pair of pistols from his pocket, saying immediately, "Go your way home, and I'll go mine;" each taking a different direc

tion.

Steam Packets.-Friday afternoon the 16th inst. a fine steam vessel was launched from the building yard of Messrs R. and A. Carswell, Greenock, intended to ply between Leith and London, and to call at some of the intermediate ports. She is called the Mountaineer, and is a very strong as well as an elegantly built vessel —is 104 feet keel, and will be propelled by two engines, each of 40 horse power, constructed by Mr Napier of Glasgow. The Mountaineer is intended to commence ruuning by the beginning of April, and promises to be a great accommodation to travellers between the capitals of the two kingdoms, as it is expected, from the fine form of the vessel, and immense power of the engines, that the passage will be accomplished, on an average, in the short space of 60 hours.

21.-Libel.-Court of King's Bench. The King v. Hunt.-The defendant in this case was the proprietor of The Examiner weekly newspaper, and the present was an Information filed against him for a libel inserted in that paper, on 24th July last, reflecting on the House of Commons. The alleged libel, after describing the majority of the members as greedy place-hunters, pensioners, and needy adventurers, asserted that the House contained a far greater number of public criminals than public guardians, &c. &c. After the evidence was heard, the defendant read a long written paper as his defence, in which he contended that his motive in this publication was pure, and dictated by a wish to promote the public good. The jury retired, and after being out some time they came into court, and put a question to his lordship, as to the necessity of there being a proof of malice fo constitute the offence.The Chief Justice said, the motive of a man's act must be inferred from the effect which his act was likely to have. If a man was wilfully to do an act which might in its effect cause the death of another, he must be presumed to have malice in his heart. The jury again retired, and in a few minutes returned with a verdict of Guilty.

The King v. Fletcher, alias Franklin, and D. O'Brien.-This was an indictment against the defendants for issuing placards with intent to render the people discontented with the government, and inciting them to sedition and revolt, the particulars of which have been formerly detailed. Fletcher, having absconded, did not plead. O'Brien pleaded not guilty. Mr Pearson stated the case to the jury. Several witnesses wrre examined, but they failed to identify O'Brien. The jury found the de

fendants Not Guilty without retiring. The cause did not conclude till near ten at night.

26.-Forgery.-This day Thomas Pearson was tried before the High Court of Justiciary, on an indictment charging him with uttering two forged L. 5 notes. The jury found a verdict of Not Proven. The prisoner stands charged with another indictment, and was accordingly re-committed to prison.

Melancholy Event.-A family, consisting of four persons, a man and wife, and their son and daughter, who resided in Lawson's Wynd, foot of Sheriff Brae, Leith, were observed by the neighbours to be later than usual in opening their door, on Friday morning, the 23d instant. It was therefore broken open, when it was discovered that all except the old woman were lifeless, and she in a very weak state. The melancholy catastrophe is supposed to have arisen from injurious smoke, the vent having little or no draught, and the windows and doors having been closely shut up.

Boxing-On Saturday the 24th, a battle was fought between Robertson the black, and the Chicken, in a park near Ravelston toll-bar, eight miles on the Lanark road from Edinburgh. The match was for twenty guineas, and five guineas to the loser. Before the fight, betting was in favour of Robertson, but from its commencement in favour of the Chicken. Robertson was attended by Mr Blyth, as second, and the Chicken by Mr J. Johnston. The parties fought to half-minute time; the battle lasted 44 minutes, and consisted of 36 rounds; when Robertson not being able to come to time, victory was declared in favour of the Chicken. Little science, we understand, was displayed on either side, but many heavy blows were given and received, and both parties were severely punished. There were above 3000 spectators on the ground, and a good deal of money was lost and won.

Extraordinary Child.-There is now living at Allahton Mill, near Catburn, in Lanarkshire, a child of 11 months old, and of the following extraordinary dimensions : Neck round 134 inches Shoulder do. Arm

33

do.

114

381

184

42

Height Weight 6 stones 6 lb. The dimensions and weight were taken on the 19th Feb. Noblemen, gentlemen, and people of all descriptions, go to see him. He is a fine looking child, healthy and active. The visitants every day make liberal presents to his parents. The boy's father is named John Weir, who was, not long ago, a carrier between Wishawtown and Edinburgh.

MARCH.

Fatal Duck.A duel, attended with fatal consequences, and which has made a great sensation in the literary world, was fought en Friday evening, the 16th February, in a field between Chalk Farm Tavern and Primrose Hill, in the vicinity of London. The parties in this unhappy conflict were Mr John Scott, the avowed editor of the London Magazine, and Mr Christie, a friend of the supposed conductor of Blackwood's Magazine-Mr John Gibson Lockhart, of Edinburgh.

The original cause of quarrel between these gentlemen had its rise in a series of three articles which appeared in the London Magazine, discussing the conduct and management of Blackwood's Magazine, and regarded by Mr Lockhart as offensive to his feelings, and injurious to his honour. Mr Christie, as the friend of Mr Lockhart, waited upon Mr Scott, to demand an explanation of the articles in question, and in fact to require a public apology for matter which he considered personally offensive to himself, or such other satisfaction as a gentleman was entitled to.

This interview led to others, as well as to a correspondence in which much warmth was expressed.

To prevent misapprehension of what had occurred, Mr Scott published his statement of the transactions to which he had been a party. This was followed by a statement on the part of Mr Lockhart, which was followed by a second statement from the pen of Mr Scott, in which he treated the conduct of Mr Lockhart with great asperity, and defended the course which he had pursued with considerable warmth. Then followed a counter statement from Mr Christie, which, we lament to say, led to the event we are about to describe. In this counter statement, Mr Christie applied, as from himself, epithets to Mr Scott, that he could not, consistently with his own feelings as a gentleman, suffer to pass with impunity. He, in consequence, as soon as ever the statement in question met his eye, proceeded with his friend Mr Patmore to Mr C.'s lodgings, and demanded an apology, or instant satisfaction. Mr C. refused the former, and expressed his readiness, without loss of time, to grant the lat

ter.

The matter having come to this issue, it was agreed that they should meet, with as little delay as possible, at Chalk Farm; and thither they proceeded, as already stated, at nine o'clock the same night. Mr Scott was attended by his friend Mr Patmore, and by Mr Pettigrew, a medical gentleman, of Spring Gardens. The moon shone with brightness, so that the party had a full opportunity of seeing each other, and, having taken their ground, they fired two shots together. The result of the second fire was fatal to Mr Scott, who receiv

ed his antagonist's ball in his groin, and fell. Every assistance which the circumstances would permit was afforded him, and he was conveyed on a shutter to Chalk Farm Tavern, where he was laid on a bed in an almost hopeless state. Mr Christie and his second, Mr Trail, then retired.

Mr Scott was never in a condition to be removed from the tavern to which he was carried, and lingered until Tuesday the 27th, when he died.

On the 1st instant, a Coroner's Inquest was held upon the body; and the evidence of the physician who attended Mr Scott during his illness was highly interesting, Dr G. Darling, the person in question, referred in his testimony to a memorandum which he made of what Mr Scott said to him. Mr Scott, referring to his wound on Saturday morning, between nine and ten o'clock, said, "This ought not to have taken place; I suspect some great mismanagement-there was no occasion for a second fire." After a short pause, he proceeded" All I required from Mr Christie was, a declaration that he meant no reflection on my character. This he refused, and the meeting became inevitable. the field Mr C. behaved well; and when all was ready for the first fire he called out -Scott, you must not stand there; I see your head above the horizon; you give me an advantage.' I believe he could have hit me then if he liked. After the

On

pistols were reloaded, and every thing ready for a second fire, Mr Trail called out Now, Mr Christie, take you raim, and do not throw away your advantage, as you did last time.' I called out immediately, What! did not Mr Christie fire at me?' I was answered by Mr Patmore, You must not speak; 'tis now of no use to talk: you have nothing now for it but firing.' The signal was immediately given, we fired, and I fell." Deceased expressed himself satisfied with Mr Christie's conduct, whom he described as very kind to him after he was wounded.

Mr T. J. Pettigrew, the surgeon, who had attended Mr Scott to the field, after describing the nature of the wound, stated that Mr Christie asked him what he thought of the wound. He replied, he feared it was mortal, in the hearing of Mr Scott; when he addressed Mr Scott, and expressed a wish" that he had been in Mr Scott's situation, rather than Mr Scott should have been wounded by him." Mr Scott then said, "Whatever may be the issue of this case, I beg you all to bear in remembrance, that every thing has been fair and honourable." Witness being asked if he did not hear it said on the ground by Mr Christie, that he had fired down the field? replied," Mr Christie said, Why was I permitted to fire a second time? I discharged my pistol down the field before;

6

I could do no more.'" These expressions were made in consequence of some altercation which took place between the seconds. Mr Christie took Mr Scott by the hand after he was wounded, and witness desired him to stand away, Mr Scott being at that time about to faint. Mr Patmore stated to witness some days after the occurrence, that if Mr Christie and his friend had agreed that he should not return Mr Scott's fire, Mr Christie's friend was bound, after the fire, to have communicated to him the conduct pursued by Mr Christie, of which he (Mr Patmore) was entirely ignorant.

The jury, after deliberating about half an hour, returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against Mr Christie, Mr Trail, and Mr Patmore. The coroner accordingly issued his warrant for their apprehension. It is said the parties will deliver themselves up in due time to take their trials.

Mr Scott was about 38 years of age. He was a native of Aberdeen; and had been for several years well known in the literary world.

10. THE QUEEN.-Her Majesty has written a letter to Lord Liverpool, in which she signifies her determination to accept the annuity of L. 50,000 voted by Parliament; expresses to his Majesty her grateful sense of the manner in which her name had been noticed in the speech from the throne, and her regret that her name was still withheld from the liturgy.

Death of the Princess Elizabeth. Whitehall, March 5.-Yesterday morning, soon after one o'clock, died, at the age of twelve weeks, her Highness Elizabeth, only daughter of his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, to the great grief of his majesty, and of all the royal family. London Gazette.

High Court of Justiciary.-On the 27th ult. Robert Stirling, writer, pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to suborn a witness on criminal prosecution before the last circuit court held at Glasgow, and was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, and rendered incapable of ever practising in any court of judicature.

March 5.-The Court advised the informations in the case of John Sharp, who was tried some time ago for shooting at and wounding one of the county patrol of Lanarkshire, but an objection was taken to the verdict, that one of the jurymen was a minor. The Court, after delivering their opinions at great length, found the whole proceedings in the trial null and void, and that no sentence could follow thereupon against the pannel, but that he was still subject to be tried again for the same offence, and therefore granted warrant for committing him to prison, till liberated in due course of law.

12. Janet Potter, or Smith, was placed at the bar, charged with the crime of for

gery. The circumstances of the case were as follow:-The prisoner's husband held in his possession a bank receipt for L. 30, entrusted to his keeping by a female friend, which his wife obtained, and drew two sums of L. 10 from the bank of Sir William Forbes and Co. by forging the signature of the owner. She pleaded guilty, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly, sentence seven years' transportation. Mrs Smith is a respectable looking woman, and was much affected.

13. The Court proceeded to the case of William Dalrymple and Thomas Scott, accused of theft, by opening lockfast places. On the motion of the Solicitor-General, the court deserted the diet against Scott pro loco et tempore, and Dalrymple having pleaded guilty, was sentenced to twelve months' confinement in bridewell at hard labour.

James M'Adie, accused of bigamy, was then called to the bar. He also pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to ten months' imprisonment in the Canongate jail.

Stephen Frew, and Barbara Frew, his wife, were then put to the bar, indicted for the murder of a male infant on the 12th of January last, at a place called the Easter Bucket Pot, near the village of Grangepans, about a mile from Borrowstounness. Both the pannels, in an emphatic tone, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the court had proceeded some length in the examination of evidence, when an objection was taken by the prisoner's counsel, as to the proper designation of one of the witnesses the specification in the libel being "Thomas Grant, collier in Grangepans,' where it should have been "at" that place, the residence of the witness being Borrowstounness. The Solicitor-General concurred with the court as to the validity of the objection, and immediately gave up the case. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.

14. Henry M'Connell, Owen Callaghan, Malcom Cameron, and Hugh Lafferty, cotton spinners, were indicted for having, on the evening of the 16th December last, within or in the immediate vicinity of the dwelling house in Causewayside of Paisley, occupied by William Orr, sen. manufacturer in Paisley, discharged one or more loaded pistols at John Orr, jun. now or lately cotton spinner at Underwood of Paisley, with intent to murder him. The pannels pled not guilty. A number of witnesses were examined, who, by a train of circumstantial evidence, brought home the guilt to the three pannels first mentioned; against whom the jury found a verdict of Guilty, and of Not Proven in regard to Lafferty. The latter was of course dismissed from the bar; and on the 15th the Court pronounced sentence upon the other three, ordaining them to be publicly whipped through the streets of Paisley on

Thursday the 5th of April, and afterwards to be transported beyond seas all the days of their lives.

The Court afterwards proceeded to the trial of Thomas Pearson, accused of using and uttering, knowing them to be forged, a number of L. 5 notes of the Paisley Banking Company. The indictment contained six different charges of uttering, all in this city. He pleaded guilty, and the SolicitorGeneral having restricted the libel, he was sentenced to transportation for 14 years.

Swindling.-Last week a fellow, about 20 years of age, calling himself Archibald

Taylor, went to an upholsterer's ware-room in Edinburgh, stating, that he had taken a house in Arthur Street, which he wished furnished in a handsome manner; and, when completed, he would settle his account, by giving the one half of the amount in cash, and his bill, at three months, for the remainder. The whole of the goods, accordingly, were delivered and adjusted in the house by his workmen. The upholsterer and his men were no sooner gone than the swindler packed up and carried off every article in the house in less than an hour.

CAP. XCIV. For taking an Account of the Population of Great Britain, and of the Increase or Diminution thereof.-July 24, 1820.

Cap. XCV. For obtaining Returns from Turnpike Road Trusts of the Amount of their Revenues, and Expence of maintaining the same. July 24.

Cap. XCVI. For defraying, until the Twenty-fifth Day of June, One thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, the Charge of the Pay and Clothing of the Militia of Ireland; and for making Allowances to Officers and Quartermasters of the said Militia during Peace.-July 24.

Cap. XCVII. An Act to revive and to continue, for One Year, the several Acts for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors in Ireland.-July 24.

Cap. XCVIII. To amend an Act passed in the Fifty-seventh Year of His late Majesty, for the Establishment of Asylums for the Lunatic Poor in Ireland.—July 24.

Cap. XCIX. To enable the East India Company to raise and maintain a Corps of Volunteer Infantry.-July 24.

Cap. C. For amending and reducing into One Act of Parliament, Two several Acts, passed in the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-ninth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Third, for the better ordering and further regulating of the Militia of the City of London.-July 24.

Cap. CI. To enable the Examination of Witnesses to be taken in India in support of Bills of Divorce on account of Adultery committed in India.-July 24.

Cap. CII. For making general the Provisions of an Act made in the Fortysixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty, for removing Difficulties in the Convictions of Offenders stealing Property from Mines. July 24.

Cap. CIII. For the further Encouragement and Improvement of the British Fisheries. July 24.

Cap. CIV. To enable His Majesty to defray the Charge of a certain Barrack by the Grant of an Annuity on the Consolidated Fund. July 24.

Cap. CV. An Act to continue, for Two Years, an Act of the Fifty-sixth Year of His late Majesty, for establishing Regula tions respecting Aliens arriving in or resident in this Kingdom, in certain cases. July 24.

Cap. CVI. To enable Chaplains in the Navy, presented to either of the Livings of Simonburn, Wark, Bellingham, Thorneyburn, Fallstone, or Greystead, in the County of Northumberland, to receive their Half-Pay; and for other Purposes relating to the said Livings.-July 24.

Cap. CVII. For appropriating to the

Use of the Master of the Rolls for the Time being the Rents of the Rolls Estate, and the Dividends of the Funds in the Court of Chancery arising from the Surplus Rents of that Estate.-July 24.

Cap. CVIII. For enabling His Majesty to settle Annuities upon certain Branches of the Royal Family, in lieu of Annuities which have ceased upon the Demise of his late Majesty. July 24.

Cap. CIX. To enable His Majesty to grant Pensions to Officers and Attendants upon His late Majesty, and other Persons to whom His said late Majesty had granted Pensions and Allowances.-July 24.

Cap. CX. To enable the Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to issue Exchequer Bills, on the Credit of such Aids or Supplies as have been or shall be granted by Parliament for the Service of the Year One thousand eight hundred and twenty.-July 24.

Cap. CXI. For applying certain Monies therein mentioned for the service of the Year One thousand eight hundred and twenty, and for further appropriating the Supplies granted in this Session of Parliament. July 24.

Cap. CXII. For improving and completing the Harbour of Port Patrick, in Scotland, so as to render the same a more fit Situation for His Majesty's Packets. July 24.

Cap. CXIII. For granting a certain Sum of Money towards improving the Harbour of Donaghadee, in Ireland, and rendering it a more fit Situation for His Majesty's Packets.-July 24.

Cap. CXIV. For enabling William Blackall Simmonds, Esquire, to sell or mortgage his Estate and Interest in the Impropriate Rectory of Caversham, in the County of Oxford, free from the Claims of the Crown. July 24.

Cap. CXV. To repeal so much of the several Acts passed in the Thirty-ninth Year of the Reign of Elizabeth; The Fourth of George the First; The Fifth and Eighth of George the Second; as inflicts Capital Punishment on certain Offences therein specified, and to provide more suitable and effectual Punishment for such Offences. July 25.

Cap. CXVI. To repeal so much of the several Acts passed in the First and Se

cond Years of the Reign of Philip and Mary, the Eighteenth of Charles the Second, the Ninth of George the First, and the Twelfth of George the Second, as inflicts Capital Punishment on certain Offences therein specified.-July 25.

Cap. CXVII. To repeal so much of an Act passed in the Tenth and Eleventh Years of King William the Third entituled An Act for the better apprehending, prosecuting, and punishing of Felons that commit Burglary, Housebreaking, or Robbery, in Shops, Warehouses, Coach-houses, or Stables, or that steal Horses, as takes away the Benefit of Clergy from Persons privately stealing in any Shop, Warehouse, Coach-house, or Stable, any Goods, Wares, or Merchandises of the Value of Five Shillings; and for more effectually preventing the Crime of stealing privately in Shops, Warehouses, Coach-houses, or Stables.-July 25.

Cap. CXVIII. For reducing, until the Fifth Day of July, One Thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, the duty on Malt made from Bear or Bigg only, for Home Consumption in Scotland.-July 25.

1. CIVIL.

Jan. 26. The honour of Knighthood conferred on Dr Andrew Halliday, domestic physician to his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence.

Feb. 8. Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Warde, K. C. B. to be Governor of the Island of Barbadoes.

Major-General Sir Thomas Brisbane to be Governor of New South Wales and its dependencies. March 1. The honour of Knighthood conferred on Dr Crichton, physician in ordinary to the Emperor of Russia.

II. ECCLESIASTICAL.

Jan. 11. Mr John Paton was ordained minister of the parish of Delting, presbytery of Shetland, vacant by the translation of the Rev. John Simpson to the parish of Stronsay, in Orkney.

Feb. 15. Mr William Anderson called to be minister of the Relief congregation, John Street, Glasgow.

22. The Rev. Robert Smith was ordained minister of the parish of Dreghorn, presbytery of Irvine.

The Rev. Robert Gordon was admitted minister of the Chapel of Ease in the parish of St Cuthbert's, Edinburgh.

1 F. G.

4 F.

9

11

11

Cornet Fergusson, Lieut. by purchase, vice Wood, ret.

Gent. Cadet R. G. Craufurd, fin. R. do.

Mil. Col. Cornet by purch.

2

Gwyn, dead

19

25th Jan. 1821.

21

11th do.

Lt. Gen. Lord Combermere, Col. vice Cartwright, 1 Dr. G. 25th Jan.

Bt. Maj. Macalester, Major, vice Doherty, dead 13th June 1820.

Lieut. Sir J. Gordon, Bt. fm. 22 Dr. Capt.

do.

Ens. and Lt. Angerstein, fm. h. p. Ens. and Lt. by pur. vice Bathurst, 80 F. 25th Jan. 1821.

Capt. Hunter, Capt. and Lt. Col. vice Marsac, ret. 8th Feb. Ens. and Lt. Burrard, Lt. and Capt. do. Langrishe, fm. h. p. Ens. and Lt. (paying diff.) do. Capt. Simpson, Adjut. vice Hunter do. R. Espinasse, Ens. vice Warre, res. do. Lieut. Russe, Capt. vice Jervoice, dead 1st do,