Saturday 14 Jun 1845 (p. 2, col. 8 - p. 3, col. 3) Part 3 SUSPECTED CASES OF POISONING. ----- APPREHENSION OF MR. JOHN GRAHAM. - IMPORTANT INVESTIGATION. [continued] Joseph HIND-I live at Kirkandrews, and am a husbandman. Deceased was my sister. I first knew of her illness on Monday, the 25th of November, and I went down as soon as I got my dinner. She was in bed, very ill. She complained of vomiting and purging, and, laying her hand upon her stomach, said she had great pain there. I remained with her five or ten minutes. John came into the room while I was there. My sister and I were talking about sending for a doctor. John said Mr. SEWELL had been sent for, and I proposed that Dr. OLIVER should be sent for, as he had done her good before. John made some answer which I did not hear, and then went into the kitchen. After he had gone, my sister said I had better say nothing more about Dr. OLIVER, as John did not seem pleased. She said she became ill sometime through Sunday night, but did not say whether she had been eating or drinking anything. I then left her and returned in the evening. Nothing particular transpired. I asked how she was, and she said she thought a little better, not much. I saw her again on Tuesday morning, and she was much about the same. Both she and John were in bed. It would be near six o'clock. I saw her in the evening again, and told her I thought she was worse; but she said no, she was much the same. I did not see anything prepared for her. I was present when Dr. OLIVER came in the evening. I sat in the kitchen, while he was in the bed room. When he came out he said some one had best sit up with her, and that a good fire had to be kept on. I proposed that our servant girl and John should sit up; this was in the presence of Dr. OLIVER. To the best of my recollection, John made no reply. After Dr. OLIVER had left, we were talking about sitting up, and John was not willing. I told him some one should sit up. We were like to get to angry words, when deceased begged of me to go home and let John have his own way. He said he could wait on her as well as any woman he could get. Both his mother and his sister had proposed to sit with her, and he objected to both. I did not see her that night again. On Wednesday morning she was weaker a good deal. My sister said nothing about the cause of her illness. She had not been well for three weeks before. I have had no conversation with John lately-none. Benjamin MITCHELL-I live at Kirkandrews, and am a husbandman. I was servant with Mr. John GRAHAM for two years and quarter-up to Candlemas last. I remember his wife's death. She began to be poorly a week before Martinmas-up to that time she was in good spirits, but was a delicate woman. She got cold about that time after a washing. I don't remember the day when she took ill, but it was in the evening when she was amongst some clothes. Her speech was taken very much from her; she had lost part of the roof of her mouth, and it was difficult to understand her at any time. Her speech became worse that evening. I can't tell any other way she was affected-she went to bed. She said herself that she had got cold. I don't remember whether she was sick that evening. She got up next morning, and took her breakfast. She remained up all day, and was the same as on the preceding day. Her speech continued to fail, until the Sunday evening, before she took so very ill at last. On that evening I had some conversation with her before she went to bed. She was well, and talked very sensibly to me at the fire-side; I observed no change in her. I had been over at home, and she asked after my family. Nothing else was said. I left her sitting up, as near as I can tell, at nine o'clock. Her husband was not at home. I did not let him in when he came, but I heard him speaking to his wife when he returned. It might be ten o'clock, perhaps, but I am not confident. I don't know whether they had supper that night. I think Betsey ROBINSON had gone to bed. Mrs. GRAHAM did not get up next morning. I did not see her again till Tuesday, the day before she died. I never saw John prepare anything for her. On the Monday morning he came to me at the byer-door and said Peggy had had a very bad night, the worst she had ever had. I said you had best have a doctor, and he said, "Yes, I will, I would have had one long since, but my wife was never willing." My son was sent for a doctor. I saw him going through the yard. I had no more conversation with John. I remember on the Tuesday that he told me I was to go down and say to Dr. OLIVER that Peggy was a good deal easier, and was to leave it to his option whether he would come or not. He had been there in the afternoon, and had arranged to come at nine or ten o'clock. I called at W. HIND's, and delivered the same message to him that I was to have given to the doctor. I did not know where Dr. OLIVER lived. Mr. HIND desired him to go. I saw Mrs. GRAHAM that day. John GRAHAM was not willing that any one should sit up at night; it had been proposed that I and the two girls should sit up. John said Peggy was willing that he should sleep with her himself, and he insisted on us all going to bed. He sent HIND's servant home. I know a girl named Margaret RICKERBY. She left Mr. GRAHAM's service last Martinmas. She was there when I went. CORONER-What terms were John and she on? Witness-What do you mean? CORONER-Were they familiar or otherwise? Now don't let us have any more equivocation. Witness-They never had any difference. CORONER-Did you not know there was an improper intimacy between John GRAHAM and Margaret RICKERBY? Just answer the question. Witness-Yes. CORONER-Have you not been witness of very improper behaviour on the part of Margaret RICKERBY to your mistress? Witness-I have. Was that ever in the presence of John GRAHAM?-Yes. Did he reprove Margaret RICKERBY for it?-No, sir, no further than saying "hold your tongue." Do you remember a certain Sunday when you had a goose for dinner?-I do. Some of you had been to church,-who was it?-My mistress. Had you sat down to dinner before she came home?-No, we all sat down together. We might be sitting, but we had not begun dinner when she returned. Do you remember anything being said as to some gravy?-Yes. What was it?-Must I say it in the same vulgar way? CORONER-Exactly; tell us the words she used? Witness-Deceased said Margaret, I think you have pinched us of gravy. Mistress said is there no more, and RICKERBY went and provided some more. It was gravy and water mixed together. CORONER-What next?-She set it on the table and said "Damn her, that'll grease her guts." The mistress seemed to be very nervous at that time; she was all in a shake. RICKERBY then began to talk about religion and said "you have no more religion than an old cow." My mistress took her plate away from the table, and went into another room, leaving John, RICKERBY, and myself. John made no remark, but RICKERBY said after she had gone into the parlour that deceased was the laughing stock of the whole village. John made no remark whatever. Have you witnessed many scenes of this kind?-Sometimes I have seen the same improper conduct at dinner, but I can't recollect the words exactly. Do you know why RICKERBY left at Martinmas?-No, I can't state the reason. Are you aware that RICKERBY and John GRAHAM have been keeping company up to this time?-I have heard it, but I don't know. Did you ever see them?-Yes, once, in the market at Carlisle, at Candlemas hiring. He saw her among some servants, and he went across the street to her and snapped his fingers. She then joined him, and they went away together. In reference to this part of the case, will you tell us what was said the day before the inquest last week, when BAINBRIDGE was present. Was there not something said?-Yes, when we were going down the road together, about RICKERBY. What was it?-He said, did you not say to George JOHNSTONE that you never saw anything improper between RICKERBY and me? I said yes I did. I am a kind of an ignorant man, and meant I had never caught them in the act. What did he say to you on Saturday?-He acknowledged that he had said things about me that were not true. I said I can look you in the face and say you know Margaret behaved ill with Peggy. He said he always wished to make peace with the servants. I had often told him that Margaret behaved very ill to Peggy, and he said Margaret had a very bad temper. Was anything more said?-I was told about Margaret calling Peggy a d--d r--n b--h. Did you ever observe any ill treatment from John to his wife?-No, never. Was anything said about the time of her death to excite your suspicions?-I can't remember-he seemed to take her death very ill, I thought. Will you repeat to the Jury all you know of the parcel you found on the wall top?-I found it in the beginning of last hay time, in the turnip house, on a wall, when I was looking for a scythe strickle (sharping stone.) It was about the size of a quarter of a pound of coffee. I did not open it out. It was folded in a blue paper. It fell to the ground, and received rather a bulge in the fall. The paper was merely pressed in, not torn. There was printing on the paper, but it was partly rubbed out. I made out "Composition," and did not make any further examination of it at that time. It struck me at the time that it was poison for rats. I have seen men go about with sec lyke parcels, for farmers-the same size. I can't remember seeing the word composition on any but the one I found. Thomas THOMLINSON told me he had once laid by a parcel that he could never find again. I laid the parcel back, and removed it the Sunday before the old man's death at Grinsdale. I had previously told my master, John BESWICK, there was something of the kind there, and he told me to bring it in. I tore the papers off separately, first one and then the other. Each paper was secured at the ends with glue, or something like it. There were three covers, to the best of my knowledge. The stuff inside was like flour or brick dust. I felt it; it felt like flour; I did not feel any sand. On the paper nearest the powder there was "Poison" printed. There was the word "Rats" also. When I was examining it in the house, Margaret ROBSON said give us hold of it, and took it out of my hand. On Thursday week John GRAHAM mentioned it to me. He said, "Oh Ben, oh Ben, what have you done to me; you have told the finding of the parcel in different lights." He said he had got it several years ago to poison rats with, of a man who was going about, and that his wife would not allow it to remain in the house. He would hardly believe there was poison on it. By a JURYMAN-Did you not say that the poison had lain on the shelf ever since you went to Mr. GRAHAM-No, never. By a JURYMAN-The servant says you did. Witness-Then it's a lie. I always said I found it at hay time. Another JURYMAN-Could you see it on the shelf?-Yes. The CORONER-Have you noticed the conduct of John GRAHAM since the disinterment of his wife?-I have not seen him much. Do you recollect Sunday night week?-Yes. He called out from his bed room for some one to go and seek the Rev. Mr. DODGSON. Was that all you heard him say?-I met John BESWICK-I had been looking after the boy on the horse-and he told me I was wanted in the house. I went, and John came into the kitchen about ten o'clock, out of his bed room, and asked me what were the secrets I had to tell him. I said I had offered to tell him before, and he would not hear them, so I would not tell him now. He then said he was going to Carlisle, and bid me good night. He went up the road fifty yards, towards Carlisle, and meeting Mr. DODGSON and Mr. PEARSON, he came back with them immediately. They went into the kitchen, and I went to bed. I saw him in the yard when I got up. I don't know whether he left Kirkandrews on Sunday night after I went to bed. The disinterment of his wife was never mentioned by him, or in his presence. I was never present when he prepared anything for Mrs. GRAHAM. He seemed to pay her great attention. It being now half-past two, the Court was adjourned for three quarters of an hour. [to be continued]

Saturday 14 Jun 1845 (p. 2, col. 8 – p. 3, col. 3) Part 2 SUSPECTED CASES OF POISONING. ----- APPREHENSION OF MR. JOHN GRAHAM. – IMPORTANT INVESTIGATION. [continued] Thomas ELLIOT, Surgeon, was next sworn—I have made a post mortem examination of the body shown to me in Mr. NORMAN's barn on Tuesday last. The jury were all present when it was shown to me. I was assisted by Dr. JAMES, Dr. CARTMEL, and Dr. TINNISWOOD. We have since made an analysis of the contents of the stomach, the substance of the stomach itself, and some gritty particles found in the gullet, stomach, and intestines. I produce our report, it is the joint report of the medical gentlemen who made the post mortem examination. Mr. ELLIOT then read the following report:— FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 1845. Post mortem examination of the body of Mrs. Margaret GRAHAM, of Kirkandrews, who died on November 27th, 1844. Grave deep—soil dry—coffin made of oak and quite perfect. The nails not rusted, and the inscription on the plate very little erased. The words were—Margt. GRAHAM, aged 45 years, 1844. The winding sheet was marked with the initials M. H., with the figure 1 below, and was damped with a yellowish fluid. It was also completely covered with mould, which presented the appearance of fine cotton wool spread over it. On removing this substance from the face, the latter appeared of a yellowish brown colour, and the skin almost of the consistence of shoe-sole leather, except over the gristly part of the nose where it was soft. The upper lip was shrunk, and the teeth projected beyond those of the lower jaw. The eyelids were soft, moist, and much depressed; the eyeballs collapsed, but their different textures quite distinct. The hair was of a grey colour, long, and very easily pulled out. The integuments of the chest were of a dullish green colour in front, and the cuticle peeled off with the slightest rubbing. The integuments of the belly presented the same appearance,—they were soft and elastic. INTERNAL EXAMINATION. THE HEAD.—On removing the upper part of the skull, a large quantity of air was found distending the outer membrane covering the brain. The different membranes presented nothing particular in appearance. The brain was very soft, but its component parts could be easily distinguished by their difference in colour. There was no appearance of any disease discovered. CHEST—LUNGS.—Their surface was of a pinkish grey colour, and healthy mottled appearance. Air was effused here and there between the lungs and pleuræ or membranes covering them. The lungs crepitated under pressure, floated in water, and after being well squeezed, could not be made to sink. They were healthy internally, and free from adhesions externally. About a pint of bloody serum was removed from the two cavities of the chest. HEART.—There was no fluid in the pericardium, the interior of which was of a redder colour than natural. The heart itself was soft and flabby. The interiors of the two cavities of the right side of the heart were of a deeper red colour than natural, and contained a small quantity of fluid and clotted blood. The remaining two cavities of the heart were empty, and presented a healthy appearance. ALIMENTARY CANAL.—The soft palate in a great measure deficient. THE GULLET.—Its internal surface was much redder than natural, with a number of small transparent gritty particles adhering to it. About two inches from the stomach we found a transparent crystal, about the size of a raisin stone, firmly adhering. THE STOMACH.—The end where the gullet joins was of a dull dark red colour externally, where in contiguity with the spleen. The other end of the stomach presented the same red appearance. There was slight venous congestion along the small curvature. INTERNALLY.—The contents of the stomach (not more than three or four table-spoonfuls of fluid,) were collected. The internal surface presented great redness, corresponding in situation to that seen externally, numerous gritty particles—some yellowish, others transparent, were seen in the mucus, and firmly adhering to the lining membrane of the stomach. On the posterior surface a small yellow spot was seen, about the size of a split pea, at a short distance from where the small bowel arises. THE SMALL AND LARGE INTESTINES were found nearly empty. The gritty particles, such as had been noticed in the gullet and stomach, were seen in great numbers along their whole length, in the mucus, and adhering to the lining membrane. In some places, the bowels were found much reddened, with here and there patches of a greenish yellow colour. The remaining viscera presented no appearance requiring special notice. It is worthy of remark that the whole of the body, with the exception of the brain, was in a wonderful state of preservation. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS. THE CONTENTS OF THE STOMACH. On careful analysis, no traces of any poison were obtained. MUCUS OF THE STOMACH. A portion of this was carefully scraped off, washed in distilled water, and allowed to settle. A crystalline sediment was deposited, carefully dried, and heated with black flux. A characteristic metallic ring sublimed, bright and shining externally, dull and granular internally. THE STOMACH. Was cut into small pieces and boiled with an ounce of water and half an ounce of Muriatic Acid. Several bundles of copper wire were successively introduced, and on their removal presented an iron grey appearance. On heating one of these bundles in a test tube, a white ring very slowly sublimed which appeared distinctly crystalline to the naked eye. Under the microscope it showed octohedrons with equilateral triangular facets with remarkable distinctness. THE INTESTINES. These were cut in pieces and carefully washed in distilled water. This water, being allowed to stand, deposited a crystalline sediment, which was carefully removed, washed and dried. This was then heated in a test tube with black flux, newly dried at a red heat,—a broad, characteristic, metallic ring was then sublimed. The part of the tube containing this ring was cut off and inclosed in another tube. On the application of heat, the metallic ring sublimed in the form of a white crystalline ring. A pocket magnifying glass distinctly showed the Octohedral crystals and triangular facets. A few drops of distilled water were boiled in the tube containing these crystals, and divided into three parts— The first of them gave a yellow curdy precipitate, with a solution of the Ammoniaco-Nitrate of Silver. The second gave a green precipitate, with a solution of the Ammoniaco-Sulphate of Copper. The third was exposed to a stream of Sulphuretted Hydrogen gas, and gave a beautiful yellow precipitate. REPORT. >From the circumstance of our having detected arsenic in the gullet, stomach and bowels, in considerable quantity—from the remarkable state of preservation in which we found the body, and from the appearance observed on dissection, we are of opinion that the deceased had taken arsenic in sufficient quantity to cause death. THOMAS ELLIOT, Surgeon. RICHARD JAMES, M.D. GEORGE TINNISWOOD, M.D. JOSEPH CARTMELL, M.D. Dr. JAMES—I concur in the evidence given by Mr. ELLIOT. I have nothing to add. Dr. TINNISWOOD—I entirely agree with the report, and have nothing to add. Dr. CARTMEL—I also agree with the report, and have nothing to add. CORONER (to Mr. ELLIOT)—I am requested to ask you whether there is any doubt that the substance found in the stomach is arsenic? Mr. ELLIOT—Not the slightest doubt in the world. [to be continued]

Saturday 14 Jun 1845 (p. 2, col. 8 - p. 3, col. 3) Part 1 SUSPECTED CASES OF POISONING. ----- APPREHENSION OF MR. JOHN GRAHAM. - IMPORTANT INVESTIGATION. We printed last week a detailed account of the evidence taken before W. CARRICK, Esq., Coroner, on the inquest on the body of Mr. John GRAHAM, yeoman, Grinsdale, who died under circumstances which gave rise to a strong suspicion that poison had been administered to him by some guilty hand. The greatest interest has been excited on the subject not only in Carlisle and the immediate neighbourhood, but indeed throughout the whole of the county, and amongst those who, though connected with it, reside at distant places. Deceased was a man well and generally known and universally respected as an intelligent, industrious, thrifty, amiable yeoman. He residing in the neat and sequestered village, beautifully situated, as we stated in a former number, on the banks of the Eden, about two miles and a half north-west of Carlisle. The party to whom the finger of suspicion points is Mr. GRAHAM's own son-his heir,-a farmer who has hitherto stood high in the estimation of all following the same calling, for his intelligence, and for his success in many departments of agriculture. It would be evident to our readers, from the line of examination adopted at the inquest, that Mr. John GRAHAM, of Kirkandrews, was suspected as the poisoner of his father, since whose death his name has been bruited about in connection with it. So long as nothing was elicited to criminate him, we thought it only just, as well as prudent, not to mention his name except where it might come out in the course of the inquiry; but since our last publication facts have transpired and circumstances have occurred which render silence no longer necessary. Mr. John GRAHAM is now in custody on a charge of poisoning his wife and his father. Soon after the death of Mr. GRAHAM, of Grinsda [sic] rumours got abroad that the wife of the man suspected of poisoning him had died after a sudden illness in which all the symptoms of poisoning were manifested. This was in November last. There were suspicions soon after her decease that she had met with foul play, but, as there were no definite grounds for supporting them, they were forgotten until after the death of Mr. GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, when they were revived and eventually reached the ears of the Coroner. The inquiry into the cause of Mr. GRAHAM's death was still going on; and, having obtained information which seemed to confirm the public rumours of Mrs. Margaret GRAHAM's death, and which was likely, if it proved correct, to throw light on the mysterious death of Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. CARRICK resolved upon exhuming the body, and submitting it for post mortem examination to medical gentlemen well qualified by their skill and experience for so delicate and important a task. Accordingly, as the first inquest had been adjourned to Tuesday the 10th inst., and it was desirable to know the result of the medical examination before that time, Friday last, the 6th inst., was the day selected for the disinterment of Mrs. GRAHAM. Soon after five o'clock, A.M., Mr. SABBAGE, Superintendent of Police, proceeded, by direction of the Coroner, to the church-yard at Kirkandrews, and, assisted by some others, succeeded, in about fifteen minutes, in exhuming the coffin, which was of oak, and in a sound state of preservation. It was then deposited in the barn of Mr. Thomas NORMAN, there to await inspection. The inquest had been fixed for nine o'clock, at which time the coroner and the same jury who are investigating Mr. GRAHAM's death arrived. The lid of the coffin having been removed, they were sworn in the presence of the corpse, which they then inspected. The face, and winding sheet in which the body was enveloped, were covered with mould, which gave the impression that the body was much decomposed, though, as will be seen from the medical report, the fact turned out otherwise. Richard HIND, ironfounder, Carlisle, was then called and sworn. The deceased, Mrs. GRAHAM, was his sister, and wife of John GRAHAM, of Kirkandrews. She was 45 years of age, and died on the 27th of November last. She was interred in Kirkandrews-church-yard. He identified the corpse as that of his sister, and the coffin as that in which she was buried. Jane HETHERINGTON, of Monkhill, was then examined. She said she knew Mrs. Margaret GRAHAM intimately; and identified the corpse and the coffin. These depositions were taken in the barn where the coffin was deposited. The coroner and jury having retired to a room in Mr. Thomas NORMAN's house, they were committed to writing; after which- The CORONER intimated that he should not take any more depositions that day. The corpse would be given into the hands of medical gentlemen, who would make a post mortem examination, with the view to ascertain whether deceased had or had not died from natural causes. It was possible that the result might tend to throw light on the cause of the death of Mr. GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, now under investigation, and it was advisable, therefore, that the medical evidence should be forthcoming before the inquiry was resumed. To the report of the medical gentlemen given in the evidence at the inquest on Tuesday we refer our readers for the result of the post mortem examination. It was at first agreed to adjourn the inquest till Thursday, but the day was finally fixed for Tuesday last, by which time is [sic] was expected the medical gentlemen would have concluded their experiments. The fact of poison having been discovered in the stomach and viscera of Mrs. GRAHAM was, we understand, communicated to the Coroner on Sunday night. Mr. SABBAGE, the superintendent of police, received, very early on Monday morning, a warrant for the apprehension of Mr. John GRAHAM, and he immediately went to his residence. He found Mr. GRAHAM in bed, and on stating his mission, Mr. GRAHAM got up, dressed himself, and was taken into custody. He was detained in the police-office till Tuesday evening, when he was removed to the gaol, where he now remains. THE ADJOURNED INQUEST ON MRS. GRAHAM. On Tuesday morning the jury assembled at 10 o'clock, in the Coffee House Assembly Room, and the first duty of the Coroner was to adjourn till Friday next the inquest on Mr. GRAHAM, in order that the inquiry into Mrs. Margaret GRAHAM's death might be proceeded with. The room was much crowded during the day. Mr. John GRAHAM had the option of being present during the inquiry, but he declined. Mr. JAMES MOUNSEY appeared as his solicitor. The Jury, we may repeat, consists of- Wm. MOSS, Carlisle, Foreman | John WILKIN, Caldewgate Richd. MARK, Tanner, Carlisle | John STORY, Caldewgate Thomas WHEATLEY, Newtown | John PATTINSON, Caldewgate David WRIGHT, Knockupworth | Thomas SPROAT, Lowther-st. Robert COWEN, Newtown | Wm. GILKERSON, Beaumont John SIBBALD, Caldewgate | Wm. ARMSTRONG, Beaumont Joseph LOWRY, Raffles | Rd. PATTINSON, Caldewgate The following is the evidence adduced on Tuesday:- Mary HIND-I live at Kirkandrews-on-Eden, with my father and mother. Margaret GRAHAM, the deceased, was my sister, and wife of John GRAHAM. She died on the 27th of November last, about seven o'clock in the evening. It was on a Wednesday. She had not been very well for three weeks before that. She became ill on a Tuesday. She was at our house that evening, and said she was not very well-she thought she had got some cold. She said nothing more that night. I went down next morning, and found her in bed. She said she had been up, but as she could not sit, had gone to bed again. She said she had been braiding at night, but did not say particularly whether she was poorly any other way. In the latter part of that day she got up, and went to work again. I saw her on the Sunday morning before her death: she said she was better than she had been the day before, and that she would come and see my mother. She was up that forenoon. I next saw her on Monday morning. I went down in consequence of having heard that she was poorly; my father said she had had a bad night. I was there betwixt eight and nine o'clock: she was in bed, very bad. She complained of very great pain in the chest, of very great pain and thirst. She laid her hand upon her stomach, and said the pain was there. I remained with her till nearly twelve o'clock at noon. She was purged and vomited-first one and then the other-the whole time I was there. She said she had been very poorly through the night both ways-both purging and vomiting. I asked her if she had taken anything that morning; she said she had taken a cup of coffee, but it had come back again. I asked her if she thought she could take anything I could make her, and she said she was frightened to take anything, it set her on a braiding. While I was there John GRAHAM was at home, going back and forward to the room all the morning. Mrs. GRAHAM thought she could take a little whey. I went and got milk out of the dairy myself. John was present at the time, but he and I had not spoke up to that time. I got some ale for the whey-Mrs. GRAHAM thought it better than the wine, and I made the whey. When I was pouring the milk upon the ale John GRAHAM came beside me and did not look pleased; he said I was to take the crud (curd) off it before I gave it to my sister. She drank the whey. I gave her nothing else that day. CORONER-Was there any reason why you did not? Witness-She seemed displeased. Whenever I wanted to make anything for her she said John would do it, and she seemed as if she was frightened that it would not please John if I made anything. Whenever anything was said about giving her anything to eat or drink he always said he could do it himself, he could do it as well as anybody. Nothing particular happened that morning. I went home to dinner, and returned at two o'clock. She was much the same; Mr. SEWELL, surgeon, had just come. I left her at tea-time, and came back between five and six. I left her for the night about eight o'clock; she was easier. The vomiting and purging rather ceased towards evening; she got some medicine from Mr. SEWELL. I next saw her on Tuesday morning, before eight o'clock. No one but John GRAHAM and his servants (Betsey ROBINSON and Benjamin MITCHELL, father and son) was in the house during the night. Benjamin MITCHELL's son is fifteen years old. I found my sister still in bed. No one was in the room when I went in. She was then easier, and said she had been easier through the night, and had had some sleep. I went home again, to tell my mother how I found her, and came straight back. After my return John boiled her a little panada; it would be between nine and ten o'clock. He prepared it himself. When he was boiling it sometimes I was beside my sister, and sometimes in the kitchen. She lay in a bedroom on the ground-floor, adjoining the kitchen. It was a little sago, I think, that he made. I did not see him put it into the pan. He took it to her. I think she supped some of it. She got nothing more that morning in my presence. She took some gin and water afterwards when she was thirsty. About an hour or so after she took the sago she became worse. I did not see her get anything between the time of her taking the sago and becoming worse. She became much worse than ever she was. Vomiting and purging came on again, and thirst and pain in her stomach. She was held in precisely the same way as on Monday, but much severer: cold sweat stood upon her brow. Her head was very hot and very bad, and she did not see very well: her sight was good enough before that. I remember Mr. SEWELL and Mrs. GRAHAM, of Grinsdale (John's mother) coming shortly afterwards; I was present at the time. When Mr. SEWELL came in he seemed very much put about to see John's wife altered: John was present. Mr. SEWELL said she was dangerously ill, and he proposed that Dr. OLIVER be sent for; Dr. OLIVER had attended her before. John did not go for him till about an hour after. I did not hear him urge any one to go. The fits of vomiting were very frequent and severe on the Tuesday forenoon. Dr. OLIVER saw her between two and three o'clock in the afternoon; he had a consultation with Mr. SEWELL, and they gave her some medicine amongst brandy; it came straight back. Dr. OLIVER ordered a mustard plaster for her breast and bowels. Mrs. GRAHAM (John's mother) and I made it and laid it on. In the afternoon John was often lying on the bed where my sister was. In the evening she was up while the bed was being righted. After we put her to bed he told Mrs. GRAHAM and me to go out of the room. We went out, and he laid down beside her again. Mrs. GRAHAM was much easier in the evening. I went into a neighbour's, Mrs. BURTON's, for a short time. John had sent Ben. MITCHELL to say that Dr. OLIVER was not to come. He did come, however, about an hour after. This was on the Tuesday night. He gave her some medicine in brandy, but it was vomited again. Betsey ROBINSON made some panada, and Mrs. GRAHAM took some of it. It remained in her stomach while I was there. I left about ten o'clock. Mrs. CANNELL had been at Longburgh, and she had called in the evening. Dr. OLIVER gave orders that some one was to sit up with Mrs. GRAHAM all night. John was unwilling that any one should sit up; he said he could wait upon her himself. My brother proposed that my father's servant and John's should sit up. My sister thought that I was not strong enough for it. John said there need not any one sit up, he could get her what she wanted. Our servant had come down, and we left her there. I saw Mrs. GRAHAM on the Wednesday morning, about eight o'clock. She was easier; vomiting and purging had both abated; but she was much weaker. She saw very little that day-her sight was bad; she could not see the objects in the room except a little bit in the morning; she soon lost them. Her hearing was worse than it had been. I made her some beaf-tea, and she took it. She was continuing to grow worse; she slept much, and just looked up now and then. She died that evening, about seven o'clock. I remember the Wednesday before Martinmas hiring: she was bent on going to Carlisle with apples and butter on the following day. It was on that same Tuesday evening that she became so ill. She was sometimes subject to braiding any way, and she did not say particularly how she was held that night. A JUROR-Did Mrs. GRAHAM say anything as to John's conduct toward her? Witness-Sometimes when I went down I found her crying, and when I asked her the reason she said John was so unsettled. [to be continued]

Saturday 14 Jun 1845 (p. 2, col. 5) PENNY-A-LINE-ISMS.-A brief statement of the suspected case of poisoning has found its way into the Times newspaper; but it is full of inaccuracies. For instance, it is said,-"GRAHAM, we understand, since his confinement in Carlisle Gaol, has manifested symptoms of great uneasiness, and when he was apprehended he was found walking on the banks of the Carlisle Canal, und it is strongly suspected that he intended to drown himself." There is not a word of truth in either of these assertions. Mr. GRAHAM was apprehended in bed, in his own house; and as to "the symptoms of great uneasiness," we think that to make the demeanour of a prisoner in confinement the subject of comment, before his examination has been completed, is unjust and unjustifiable.

Saturday 07 Jun 1845 (p. 3, col. 2) SECOND EDITION. ----- Journal Office, Friday Morning, 12 o'Clock. DISINTERMENT OF THE LATE MRS. GRAHAM, OF KIRKANDREWS. ----- INQUEST ON THE CORPSE. An Inquest was held this morning, at Kirkandrews-upon-Eden, at nine o'clock, on the body of Margaret, wife of Mr. John GRAHAM, of Kirkandrews. Suspicions having arisen that she did not die a natural death, the corpse was exhumed, by the direction of the Coroner, W. CARRICK, Esq., at an early hour this morning, and deposited in the barn of Mr. Thomas NORMAM [sic], of Kirkandrews. The same jury who are investigating the circumstances attending the death of Mr. GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, were summoned at nine o'clock, and were sworn in the presence of the corpse, which they inspected. Richard HIND, ironfounder, Carlisle, was then called and sworn. The deceased, Mrs. GRAHAM, was his sister, and wife of John GRAHAM, of Kirkandrews. She was 45 years of age, and died on the 27th of November last. She was interred in the Kirkandrews church-yard. He identified the corpse as that of his sister, and the coffin as that in which she was buried. Jane HETHERINGTON, of Monkhill, was then examined. She said she knew Mrs. Margaret GRAHAM intimately; and identified the corpse and the coffin. These depositions were taken in the barn where the coffin was deposited. The coroner and jury having retired to a room in Mr. Thomas NORMAN's house, they were committed to writing; after which- The Coroner intimated that he should not take any more depositions that day. The corpse would be given into the hands of medical gentlemen, who would make a post mortem examination, with the view to ascertain whether deceased had or had not died from natural causes. It was possible that the result might tend to throw light on the cause of the death of Mr. GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, now under investigation, and it was advisable, therefore, that the medical evidence should be forthcoming before the inquiry was resumed. Dr. JAMES and Mr. ELLIOT, surgeon, arrived about ten o'clock, and said they would endeavour to be prepared to give evidence on Thursday next; to which day the two inquests were adjourned. The jury were then dismissed, and the post mortem examination commenced by the medical gentlemen already named. The corpse, which is very much decayed, will be re-interred to-day, after the stomach and other organs which are to be submitted to chemical tests have been secured.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 7-8) FOURTH EDITION. ----- FRIDAY EVENING, Seven o'Clock. ----- Ruth CANNELL-I am wife of William CANNELL, and daughter of the late Mr. GRAHAM. I first saw him and my mother on the Friday evening after their illness. They were both ill. I remember their being ill in February last; they were affected in the same way. I remember getting out the supper for Mr. CANNELL, Mary ANDREW, and myself on Friday night. I set out one cake. I got it out of the dairy, or pantry; it is called both. One of the front rooms in the common sitting room, and is sometimes called the front kitchen. The left hand back-room is the dairy. I found the cake in that back-room. There were two or three more like it, but I did not notice the number. Both I and Mary ANDREW ate of this. CANNELL brought the remainder home with him. After we had had supper I took it back to the dairy. I ate only very little-not more than a couple of bites. I was very ill from it. I had eaten nothing else in the house that night. I did not think I was ill from the cake at first, I thought it might be from excitement, and I did not tell my husband till half an hour after I first was affected; but next day, when I continued so poorly, I thought it must be from something wrong in the cake. I continued ill till the Saturday night. Each time my father was ill I waited upon him, but nothing was named of poison. On the second time I said I thought there must have been poison in the cake, but he did not suspect. He has always lived on very good terms with his family. My father and I have been on particularly friendly terms. As far as I know he and my son John were always on good and friendly terms. So have he and my brother Sibson; I never knew of any disagreement of any consequence. If they have had any disagreement of late, I am not aware of it. I have been married and away from Grinsdale eight months. I never heard my father express the slightest suspicion about any of the family or any one else. I believe Nanny LITTLE took some cakes away after I left, but I don't know what became of them. I had gone home from Carlisle with my father on the Tuesday before,-the last time he was here. Margaret ROBSON-I am housekeeper to John BESWICK, of Kirkandrews. I have only known John GRAHAM since Candlemas. I remember his going away on Thursday last; he said he was going to Newcastle. The first time he told me was betwixt eleven and twelve o'clock. He had not mentioned it to me in the morning. I had no idea he was going till he came in. He didn't say any thing particular, except that he was washing some clothes to go to Newcastle. I asked him how long he was going to stay, and he said he would be back in a week, he thought, but he could not say when exactly. He did not tell me what he was going to do. I think we heard of his fathers illness on the Saturday. This did not lead to any thing bout the poison. John BESWICK, MITCHELL, and I were present. When MITCHELL came in he said there was a packet of poison lying in the turnip house, and he would go and bring it. CORONER-What led to this? Witness-I did not hear anything. CORONER-Was it not in consequence of its having been said that the old man had been poisoned. Witness-No, sir, it was not: I never heard poison mentioned till MITCHELL named it. He said there was a package lying on the turnip house, but he did not say it was poison till it was brought in. One of us said he had better go and bring it in, and we would see what it was. He went and brought it in himself. BESWICK and I were sitting by the fire, and he opened it out. He broke the papers and took them off it one after another. It was not tied but either sealed or done with paste. I am certain that it had never been opened. It was perhaps about the size of a quarter of a pound of coffee. There were several covers, and on one was printed "Poison for Rats." I can't say whether it was all in one line. There was something else on-"The flower of" some sort or stuff, but I did not see what it was. John BESWICK told me about the "flower of,"-I did not see it. The other words were printed in large letters, and I read them when I had the parcel in my hand. MITCHELL gave it to me, but I can't remember that he said anything to me. He gave it into my hand and told me to put it in the fire. CORONER-What was said? Witness-I have told you, sir. CORONER-Then you'll tell us again? Witness-I have no cause to do it so often. CORONER-You must, though, and you must tell us the truth. Witness-MITCHELL said, when he gave it to me, that I was to put it into the fire out of the way. I did not ask him for it-I swear that. Nothing more was said. CORONER-There was some reason given for throwing it into the fire, was there not? Witness-No, sir, there was no reason. I did not say that MITCHELL said it would be "better" out of the way. I don't remember seeing any writing. I remember Mr. GRAHAM coming home. I can't say whether he came on the Wednesday or the Thursday night. He was not at our house at all before the old man's death. It was never named to Mr. GRAHAM that poison was found. He never heard of it till yesterday morning. Sibson GRAHAM came to his house and told him that he heard those rumours going. I was not present. They called me into the room. Mr. GRAHAM was not up. Sibson went to his bed-room, and John called me in. He told me Sibson said there were rumours going of this package being found. John asked me if I knew about it. I said I did. He asked where it was found, and what it was like. He said he could remember getting some a few years since on account of vermin,-that he brought it into the house and Mrs. GRAHAM wouldn't let it bide, and that it was put up there and had remained ever since. Nothing more was said. Sibson said nothing, and I left. This was yesterday morning. He was very much put out of the way about it. Nothing more that I can remember of was said about this package in the course of the day; nothing in the presence of my master. I don't remember a scold going on. Perhaps there might be a few words between John GRAHAM and Benjamin MITCHELL. There were no particular angry words; but there were a few. CORONER-Was BAINBRIDGE there? Witness-Yesterday, sir? CORONER-He was there? Witness-Oh, yes he was there. I can't recollect what the angry words were. It was not about the poison. I can't remember of any reference to it. I don't remember Mr. MITCHELL telling Mr. GRAHAM that if he would go to the door he would tell him some secrets,-oh, yes, I remember he did. CORONER-Then why could you not say so. It is abominable that witnesses should require this repeated pressing to get the truth from them. Witness-I have a bad memory sir. CORONER-At this meeting, when BAINBRIDGE was present, was there any thing said about the poison? Witness-I can't remember. CORONER-But aye or no, was there? I can't suppose that a person's memory can be treacherous on a matter that occurred within twenty-four hours. Witness-No there was not. CORONER-Was Mr. GRAHAM's death mentioned? Witness-No. CORONER-Did you hear that he had died of poison? Witness-Yes, I heard they thought he was poisoned, but I don't know it for a fact. CORONER-When did you first hear it? Witness-The day before he died. CORONER-You can perhaps tell us from whom you heard that? Witness-No I can't. CORONER-You said before you did not hear of the poison before the package was taken down, and you now tell us you heard it the day before he died? Witness-I am so agitated, sir. CORONER-No, you are not agitated, you are perfectly cool. Was it not in consequence of this rumour that the poison was brought in? Witness-I can't remember. CORONER-Had you not been talking about the rumour before? Witness-No, sir. CORONER-Have you been at Grinsdale since? Witness-I never was there in my life. CORONER-At the time the poison was brought in had you heard John GRAHAM was suspected? Witness-No, sir. CORONER-Had you not heard so? Witness-Yes, sir. CORONER-I suppose you thought destroying the poison was likely to get at the truth. Witness-I thought it better out of the way. By a JURYMAN-I saw the poison. It was either a pale yellow or a pale pink colour. A JURYMAN-What made you destroy it, it is useful isn't it? Witness-I don't know. Witness put her cross to the depositions. Edward BAINBRIDGE, the elder-I live at the Bone Mill Bridge, and am a labouring man. I was present at a meeting between John GRAHAM, John BESWICK, and Benjamin MITCHELL, yesterday, at our own house, and close by the roadside. They came into my house, and sent for me in; I was on the opposite side, amongst some potatoes. John GRAHAM asked me if Ben. MITCHELL had told me anything about the poison. These were the very words. I said no; but that I heard it before. Mr. GRAHAM asked me to go down to MITCHELL, and I went. John said, at our house, he recollected there was poison, but he did not know who he had got it from. He could not recollect where he put it, or where it was; but he had bought it of a man, and his wife objected to its being in the house. CORONER-What more was said? Witness-Oh, I don't know, there was so much said. CORONER-We'll give you a little breathing time to refresh your memory. Witness-I'se fresh enough for owt, I want nowther meat nor drink. CORONER-But we must have from you all you know, or we must try some other course with you. Witness-You can't hang me, however. CORONER-Well, when did you go. Witness-I first went to MITCHELL and found him working on the road side. CORONER-What occurred there? Witness-They differed about different things that didn't enter my napper at all. I had now't to do wid them. CORONER-Tell us the conversation you had on the road side. Witness-John GRAHAM asked me, in the presence of MITCHELL, if MITCHELL ever told me that he had found poison. I said, no. Something was said about a woman who lives at Thrustonfield, but it didn't lay i' my way, and I didn't interfere. We went to the house, and John GRAHAM asked the housekeeper if arsenic was set on the paper. She said she could'nt recollect. Nothing more was said, but Mr. GRAHAM said he would give me a shilling if I would go and fetch JOHNSTON; he gave me one, and I went. There were no angry words before I left. I went direct home afterwards. Nothing more was said in my hearing. I told George THOMPSON that he had to go, Mr. GRAHAM wanted him. It was not about the poisoning, but about a servant girl that once lived with him. Esther STEWART-I was present when Mr. Sibson GRAHAM ate part of the cake. He ate perhaps the half of it. I was in at the same time. I ate part of it, as did also Jane THOMPSON. She told me she met John GRAHAM going in at the door. She told me that night she fetched the cake-I am sure of it. I know Mr. Sibson GRAHAM was sick through the night, from what was in the pot. It could not be his wife-she was in another room. I only came to Mr. Sibson GRAHAM's this Whitsuntide. I had never seen the father about the place but once-the Thursday before he was ill. He did not milk the time I was there except once; sometimes I milked, and sometimes the man. I never saw him again till he was a corpse. The enquiry was adjourned at half past six o'clock, till Tuesday week, at ten o'clock.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 6-7) Part 2 THIRD EDITION. ----- FRIDAY EVENING, Six o'Clock. ----- [continued] John BESWICK-I am a farmer at Kirkandrews. I saw Mr. GRAHAM on Thursday fortnight, but I can't say whether it was before he went to Grinsdale or not. I saw him about 12 o'clock. I found him at home on my return from the fields. He said he was going off a little bit. I can't use the words he used, I've forgot them. He mentioned Newcastle, but did not say on what errand. I did not ask him if he was going-he told me. I think it was in the house. This was the first time I had understood he was going. We had not breakfasted together; I generally go out to work before he gets up. I can't recollect whether I saw him the day before or not. I next saw him on the Monday night following at Grinsdale, when I went to see how his father and mother were. I can't say he had been so long absent, before I came to the place. When I saw him on the Monday night he did not tell me where he had been, or say any thing about his father's illness. I don't think we ever had any conversation about it. CORONER-I trust you understand, sir, that you are under the obligation of an oath, and will tell the truth? Witness-Yes, what is the question? CORONER-Did he say nothing? Witness-Nothing but that it was a serious job. CORONER-Has nothing been said between you and him about poison? Witness-Not till yesterday. He came and said that my man had found a parcel in an out-house. We were on the road. We had not walked to it together, but had met: he came to me from a field. CORONER-What was said, now, about it? Witness-He said he understood my man had set it about that he had found a package of poison, and asked me if I saw it. I told him I did, and that I saw it burned. He asked me if ever it had been opened out. I told him I thought not. CORONER-Well, what next? Witness-That's all. CORONER-Was anything more said about it? Witness-I don't recollect. I went to my own house. We walked down the road together. I think no one was with me. We went into the house, and remained perhaps five minutes. CORONER-Had you any conversation there? Come, sir. Witness, after some hesitation-I don't remember of any conversation. He was very much troubled, and I left him so. The housekeeper was in the house, no one else. CORONER-Was that the only time you had conversation with him yesterday? Witness-Yes, I am quite sure of that. CORONER-And no one was present at any interview between you and him except his housekeeper. Witness-Not at that time. CORONER-I say yesterday. Witness-The servant man. He was present when we met. CORONER-It would have been much more respectable if you had said so at once, and not require twenty minutes to draw it from you. Witness-We stood beside him on the road. CORONER-What was said when the man was present? Witness-I cannot recollect. CORONER-Not a word? Witness-I cannot recollect what was said. CORONER-Or part of it? Witness-No, I think not. CORONER-Were you together at any other time or in any other place that day? Witness made no reply. CORONER-This conduct of yours can only leave one impression, and that is, that you are not telling the truth. Witness-I am very sorry. CORONER-Can any one doubt that what passed would make a deep impression on your mind, especially as it was in reference to the death of an individual. Were you together afterwards? Witness-We met at dinner an hour and a half afterwards. CORONER-What became of the man when you left? Witness-He staid at his work. (After a pause;) I believe he followed us down, now when I recollect. He followed us into the house. CORONER-Then there was some one present beside the housekeeper. Witness-Yes, I believe. CORONER-You believe, sir: you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Witness here fainted, and was taken to the door. CORONER-We had better call another witness. William WEIR-I am a commercial traveller. I remember meeting Mr. John GRAHAM, of Kirkandrews, at the Wetheral Station. I got into the same train where he was, and we came to Carlisle together. We had some conversation. He enquired when I came from Carlisle, and I said by the two o'clock train. He said, "Is there anything particular?" Those were his words. I said, "there is something very particular, your father and mother are poisoned." He said, "Poisoned? poisoned?" said he, and seemed very much excited. I then observed, "When did you leave home?" He said, "I left home on Thursday." "Then," I said, "They were poisoned the same night;" not much more said till we got farther forward. He afterwards asked me whether I was going to take the 'bus, and I said I did not know till I got to the terminus. I left him without speaking to him. When I told him his father had been poisoned, he seemed very uneasy, and shuffled a great deal on his seat. From the way he answered, I thought he had not heard before of their illness. Nothing more was said. I did not see any one meet him. I next saw him on the steps of TEASDALE's inn, alone: I was in the 'bus. William CANNELL-I am a saddler in Carlisle. Mrs. CANNELL is daughter to the late Mr. GRAHAM. In consequence of what I heard Mrs. CANNELL and I went to Grinsdale this day fortnight-the day after they had become ill. They were both sick, the old man worse of the two. I can't say whether he complained of a pain in the stomach, but I think he did. Mary ANDREW, Mrs. Sibson GRAHAM, and may be some other persons were in the house when we went. The old man did not suspect poisoning. They both seemed very ill, and I wished to send for a doctor, but deceased would not allow me, as he said it would cause a great deal of talk as it had done before. Mary ANDREW, Mrs. CANNELL and I had some supper that night. My wife brought out the bread and placed it on the table. There was a cake. Mrs. CANNELL placed it upon the table. Mrs. CANNELL and Mary ANDREW ate of this cake. I did not. I had a crust cut off a loaf of bread. We all ate cheese, and all drank the bottled ale. I was not at all ill, but my wife was. She became ill not long after we went to bed; perhaps half an hour after we had supper. She complained of being sick, and I thought it might be from excitement. She became worse and vomited. She complained of a pain in her stomach, and of general illness. She was ill all night, and was not well again until Sunday morning. I took possession of one of the cakes. I got it in the house. I either lifted it from the table or took it from an adjoining room. It was either the same cake which my wife and Miss ANDREW had eaten from, or another resembling it in appearance. I have no doubt it was the same cake they ate from. There was no other cut into as it was. I gave the cake to you. I saw no more cakes of the same kind. Mrs. GRAHAM and her husband had gone to bed when we were supping. In the morning when I saw him, I told him I thought there had been poison in the cakes. He said, "do you think so," or something like that. I told him my reason, that my wife and Mary ANDREW had been ill, and I had not; and he said it looked very badly. I was examining the cake, and he asked me if I thought I could make anything of it. I said if there was anything in it I thought we could find it out. I was married when the potato pot was eaten, and got a letter from Sibson GRAHAM to send Mr. ANDERSON. I sent him down along with my wife and Dr. DALTON. When I took the loaf I had no suspicion of poison-it was merely from choice. I have had a little conversation with Mr. GRAHAM about the matter. He said he understood he was a good deal talked about in connection with the affair, but that he was innocent, and did not dread inquiry, or something to that effect. The remainder of the inquiry in a Fourth Edition.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 6-7) Part 1 THIRD EDITION. ----- FRIDAY EVENING, Six o'Clock. ----- John SIBBALD, (one of the jury)-I am a druggist in Caldewgate. I went to Newcastle on Thursday week, the 15th of this month, by the two o'clock train. Mr. John GRAHAM was a passenger. I was sitting in the carriage when he came in. I was acquainted with him previously. I asked him if he was going down to Newcastle. Yes, he said, he was. I said we would be company. He did not say what his business was, but he told me he was going to visit some friends. I asked him if he could recommend me to an inn, and he said he was going to Bryan BURN's. I went with him, and slept with him on the Thursday night. I was out in the evening and when I came back I found he had gone to bed. That would be about eight o'clock. The landlady told me he had gone up to write a letter, but when I went up stairs I found him in bed. I asked him if he was unwell, and he said he was. I told him I was going to write a letter; he said he ought to have written one too, but he was too unwell and was better in bed. I understood him to say he should have written home. I went down stairs and when I came up again at eleven o'clock I asked him how he was. He said much the same, and in the morning said he was better. I never said he groaned so much that I could not sleep, but I heard him get up for some water. His father and mother were not mentioned. Joseph HALL-I am landlord of the Coffee House. Mr. John GRAHAM came to my house on Thursday week, about 12 o'clock. I saw him and spoke to him. He was in No. 1, having a lunch, cold roast-beef, and said he was going by the two o'clock train. He asked me to have a glass with him, but I could not, as I was engaged. I saw him when he returned; he passed with a carpet bag. He called at 11 o'clock with a horse and gig, and got a lad to drive him home. He was crying, and seemed very much cut up. Robert WHITFIELD-I am a druggist in Carlisle. I remember meeting John GRAHAM during the last illness of his father. It was on the night of his return from Newcastle. I might be half an hour or an hour in his company. We were talking respecting the illness of his father, and he said he had called at Mr. ANDERSON's, (surgeon) as he came up. He did not say how long he had been in Newcastle, but he said he had heard of his father's illness in coming along the line. I recollect him mentioning Mr. WEIR's name, but dont recollect hearing him say that he had heard in Newcastle that his father was dead. My impression is that he said Mr. WEIR had told him on the line and that Mr. ANDERSON had relieved his mind, after he had called. He did not show particular impatience to get away. I should say he appeared dilatory. Mr. SCOTT pressed him to go as soon as possible, and he wanted either Mr. SCOTT or me, or both of us, to go with him. Mr. SCOTT went. I saw him yesterday, and he said to me, "it is a very serious affair, this about my father." I was not summoned then. I believe there was a conversation in Mr. SCOTT's about the potato-pot, in the presence of Mr. SCOTT, Mr. SIBSON, the attorney, and myself. Mr. GRAHAM said he was the worse. I told him that if arsenic was in a very small quantity, it could be detected. The Court was here adjourned for a half-an-hour. EXAMINATION RESUMED. The jury assembled at two o'clock, when the examination of witnesses was resumed. Mr. G. SIBSON said, his name having been mentioned in the course of the morning, he had only to say he had nothing to urge in contradiction of either Mr. SIBBALD or Mr. GRAHAM. He was ready to be sworn, however, if necessary, though he could only corroborate what had already been stated. The CORONER said he did not think it was necessary to be sworn. Mr. ELLIOT, surgeon, Carlisle-I did not see the deceased before death. On Thursday week I, along with Dr. JAMES, made a post mortem examination of the body. We have since then analyzed the contents of the stomach and other parts of the body. I produce a report of the results. CORONER-Will you read it? Mr. ELLIOT then read a report detailing a number of experiments, from which the following conclusion had been drawn:- REPORT. "From all the well marked appearances of acute inflammation in the Pharynx, Stomach, and Duodenum, and from the circumstance of arsenic having been detected in the substance of the stomach, the liver, and the blood, we are of opinion that the death of the deceased was caused by taking arsenic. "THOMAS ELLIOT, Surgeon. "RICHARD JAMES, M.D." Dr. JAMES-I assisted Mr. ELLIOT in making this post mortem examination and analysis. I am a party to the drawing up of that report, and it embodies my views and opinions. I entirely concur in all Mr. ELLIOT has said. Mr. ELLIOT, re-examined-I read the examination of Mr. ANDERSON, surgeon, in the newspapers. I should like to hear it read over again. The Coroner referred to his notes and read it over. The only symptom under which the patient was labouring was debility. Was it likely that acute inflammation might have subsided before that time? Wiitness [sic]-Yes, it is likely. He might have become insensible to pain. In all probability when he saw the patient there might be no poison present. The CORONER read from Mrs. GRAHAM's evidence the symptoms described by her of his illness. Witness-Those are such symptoms as we would expect to find after poison had been taken. There is nothing in Mr. ANDERSON's evidence to shake my belief that deceased died from poison. The CORONER-I will embody your report in the depositions, and you can sign it afterwards. Mr. PATTINSON-Could your test be fallacious? Witness-They are immutable, fixed, and the appearances produced indicate no other substances produced in nature. Robert GRAHAM-I live in Caldewgate, and am nephew of deceased. I called at the house on the Friday after he became ill. I left, and returned at six o'clock. I found them both at home, sitting by the kitchen-fire. They complained of having been sick, but they were not sick when I saw them. They said they had been ill on the previous evening, in the stomach. John GRAHAM said he had never been in better health in his life until he took his tea on Thursday evening. He said about half an hour after tea he felt thirsty. CORONER-Are you quite sure it was tea, or was it supper? Witness-My impression is, that it was tea. He said he got some milk and went to bed; that was all he said he had taken. He said he became ill during the night, and had been vomiting; continuing to be sick till I saw him. I asked him if he would have some advice, and he said no, he had had some advice the last time he was ill, and it had made such a noise in the country that he was determined he would have none now. The illness had made the noise, not the doctor. No allusion whatever was made to his son John at that time. The first time I saw him afterwards was after his father's death; I have had no conversation with him-not the slightest, and he has made no statement to me. When Mr. GRAHAM refused to have the medical man, he said I might send down Ruth, they were not able to look after themselves and they might both be dead before the morning. From what he said to me my impression was that he thought she was labouring under poison, though he did not say so in terms. I never saw him alive again. I was not at Grinsdale till nine o'clock on the night after the potato-pot was eaten. When I went the old man had fallen asleep, and I did not see either him or Mrs. GRAHAM. >From anything my aunt said on Tues- [sic] evening week, she did not seem to have any suspicion of poison. [to be continued]

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 4-5) Part 2 SECOND EDITION. ----- JOURNAL OFFICE, 2 o'Clock. ADJOURNED INQUEST. [continued] Benjamin MITCHELL-I live at Kirkandrews. I am a husbandman under Mr. BESWICK, the tenant of the Kirkandrews farm. I was servant with Mr. GRAHAM for two years and a quarter before that, and Mr. GRAHAM still lodges in the same house. I remember the Sunday before Mr. John GRAHAM died. I found a parcel in the turnip house at the fore end of last hay time. I discovered it myself. I was looking on the wall head, in the turnip house, for a scythe strickle (sharping stone). When I pulled it down a parcel fell down. It was a paper parcel, and there were directions on it about the size of the label on a lucifer match box lid. The bulk of the parcel was like a quarter of a pound of coffee. I did not read the words; they were dusty and dirty. I put it back again without opening it, and did not observe whether there was poison in it, but it struck my mind it was something to poison rats with. This was about last hay time. I put it back. Hearing some rumours on the Sunday night about poison, I went and took it down from about the same place where I had put it. I found it in the very same state as I had put it by. To the best of my knowledge it was. There was no thread about it, but it was tightly wapped [sic] up; it was like it was glued to, or fastened together by something. The paper was not loose, but one end was bulged by the fall it had got. I took it into the house before I opened it. My master and the housekeeper were in the kitchen. I sat down and opened it in their presence. I rather tore it, because it was stiff fastened up. I tore it up by the middle, and found there were three covers: on that next the powder, which was inside, the word "Poison" was written. There was another word I could not make out-it was not printed, but more like copperplate. There were also the letters A. S. I did not notice whether there was any space between them. I can read. I am sure "Poison" was on the inside paper. The powder was like ground brick, rather yellow, but like flour. It was betwixt yellow and white. There was about as much as a quarter pound of coffee. I took a small pinch and put in my mouth. I couldn't find any taste, but spat it out, and did not swallow any. While I had it in my hand the housekeeper said, "Give us hauld of it," and I gave her it, and she took it and threw it in the fire. We were tied to say it was poison, when "Poison" was set on't. Margaret ROBSON is the housekeeper. I have had some conversation with John GRAHAM about this poison yesterday, not before. He began the conversation. He was in a great fury-a great rage of passion. This was on a piece of waste common, on the road side, where I was working. He began saying "Oh! Ben, oh! Ben, what have you done to me?" I said I had done nothing. Nothing more was said at that time; he went away and left me. He went into a field adjoining the canal, where he met my master, John BESWICK. They both came back to me with a man of the name of BAINBRIDGE. CORONER-Well, what passed? Witness-I can't tell. CORONER-You have a good many secrets, you know you told the police officer. Witness-I am not bound to tell them. CORONER-But you are though, and you must tell all you know in reference to this matter that passed. Witness-Mrs. GRAHAM said, when he came back, that I had circulated a report that the parcel had been opened into. I said I never had said so. We went down the road all together to the house. I can't recollect what more was said, my memory's very bad. CORONER-You must try to refresh it; we want the whole of the conversation on the occasion. If you wont tell us, I must send you to another room and you must wait there till your memory is refreshed. Witness-We went into the house and sat down. Mr. GRAHAM began to scold me. I said I had some secrets to tell him if he would go out. He put his fist to my face, and said "you are a G--damned liar." The secrets were not concerning the poison. By Mr. MOSS-When he said "oh Ben, what have you done?" I knew what he alluded to. I heard of the poisoning. He wanted to know whom I had told that I had found the poison. I said to Miss BLAMIRE's working man. By the CORONER-He went to the door with me. He said the poison had been in the house several years, and that he had bought it from a man going about as a rat-catcher, and his wife would not allow it to remain in the house. He said nothing about it being opened; I can affirm myself it was never opened. I then left. I can't recollect anything more being said about the poison. I have not seen him since. CORONER-Has there been any difference in the behaviour of John GRAHAM lately? Witness-He has not been steady and settled in his habits as he used to be. CORONER-How long is it since you observed this change? Witness-All last summer he seemed to have a great deal of trouble about him. He was always uneasy; he couldn't sit, but was walking up and down the fold-yard. In the summer before he was engaged as a brewer's traveller. I was not at home when he dressed himself before he went to Newcastle. When he spoke to me on the side of the road, he said I had told the story about the parcel in different lights. I met Mr. GRAHAM on the road, with his carpet bag in his hand, on the day he went away. He was going towards Carlisle, but said nothing to me. I next saw him the day after the old man died. He did not speak to me at all. I have had no conversation with him since the old man's death before yesterday. CORONER-Now then, have you told us all you know about the matter? Witness-Yes, all I recollect. CORONER-Then what did you refer to when you told the policeman yesterday that you knew a good many secrets? Witness-They do not refer to this matter at all. The CORONER having read over part of the above evidence, when he came to that part which related to the colour of the poison, A JUROR asked-What kind of brick was that you alluded to when you said the powder resembled it? Witness-Ground brick, like that used for cleaning knives. A JUROR-That is nothing like white. The CORONER-I beg your pardon, it is often almost white. A JUROR-It does not matter much, it his words we want. The CORONER-What might be the weight of the parcel? Witness-It seemed very heavy for its bulk. The CORONER-Did the arsenic, when it was thrown into the fire, give out any smell. Witness-I don't know, I have not much smell in my nose. I have a polypus in it, and it prevents me. Witness then signed his evidence. Ann LITTLE-I live at Grinsdale, and am a widow. I received two cakes from John GRAHAM's house, on Saturday was a week. I had been there cleaning, and she gave me them when I left. I took them home, and put them into the clock case. I did not cut them, but took them back again on the Monday, and gave them to Esther HOWNAM. I also got the parings of the upper side of the cake. Two of my little girls ate it. They were both sick in consequence. One of them ate the piece of cake on the Saturday and she was taken ill immediately. She was very sick, and threw up; but she did not complain; she is only four years old. The other took it on the Sunday. I was from home that day. When Mrs. GRAHAM gave me the cakes she says, "I'll give you these cakes, if you'll venture to eat them; I don't know that anything ails them myself." I put them in the clock case to prevent the children getting them, because I knew Mary ANDREW had been ill. I was afraid there was something wrong in them, and that the children might get them. When I took them back I told her the girls had been poorly and I durst not keep them. This was on the Sunday evening. She told me to bring them back, and said she would put them with the others. I did not go to Mr. GRAHAM's house after he was ill, till the Friday morning, when I went, at seven o'clock, to seek my milk. I saw both John GRAHAM and his wife; they were very poorly and said they had been ill through the night. I said I was very sorry, but did not inquire what had been the matter. I did not stop, but went away, and did not see them again till the Saturday. They were still poorly, but I did not see them. I don't know anything more about the matter. The CORONER-Has any one been speaking to you as to what you should say when you came here? Has any one ever said take care and say nothing about my poor John? Witness-Never. The piece of cake they took was a very little bit, and it made them both very poorly. The larger girl had been worse of the two, but I was away and did not see her. I can't say whether she complained of a pain in the bowels. The evidence was read over to the witness, and she put her mark to it. The examination of the Medical witnesses, with other evidence, will be published in a THIRD EDITION.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 4-5) Part 1 SECOND EDITION. ----- JOURNAL OFFICE, 2 o'Clock. ADJOURNED INQUEST. The adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, was held this morning, at the Coffee House Assembly Room. The Jury having been called over and sworn, all witnesses were requested to retire until called. John GRAHAM, farmer, Kirkandrews, eldest son of the deceased, was the first witness called. [He was not sworn, the coroner intimating that he was not to consider himself bound to answer all questions that might be put to him, but that he was giving a voluntary statement.] I have not had any thing to do since Candlemas; I let my farm, and have sold my stock. It was my father's property, but part of it was my own. John BERWICK is now the farmer; but I still reside in the house, occupying a sitting room and a bed room. I have no family. I was at Grinsdale on the Tuesday, and again on the Thursday, before my father's death. To all appearance my father was in good health; he did not make any complaint. I was at the house and saw both my father and mother. I think I might stay an hour on the Thursday, but I cannot exactly tell. When I went in my mother was in the back kitchen. My father was not in at that time. I cannot say whether I was within the back kitchen door or not; but I looked in, and went into the front kitchen, took a book, and read for about a quarter of an hour, when my mother came and sat down beside me. We remained together in that room perhaps half an hour. I remember the conversation-it was about going to Newcastle. She and I talked about it two or three months back, and I wished to go and spend two or three days there. She said she had given up the thoughts of going; and I said if so, I would go that day, but that if another week would suit her better I would remain. Nothing else particular was mentioned except talking about our friends at Newcastle, one named PROCTOR, and another of the name of ORD. It was my intention partly to visit them, and partly to look after a place to keep cows in. Both my mother and my brother knew that that was my intention; we had talked about it frequently. It was mentioned on Thursday. I went from my mother's to my brother's. Dinner was near about ready when I got there-it was scarcely 12 o'clock. I had a basin of broth, and left immediately. I then went direct to Kirkandrews and made ready to go to Newcastle directly, and went to Carlisle to meet the train. I called at Mr. SCOTT's, Black Swan, and at the Coffee House, to see if I had time to walk to the station. I found I had not, so I took the omnibus. I was going by the two o'clock train. I think I mentioned at Mr. SCOTT's that I was going to Newcastle-but I dont remember whether I did or did not. I went direct to Newcastle, and called first at Bryan BURN's, White Horse inn. I remained there two days-till the Saturday night. I staid there and visited my friends, but did not find them so comfortable as I expected: they had a son drowned in coming from the East Indies. I called at Mr. ORD's, spirit merchant, on both Friday and Saturday, but he was not in. I went on the Saturday to his office, and found him there. That was the only time I saw him. I had no particular conversation with him. No allusion was made to my father and mother except that he asked how they were. I said nothing to him about taking a place for the cows. I saw Thomas PROCTOR at his shop; I was not at his house. He said his mother's feelings were much hurt in consequence of the loss of her son. These were the only two friends I was in Newcastle. When I left that town I came to Haltwhistle. I went there for the same purpose-to look for a place for keeping cows. I remained there till Monday, at the Crown inn, Mrs. SAUL's. I made no enquiry at Haltwhistle about the place for my cows, I merely looked in the neighbourhood to see if it was likely. I had taken a ticket to go to Haydon Bridge on Monday afternoon, for the same purpose, when I got a message from Bryan BURN that my father was very ill. He told me that Mr. SCOTT begged he would tell me to come home if he fell in with me. I immediately took a seat for Carlisle. This was the first time I had heard of my father's illness. I met with Mr. WEIR at Scotby; he got in there. He was the only person I had any conversation with. I had asked him if had heard how my father was, because I knew that he was backwards and forwards at Grinsdale. He said he believed he was very ill. We talked a good deal down the line, but that was the principal conversation. He said he believed that my father had been poisoned, and that all who had partaken of a certain cake had become ill. I made no remark about that-but I felt very much. This was the first time heard about the cake, and I made no more inquiry about it because I did not know anything whether the cakes had been bought or made. When I came to Carlisle I went first to Mr. ANDERSON's (surgeon) to inquire how they were. I then went to the Black Swan, and Mr. SCOTT drove me home in a gig. I came into Carlisle by the half-past five o'clock train, and was about ten minutes at Mr. ANDERSON's. After that I went to Mr. SCOTT's, and remained there a very short time. I told him I wanted to be home directly, and that he was to get me a gig. He said he had not one, but he got one, and it came immediately. I had just one glass in the house; that was all I had. Mr. G. SIBSON was in the house while I was there, also Mr. WHITFIELD; I do not know whether there were any others. I merely asked them how they were, and if they had heard anything how my father and mother were. I don't recollect anything else. Mr. SIBSON may perhaps recollect better than I. I went direct to Grinsdale: Mr. SCOTT drove me down. I remained till evening. When I found my father was so much worse than I expected I came back to see if Mr. ANDERSON could do him any good, and to tell him to take Dr. BARNES with him if he thought he would be of service. It would be 10 o'clock or later when I got to the town, and I only remained a few minutes. I went direct back to Grinsdale again. I had some conversation with my father about his sickness. He said he was very ill, and I asked him if he thought there was anything that would do him good. Nothing was said about poison by either of us. I had some conversation with Mr. SIBBALD about going to Newcastle, but nothing was said about my father's illness or my object in going to Newcastle. I did not tell any one that my errand was to value some land. I perhaps might mention that I would be in London before I returned, because I have talked of going this summer, several times. I can't remember to whom I said that; but I might say so. I might say that I had a notion of going to London, at the White Horse, Newcastle. I was not called up to go to London by the early train. He did not call me either on Friday or Saturday morning, and ask if I wasn't going by that train-I think not. Mr. SIBBALD slept in the same room with me. Perhaps I might say something about it the night before; I might say I maybe might go to London, but I did not say when, that I recollect. I think I did not say that I had heard my father and mother were ill, but that Mr. WEIR had relieved my mind much. I said Mr. ANDERSON, had I would say that, I think, in the Black Swan. I did not say, on that day, that I had an appointment with Mr. MORLEY. I had no appointment with him that day, but I often have. I did not say I was going to meet him when I left home on Thursday. I don't remember whether any one came into the house on that day while I was with my mother-I think no one did. I did not see the dish that had the paste in it. I did not see anything standing before the fire. I have had no arsenic in my possession lately-none. There was none on my premises, to my knowledge. I think I once bought some, many years back; we were making some stuff to dip sheep with. I don't remember the quantity I bought on that occasion, or from whom I bought it; it would very likely be from Mr. MARTINDALE, I often went there for what we wanted. It was all used at the time, and there has not been any arsenic since on my premises, to my knowledge. The CORONER-There are no other questions, Mr. GRAHAM, we have to ask you. If you have anything else to say we shall be glad to hear you. At the request of one of the jurymen, The CORONER read over the evidence of Mr. GRAHAM. When he came to that part which refers to Mrs. PROCTOR's uneasy state of mind, Mr. GRAHAM said the person drowned was not her son, as stated, but her brother. He also stated that he had an appointment with Mr. MORLEY for the 11th of June, and handed the Coroner a letter in which that appointment was made, in reference to the division of Rockliffe Common. Mr. GRAHAM then signed the evidence; and, he having retired from the room, Jane THOMPSON was sworn. I am not a servant with Mr. Sibson GRAHAM, but only went to attend on Mrs. GRAHAM, during her confinement. I was there on the Thursday, when Mr. John GRAHAM was ill. I remember going in the forenoon, for some pot herbs. No one was in but Mrs. GRAHAM when I went. CORONER-I trust you come here to tell the truth, and to be careful what you say. I ask you who you saw when you went for the potherbs? Don't let me take down what is not true. Did you not find John GRAHAM and his mother sitting by the fire? Witness-No, they were not. No one was there but Mrs. GRAHAM. When I came out I met John GRAHAM. He went, I think, into the back kitchen, but I am not certain. I did not take notice of anything on the floor. CORONER-Either you are telling a lie or I am grossly mis-informed. Witness-When I went in some yeast was standing on a flag at the back door near the step. I did not see a dish with paste in it. Mrs. GRAHAM went and got the pot herbs, and I remained in the back kitchen. It was after her return that John came in; he came in at the back door. I did not take notice of anything standing about at all. We have been talking about this amongst ourselves since the inquest at Grinsdale. Mr. and Mrs. GRAHAM, the girl and I have talked about it. I am certain I never told any one that I saw John and his mother sitting by the fire when I went in-I could not, for I never saw them. I don't remember whether Mr. Sibson GRAHAM vomited or not; I did not find anything in his room. I was ill, in bed, all the next day. The CORONER read over the evidence. By Mr. PATTINSON.-The yeast was standing outside the door when I left. I met Mr. John GRAHAM in the door way. The witness then signed her evidence. [to be continued]

Barb - I have Scaifes too - a long way back - 1600s in the parish of Kirkby Stephen....... Have we perhaps discussed this previously? Nancy. On Fri, May 2, 2014 at 7:20 AM, Barb Ontario Canada < [email protected]> wrote: > Thanks Petra. I'm saving this SCAIFE notice, since way back and deep deep > in my paperwork > I know that some SCAIFEs played a part in my history. > > Barb, Ontario, Canada. > > >>>>At Walton Rigg, near Brampton, on the 19th instant, Ann R. SNAITH, wife > >>>>of Mr. Thos. SNAITH, and daughter of Mr. William SCAIFE, of > Haltwhistle, aged 35 years.<<<<<< > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > -- Nancy McLaughlin Woodend, NZ [email protected]

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 2-3) Part 2 THE LATE INQUEST AT GRINSDALE. [continued] ----- Mary ANDREWS-I am a single woman, and am 75 years old. I live in Grinsdale. I heard of the two old people being ill on Friday evening, and came down to see them. Deceased was throwing up a little but not much, and had a pot standing on the floor. I stayed till a quarter past eleven o'clock, and was here about four hours. He lay down on the swab (settle) and slept. He was very much weakened. His wife was vomiting once. He was not purged that I saw. He told me he became ill at eleven o'clock on Thursday evening, soon after he had taken his supper. Mr. and Mrs. CANNELL came that night about nine o'clock. Mrs. CANNELL set out the supper. I had supper with them. I ate a piece of yeasted cake and cheese, and some bottled ale. We had supper a little before eleven. I went home at a quarter past, and felt myself unwell as I was going. I was sick, and vomitted: I did not then throw up; it was like something they call the waterbrash. I braided much, had pain in my back, and felt languid. I had no pain in my bowels or stomach, but was purged. I was not subject to waterbrash. I suffered in this way till between four and five o'clock next morning, when it ceased. I ate very little-any man would have taken it in two or three bites. I did not see John GRAHAM; I was unable to leave my house on Saturday or Sunday, and I am still poorly. I did not observe any peculiar taste in the bread. I have had no talk with the family about it since. Edward NIXON-I am a yeoman living at Grinsdale. My wife and daughter received some cakes to bake on Thursday. I did not see them. I saw deceased on Saturday in his own house. He laid his hand upon his breast, and complained of his being sick about his heart. Jane THOMPSON-I have been servant with Sibson GRAHAM for three weeks. I saw the old people on Friday forenoon. I came down by my master's orders. Mrs. GRAHAM was in bed, and deceased was sitting by the fire, with his hand on his head, and his feet on the fender. He was not sick, but had vomitted on the floor just before I came in. I might perhaps be in ten minutes: he did not vomit while I was in, but he said he was very sick, and had been very ill all night. He said nothing about the cakes. Mrs. GRAHAM vomitted while I was in. Both of them had been purged. Mrs. GRAHAM complained of her stomach and her head. I got a cake out of the back kitchen on Monday evening; my master sent me for it. It was in a pot, on a stone in the back kitchen, and was about the size of a penny cake but rather thicker,-like a tea cake. I gave it to my master. I ate a piece of it on my own accord-about half a quarter of it. Perhaps not more than about ten minutes after, I became ill; I felt sickness and burning at my stomach; it tasted a little foisty I thought. I had heard it said that it had poison in it, but I did not believe it. The CORONER.-You showed more courage than discretion perhaps. Witness-The master ate nearly half of the cake. I vomitted but was not purged. I was poorly all day on Tuesday, but yesterday (Wednesday) I was better. I am twenty-one years old. I asked the woman, Esther HOWNAM, who had been waiting where the cake was that they had been eating; she told me, and I got it myself. By the FOREMAN-The master and I did not eat all the cake; the mistress put the rest of it away. Another servant took some, but she was not very sick. We took salt and water to make us throw it off our stomachs, but we had vomitted it before. By the CORONER-I saw my master cut the cake. He did not take any salt and water. Elizabeth NIXON-I am the wife of Edward NIXON. I remember baking some bread for Mrs. GRAHAM on Thursday last-six cakes. She brought them herself. I put them into the oven, and was at home during the whole time they were baking. Nobody but my own daughter and old Mrs. GRAHAM was there. I took them from the oven and sent them to Mrs. GRAHAM by my daughter. I am certain nothing was put into them while they were in my charge. I am sure the same cakes were returned that were received. They were baked in a brick oven on a tin of her own. We had our own bread in the oven, and have eaten it since. My bread was made up in loaves, her's in cakes. I have had no conversation with any of deceased's friends since. I know nothing more than I have told you. Mary NIXON-I live at Burgh. I resided at Grinsdale up to a month ago, and lived in a house that is divided from Mrs. GRAHAM's by a house. I laid arsenic to poison rats before Mrs. GRAHAM's former illness. I laid it on the back kitchen stone, and mixed it with porridge. We put the cat out during the night, and in the morning threw the porridge behind the fire. At another time we found it was all gone in the morning. No one had any access to it after we went to bed. I used all the poison we had. We were terribly troubled with rats, and they disappeared after the poisoned porridge was taken away. I came here on the first occasion when Mr. and Mrs. GRAHAM were ill. They both got a "puke" (vomit) soon after. I have seen John GRAHAM here, but not often. I don't remember seeing him here more than once or twice for many months, but he might sometimes be here when I knew nothing about it. Esther STEWART-I am a servant with Mr. Sibson GRAHAM, and tasted on Monday part of the cake brought by Jane THOMPSON. I was ill a quarter of an hour afterwards; I felt a burning at my stomach, and became sick and vomited. I felt a pain in my head and breast next day, but none in my back. I did not feel weakened. I was not at deceased's house on the Thursday. I took some salt and water, and got a good deal off my stomach. I might take half a dozen bites of cake, and there was perhaps a quarter of it left. Esther HOWNAM-I am the wife of Adam HOWNAM. I came here on Saturday night about nine o'clock, and Mr. GRAHAM was so sick that I consented to stay all night to wait upon him. Mrs. GRAHAM was not so bad as he was. He did not vomit after I came. He was not purged except from taking castor-oil on Sunday. I knew Mr. GRAHAM before. We farm under Mr. GRAHAM at Cobble Hall, in the parish of Kirkandrews, and he often came to see us. He has been failing lately. I can't say his illness seemed to have pulled him down since last I saw him, but he was very sick at times. I have not seen any tea cakes since I came. Jane THOMPSON said her master sent her for yeasted cakes. There were no cakes of any kind that I saw in the house when I came on Saturday night. Nanny LITTLE brought two-I think it would be on Monday morning, and gave them to me. I laid them in the pantry, on a shelf. They remained there till Jane THOMPSON came on Monday evening. She asked for one of the cakes. I told her where they were lying, and she went and got one. I saw her come out with it. I don't know what became of the other one. I have talked with Mrs. GRAHAM about the matter, but not with any other member of the family. Mrs. GRAHAM often said she wondered how the poison could come but she never said she suspected any one. The old man never said anything about it; he told me he was very bad, but he never mentioned anything he had eaten. Mrs. GRAHAM, recalled-I can't say how much cake deceased ate-scarcely half one, as near as I can tell. He did not eat any of the cakes after he was ill. There was some panada made on Friday night-very possibly off the same bread. I don't know who made it. Miss NIXON brought the cakes back, and I did not notice any change in them. They had not been broken or opened. There were three or four cakes-hardly half a dozen,-but I did not take particular notice. Sarah NIXON-I am daughter of Edward NIXON, and was present when Mrs. GRAHAM brought the cakes to our house; there were half a dozen. I brought them back to Mrs. GRAHAM's; I am sure they were the same cakes. I delivered them to Mrs. GRAHAM herself, and nothing was put into them that I know of when they were in my mother's charge. We do not keep a bakehouse, but merely baked the cakes to oblige Mrs. GRAHAM. We had no arsenic in the oven, nor no other bread but our own. I have not seen any of the cakes since. [Mr. CANNELL here produced half of one of the cakes.] The cakes were like that. Mrs. GRAHAM recalled-The cake produced is similar to those baked for me. I put no soda in it. I got the yeast from NIXON's people. On Thursday John said he thought it would suit us to go to Newcastle this week-we had talked about it some time previous, and he said he thought of going that day. I said I could not think of it that day, I was not prepared, and would put it off till some other day. He had talked of it previously about a month ago. Jane LITTLE-I am eleven years old. My mother is a widow and we live in Grinsdale. My mother was here cleaning on Saturday, and Mrs. GRAHAM gave her two cakes. They were like penny cakes. She put them into the clock bottom, not to let any of us get them. She had some little pieces as big as my finger end, and my sisters Ellen and Elizabeth ate them. I did not eat any. One of my sisters is older, the other younger than I am. They both were poorly, but not long. They were sick through the night. My brother brought the cakes back to Mrs. GRAHAM. Adjourned at six o'clock. The Inquest was then adjourned till Friday the 30th of May. The inquiry will be resumed before the Coroner, at the Coffee House, in this city, at ten o'clock this day.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 2-3) Part 1 THE LATE INQUEST AT GRINSDALE. ----- We published last week a statement of the circumstances attending the death of Mr. John GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, so far as they had been elicited from the evidence given at the Coroner's Inquest, held on Thursday the 22nd inst. We withheld the evidence in extenso from considerations urged by the Coroner and Jury; but as there can now be no objection to its publication, we subjoin it:- Ruth GRAHAM (wife of deceased) was the first witness called: she said-I am the widow of John GRAHAM, and am 69 years old. Deceased was turned 76 years. He died on Tuesday last, at twelve o'clock. Only he and I lived in this house. We have four children,-John (who lives at Kirkandrews), Mary (who is married to John HIND, of Abbey Holme), Sibson (who lives in Grinsdale), and Ruth (married to Mr. CANNELL, of Carlisle). My husband was first taken ill about eleven o'clock on Thursday night. Up to that time he had been going about, but was not to call very well; he complained a little of gradual weakness, but nothing particular-no acute pain, but just in that condition that you might expect in a man of his years-some days better and some days worse. He took his breakfast, dinner, and tea on Thursday. He always had a glass of ale after dinner, and he came in once in the afternoon, and said he was very thirsty, and I got him a glass of ale. His thirst was nothing particular. We had a piece of what we call "neaded" cake to tea, baked on a girdle. It was the only kind of bread we had to tea. I baked it myself and made it. I took the flour from the flour-tub, which stands upstairs. The cake was made of flour and butter, and a little milk and salt: it had no yeast in it. All these things were kept in the dairy. I have some of the same things left: they have never been touched since. None of us was the least worse until supper time. About nine o'clock my husband had some bread and milk. I made the bread myself: it was baked at a neighbour's house: it was what is called "yeasted cake," it had no currants in it, but was made of yeast, flour, and salt butter: the flour was taken from the same place as the flour of which the other cakes were made. It was salted butter that was used, and we have some of it left. My husband went to bed almost immediately after taking his supper, and I went in half an hour. He spoke to me when he went up stairs, but said nothing particular. I did not understand that he was at all poorly till I had been in bed about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. He said he had taken a little bread and milk, that he had not for a long time taken anything after tea, and it had made him sick. He did not get up, but his stomach seemed much affected, and he began to retch. I got him a basin, and he threw-up over the bed side. He continued to vomit much at intervals, but I did not notice how often-perhaps every quarter of an hour. He said his stomach was in a bad way. He did not mention the words "burning sensation." The retching and vomiting lasted till eight or nine o'clock, and he complained of thirst a little during that time. The purging began at six or seven o'clock next morning, but it was not much. He did not drink much during the night. His skin was cool, and he seemed no way heated. I took a small piece of this bread: I broke a small piece off a cake, and ate it, and was also ill in the same way just after he began. Sibson GRAHAM's family were the first to come in after we were ill: the servant, Jane THOMPSON, came about ten o'clock in the forenoon,-she was the first. The vomiting went off by degrees before night on Friday. We both got up, but I was not able to go about my work. He was out, and went up to my son's and milked a cow (we had a cow standing there)-still he was very ill, and he continued very poorly till he died. He did not complain very much of pain, but he was sick, you know, at times. He was sometimes up, sometimes in bed. He took his dinner downstairs on Monday; he went to bed between five and six that evening, and was not out of bed after that. I only baked two or three little cakes. I did not save any of them. Somebody said they were not good-that there was something in them, and they had better be thrown away. It did not strike me, at the moment, that there was any unusual taste, but after I became ill I thought there was a queer taste. Deceased said it agreed badly with him, he wished nothing had got in that shouldn't. He said there was nothing in our house that could hurt anybody, however. My son John from Kirkandrews was in our house on Thursday morning. He came about ten o'clock; he staid a little while here (more than an hour perhaps) and then went to his brother's. He was only in the front part of the house. I was in the kitchen when he came in at the back door. He went into the front kitchen and sat down. I was then in the back kitchen. I sat beside him a good while in the kitchen, and then he got up and went to Sibson's. He was in no other room-I am quite sure of it. He looked into the back-kitchen as he came in, and went out at the front door. I had my bread set at this time; it was only a little piece, and was standing inside a common dibler (dish) which was placed in a set-pot, and covered over with a lid, so that nobody could see it, or know there was such a thing. I am quite sure that during the time my son was in the house it was in that set-pot. [The coroner and some the jurymen here retired to inspect the set-pot, which is on the right hand side of the fire-place.] I cannot remember any one else in particular who was in that day: Sibson's wife was not-she was confined, nor Sibson wasn't. After John left I was down at the well at the bottom of the garden several times getting some water, and was looking after the clothes hanging on the hedge, and I left the door open. My husband was not in before dinner. I took the bread out of the set-pot and worked it up on the table before he came in, and set it upon a stool before the fire. It was after I had done this that I had occasion to go the well, and to the hedge: I was in and out many times. My husband and myself and John were taken ill once before, in February last, shortly after dinner. We had a potato-pot made of salt goose. We became ill in less than an hour after partaking of it, in the same way, vomiting and purging, and all three alike. We all began together. The potatoe-pot was enclosed in a small earthen dish, baked in a little iron oven over the fire, in a little baking dish. We were ill all the afternoon, and Mr. ANDERSON was called in that evening, and gave us emetics. John remained all night, and was very ill indeed. John had not been in our house for a long time before then-not twelve months, hardly a month I dare say. He was here on Tuesday last. Mr. GRAHAM and he were particularly friendly; never had a word in their lives. John always dined with us when he came about dinner time, and often dined with us from time to time; when he came in he got whatever there was in hand. My husband had settled his affairs: I don't think any of them knew it but me; none of them knew. I am sure John did not know till after his death. My husband and the rest of the family were on intimate and friendly terms; he had no ill to anybody, and I don't know that anybody had to him. I do not know who it was that suggested I should put the bread out of the way. Mrs. CANNELL, my daughter, came down on Friday night with her husband. She partook of the same bread; it had been left in the dairy. She staid all night, and was taken poorly. A neighbour woman, Mary ANDREW, was here the same evening; and several others, while we were ill. Joshua ANDERSON, surgeon, Carlisle.-I have known Mr. GRAHAM intimately for thirty years. In consequence of what I heard I came down to see him last Sunday evening; I was not sent for by the family. I had been dining with Mr. STUDHOLME, and he told me Mr. GRAHAM was very ill. I found the deceased labouring under great debility; no other symptom, not any; I could not have had the least suspicion that had taken any poison from what I saw. I did not consider him dying at that time, but the debility was great for his time of life, and I knew he had been gradually declining for a number of years. I saw him the first time between five and six o'clock on Sunday evening, and the next time on Tuesday morning between seven and eight. He was then sinking very fast. There were the usual indications that are always observed in old men dying, but not any symptoms to lead me for a moment to suppose that he was suffering from the effects of acrid poison. It would depend upon the quantity of poison taken whether any symptoms would then be manifested. Had he taken poison he might, after certain consequences had resulted from it, have been left in the condition in which I found him. The CORONER-Is it not possible that the debility might have been produced by his swallowing a quantity of acrid poison ? Witness-I am not aware that it could. When I was sent for on the first occasion I was told he had taken poison, and I found him labouring under violent vomiting and purging, such as you would meet with in violent cases of Cholera. He did not at that time complain of burning in his stomach or throat; there were no symptoms to lead me to conclude whether it was poison or Cholera. If I had had no fore-knowledge I should have treated it for Cholera; but as I had heard he had taken poison I proceeded to evacuate the stomach and bowels. His wife and John were ill at the same time, and John was worse than the others. He could not be feigning, for he was vomiting violently before I gave him the emetic. was more sick than pained, and had a low, irritable, quick pulse. I am quite certain his illness was not assumed. I remained with him longer than the rest, and observed violent paroxysms of vomiting which he could not have feigned if had been playing any trick. Sibson GRAHAM,-son of the deceased-(not upon oath)-I live in Grinsdale, and reside on my father's property. I left his house seven years ago, two or three years after I married. I was not at my father's house at all on Thursday last, but I was on Monday. On Friday morning my father did not come up to my house as usual, and I sent my boy, John, down to see what was the matter. When the boy came back I was out, and my wife went down. I went after twelve o'clock. I found my mother in bed: my father was sitting in the kitchen, complaining of pains in his head and uneasiness in other parts of his body. I asked him how he was, and he said he was no better. I staid a few moments and then left him. I did not return till night. He was not vomiting. When I came in the evening, about nine o'clock, he was in bed. I did not see him. My mother also was in bed. My wife and my sister Ruth were present. I next saw my father on Saturday morning, when I was going to Carlisle; he was sitting in the kitchen. He was not vomiting, but was very ill. I wanted to send for a doctor, but he was not willing. On Monday he told me he thought there was something not good in the bread. I asked him it he thought the bread had done him any harm. He said he did not know, he thought not. I said there had been talk about it, and people thought it had done him harm. I saw John on Monday. I met with him in the fields, and he was in our house about eleven or twelve o'clock. He said he had some intention of going away, in the afternoon, to Newcastle. My mother had been talking about going some time before, but no day had been fixed; John said he was going for two or three days, and that he had business there. I don't know what it was. When he was coming along the road from Kirkandrews that day with me, he said his mother had been talking of going to Newcastle, and he wondered whether she was going that day. I understood from him that he was going to ask her to go with him. This was before we reached Grinsdale. After we parted he came to my mother's, and I went home. When he came to me afterwards, I asked him if he had asked her, and he said yes, and she was not going. He was in the dress he generally wears. He would be at his father's about an hour. There was no family disagreement; he and I were on friendly terms, and he spent the greatest part of his time with me and in the fields. John has been in the habit, during the winter, of coming once or twice every week. I never heard him express the least unkind feeling towards my father; they were always very friendly. After I heard about the cakes on Monday evening, I sent Jane THOMPSON, my servant, for one: she brought it, and I ate about half of it with a pint of ale. I thought I was a little sick through the night, but did not vomit at all. Both the girls partook of it, and were sick. By Mr. WHEATLEY-I ate the cake to give it a fair trial; having heard there was something in it. By Mr. PATTINSON-I might imagine I was sick. By the CORONER-When my father and mother and John were sick before they had been at my house, and I had been reading the newspapers to them. They went home to dinner, and I came to them afterwards. I had not promised to come. I found them ill. They all appeared to be equally affected. My father said he thought they had got something in the potato-pot that was not right. No remark was made by John, to my recollection. He was very poorly; I have no doubt about it. He had not come over by any previous appointment. I asked him that day to stay at my house to dinner, in the hearing of my mother. He said he thought he was coming down here with her; she told him they had a potato-pot baking in the oven. She had told him what they had previously. I had not been here before, that day. The girl ate the cake of her own accord. The girl, Elizabeth NICHOL, who was here when the family was ill the first time, threw the potato-pot upon the dunghill; that dung-hill was removed some time since, within the last week. It was removed yesterday, but my father had taken part of it to plant his potatoes and cabbages; the greatest part of it was used before yesterday. My father was out the next day, after eating the potato-pot. John was out after dinner. About that time Miss NIXON had some poison laid in an adjoining building, for rats. It is forty yards from this house. The potatoes were kept in an out-house. The bit of cake remaining, after I ate a piece, was put into the midden. I went with Mr. ANDERSON to look for it, but it was gone. [to be continued]

Saturday 24 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 1) MYSTERIOUS DEATH-INQUEST AT GRINSDALE. ----- We this week record, in our obituary, the death of Mr. GRAHAM, of Grinsdale, which occurred under circumstances which have given rise to much public talk, and which are now being investigated by Mr. CARRICK, the coroner for the eastern division of the county. The inquest was held at the house of Mr. GRAHAM, on Thursday afternoon, before a jury composed as follows:- Wm. MOSS, Carlisle, Foreman | John WILKIN, Caldewgate Richd. MARK, tanner, Carlisle | John STORY, Caldewgate Thomas WHEATLEY, Newtown | John PATTINSON, Caldewgate David WRIGHT, Knockupworth | Thomas SPROAT, Lowther-st. Robert COWEN, Newtown | Wm. GILKERSON, Beaumont John SIBBALD, Caldewgate | Wm. ARMSTRONG, Beaumont Joseph LOWRY, Raffles | Rd. PATTINSON, Caldewgate The inquiry was opened between one and two o'clock. Some of the friends and relatives of the deceased were present, as were also the incumbent of Grinsdale, the Rev. J. WILSON, and the Rev. J. LOWRY, of Burgh. After the jury had been sworn, they proceeded to view the body of the deceased; and on their return, Dr. JAMES and Mr. ELLIOT, surgeon, both of Carlisle, retired under the direction of the coroner, to make a post mortem examination. The following witnesses were then called and examined in the order in which we enumerate them:-Ruth GRAHAM, wife of the deceased; Mr. ANDERSON, surgeon; Sibson GRAHAM, younger son of the deceased; Mary ANDREWS; Edward NIXON; Jane THOMPSON; Elizabeth NIXON; Mary NIXON; Esther STEWART; Esther HOWNAM; Sarah NIXON; and Jane LITTLE. The examination of the last witness was concluded about six o'clock, when the Coroner intimated his intention of adjourning the inquiry to Carlisle. All the witnesses residing in Grinsdale had been examined, and as the evidence of those who were yet to be called might occupy a good deal of time, and as he found that the medical men would not conclude their labours for two or three days, he thought it advisable to adjourn the proceedings till the 30th inst. The jurors were then bound over to appear on that day. The Coroner and the jury having intimated to the reporters that it would be desirable, for the ends of justice, to suppress the evidence in minute detail, and give only the leading facts that were elicited, an arrangement to that effect was, after some conversation, agreed to. We now, therefore, proceed to state the circumstances deposed to by the various witnesses. The deceased, John GRAHAM, was a yeoman, residing at Grinsdale, a village lying about two miles and a half north-west of Carlisle, and was a man highly respected by a numerous circle of friends and acquaintances. He completed his seventy-sixth year a short time previous to his death. He and his wife have, for some months past, lived alone in the village we have mentioned, and their family consists of two sons-Mr. John GRAHAM, the eldest, a farmer, residing at Kirkandrews, a neighbouring village, and Mr. Sibson GRAHAM, a farmer at Grinsdale-and two daughters, one of whom is the wife of Mr. CANNELL, saddler, of this city, and the other wife of Mr. John HIND, of Abbey Holme. Mrs. GRAHAM is sixty-nine years old. Mr. GRAHAM has been a man of strong constitution, and until the illness which caused his death continued to work upon his son's farm. It appeared, however, that lately he has been exhibiting the usual symptoms of declining years, his clothes, as one witness expressed it, appearing to "hang about him." He was, however, subject to no acute pain, and never complained of any thing but gradual weakness, by which he was differently affected on diferent [sic] days. He took his breakfast, dinner, and tea, as usual on Thursday week, and made no complaint after any of those meals. He was not accustomed to drink much spirit, but used generally to take a glass of ale after dinner. On Thursday afternoon he came in, and, complaining of thirst, his wife supplied him with a glass of his usual beverage; but this was a circumstance of ordinary occurrence. At tea the only bread used was girdle cake, made and baked by Mrs. GRAHAM, and composed of flour, milk, butter, and salt, but without yeast. Neither she nor her husband felt any inconvenience from what they had partaken of. About nine o'clock they had supper, which consisted of bread and milk. The bread used on this occasion was "yeasted cake," made by Mrs. GRAHAM, of flour, yeast, and salt butter, the flour being taken from the same barrel as the flour of which the girdle cake was made. Mr. GRAHAM went to bed soon after supper; his wife following about half an hour afterwards. He did not complain of being ill till about ten minutes after he had gone to bed, when he remarked that he had not, for a long time before that night, taken any thing after tea, and was afraid his supper had made him sick. He then retched frequently, and continued to vomit at intervals till eight or nine o'clock next morning, complaining of thirst sometimes. He was purged, but his skin was cool, and he seemed in no way heated. Mrs. GRAHAM, soon after retiring to rest, was similarly affected. On Friday morning they both rose; Mr. GRAHAM was not better but he went to his son Sibson's, and there milked a cow of his own which stood in his son's byer. He was attacked with fits of sickness occasionally, and was sometimes up and sometimes in bed. On Monday he took his dinner down stairs; he went to bed between five and six o'clock in the evening, and continued gradually to sink until twelve o'clock on Tuesday last, when he died. Mrs. GRAHAM recovered from her sickness, and is now perfectly well. No doctor had been sent for, but Mr. ANDERSON, surgeon, hearing that Mr. GRAHAM, who is a friend of his, was ill, called on Sunday night. He found him labouring under great debility, but presenting no symptoms of having been poisoned; he, therefore, merely ordered him some brandy and water as a stimulant, and prescribed means for evacuating the stomach and bowels. He did not call again until sent for on Tuesday morning. There were, it appears, six yeasted cakes, made by Mrs. GRAHAM on the Thursday. She "set" them in the morning in a "dibler" or dish which she covered up and placed in a set-pot in the kitchen, out of the sight of any one not aware of its being put there. Mr. John GRAHAM was the only person who called that morning; he called about ten o'clock, and entered by the back door. Mrs. GRAHAM was in the kitchen; he looked in as he passed, and went into a room in the front part of the house. She went to him, and after staying nearly an hour, he went to his brother Sibson's. After he left Mrs. GRAHAM went to the bottom of the garden to seek water from the well and to look after some clothes which were drying there; she left the door open and was absent from the house some time. Deceased was out in the fields and did not come in before dinner. He had settled his affairs, but this circumstance was kept from the knowledge of every body but his wife. The cakes were baked by Mrs. NIXON, a neighbour, who does not keep a public oven, but, having her oven heated, had obliged Mrs. GRAHAM by baking them, and had sent them home by her daughter, who delivered them into Mrs. GRAHAM's own hands. Several other parties, besides Mr. and Mrs. GRAHAM, partook of the cakes at different times, and have been ill in consequence. Mrs. CANNELL, Mary ANDREW, Esther HOWNAM, Mr. Sibson GRAHAM and his two servants, (Esther STEWARD and Jane THOMPSON) and two daughters of Mrs. LITTLE, all ate portions of the yeasted cake between Thursday and Tuesday, and were all similarly affected, though in different degrees. Mr. Sibson GRAHAM and his two servants had simply taken it in BRAVADO; he had heard some rumours as to the cakes containing poison, and, disbelieving it, had sent for one and eaten nearly the half of it, whilst his servants ate each a small portion. He was but slightly sick; they violently so. The cake taken by the LITTLES had been taken without the knowledge of their mother, who had received two from Mrs. GRAHAM and hidden them in the clock case, telling the children that they must not eat them, and also some pieces which had been put in a box within their reach: they were both ill afterwards. The others had partaken of the cake unsuspectingly at their meals, while in attendance on Mr. and Mrs. GRAHAM. They have all recovered. Mr. GRAHAM, it seems, had eaten about half a cake, which was described as being like a penny cake in size, but rather thicker. The symptoms described by the witnesses were a burning sensation in the stomach, sickness, and purging. It came out in the course of the inquiry that the deceased, his wife, and their son John had all been ill one day in February last, after eating potato-pot, made of salted goose, at dinner. Mr. ANDERSON was sent for, and emetics were administered by him,-John suffering the most: but the remains of the potato-pot were thrown into the dung-hill without being analysed. This circumstance gave rise to the report on Friday last, as soon as it was known that Mr. GRAHAM was ill, that he had been poisoned. A woman named Mary NIXON, who now lives at Burgh, and who was examined at the inquest, lived at that time near Mr. GRAHAM. She had used arsenic for poisoning rats on two occasions: she mixed it with porridge, and placed it on a sink in the back kitchen: on one occasion the rats never touched it, and in the morning she threw it into the fire; the next time it was all carried away, and the rats never more troubled her. She used all the arsenic she had on these occasions, and it had been in her house two years. Such are the leading facts deposed to on Thursday; and all we have to state in addition is, that nothing is yet elicited which implicates any party. On Friday next the enquiry will be resumed, and the result of the post mortem examination submitted to the jury. Until then the public would do well to withhold their belief in many as yet groundless reports which have got abroad, in reference to the melancholy circumstances we have detailed.

In late spring and summer 1845 a double drama unfolded in and around Carlisle. An elderly farmer of Grinsdale, John GRAHAM, died of arsenic poisoning. Suspicion fell on his son John GRAHAM junior, farmer at Kirkandrews-on-Eden. It was then remembered that the suspect's wife had died the previous autumn with symptoms compatible with poisoning, so her body was disinterred and examined and the suspicion of poisoning was proven to be true in her case as well. The inquests on both bodies went to extraordinary lengths to examine all the circumstances surrounding these two deaths and it seems as if half the population of those two villages as well as numerous other people get a mention either as witnesses or just mentioned in passing. Then of course there were the reports on the two trials at the assizes. I did transcribe these cases from The Times many years ago but The Times being a national paper did not report this extent of local detail - so I have done it all over again! I shall post these transcriptions in reasonable chunks over the next few days (weeks?). We could do a poll at the end to see how many people agree with the trial verdicts. I for one have my doubts about the accuracy of the verdict in the wife murder trial... Enjoy! Petra

Hello Nancy ! Right now I'm sorting through (a) a new computer + (b) moving from XP to Windows 7. We may have discussed the SCAIFEs, but I don't recall that at the moment. Most of what I'm digging through right now are e-mails from 2004 !!! Once I resurrect my old files and documents, I'll get back in touch with you. I do recall that my SCAIFEs were connected to MOAT/MOWAT/ GREGG/HUTCHINSON side of my family searches. Thanks for your help !! Will talk again. Barb, Ontario, Canada. >>>>>>-----Original Message----- From: Nancy McLaughlin I have Scaifes too - a long way back - 1600s in the parish of Kirkby Stephen....... Have we perhaps discussed this previously? Nancy.<<<<<<<

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 8) Deaths. In this city, on Wednesday, the 28th instant, after two day's illness, Mr. Edward ALLISON, grocer, aged 30 years. His amiable disposition and unassuming manners endeared him to all who knew him. In St. Alban's Row, on the 19th inst., Mr. David NOBLE, aged 77 years. In Annetwell Street, on the 28th instant, Miss Margaret RANKIN, aged 22 years. At the house of her son, 79, Cheapside, London, on the 28th instant, Mary, relict of the late Mr. Thomas BECK, of this city, in her 67th year. At Wigton, on the 23rd instant, Mr. Robert OGILVIE, aged 57 years. At Brayton, on the 24th instant, Ann NORMAN, aged twelve months. At Low Felton, near Newcastle, in childbed, on Sunday, the 25th instant, Jane, wife of Mr. Wm. WARD, formerly of Moorhouse, Castlecarrock, aged 32 years. At Walton Rigg, near Brampton, on the 19th instant, Ann R. SNAITH, wife of Mr. Thos. SNAITH, and daughter of Mr. William SCAIFE, of Haltwhistle, aged 35 years. At Buteland, Northumberland, on the 24th instant, Mr. John LEE, formerly of the Old Church Farm, near Brampton, aged 58 [?] years. At Penrith on the 36th [sic] instant, Mr. Peter BRADLEY, carpenter, to Miss Jane OLIPHANT; Mr. WILKINSON, Appleby, to Miss Elizabeth RYDER. At Penrith, on the 24th instant, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. James KIRHUE [KIRKUP according to FreeBMD], aged 76 years; Ann, wife of Mr. John HODGSON, aged 61; John DICKINSON, Plumpton Head, aged 14. At Shap Wells, on the 26th inst., after a few days illness, Mrs. GIBSON, landlady of that inn. At Cockermouth, on the 21st inst., Mr. Robt. GORE, weaver, aged 27 years; and on the 22nd, Mrs. Sarah HURD, at a very advanced age. At Workington, on the 25th inst., Mr. Thomas SALKELD, aged 71 years; on the 26th, Dorothy, daughter of Mr. Jos. GRAHAM, in the third year of her age. At Seascale, Gosforth, on the 22nd inst., Hannah, wife of Mr. Isaac WILSON, of Calder, aged 25 years. At Whitehaven, last week, Mrs. Mary HEWITSON, widow, aged 77 years. At Keswick, on the 23rd instant, after a lingering illness, Daniel, son of the Rev. Edward WILSON, of that place, in his eighteenth year. At Elfhole, in Thwaites, on the 17th inst., Elizabeth, daughter of the late Mr. Joseph PARK, of that place, in her fifth year. At Ulverston, on the 21st instant, Mr. Richard HUDSON, the hospitable landlord of the Rose and Crown inn, in that town, in the 63rd year of his age. At Calgarth Park, Windermere, on the 19th instant, Owen, youngest son of Edward SWINBOURNE, Esq. At Kendal, on the 20th inst., Mr. John ROOKING, many years a tea-dealer in that town, aged 68 years, one of the Society of Friends. At the Wolverton station, on the 24th inst., aged 30 years, on his way to the Isle of Man, Mr. Robert GAWNE, one of the clerks in the Tithe Commission office, London, and son of Mr. GAWNE, of James Street, Douglas. At the Barracks, in Newcastle, on the 21st inst., after a few days illness, Colonel Archibald M. MAXWELL, commanding officer of the 36th Regiment of Foot, at present quartered there. The lamented colonel entered the army as second Lieutenant of Artillery in 1801, and served in that corps during the Peninsular War, after which he transferred into the line. At Barbadoes, where he had gone to reside for the benefit of his health, on Friday, the 11th April, Joseph, eldest son of Mr. Wm. ROWMAN, cattle salesman, of Liverpool, and late cashier to S. L. TROTMAN, Esq., of the same place, aged 21 years. The deceased was a very promising young man, much esteemed by all who knew him, and his death is deeply lamented by his family and a large circle of friends. At Leamington, on the 13th inst., Mrs. KEMBLE, widow of the late celebrated John KEMBLE, at an advanced age.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 3, col. 8) Births. At Ambleside, on the 21st inst., the lady of George PARTRIDGE, Esq., of a son and heir. At the Lund, near Ulverston, Lancashire, on the 21st instant, the lady of George X. C. SUNDERLAND, Esq., R.N., of a daughter. At New Romney, on the 15th instant, the wife of Mr. John DANIELS, of three fine boys, who, with the mother are doing well. Marriages. At the Scotch Chapel, Lowther Street, on the 24th instant, Mr. William DOUGLAS, of Botchergate, cotton spinner, to Miss Frances TWEDDLE, of English Street. At the Superintendant Registrar's Office, in this city, on the 24th inst., Mr. George JOHNSTON, of Botcherby, husbandman, to Miss Frances LEWTHWAITE, of Houghton. At the Superintendant Registrar's Office, Brampton, on the 28th inst., Mr. Thomas ARMSTRONG, to Miss Ann HIND, both of the parish of Brampton. At Allhallows, on the 24th inst., Mr. H. GRAVES, of Baggraw, to Miss Mary FERGUSON, eldest daughter of Mr. Richard FERGUSON, of Blennerhasset. At Abbey, Holme Cultram, on Sunday, the 25th instant, Mr. Matthew REAY, of Raby Cottage, to Miss IRVING, dressmaker, Brownrigg. At Cockermouth, on the 24th inst., Mr. Henry GRAHAM, husbandman, to Mary, only daughter of Mr. Wm. GRAHAM, yeoman, of Nealhouse, in the parish of Thursby, near this city. At Workington, on the 21st instant, Mr. Wm. SUDDARD, custom house officer, to Miss Dorothy PENRICE; on the 26th, Mr. John ELLWOOD, mariner, to Miss Ann LANCASTER. At Ambleside, on the 11th inst., Mr. John LOONEY, cooper, to Miss Jane RIDLEY, both of Whitehaven. At Crosthwaite Church, Keswick, on the 26th instant, Mr. Thomas FLEMING, to Miss E. HOLDEN, both of Borrowdale, near Keswick. At Whitehaven, on the 23rd inst., Mr. John MORRISON, mariner, to Miss Catherine MILLBURN; Mr. Westray WHITE, mariner, to Miss Eleanor WILSON; and on the 24th, Mr. Thos. ROBINSON, tallow chandler, to Miss Esther KENDALL; and Mr. Wm. RIGG, joiner, to Miss Betsy WATSON, dressmaker.

Saturday 31 May 1845 (p. 2, col. 8) FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.-An Inquest was held before Mr. THOMPSON, County Coroner for Westmoreland, at the Greyhound Inn, Great Strickland, on Monday last, on the body of James PATTERSON, navigator on the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway. Deceased had been employed in driving a "gullet," and a quantity of earth and stones had fallen upon and killed him on the spot. The head of the unfortunate man was dreadfully crushed. He was a native of Scotland, and about 29 years of age. Verdict "Accidental death."

Thanks Petra. I'm saving this SCAIFE notice, since way back and deep deep in my paperwork I know that some SCAIFEs played a part in my history. Barb, Ontario, Canada. >>>>At Walton Rigg, near Brampton, on the 19th instant, Ann R. SNAITH, wife >>>>of Mr. Thos. SNAITH, and daughter of Mr. William SCAIFE, of Haltwhistle, aged 35 years.<<<<<<