. Abbott.—" You have witnessed our first essays with much indulgence; you will not, I trust, refuse to hear an actress who endured so much suffering in order that the per- formance might not be interrupted. (Prolonged plaudits.) Remember, I pray you, that our companion is a stranger and a female." This address in a great measure prevailed. A Brussels paper says, that an Englishman performed the journey from London to Paris for the express purpose of hissing Mrs. West. A German paper of the 27th of June says, the English naval officer (Captain Hanchett), who was going to enter the service of the Sultan, has not been able to agree with the Ministers of the Porte on the terms of his appointment, and is going to return to England, and had arrived at Smyrna. The regular troops in Smyrna, about 1.500 ia number, have received orders to go to Constantinople.