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names (which ought to be discouraged by all who have any reverence for their God and Saviour), are all relics of heathenish customs. So also are decking the windows, &c. with holly, ivy, bay, laurel, (the Roman emblem of peace) and green boughs, twelfth cakes, morrice dancing, and other sports and pastimes, peculiar to this season of the year. Let it be our duty, in enjoying these, to remember the old adage "Be merry and wise."

DREADFUL ACCIDENT IN AMERICA.Richmond, December 27, 1811. "I sit down to inform you of one of the most dreadful accidents which has happened in this country. Last night, there being a new play, the House was very full. About eleven o'clock the upper part took fire, and so furious was its progress, that, before the audience could retreat, upwards of one hundred persons, already ascertained, were burnt to death, and most of them to ashes-some were killed in jumping out of the windows; many ran out in flames, and died in a few minutes. Of seven hundred that were in the theatre, but few escaped without some injury. Mr. Smith, Governor of the State; Mr. Venable, President of the Bank; Mr. and Mrs. Booth and niece; Mr. Cook and daughter; William Brown, merchant; Mrs.

tivity. The carol, it appears however, was not only in practice on Christmas day, but on the days appropriated to the honour of saints, as St. Stephen's day, St. Andrew's day, Childermes, &c. It was customary also, according to Tertullian (who lived about the year 200), among the Christians, at their feasts, to bring those who were able to sing into the midst, and make them sing a song in honour of God, either taken out of the Holy Scriptures, or of their own composition." The Christmas box money is of popish origin. The Romish priests had masses said for almost every thing. If a ship went out to the Indies, the priest had a box in her, under the protection of some saint; and for masses, to be said for them to that saint, &c. the poor people were directed to put something into the priest's box, which was not to be opened till the return of the ship. The mass at that time was called Christmas, and the box denominated Christmas bor, or money gathered that masses might be made by the priests to the saints, in order to obtain forgiveness for the debaucheries · committed by the people at this season. In the course of time, servants had the liberty to get bor money, that they too might be enabled to pay the priest for his masses, knowing well the truth of the proverb, "No penny, no Pater-Galigo and niece; Mrs. Robert Greenhow and noster." With respect to mince pies, they seem to have derived their origin from the Yule Dough, (or Dow) a kind of baby or little image of paste, which our bakers used formerly to make at Christmas, and present to their customers, in the same manner as the chand. lers sometimes give Christmas candles. At Rome, on the vigil of the nativity, sweetmeats were presented to the fathers in the Vatican and all kinds of little images (no doubt of paste) were to be found at the shops of the confec tioners. There is the greatest probability that we had from thence both our yule doughs and mince pies. The yule dough was originally, perhaps, intended to represent the child Jesus: it is now pretty generally laid aside, or at most retained only by children, though yule cakes are still to be met with in the county of Durham. The custom of the beliman's ringing his bell and repeating verses, and the musi

daughter; Captain Jacobs, daughter, and granddaughter; Lieutenant Gibbon. But it is impossible to recollect the names of all the sufferers. The stores and shops have been kept shut. No place ever looked so dreadful as this. Every one is filled with horror."

WORKS IN THE PRESS. Mr. Macpherson, author of the Annals of Commerce, has nearly ready for publication, the History of the European Commerce with India; with a review of the arguments for and against the management of it by a chartered company, an appendix of authentic accounts, and a map appropriated to the work.

Dr. Cheyne, of Dublin, late of Leith, has in the press, in an octavo volume, Cases of Apoplexy and Lethargy, with Observations on the Comatose Diseases, illustrated by engravings. Professor Bonnycastle, of Woolwich, will ciaus called waits going round, to annoy the speedily publish, in two octavo volumes, a neighbours with the profanation of sacred | Treatise on Algebra, in practice and theory,

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with notes and illustrations.

This work is designed to form the second and third parts of the author's intended General Course of Mathematics, of which some succeeding branches are nearly ready for the press.

Dr. Lipscombe is preparing a Grammar of the Elements of Medicine, intended to serve both as a book of instruction and reference.

An Economical History of the Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland, by the late Rev. Dr. John Walker, of Edinburgh, is in the press; also, by the same author, Miscellaneous Essays on Natural History and Rural Economy.

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aud poetry, written in false grammar, false spelling, and without stops.

The Rev. J. Joyce is preparing a System of Algebra and Fluxious, practically adapted to the use of schools.

The Rev. T. Castley has in the press, Essays and Dissertations in Philology, History, Poli tics, and Common Life.

Mr. Thomas Ashe will speedily publish, in three volumes, the Liberal Critic, or Memoirs of Henry Percy.

Dr. David Brewster will shortly publish, in an octavo volume, a Treatise on New Philosophical Instruments for various purposes in The Border Antiquities of England and the Arts and Sciences, illustrated by plates. Scotland delineated, a splendid work in quarte, Mr. Goodacre, of Standard-hill Academy, is in great forwardness. It is intended to exnear Nottingham, has in the press an Impar-hibit specimens of the architecture, sculpture, tial Review of the New System of Education, || and other vestiges of former ages from the generally ascribed to Dr. Bell and Mr. Lancas- || earliest times to the union of the two crowns, ter. He is also preparing for the press, Out- || accompanied with descriptive sketches, &c. lives of an Economical Pian for the Education The first part is expected to appear at the end of the Poor, on rational and solid principles. of next month. Alexander Whyte, Esq. Barrister, bas in the press, Velina, a moral tale, iu two small octavo volumes.

Mr. James Smyth, of the Customhouse, Hull, will shortly publish, in an octavo volume,

Mr. T. L. Peacock, author of the Genuis of the Thames, and other poems, will shortly publish, in a quarto volume, the Philosophy of Melancholy, a Foem; and the Spirit of Fire, a mythological ode.

INCIDENTS

OCCURRING IN AND NEAR LONDON, INTERESTING MARRIAGES, &c.

STATE OF HIS MAJESTY'S HEALTH.

the ground floor, which was darkened at their suggestion, immediately began to display their

WE are concerned to state that all the Bul-wonders to the no small delight of the children letins that have been issued since our last publi- and servants, who were all assembled on the occaeation, have not announced any alteration in the sion. While their attention was fixed on the afflicting disorder that his Majesty has been la- performance, one of the fellows slipped unperbouring under for so long a period. The Bulleceived out of the room, aud directing his course fin dated Feb. 15, stated that "His Majesty conto the kitchen, he there found several valuable tinued nearly in the same state." articles of plate, such as a silver tea-pot and ewer, and table and tea spoons, which he secreted about his person, and then returned to the parlour unnoticed, and was soon afterwards dismissed with his companious. They had not long left the house when the plate was missed, but although au immediate pursuit took place, the fellows retreated with such precipitation as to elude detection.

CAUTION. Mrs. Price, of Titchfield-street, Mary-le-bone, was induced, at the instance of her children, to admit into her house three itinerant musicians, one of whom carried a magic lantern, with a view to amuse the family. The fellows having been introduced into a parlour on

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THREATENING LETTERS-A Miss St. Julian, || purpose of defrauding the Commissioners and

a female of elegant and prepossessing appearance, has been examined at the Bow-street Office, together with a Mr. Harrison, charged with sending threatening letters to the Hon. Basil Cochrane. It appeared that the lady had been under the protection of the Hon. Prosecutor for seven years, during which time she had several children by him. In consequence of his being dissatisfied with her conduct, he separated from her, which separation induced her to apply for a settlement. This being refused, Miss St. Julian threatened, in letters, to expose Mr. Cochrane, by accusing him of having wanted her to go into a steam bath to cause an abortion. There being sufficient legal ground for considering Mr. Harrison implicated in sending the threatening letters, they were both taken into custody. After an examination, the parties were admitted to bail, and they are to take their trial at the eusuing Assizes for the county of Keut.

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Governors of Greenwich Hospital, was in custody in the town of Newcastle. The particulars that have transpired of his evading the vigilance of the Officers of Justice, are, that he lodged for a considerable time in concealment, in where he knew that his nefarious practices were discovered, and that a reward was offered for his apprehension. Before he left the house, he had his hair cut very short, and had a black fashionable scratch wig procured for him. A passage was taken for || him to Newcastle, in a collier of that place; he sailed for that place with several other passengers. On their voyage, on his black scratch wig getting on one side, his red carroty hair was discovered, which was thought an extraordinary circumstance, having a wig such a contrary colour to his natural hair; one of them having read Gaw. ler's description in the advertisement, he suspected him, and communicated his suspicion to the others. On the vessel arriving at North Shields, he was put on shore there, and in a day or two after, he arrived at Newcastle. He being an entire stranger there, and the Mayor having re

taken into custody, and on his being examined to give an account of himself, he said his name was John Thomson; that he resided at No. 95, Gray's Inn-lane, London, and that his cause of leaving that city was, his being involved in his circumstances, and was afraid of his creditors; said his wife's maiden name was Mary Cropley. On searching him, a female's comb was found, with M. G. on it, which are the initials of Mary Gawler. He had a seal with an anchor on it, which is considered his official scal. From these particulars being communicated, Mary Crosby being Gawler's wife's maiden name, and a very full description of his person being sent to town, Adkins and Pearkes were dispatched and brought him to London.

STOLEN GOODS.-Thomas Clarke, a young man of good connections, has been examined at the Mansion-house under a charge of being found with a large parcel of stolen goods, consisting of|ceived some information respecting him, bad him ten whole pieces of callico, and other articles of haberdashery goods, at Queen-street, in the city. The goods were stolen from a waggoner, while he was in the act of conveying them from the Townsend Wharf, on the banks of the Thames, to the City-road. The Police Officers, after interrogating the prisoner on the suspicious appearance of the large parcel, took him into custody, and since then found out the owners of the articles, who attended before the Lord Mayor, and identified the goods. There was no defence offered by the prisoner, but an interesting, genteel, and highly dressed young lady, sister of the prisoner, who, with his wife and infant child, attended the court, addressed his Lordship gravely and feelingly on her brother's behalf, to prevent his full committal; but after a patient and attentive bearing of what she had to offer, he expressed his regret that he could not relieve her, consoling her only on the ground that the charge was not of a capital nature.-The prisoner was fully committed.

APPREHENSION OF GAWLER-Information had been received in town, that Gawler, the late clerk in the Navy Office, who is charged with manufacturing fraudulent Certificates for seamen, purporting for a greater number of years service than they had actually performed, for the

THE LATE MURDERS.-The result of the recent private examinations of Alblas and Hart, at Bow-street, has exculpated them from any participation in the horrid murders of Marr and Williamson's families, and both are now discharged from confinement. Mrs. Vermillye, it now clearly appears, was the first person who gave information to Hewitt and Hope, the officers, of her suspicions against the conduct of Williams. The Magistrates at Shadwell have compounded with the creditors of Mr. Vermillye, and effected his release from prison.

PROVINCIALS,

INCLUDING REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES, &c. IN THE SEVERAL COUNTIES OF GREAT BRITAIN.

BERKSHIRE.

RACOON.-A fine racoon was a short time since taken in the woods at Lord Grosvenor's seat at Eaton. It was discovered by Mr. Nutting, the stud-groom, in the cleft of an aged oak, who quickly started it, and with the assistance of his dogs had it secured. It is supposed that this native of the forest had made its escape from the menagerie of some travelling showman.

DEVONSHIRE.

HORRID MURDER.-The following article is extracted from the Plymouth Telegraph ::—-“ On

in the parish of St. Clement, in the night time, and stealing therefrom a quantity of twist cotton, The discovery of this robber was effected under circumstances which manifest singular resolution, where perhaps it might least be expected, namely, in a female. The conductor of the manufactory, Mr. Strike, has a daughter, who superintends that department which is performed by women, and sleeps in a room adjoining the factory. On the above evening she was awakened by a noise, evidently proceeding from some oue who had broken into the premises, she bas

the evening of the 20th of January, Margaret tily slipped on a great coat that laid in her room,

Huxtable, of Dodbrooke, near Knightsbridge, a child only nine years old, was sent on an errand by her mother to a neighbouring shoemaker's;

but it was to return no more-for enticed, as it is supposed, by two men, with whom she had been seen on the Totness road, she was first violated and then murdered in the most inhuman manner. Her parents instantly made every research and inquiry for their lost child; but alas! to no purpose, until the following morning, when her shift was discovered about a mile from Dodbrooke, much torn and dyed with blood. On searching further, her mangled corse was found in the same field, deprived of life, and perfectly divested of clothing. Her head, smashed to pieces apparently with stones, was literally driven into the earth; and her whole body bore incontestible evidence of the efforts of ruffian force. The perpetrators of these crimes have hitherto escaped detection."

and ran to her father's chamber, who not being dressed with sufficient speed to meet her eager ness, she snatched up a large hammer and went

alone, in the dark, into the manufactory, where

she perceived Bunton in the act of taking the twist cotton from a loom. She instantly struck him on the back of the head with the hammer, and on his turning about, repeated the blow upon his forehead, with such effect, as to bring him to the ground covered with blood. Apprehending that he might probably have accomplices, she shrieked aloud, which brought her father to her assistance, and he was secured.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENTS.-A short time since, a woman who lives in the Fryers, Bristol, shut up two children in a two-pair of stairs room, one of them four and the other five years of age. Unfortunately the window of the room was left open, and in a few minutes one of them jumped out, and was followed by the other; the first providentially escaped with only a slight burt; but the other had its skull so dreadfully fractured, that he died soon after in the Infirmary.-Not fewer than thirteen children, dreadfully burnt, several of whom died soon after admission, have

MIDDLESEX. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.-We sincerely regret that the Lady of Major Scott Waring was found dead early one morning lately, at the bottom of the staircase, in her house in Hammersmith. She staid up some time after her husband went to bed, and is supposed to have fallen back-been taken to the Infirmary of Bristol, within wards going up stairs. She was a lady of great personal accomplishments, and has left a numerous offspring, as well as her afflicted husband, to deplore her premature and melancholy fate.

NORFOLK.

FEMALE RESOLUTION.-John Bunton was lately committed to the city gaol, at Norwich, by J. H. Cole, Esq. Mayor, charged with burglariously entering the house of Messrs. Aggs and Co.

these few weeks. We hope that this will be a caution to mothers, and to those who have the care of infants; to the carelessness of whom these accidents may generally be traced.

SHROPSHIRE.

HORRID MURDER.-A short time since, Mr. Bailey of the Old Park, near Wellington, was found shockingly murdered in a stone quarry near that place. There was a deep wound on the

whole of the inside of the coach, was taken by a gang of thieves, for the purpose of stealing the notes. Two of the passengers calling themselves by the name of Burley, a man and a woman, got into the coach at the Blossom's Inn, at seven o'clock in the morning, and a man

phant and Castle, another man, of the name of Cole, got in. Two passengers, for whom places had been taken, were to be taken up at the Plough Inn, at Clapham, where the coachman waited upwards of twenty minutes, and no passengers appearing, he proceeded on his journey. When the coach got to Mitcham, the man calling himself Burley, told the coachman the lady was so extremely unwell, she could not proceed any further, and left the coach. The coachman proceeded on to Ryegate, where the two men, calling themselves Cole, also left the coach, tell

crown of his head, another over his eyes, both apparently made with a large sharp instrument, and two deep gashes across the throat; his head was also dreadfully fractured in several places. Some suspicions being entertained respecting a neighbour, John Griffiths, who had attempted to borrow money from the deceased, he was appre-of the name of Cole. When they got to the Elehended, and stands charged with the murder by the Coroner's Inquisition. It appears that the prisoner had lived about a mile from the deceased; and one of the neighbours stated, that she saw Bailey go by her house towards that of the prisoner, about five o'clock, on the night when the murder was committed. Another witness said, he saw the prisoner, about nine o'clock on the same night, dragging something from a new-built house, in which he carried on his business of a cooper-that he left his burden on the steps while he looked up and down the road, and then dragged it round the house. Upon ex-ing the coachman they had some business to amining these premises, much blood was discovered upon the walls, and on the floor in the 'cellar; the former had been scraped, and the latter was covered with sand. The prisoner accounted for this blood, by saying, that part of a horse had been left there. A shirt was found under the coals in the cellar, having the initials of the deceased upon it. In the prisoner's house a cooper's adze was also discovered, with the marks of blood upon it, and the edge of which fitted the wounds on the top of the head, and over the eyes of the deceased; the fracture on the skull corresponded with the hammer forming part of the adze. The prisoner was committed to the County gaol.

SUSSEX.

ROBBERY OF THE BRIGHTON COACH.-The Brighton coach has been robbed of re-issuable Brighton Union Bank-notes, to the amount of upwards of £3000, in the following manner :Messrs. Weston, Pinhorn, and Co. bankers, in the Borough, are agents to the Union Brighton Bank, and send them a parcel every week, by the coach which goes from the Blossoms Inn, and for security they engage the inside of one of the seats, which is locked in London, and no person has a key besides the bankers in Brighton. They sent notes to the above amount lately, in a tin box with a patent lock to it, which was put into an iron chest, which was locked, and put into the seat, which was also locked. On the arrival of the coach at Brighton, it was discovered that the tin box had been forced open, and all the notes taken out. There seems to be no doubt but the

transact there, and should not go on to Brighton till the following day. It has since been ascertained that they did not go to Brighton at all, but went from the inn in Ryegate where the coach left them, to another inn in the same town, took a post-chaise, went to Croydon, and from there to Blackfriars-road, where they dined. The man and woman are supposed to have returned from Mitcham to London in a chaise-cart, which was waiting for them.

IRELAND.

MURDER.-Waterford, Jan. 20. On Saturday, Thomas Kennagh, charged with the murder of a female at Newram, on the 5th inst. was brought to this city by Messrs. Wright and Chambers, and fully committed for trial at the ensuing assizes, by Sir Francis Hassard, Recorder. The mail from Clonmel had previously brought to this city intelligence of his arrest, and considerable crowds awaited his arrival at the bridge. The unfortunate man, on horseback, with the bundle containing the woman's clothes tied upon his back, was the picture of wretchedness itself. The mob evinced no ferocious exultation as the prisoner passed through the streets, but a remembrance of the dreadful crime he had committed extinguished, for the moment, those feelings of compassion which so highly and so universally distinguish the Irish character. He fully acknowledged his guilt in Carrick, is perfectly resigned to the fate that awaits him, and appears deeply and duly affected by his awful situation. When leaving the Magistrate, he inquired if he

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