29 April, 1845

TURNKEYS KILLED On Sunday night last, a fatal and melancholy occurrence took place within the walls of our county prison, which terminated in the death of one of the turnkeys of the gaol, Robert Purtill, an active and efficient officer, who had been in the service of the county for several years, and was one of the first who received an appointment at the opening of the North Riding Gaol. It is the usual practice to have sentries on duty at night, who go the rounds of the prison inside the walls, for the better security of prisoners, and to prevent any possibility of escape. On Saturday night last that duty devolved on Isaac Mills, one of the turnkeys, who had been spending the evening out with his friends—and on his return at nine o'clock, it appearing that he was not perfectly sober, he was ordered to be put into his room until morning. another of the turnkeys, Henry Cole, brother- in-law of Mills, offered to do duty for him, and he received permission to do so. About the hour of ten o'clock, Mills got up off the bed and went out, saying he was able to perform his own duty, and took up his carabine, and joined his brother-in-law, Cole. It being represented to the Governor, Jonathan Smith, Esq., that Mills and Cole were together on duty, he directed two of the other turnkeys, upon whom he placed the greatest reliance, namely Robert Purtill and William Greene, to go round the prison and see if all was right. They proceeded as ordered, and when at the far or outer wall, and within about thirty yards of Mills and Cole, they were challenged by Mills, who instantly discharged his carabine, the contents of which entered the left breast of Purtill, a little above the heart, and passed out at the back near the spine—struck a bit out of the wall at a distance of ten or twelve yards—and lodged in the side wall which forms the angle of the prison about twenty yards still further off. Purtill, after receiving the shot, wheeled round, and ran back to the entrance gate, a distance of nearly one hundred yards, and there fell upon his face, the blood flowing fast from his wounds. He was then removed into his own quar- ters, which were situate between the outer and inner gates, where he continued suffering until seven o'clock on Monday evening, when death released him from the evils of this mortal life. Every aid that medical skill could supply was used by the physicians of the gaol, Doctor Quin, and the apothecary, Mr. Harty. Most of the medical men of Nenagh visited the unhappy patient during the day—Doctors Frith, Kittson, and Langley, were voluntarily in attendance, but alas human skill was useless, there was no hope for Purtill but in Him in whom all our hope lies—Christ our Redeemer. The governor of the gaol, the local inspector, the high sheriff, and the chaplains were almost anxiously attentive, and in deep distress at the melancholy event. Mills remains in custody, and a coroner's inquest was held on yesterday (Tuesday) at twelve o'clock. Purtill was near forty years of age, and has left a wife in a very delicate state of health, and three children totally unprovided for. The County Inspector, P. Carroll, Esq., who was standing at his hall-door on Sunday night, having heard the report of the shot, went down to the police barrack and ordered up a party of men under Head-constable Hayes one part surrounded the outer walls and another were inside within the space of five minutes from the time of the discharge of the carabine. THE INQUEST.—A post mortem examination having been made on the body of the deceased, by Dr. Quin, physician to the gaol, assisted by Doctor Fairbain, of the 35th depot, Doc- tors John and Edward Kitson, and Doctor Calahan, the coroner, James Carroll, Esq., proceeded to the county Court-house for the purpose of holding the inquest. Mr. Tabuteau, R.M.; Mr. Pollock, R.M. ; Mr. O'Dell, S.I. ; and Mr. Abott, the Inspector of the Prison, were present. Several witnesses were examined. The dying declaration of Purtill was read, in which he stated there never was the slightest enmity between him and Mills, and he could assign no reason for Mills shooting at him. The jury then retired, and soon afterwards entered with the following verdict :-- "We are of the opinion that the deceased, Robert Purtill, came by his death in consequence of a gun-shot wound inflicted on him by Isaac Mills, on the night of the 20th April, instant." --Nenagh Guardian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE MAGISTRACY The Lord Chancellor has been pleased to appoint Edward Anderson, jun., of Moygannon, Warrenpoint, to be a magis- trate of the county of Down, on the recommendation of the late lamented Lieutenant of that county. His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant has approved of Lord John Chichester being appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Antrim, in the room of Major Higginson, deceased. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE CONSTABULARY First Sub-Inspector A. K. Fox, Ramelton, county Donegal, is appointed third county inspector. Constable John Atkinson, for some time stationed at Clarina, county Limerick, has been raised to the rank of head-constable in Roscommon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FIRE IN CHICHESTER-STREET [Belfast, Co Antrim].— On Tuesday, about three o'clock, a fire broke out in the stores of Mr. Samuel M'Auley, flax and tow merchant, Lower Chichester-street, near May's-market, which, from the inflammable nature of the materials, soon presented a very alarming appearance, and threatened the destruction of the surrounding buildings. The engines were immediately on the spot, and, as there was abundance of water, the fire was soon subdued, but not, however, until the roof of the building in which the fire originated had fallen in, and much property was destroyed. The fire, we understand, was purely accidental, and we regret to say the property was not insured.—Whig. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEWRY AND ENNISKILLEN RAILWAY We are happy to be able to state, on good authority, that there is scarcely any fear of this line as regards Newry and Enniskillen. Some doubts are entertained as to the expediency of its continuation from Newry to Armagh. If this be true, the people of this city should bestir themselves lest their interests be passed over. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ METHODIST TEA MEETING A tea meeting was held in the Primitive Wesleyan Methodist Preaching-house, Moy, on Wednesday evening last. The speakers on the occasion were Messrs ALEXANDER STEWART, THOMPSON, SEWELL (Aughnacloy), FORD, and Rev. MR. SHAW, Independent Minister. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MURDER MOST FOUL An account of another murder has just reached town. The victim of this sad affair is a man of the name of FERGUSON, who resided at Drumkeerin, county Leitrim. On Wednesday night last, while employed in his own house at some domestic business, he was shot at, and melancholy to relate it proved fatal. The cause assigned for this bloody deed is that the unfortunate man had a small plot of land let to some tenants, and was about taking it from them to occupy it himself. The " Molly Maguires" it is said are the party accused of the murder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THREATENING NOTICE Mr. ARTHUR LEONARD, of Callowhill [Co Cavan] has been again served with a threatening notice by the " Molly Maguires." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FRENCH AND MUSICAL TUITION MONSIEUR FRANCOIS DE POTHONIER, French Professor to the Royal School, Dungannon ; ALSO, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC AND PIANISTE, BEGS respectfully to solicit the attention of parents desirous to secure to their families the important advantages of superior instruction in these fashionable and indispensable de- partments of modern education, which are in general exclusively restricted to a metropolitan residence, but now accessible in this country through Monsieur P.'s residence in Dungannon. The importance of providing young persons at an early period with the best instructions, is much too apparent to escape the due appreciation of discerning persons, as a different course, misapplying time and money, is to be deprecated in like manner. The efficiency and superiority of Monsieur P.'s instructions are very generally recognised, and have met with decided success and the entire approbation, as also the liberal support of several distinguished families in this country, to whom M. P. respect- fully begs to return his sincere and grateful thanks. Residence, Market-square, Dungannon.

MARRIAGES On the 19th inst., in St. Anne's Church, Belfast, by the Rev. R. Oulton, James Hamilton Stitt, grandson of the late Rev. William Stitt, Dungannon [Co Tyrone], to Catherine, eldest daughter of the late John Porter, Belfast. At Lurgan Church, by the Rev. William Falloon, Incumbent of St. John's Liverpool, Edward Leslie Falloon, Esq., Surgeon &c., 17, Stafford-street, Liverpool, third son of the Rev. M. Falloon, Rector of Layde, Cushendall [Co Antrim], to Eliza, third daughter of Joseph Breedon, Esq., Surgeon, R.N., Standstead-plain, Canada. In St. Peter's Church, on the 23d inst., by the Rev. J. Quinn, Robert Gee, of Hollywood, Cheshire, Esq., to Elizabeth daugh- ter of the late Trevor Corry, of Newry, Esq. At St. Mary's Church, on the 23d instant, by the Rev. James Wilson, D. D., Precentor of of [sic] St. Patrick's Cathedral, William Palmer, Esq., Stock Broker, fourth son of Abraham Palmer, Esq., of Lower Dominick-street, Dublin, to Emma Margaret, only daughter of William Burnside, Esq., Stratford, Co. Wicklow, and niece of John Henderson, Esq., Agnesville, Co. Down. In Clones [Co Monaghan] Church, on the 18th inst., by the Rev. Charles Welch, Mr. James Elliot, only son of Mr. Andrew Elliot, of Rosbick, to Mary Anne, third daughter of Mr. Wm. Kenedy, deceased, of Carneyharne, county Fermanagh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DEATHS On Friday, the 25th inst., at half-past three p.m., Master Charles George Jackson, aged 14 years, third son of Thomas Jackson, Esq., Asylum, Armagh. For some time past the deceased had suffered much affliction, which he bore with Christian fortitude and resignation, so much so that the bereavement of his sorrowing parents is in a great degree alleviated by the consoling thought that he is gone to show "how sweet the flower in Paradise would bloom." Suddenly on Monday last, in this town, aged 23 years, of disease of the heart, Eliza, eldest daughter of Mr. Patrick M'Sharry, of Callon-street. On the 23d inst., at Tandragee, Mary, relict of the late Mr. James Acheson, in the 74th year of her age. In this city, aged 42 years, Mr. John Gribben, builder, and proprietor of the marble-yards and quarries in the vicinity of this city. April 20, after a long and painful illness, George Beresford Dawson, late of the Rifle Brigade, and second son of the Right Hon. George R. Dawson. April 21, at Manor Highgate, county Fermanagh, Kate Isabella, daughter of Captain W. B. M'Clintock, R.M., aged one year and five months. On Friday, the 18th inst., Mr. William Maxwell, of Glasmullagh, near Lowtherstown [Co Fermanagh]. On the 18th inst., at Blackwatertown, aged 30 years, Jane, wife of Mr. Wm. Elliott, Primitive Wesleyan Missionary and Teacher, late of Ballsmill. On the 14th inst., at Forquay, in the 34th year of his age, Daniel Wilson, Esq., Solicitor, eldest son of the late James Wilson, Esq., Clerk of the Crown, county Tyrone. On Tuesday last a poor man named BERNARD HAGGINS, aged about 50 years, caretaker for C. M'BRIDE, Esq., of Alistragh, came into Armagh market, and just entered a house in Lower English-street, when he dropped down and instantly expired. Dr. FORSTER was immediately sent for, but before he arrived the vital spark had fled. An inquest was held on the body by Dr. YOUNG, Coroner for the county Down, who happened to be in town at the time of the occurrence, and a verdict of "Death caused by apoplexy" was returned A young man named JOSEPH M'GRATH, of steady and respectable deportment, went into a neighbour's house in Newtownhamilton, on the 18th inst., and had just returned to his father's residence, when he said a few words, and immediately dropped dead. Mr. MAGEE held an inquest on the body, and a verdict returned--"died by disease of the heart." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIRL FOUND A girl, calling herself Eliza Jane Johnston, has wandered from Dublin, where, it would appear, she had been under the care of a Miss Hamilton. The girl is deranged, and has evidently been so for some time. She is about 17 years old, with black hair, flat nose, and black eyes; she seems to know some- thing of Enniskillen; her sister, whom she calls Mary, and her brother Arthur, she says live near the Black Bull, in a large house. Mr. Reid, Canal-street, Newry, can give the address of the person who has sheltered the girl.—Newry Telegraph. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DESTRUCTIVE FIRE On Wednesday, 16th inst., at a place called Scotch-street, between this city and Portadown, an extensive flax-mill, the property of Mr. ROBT. HYDE, was totally consumed by fire. The origin of the fire, we believe, was accidental. The premises were not insured. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PUBLIC SOCIAL TEA PARTY On Friday evening the 25th ult., a public Social Tea Party was held in the Independent Meeting-house, Richhill. Though the evening was very rough and stormy, yet there were about 100 persons belonging to different denominations assembled and sat down to tea. When tea was over, the Rev. Mr. CARROLL, Minister of the place was moved to the chair, the duties of which he ably discharged, and the meeting was subsequently addressed by the Rev. Mr. WHITE of Armagh, on the subject of Christian love, and by the Rev. Mr. BARKER on the subject of Temperance. Several pieces were sung during the evening by the choir which attended on the occasion. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MAYNOOTH SUPPORT ARMAGH AND HER REPRESENTATIVES.--In the division on Mr. WARD's motion to support Maynooth from the funds of the church, we are happy to perceive the name of Col. RAWDON in the same list with that of Col. VERNER. O, si sic omnia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ REGIMENTAL RELIEF On Thursday last a detachment consisting of two companies of the 70th regiment, commanded by Captain TIMMINS, with Capt. BRERETON, Lieutenant HOPEGOOD, and Ensigns WILLIS and BUCHANON, arrived in this city from Newry, to relieve the party of the 36th stationed here for some time back. Same day, a company of the 5th Fusiliers, under the command of Captain GUY, and Lieutenants BARKER and RENNY, passed through this city for Charlemont, to relieve the company of the 36th stationed there, which were ordered to Newcastle-on- Tyne. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DARING OUTRAGE It will be seen by the announcement in another column that Mr. H. RUSSELL was, a few days ago, attacked in the avenue of Edenderry, and his life place for some time in great danger. Three or four ruffians at once assailed Mr. RUSSELL, who was struck on the head with a leaded bludgeon or crow-bar, from which attack he was with difficulty recovered. It is to be hoped that the large reward now offered will have the effect of discovering the cowardly assailants, that they may be brought to condign punishment.—Belfast Chronicle. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ROBBERY On Saturday night last, a robber was committed on a poor woman of the name of DUNLAVY, living at the Pig-market of this town. The articles stolen from her were clothes which had been sent to her from some respectable families in town for to have them washed, amongst which was a silk cloak. On Sunday morning some of the articles were found concealed in a field adjacent to where she lives. The police are on the alert to apprehend the robbers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PRESENTATION OF COLOURS PRESENTATION OF COLOURS TO THE 15TH REGT. OF FOOT.—This interesting ceremony took place on Wednesday last, at the New Barracks, Limerick. The colours were consecrated by the Rev. H. Gubbins, garrison chaplain, and afterwards presented by the Hon. Miss De Burgh, daughter of Major-Gen- eral Lord Downes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ APPOINTMENT The Grand Jury has ratified the appointment of the Rev. HUGH MURPHY to be Roman Catholic Chaplain to Armagh gaol.

STATE OF THE RAILWAYS ARMAGH, COLERAINE, AND PORTRUSH RAILWAY COMPANY.—We are happy to learn that, at a meeting of the Directors and Shareholders of the Portrush Harbour Company, held in this town on Thursday, Edmund M'Donnell, Esq., of Glenarm Castle, in the chair, a treaty for the purchase of the Portrush Harbour was concluded, with the above company. We congratulate our townsmen, and the country generally, on the completion of this purchase, as its new proprietors will be able to conduct its affairs in a spirit of greater liberality, than has been hitherto pursued. We also feel confident, with an outlay of capital, small in comparison to the benefits to be derived, this harbour can be made the most important in Ireland, not only as the outlet for the rich tract of country which will now find access to it by means of the proposed Railway; but also, from its commanding position at the entrance to the Irish sea, and its contiguity to the Clyde, it may become a naval station of the greatest importance.—Coleraine Chronicle. LONDONDERRY AND COLERAINE RAILWAY.—This line is to be 30 miles in length on the main line, with a branch 7 miles in length ; estimated cost £500,000. Engineer, Mr. Stephenson, agents, Messrs Dorrington & Co. Mr. Tyrrell appeared to oppose. One allegation of non-compliance was sustained and another failed. The committee adjourned at 4 o'clock.—Times of Thursday. BELFAST AND DOWNPATRICK RAILWAY.—We know of no projected railway in Ireland which promises to be more successful, as regards remunerating the shareholders, and more useful in local point of view, than the projected line from Belfast to Comber, Newtownards, and Downpatrick, with a branch to Holywood. For the construction of this line a company has been formed, and the prospectus will shorly [sic] appear. The districts through which the line will run are populous and prosperous, af- fording a large traffic, which will be greatly increased by railway accommodation. The engineering facilities afforded by the country are very favourable, and will enable the line to be cheaply constructed. Holywood is the great resort of the inhabitants of Belfast during the summer months. It is four miles distant from Belfast, and the line is, we may say, a perfect level. The con- struction of the railway will reclaim a large quantity of valuable slop. When this line is made, we are satisfied that in a short time it will be extended to Bangor and Donaghadee, and we doubt not from Downpatrick to Newry.—Irish Railway Gazette LONDONDERRY AND ENNISKILLEN RAILWAY.—The Londonderry and Enniskillen Railway Bill went before the Sub- committee No. 1, Mr. Packington, chairman, on Monday morning. It was unopposed; and the proof of compliances did not take up more than ten minutes of time. The bill was ordered to be reported to the house as having complied with standing orders. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PLOUGHS DESTROYRD On Thursday night, a number of ploughs which had been brought on the lands of Rallyvillane, about a mile from Nenagh [Co Tipperary], for the purpose of tilling the ground, by John O'Brien, Esq., of Hogan's-pass, were destroyed by some persons unknown. Some days before warning had been given to Mr. O'Brien, or some of his workmen, not to till the lands in question. --Saunder's News-Letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AGRARIAN OUTRAGE A few nights since, a gang of ruffians, calling themselves Molly Maguire's chickens, went to the house of a farmer, named Abraham Sloan, near Scotstown, in this county [i.e., Monaghan]; and having broken the door, their leader, who called himself Captain Steelribs, ordered his "chickens" to drag the man of the house out of bed, whom he put upon his knees, and having placed the muzzle of a cocked pistol on his breast, he induced him to swear on a Romish Catechism, that he would on the next morning give up possession of a farm which he (Sloan) holds in dispute After threatening the most dreadful vengeance in the event of a non-compliance with this mandate, and after firing some shots about the premises, the miscreants decamped, by word of command, in military array.—Monaghan Standard. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COUNTY OF ARMAGH Applotment of County Cess at Spring Assizes, 1845, to be levied before Summer Assizes. ... HIGH CONSTABLES APPOINTED SPRING, 1845. Armagh--John Gamble. Tureny--Alexander Roberts. O'Neiland East--Richd. Coulter. O'Neiland West--John Dobbin. Upper Fews--Thomas Moore. Lower Fews--Robert Johnston. Upper Orier--Joseph Seaver. Lower Orier--Miles Atkinson STATE OF THE ARMAGH WORK-HOUSE FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 26TH.--Admitted 10; born 2; remaining last week 456; total 468; total discharged and died 13; remaining on the above date 455. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DANGEROUS ACCIDENT On Friday morning between 12 and 1 o'clock, as an inside jaunting car, in which were two or three ladies, returning home from a party, was rounding into Bridge-street [Belfast], the driver fell from his seat to the curb-stone, and received several severe cuts and bruises on the head and face, which bled profusely. On being raised from the ground, it was quite evident that the poor fellow had been drinking rather freely. The ladies were greatly alarmed, but a message having been sent, a gentleman reached the spot shortly after the occurrence, and drove them to their residence.—Belfast News Letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SOCIAL HAPPENINGS The Right Hon. The Earl of CHARLEMONT, Lord Lieutenant of the county Tyrone, passed through this city, dining at Wiltshire's Hotel, yesterday, from whence he proceeded to his residence Roxboro' House, Moy, from Dublin. Captain MERVYN ARCHDALL paired with Lord NEWPORT against the second reading of the Maynooth grant, having been obliged to come to Ireland on urgent family business. Viscount and Viscountess NEWRY and family have arrived in Eaton-place. Lady CHAMPAGNE entertained at dinner on Tuesday the Marquis and Marchioness of THOMOND, Earl and Countess of ENNISKILLEN, Lord and Lady FEVERSHAM, the Marchioness of ELY and Lady ANNE LOFTUS, Lord ADAM LOFTUS, Lady FORBES, Mr. VAUGHAN, Mr. PAGET, Lady HARRIETT and Miss PAGES, Captain FORBES, Sir BLADEN CAPEL, &c. The Armagh, Coleraine, and Portrush railway gentlemen, had an interview with Lord Charlemont in Wiltshire's hotel yesterday, after visiting Lord Gosford's. They are to wait upon his Lordship againt at Roxboro' House. One of the most delightful balls of the season, in Dublin, was given on Monday evening week by Mrs. Bond, of "The Argory," near Charlemont, county Armagh, who, being anxious to add to the comfort of her guests, (upwards of three hundred of the elite of the resident rank and fashion,) engaged the Rotunda Rooms for the occasion. A more brilliant scene we have not witnessed, every thing was provided in profuse magnifi- cence. The supper supplied by Mitchell was recherche ; and wines of the finest vintage flowed in abundance. Dancing com- menced at eleven o'clock to Kelly's splendid band, under the management of Mr. Williams, who officiated as master of the ceremonies, and was kept up with unceasing delight until a late hour, when the company separated, highly charmed with the urbanity of their host and hostess.--Evening Packet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ £200 REWARD WHEREAS, on the night of Thursday, the 3d April inst., HOUSTON RUSSELL, of Edenderry, in the County of Down, Esq., was waylaid, and severely wounded in the head, in the Avenue of Edenderry, and his life thereby placed in imminent danger.—A REWARD of £200 will be given for the apprehension and conviction of the assassin, and the sum of £50 will be given for such private information, as may lead to the discovery of all, or any of the persons guilty of said outrage. (Signed) FREDERICK RUSSELL. Edenderry, 14th April, 1845. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE WEATHER Since Thursday evening last we have had some refreshing showers, which have tended greatly to improve the early-set potatoes. The healthy appearance of the crops in the neighbourhood promise an abundant harvest. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EMIGRATION The tide of emigration to America, has just commenced in this county—every week large numbers of the peasantry of our country pass through this town on their way to the ports of Donegal, Derry, Sligo, &c. The majority of those emigrating are Protestants.