ASSAULT ON THE KING. another stone, which struck the woodwork of the window, and fell to the ground. Lord Frederick Fitzclarence was close to his Royal Parent, and, taking him by the hand, led him to a chair, inquiring with the utmost agitaThe Queen, I TAKE the following from the Morning Chronicle of the 24th of June. This base London press surpasses everything in the world in the quality of baseness. If a thing so very serious as that of ation if he was injured. personal assault upon the chief magistrate of a country, perpetrated with the avowed design of taking vengeance on him, and accompanied with the expression of a determination to obtain that vengeance; if a thing so serious as this, could possibly admit of being turned into ridicule, the account given his Majesty's hat preserved him from of the transaction by the London daily press would certainly effect that object, I shall insert this account as published in the Morning Chronicle of the 20th of June, which I recommend to the reader's attention; and when he has gone through it. I will offer him such remarks as it shall appear to me to be proper for the occasion. (From the Morning Chronicle of 20th June.) ATROCIOUS ASSAULT UPON HIS MAJESTY. Yesterday, 19th instant, was the first day of Ascot Heath Races, and it will be memorable from a most atrocious assault which was committed upon the person of his Majesty, while standing at the window of the Grand Stand, in the presence of her Majesty and a brilliant assemblage of friends and guests, by whom their Majesties were attended. The circumstances of this revolting act we shall now describe. Lady Errol, and all in the room, were have been most serious. consequences which might otherwise The first moment of surprise and alarm being over, his Majesty received the affecand those by whom he was surrounded, tionate congratulations of the Queen while the Countess of Errol (his daughter) burst into an agony of tears, and could with difficulty be persuaded that there was no further danger to be apprehended. While this painful scene was exhibited in the Royal Stand, the attention of the populace was directed to what was going on beneath. The ruffian had scarcely thrown the stones (which was the work of a moment) when he was seized by a gentleman, who afterwards proved to be Captain Smith, of the Royal Navy, a resident at Windsor, and by another gentleman, named Turner, who had been a witness to the transaction. The Bow-street offi cers, who were on the spot, rushed to A ruffian, in the garb of a sailor, of their assistance, and Taunton and Gar most wretched appearance, with adener conducted the now passive priwooden leg, suddenly flung a large flint soner to the magistrates' room, under the stone directly at the King; his aim was Stand, contiguous to that of the King, as accurate as the effect of the blow was where he was detained in proper cussevere; the stone struck our venerable tody till the subsequent examination. Sovereign on the forehead, just above The intelligence of the painful octhe rim of his hat, which was fortu-currence spread in all directions, and a nately on his head at the time. The dense crowd was soon collected in front sound was so loud that the moment the stone reached its destination, it was distinctly heard throughout the room. The King was either stunned, or so much astonished at the moment, as to fall back two or three paces, and exclaimed, My God! I am hit!" At this moment the same ruffian threw 66 of the Royal Stand, still anxiously inquiring into the state of the King, and asking information respecting the outrage which had been committed. In the midst of this confusion, and in little more than three minutes after the oc currence, the King rose from his chair and presented himself at the window. The moment it was seen his Majesty | had misconducted himself towards his was unhurt, a simultaneous shout of joy ward's-man, and had been turned out. burst from all quarters, which was re- From that period, which was in Depeated when the Queen and Lord cember, he had been without pension Frederick Fitzclarence also presented or means of support. He petitioned themselves at the window. Three dis- the Lords of the Admiralty for redress, tinct cheers were then given with such but in vain; he then, on the 19th of enthusiasm that the feelings of the po- April last, petitioned the King. This pulace could not be mistaken; there was petition he took to Whitehall, and he a heartiness and sincerity in their ex- had reason to believe it had reached the pression which left no doubt of the King at Windsor, for it was sent back horror and indignation with which they to the Lords of the Admiralty, and he viewed the dastardly attack which had was again informed, through their sebeen made, although they were as yet cretary, that his claims could not be but imperfectly acquainted with its na recognised; he then became desperate; ture or extent. Similar sentiments per- he had no means of support; and, vaded all classes, and repeatedly, during as he said, "he might as well be shot the remainder of the day, the like de- or hanged as remain in such a state.' monstrations of loyalty and attachment In this feeling it was he came to Ascot, to the King's person were manifested determined to be revenged on the King. whenever he exhibited himself at the He admitted he threw the stone which window. On the first burst of these struck his Majesty, as well as that which natural and loyal sensations the King followed. He had no accomplices, and was deeply affected, and could scarce acted entirely from his own feelings, refrain from shedding tears, while most of the female group by whom he was surrounded could not suppress that testimony of their participation in the joy of his subjects. " and without the suggestion or dictation of any person. He then produced his papers, to show that his story was well founded; and on being reasoned with on the atrocity of his conduct, he said he was sorry for it. His manner was EXAMINATION OF THE PRISONER. perfectly collected and rational, and he On the public mind being pacified, was recognised by some of the BowMr. Elliott, a magistrate of Reading, street officers as having been before the assisted by Mr. Roe, the chief magis- magistrates of that establishment for trate, proceeded to take examinations some former misconduct. On examining against the prisoner, who stood in the his head there was a mark of a wound, corner of the room, apparently but little which we collected from him had been affected by his situation. His appear-inflicted by a fall. He was not intoxiance, as we before stated, was most cated, but he admitted he had been wretched, and similar to that of those drinking beer, which he purchased with wandering mendicants, who, in the tattered garbs of sailors, are constantly imposing on the credulity of the public. He had a wooden leg of the most rude construction; and in answer to the numerous questions which were put to him, said his name was Dennis Collins, that he was a native of Cork, and had been long in his Majesty's service. He had originally served in the Kangaroo, and lost his leg by an accident on board the Atalanta. He had been admitted a pensioner to Greenwich Hospital, where he had remained eighteen months; but six months back he a shilling which had been given to him by a gentleman that morning. He had walked down from London, and had slept in a shed in the neighbourhood of Windsor the preceding night. This was the substance of his own statement. The following evidence was then taken on oath by Mr. Burnaby, the clerk of the magistrates: Captain George Smith, of the Royal Navy, being at Windsor, deposed that he was that day standing in front of the Royal Stand, on Ascot Heath; he saw his Majesty standing at the window, and saw the prisoner throw a stone at his Majesty, which struck his Majesty on the head; his Majesty reeled back-put his hand to his head, and made some exclamation which he did not hear; at the same instant the prisoner threw a second stone. Witness immediately seized the prisoner, who made some observation he did not distinctly understand. Some of the county officers were then called in; and the prisoner having been consigned to their custody, he was taken, in a post-chaise, to his desti-nation. The magistrates did not seem to have agreed upon the character of the crime of the prisoner; but the general impression was that it amounted to high treason. Mr. Benjamin Turner, of No. 5, Waterloo-terrace, Bethnal-green, de- There is no doubt, from the spirit posed that he was also standing in front which the prisoner displayed, and the of the Royal Stand, and saw the pri- hostility which he expressed, that had soner fling two stones, the first of which he been able to procure a more deadly struck his Majesty on the head, the weapon than the stone which he used, other fell to the ground. He saw his he would have had no hesitation in Majesty reel backwards, and at the same using it towards the royal person. That instant he saw the last witness seize the he had not the means, and that his prisoner, who made no resistance, but abominable intentions were not more admitted he had thrown the stones. seriously carried into effect, must be a source of congratulation throughout the country. Lord Frederick Fitzclarence was next examined. He produced a large flint stone with jagged edges; he was that day standing next to his Majesty, on the Royal Stand, and was suddenly alarmed by hearing the sound produced by a stone striking his Majesty on the head. His Majesty exclaimed, "Oh, God! I am hit!" Witness saw the stone fall on the floor; and it was immediately afterwards picked up, and handed to him by Lord Brownlow. Lord Brownlow deposed that he likewise was in the Royal Stand. He saw his Majesty struck by the stone produced, which he picked up, and handed to the last witness. It was six o'clock before their Majesties quitted the Grand Stand on their return to Windsor Castle, and in their passage down the course the cheers of the crowd were enthusiastic. All classes seemed to unite in testifying their attachment to the royal person, as well as their joy at his escape from the danger of his cowardly and treacherous assailant. Thus far the Morning Chronicle, which the reader will perceive, talks of the Queen and of "Lord" Frederick Fitzclarence, just as if it had never published one single word about the “ FitzJordans!' This press is certainly the most imfamously base thing that ever was suffered to exist on this side of the infernal regions! But now to the matter. We will pass over the marks of affection from the Queen, the bursting into " an agony of tears" on the part of the King's "daughter," as Dr. BLACK is pleased to denominate some woman that was present. We will pass over the simultaneous shouts of joy from the Several other witnesses, including one of the band, who picked up the stone that fell from the window, and Ledbitter, who picked up a stone at the foot of the prisoner, also tendered their evidence; but Mr. Elliot was of opinion that there was evidence sufficient of the fact to commit the prisoner for further examination; and the witnesses having signed their depositions, a mittimus was made out, committing the prisoner to Reading Jail, with an understanding that he should be brought populace," wondering, however, why up again, for a second examination, this parasitical Doctor should be so on Tuesday next, at the Petty Sessions anxious to set forth the feelings of the of Wokingham, in the county of Berks, populace on this occasion, and should on which day the witnesses were de-seem to care less about the feelings of sired again to attend. any body else! But we cannot, with justice, pass over the great and proper by music, it appears, that more awful care which had, upon this occasion, preparations could not have been made. been taken with a view to the preserva- Upon the account of his Majesty tion of the peace, in the immediate being scarcely able to refrain from vicinity of the Royal Stand. But in " shedding tears!" while the group order to do justice here we must take around him actually did shed them, the Doctor's own words, as put being so "deeply affected" at the bursts down in another part of his paper, of "loyal sensations" proceeding from and which words are very well the lips of his people; on these things worthy the attention of the reader. we will not stop to make remarks, the "The only novelty which we remark matter being really too moving for "ed was the presence for the first time men of common mould; but with re"of a military band, which was sta- gard to some matters, connected with "tioned close to the Grand Stand, and the "examination of the prisoner," it "which continued to play popular does not become us to be silent. It is pieces throughout the day-thus fill- here stated, that ne confessed to have "ing up most agreeably those periods" misconducted" himself in Greenwich "between the races, which were here- Hospital. It is improbable that he "tofore uninteresting and often weari- should have made such confession, 46 some.- With a view to the preser- while he was declaring that he sought "vation of the peace in the immediate revenge on the King, on account vicinity of the Royal Stand, there of unjust treatment. In short, this was, as is customary, a strong muster is a falsehood, put forth by these "of the principal Bow-street officers, parasites. We are next told, that "including the venerable Townsend, some of the Bow-street officers" re"Sayers, Taunton, Ellis, Ruthven, cognised him as having been before the "Ledbeater, Gardner, and others, under magistrates there for some former mis"the direction of Mr. Roe, the chief conduct. This is always the way of this "magistrate of Bow-street, and a strong "detachment of the horse patrol dismounted, under the command of Mr. Day. There were also some county magistrates and local constables on "the spot." 46 -66 66 66 infamous press, who can never suffer a poor man to undergo the penalty to which he is inevitably exposed, without endeavouring to deprive him, even of that compassion to which the greatest malefactors are in some degree entitled. Bless us! The preservation of the They can, if the unfortunate offender be peace! What: at a horse-race! A a poor man, never suffer him to come strong muster from Bow-street, under before an unprejudiced tribunal; never RoE the chief magistrate! A strong suffer him to undergo death, or punishdetachment of horse-patrol under their ment next to death, uncalumniated by commander! The county magistrates them. This man's act was very bad; with their constables! And all this at but severe is to be his punishment. God a horse race! And all these stationed dooms the wicked to suffer; but he in the immediate vicinity of the Royal never dooms them to be libelled pre, Stand; and that, too, while the mili-vious to their suffering; and none but tary band was playing "POPULAR the basest of mankind will ever fall PIECES throughout the day!" foul, even on a criminal, without there Music," says Shakspeare, "has being a necessity for doing it from some charms to soothe a savage breast." A imperious motive of public morality. sentiment however, which, upon this While we express a due degree of disoccasion, seems to have been forgotten; approbation of the deed of this man, or, at any rate, not to have been relied we are to consider how forlorn was his on; for, if it had been expected, that situation, and how absolute his despair. the race-ground would be covered with His own words, that he had 66 no mean men having the savagest of breasts; "of support, and that he might as well breasts far too savage to be softened "be shot or hanged, as remain in such "astate; "these words which are sufficient have already been poking about his to soften the heart of a tiger, and which head, and have even found out a wound will, I trust, weigh much with the there! I do not like this. Never was King, seem to have no effect, other an act more deliberate in the whole than that of hardening the hearts of world. Here was premeditation, prethese monsters. determination, everything proving that the malice was prepense; and all this proves to demonstration the absence of insanity. At least, it proves the ab But the most interesting part of this account of Dr. Black, is, what he says about the magistrates not being able to agree upon the character of the crime sence of insanity for the time; and of which the prisoner has been guilty. that is quite enough to deprive Character of the crine ! What! A the offender of the plea of insanity. man comes for the express pupose, flings This, therefore, is not the course to pura sharp flint stone at the King, cuts sue. The right course is to try the crihis head, makes him nearly fall down, minal for the crime of which he has says he comes for the express purpose really been guilty, and for his Majesty of having revenge on him; and the to exercise towards him, in his own magistrates in that same country where time and manner, that mercy which we DESPARD was executed for high trea-have no right to presume does not form son; aye, and where CASHMAN and the great characteristic of his royal disTHISTLEWOOD and INGS and BRUNT position. Being perfectly convinced that and TIDD and BRANDRETH and TUR- this would be the wise course, I wish, NER and LUDLAM were executed for with all my heart, that it may be pur high treason; these magistrates cannot sued. Dr. BLACK calls the attack upon agree as to the character of his crime! the King, cowardly, and afterwards he What, then, did some of them suppose calls it dastardly. If it were, really as that it was a common assault; and that dastardly as the Doctor's endeavours to this man was to be tried for a misde- stifle every feeling of compassion for meanour, while WELLINGTON and this poor despairing mortal, I should Vaughan and Alderson and Parke and say, Let the traitor" swing," and let his Sturges Bourne and Denman and body be chopped up, as those of the Wilde sent HENRY COOKE, of MICHEL-innocent poor would be under WARBUR DEVER, to the gallows, for striking TON's Bill. But, while every one must BINGHAM BARING without doing him declare this act to have been wicked; any bodily harm? This would be while every one must declare it to be a pretty, indeed. If this were the case, it great crime, no one but a base parasite would be well for the King to be a of the London daily press will affix to it BARING. No, no! The crime is clearly the epithets of cowardly and dastardly. that of high treason; and, though The poor creature is exposed to just centhere is very substantial reason for the sure enough his guilt is quite great King to be extremely angry with the enough, without imputing to him thatof fellow, I hope that he will be advised to which he has not been guilty. But, this let the law take its full swing until the is the fashion of these parasites of the last stage, and that he will then exercise London daily press, who are always on the greatest of all his prerogatives in the side of power, and always in favour favour of this poor desperate creature; of severity of punishment; who, the which act, I will venture to say, would moment a man, or woman, no matter do him more good with the industrious which, stands only accused by the pow millions of his people, than everythiug erful or the rich, fall upon the accused that ever can be done by all the infa- with ruffian, villain, miscreant, monster, mous parasites of the London daily and every term contained in press. To make the poor fellow out language, expressive of guilt and of insane, and thereupon, by the new law, infamy. shut him up for life, would not have half so good an effect. I see that they the These unfeeling vagabonds of the press do not seem to recollect what they |