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WANTONNESS AND MURDER.

It seems totally impossible, that, in our most deliberate calculations, we should be able to set bounds to the excesses of human depravity. When wantonness associates with barbarity, a new feature is added to common wickedness; and we are rather at a loss to determine, which has the greatest claim to our detestation,-the vice itself, or the effrontery with which it is associated.

At Maestricht, some time in February, 1817, as a newly-married couple were crossing a foot-bridge, they were attacked by some villains, who not only took from them their superfluous garments, but literally stripped them stark naked, and then deliberately hanged them on two separate trees, contiguous to each other. After they had been in this situation some time, a cartman passing that way, beheld the horrid spectacle. The man was quite dead; but in the woman he perceived some remains of life, as she had introduced her hand between the rope and her neck, when the monsters became their executioners. On taking her down, the cartman pulled off his frock, and wrapped it round her; and in this condition conveyed her to a public-house at no great distance. Among the company who were there drinking, was a wretch, who, in the hurry of the moment, exclaimed, "Good God! this is the woman that we hanged." His companions instantly took the alarm, and, together with himself, immediately made off. Diligent search was made for them, but nothing could ever lead to their detection.

HYMENEAL ANECDOTE.

SOME time since, in the Highlands of Scotland, an affectionate lover conducted his intended bride to the altar, to secure her for life. The marriage ceremony began, and proceeded with its accustomed regularity, until the fair one was asked this important question, "Wilt thou have this man for thy wedded husband?" to which, with much apparent sincerity, she replied "No." The poor bridegroom was half petrified, and gazed upon her with astonishment; but no expostulation either from himself, from the minister, or from the friends of both parties, could induce her to alter her

resolution. On being asked to explain the occasion of such unexpected conduct, she frankly replied, "that she had just seen a man whom she liked better than the person she was about to marry." This declaration soon brought affairs to a crisis. The marriage ceremony was suspended; and as an immediate dissolution of partnership took place, the minister conducted the parties to distinct doors. The half bridegroom, rather disgusted with her conduct, than mortified at his disappointment, declared that his affections were alienated from her, and that nothing should induce him to take her for his wife, even if her resolution were to alter. One of his friends finding him in such good spirits, intimated, that, as the supper was prepared, the priest still at hand, and many of the guests were in waiting, much time and expense might be spared, if he would return to the church, and conclude the ceremony with one of the bridemaids. The hint was instantly taken, and the proposal made; and as the fair one had no objection, they immediately returned, got married, repaired to the house, and regaled themselves with the supper which had been provided for the other, and partly at the expense of her friends. A few weeks afterwards, the deserter was married to "the man whom she liked better;" and both husbands meeting shortly after these events, shook hands, and they have continued to live in friendship ever since.

PROTESTANT UNION.

WE have just been favoured with a copy of some important resolutions, entered into at a meeting of the Protestant Union, held on the 17th instant, at the London Tavern, Stephen Cattley, Esq. in the chair. Of these resolutions, which are fourteen in number, we can only give the following condensed epitome.

1. That the demands now making by the Catholics, affect our civil and religious liberties. 2. That these demands are political, and aim at dominion, which will affect the government of the British empire. 3. That Protestantism is the great security of our happiness and welfare. 4. That the British Constitution and Government are essentially and fundamentally Protestant. 5. That the coronation oath

peculiar sagacity; and his conduct, when he abstained from active operations at particular seasons, such as he manifested in March, 1814, she ascribes to a sound and enlightened view of the interests of Sweden and France; although many others, who only saw the fact, without being able to comprehend the reasons by which he was guided, attributed his inactivity to an instability of disposition, or an intention to deceive. To confirm the truth of her own opinion, she has related the following anecdote :

"When news was brought him that the French had entered Moscow, the envoys of the different powers, who were then in his palace at Stockholm, were thunderstruck: he alone declared firmly, that, from the date of this event, the campaign was lost to the conquerors; and, addressing himself to the Austrian Envoy, at a time when the troops of that power still formed a part of the army of Napoleon, " You may," said he, write to the Emperor, that Napoleon is lost, although the capture of Moscow seems the greatest exploit in his military career." I was near him when he expressed himself in this way, and did not, I confess, put entire faith in his predictions. But his profound knowledge of the art of war, disclosed to him an event at that time least expected by others."

SLAVE-SHIP WRECKED.

EXTRACT from a private letter, giving an account of a shipwreck near the island of Cuba, not long before the Slave Trade was abolished.

"Your cousin Richard has lately arrived from a disastrous voyage, in a most pitiable condition, having lost all his clothes and his watch; and his life seems to have been preserved by a miraculous interposition of Providence.

"On the middle passage from the coast of Africa to Barbadoes, the ship had an engagement with an English cutter, and many broadsides were exchanged before they discovered their mutual mistake. The ship, however, did not receive any considerable damage in this encounter; but one man had his arm shot off. This was only the beginning of their misfortunes. On proceeding from Barbadoes to the Havannah, the ship, having 250 slaves on board, struck on a sunken rock, off the coast of Cuba, about five leagues

The

Just

from the shore, and immediately turned on her beam ends. The captain, in hopes that she would recover her proper position, and that the people on board might be saved from the peril of their situation, ordered her masts to be cut away. But every effort proved in vain. Her hull remained immoveably fixed on the rock; and after continuing in this state all night, and part of the next day, she divided asunder, and became a perfect wreck. quarter deck and the cabin being separated from the other parts, the pumps and stores were washed out, and nothing but a scene of horror presented itself. Many of the sailors at this instant jumped overboard, under the delusive hope of being able to swim on shore, although the land was fifteen miles distant. Several of these were almost immediately drowned, alongside of the wreck. One boat, however, and only one, remained; and in this the captain and a few men proceeded on shore, to seek assistance, and to procure some fresh water. at this time, your cousin jumped into the sea, and soon caught hold on one of the pumps, that was floating near the wreck; and not long afterwards reached one of the masts, that had drifted to a considerable distance, where it remained stationary, on account of the rigging which was entangled among the craggy rocks at the bottom. On perceiving that the mast could make no approaches towards the shore, he again quitted his station, after having rested some time, and swam towards a part of the wreck, on which he espied four men. This fragment, which proved to be the main grating, he at length reached with extreme difficulty, and was nearly exhausted when he joined his companions in misfortune. The wind was favourable; and they were driven to land in about four hours. But the part of the island on which they landed being uncultivated and uninhabited, no assistance was to be procured; so that they were compelled to subsist seven days on grass, on the leaves of trees, and on some candles that occasionally washed ashore from the wreck. They were then providentially picked up by a Spanish schooner, and taken to the Havannah. From this place, the captain, and three others only, reached Liverpool: all the slaves, except one woman, perished."

WANTONNESS AND MURDER.

It seems totally impossible, that, in our most deliberate calculations, we should be able to set bounds to the excesses of human depravity. When wantonness associates with barbarity, a new feature is added to common wickedness; and we are rather at a loss to determine, which has the greatest claim to our detestation,—the vice itself, or the effrontery with which it is associated.—

At Maestricht, some time in February, 1817, as a newly-married couple were crossing a foot-bridge, they were attacked by some villains, who not only took from them their superfluous garments, but literally stripped them stark naked, and then deliberately hanged them on two separate trees, contiguous to each other. After they had been in this situation some time, a cartman passing that way, beheld the horrid spectacle. The man was quite dead; but in the woman he perceived some remains of life, as she had introduced her hand between the rope and her neck, when the monsters became their executioners. On taking her down, the cartman pulled off his frock, and wrapped it round her; and in this condition conveyed her to a public-house at no great distance. Among the company who were there drinking, was a wretch, who, in the hurry of the moment, exclaimed, "Good God! this is the woman that we hanged." His companions instantly took the alarm, and, together with himself, immediately made off. Diligent search was made for them, but nothing could ever lead to their detection.

fair one

HYMENEAL ANECDOTE.

SOME time since, in the Highlands of Scotland, an affectionate lover conducted his intended bride to the altar, to secure her for life. The marriage ceremony began, and proceeded with its accustomed regularity, until the was asked this important question, "Wilt thou have this man for thy wedded husband?" to which, with much apparent sincerity, she replied "No." The poor bridegroom was half petrified, and gazed upon her with astonishment; but no expostulation either from himself, from the minister, or from the friends of both parties, could induce her to alter her

resolution. On being asked to explain the occasion of such unexpected conduct, she frankly replied, " that she had just seen a man whom she liked better than the person she was about to marry." This declaration soon brought affairs to a crisis. The marriage ceremony was suspended; and as an immediate dissolution of partnership took place, the minister conducted the parties to distinct doors. The half bridegroom, rather disgusted with her conduct, than mortified at his disappointment, declared that his affections were alienated from her, and that nothing should induce him to take her for his wife, even if her resolution were to alter. One of his friends finding him in such good spirits, intimated, that, as the supper was prepared, the priest still at hand, and many of the guests were in waiting, much time and expense might be spared, if he would return to the church, and conclude the ceremony with one of the bridemaids. The hint was instantly taken, and the proposal made; and as the fair one had no objection, they immediately returned, got married, repaired to the house, and regaled themselves with the supper which had been provided for the other, and partly at the expense of her friends. A few weeks afterwards, the deserter was married to "the man whom she liked better;" and both husbands meeting shortly after these events, shook hands, and they have continued to live in friendship ever since.

PROTESTANT UNION.

WE have just been favoured with a copy of some important resolutions, entered into at a meeting of the Protestant Union, held on the 17th instant, at the London Tavern, Stephen Cattley, Esq. in the chair. Of these resolutions, which are fourteen in number, we can only give the following condensed epitome.

1. That the demands now making by the Catholics, affect our civil and religious liberties. 2. That these demands are political, and aim at dominion, which will affect the government of the British empire. 3. That Protestantism is the great security of our happiness and welfare. 4. That the British Constitution and Government are essentially and fundamentally Protestant. 5. That the coronation oath

imposes duties, which are inconsistent with the Catholic claims. 6. That to admit Catholics into the great councils of the nation, is hostile to the spirit of the Bill of Rights. 7. That to comply with their demands, will be to surround his Majesty with Catholics, and to endanger the Church. 8. That their exclusion was thought necessary, when they did not constitute a majority in the House, " for the safety of his Majesty's Royal Person and Government." 9. That the intolerant principles of the Catholics disqualify those of that communion for being impartial judges. 10. That to grant their present claims will only add to their power, and increase their demands, which, in process of time, will enable them to subvert the foundation of our monarchy. 11. That it would endanger the Protestant churches in Ireland; since, when the national compact is violated, the act of union must be insecure. 12. That oaths furnish no security, while the Sovereign Pontiff has the power of dispensing with their obligation. 13. That the Catholics being active throughout Europe,—that the dormant energies of Popery being awakened, that the Inquisition being re-established,—and its various agents being at work, demand our circumspection and resistance. 14. That the cabinet being distracted by men, whose religious opinions will be discordant, and who cannot agree respecting the fundamental principles of the Revolution, will create embarrassments, injurious both to Prince and People.

RECIPE TO PREVENT INFECTION

FROM THE TYPHUS FEVER.

less aversion to the English, than to any others. The acquaintance, however, which they appear solicitous to cultivate, is rather founded on interest than_on_real friendship. They view the English as having less intrigue than the French, and more magnanimity than the Spaniards; but, in their intercourse with all foreigners, they have fixed certain boundaries, beyond which they will not permit them to pass. Having suffered so much from the dominion of the French, prior to the revolution, they continue to watch their movements with the most vigilant circumspection; adopting every precaution that either prudence, justice, or injustice, can suggest, to prevent them from reassuming their ancient jurisdiction. Of the English, on the contrary, they seem to entertain no such suspicions. Hence, the articles which they import, pay an impost of 5 per cent. only; while 10 per cent. is regularly paid on those of other nations.

In that department of the island which has long been under the dominion of Christophe, this predilection particularly prevails. His government is that of simple despotism; and his will gives, in many instances, a final interpretation to law. This feature in his character, in connection with his personal authority, and partiality towards the English, is distinctly marked in the following anecdote.

A dispute arising at Cape François, between a few English merchants and some others, respecting the settlement of some property, both parties appealed to law; and the case being brought to a legal issue before the judges, was decided against our counDR. J. C. SMITH obtained £5000 yielding submission to the constituted trymen. These, however, instead of from Parliament for the following sim-authority, repaired to Christophe, gainple Recipe:-Six drachms powdered ed a hearing, laid their case before saltpetre; six drachms oil of vitriol: him, and obtained a promise that the mix them in a tea-cup, by adding one affair should be reconsidered. drachm of the oil at a time. The cup the day appointed for the merchants to be placed, during the preparation, to meet him, they came, and were inon a hot hearth or plate of iron, and the troduced into his presence, where they mixture to be stirred with a tobacco-found the judges, from whose decision pipe. The cup to be placed in differ- they had made their appeal. ent parts of the sick room. entering the house, they were requested to sit down, while the judges were ordered to take their stand in certain parts of the room which he allotted them. The places which they thus occupied, were immediately under some cocks, through which water oc

ANECDOTE OF CHRISTOPHE.

ALTHOUGH the independent inhabitants of Hispaniola are far from being cordially attached to any of the European nations, they seem to have

On

On

casionally issued, to cool the apartment. The cocks were then instantly turned; and in this degraded situation the judges were compelled to remain, with water streaming on their heads, and running over their bodies, until his majesty was pleased to liberate them. Having detained them in this condition for some time, they were dismissed with these observations: "I hope, gentlemen, that by this time your heads are somewhat cool. When you gave your decision against these English merchants, they were rather too warm. But as they are now reduced to a more moderate temperature, you must reconsider this business, and give your judgment accordingly." The affair was immediately re-examined; and the claims of the English, as might naturally be expected, were soon discovered to be just.

SLAVE DEALERS PUNISHED.

NOTHING can more fully evince the
sincerity of Government, in their de-
termination to abolish the slave-trade,
than the vigilance with which they
watch the coasts, and the readiness
with which they punish those who,
in defiance of humanity and law, still
continue to

"Drive a loathsome traffic, gauge and span,
"And buy the muscles and the bones of man."

which the prisoners were apprehended. The facts were clearly proved in evidence, and the culprits were immediately found guilty; and sentenced to three years' confinement in the house of correction, during which time they are to be kept to hard labour.

DEATH OF THE ESQUIMAUX INDIAN IN
SCOTLAND.

ON the 14th of Feb. 1819, died at Edin-
burgh, John Sackeheuse, or Sacheuse,
aged 22, a native of the west coast of
Greenland. As this man had been
found of essential service in our late
voyage of discovery, he had, on his re-
turn to this country, occupied a con-
siderable share of the public attention.
And his loss will be the more severely
felt, from the expectations which were
entertained of his services in the ex-
pedition about to be sent to explore
Baffin's Bay. To qualify him for his
employment, as an occasional inter-
preter and guide, the Admiralty had,
with much liberality, directed that no
pains should be spared in his educa-
tion. With these views he was sent
to Edinburgh, where he remained seve-
ral months, until he was attacked with
a violent inflammation in the chest,
which, baffling all medical aid, in a
few days carried him to the house ap-
pointed for all living.

On Saturday, February 26th, 1819, In his manners he was exceedingly Philip Caday, alias Philibert, A. Cle- docile and cheerful; and was always jensac, and J. A. Tresgrosse, were grateful for every attention that was arraigned before Mr Justice Best, paid him. But although he was inBaron Wood, and Baron Richardson, dustrious, and attentive to his teachby special commission, to take their ers, in the acquirement of learning; trial for having feloniously taken a like most others taken from savage number of negroes from the Mosam- life, his proficiency was but inconsidebique Islands, on the coast of Africa; rable. To the public, his death is a and carried them to the Isle of France, loss which cannot be repaired; and to in the Mauritius, for the purpose of his friends, when they learn that he is being dealt with as slaves, contrary no more, the stroke must be peculiarly to the statute, &c. The Captain of severe. It appears, however, that he the Magicienne frigate, which was has no near relations to mourn for stationed off the Isle of France to sup- him. Not long before his death, he press the traffic in slaves, saw a seemed sensible of his approaching schooner at some distance from him, dissolution; and observed, that his which, from several suspicious circum- father and mother had fallen by stances, inclined him to think that the same complaint, and that he knew she was engaged in this inhuman com- his departure was at hand, because merce. Some of his men were imme- his sister, the last of his relations diately sent in pursuit, and the result who died, had just appeared to him, was a confirmation of his suspicions. and "called him away." This cirOn searching further it was discovered, cumstance clearly proves that he had that ninety-two human beings had some knowledge of a future state, been landed from the schooner, for the and that the belief of this fact prepurpose of sale: in consequence of vails among his tribe. It is much to

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