The Trial of Charles Random de Berenger, Sir Thomas Cochrane Part 46

_A._ No, never. He wished when he went away that it might be kept a secret where he was gone to; he did not wish any body to know where he was going to; he seemed very much agitated, and I desired he would not tell me that I might not tell any body else, and I did not know then.

_Mr. Philip Foxall sworn._

_Examined by Mr. Bolland._

_Q._ You keep the Rose Inn at Dartford?

_A._ I do.

_Q._ Look at that letter, and tell me whether you received it at any time, and when, from the person whose name it bears?

_A._ I did.

_Q._ I see it purports to be from Mr. Sandom?

_A._ It was from Mr. Sandom.

_Q._ Did you know Mr. Sandom before that time?

_A._ I did, by his frequently having chaises ordered from my house?

_Q._ Did you execute that order?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ And sent a chaise to bring the party to Dartford?

_A._ Yes; and I had horses ready, as the letter advised me.

_Q._ Had you sent chaises on a similar message before?

_A._ Yes I had, by messages, and by letter; and he also came down there in the chaise.

_Lord Ellenborough._ By a message in writing coming to you?

_A._ Yes sometimes; this came by a boy.

_Q._ You do not know his hand-writing?

_A._ No I do not.

_The Letter was read as follows_:

SIR,

Please to send me over immediately a chaise and pair to bring back to Dartford, and have four good horses ready to go on to London with all expedition.

Yours, &c.

R. SANDOM, Northfleet.

Monday Morning.

_Addressed, Mr. Foxall, Rose Inn, Dartford._

_Mr. Bolland._ In consequence of that you sent a chaise to Northfleet?

_A._ I did.

_Q._ Did you see the chaise on its return from Northfleet?

_A._ Yes; the chaise drove furiously into my yard with two gentlemen and Mr. Sandom, with white c.o.c.kades in their hats.

_Q._ What sort of hats were they?

_A._ They were very large c.o.c.ked hats.

_Q._ Were they flat hats; what are called opera hats?

_A._ I did not see; indeed they did not take them off.

_Q._ Were they quite plain hats?

_A._ Yes, with the exception of white paper or ribband, I cannot say which.

_Q._ How were the gentlemen dressed?

_A._ In blue clothes I think; but there were such a number of persons hurrying into the yard, that I had not an opportunity of examining; the four horses were ready; I gave them another chaise, as I feared the wheels of this were not very well greased.

_Q._ Had you any conversation with Sandom, or either of the gentlemen with him?

_A._ I said to Mr. Sandom, "Will those gentlemen breakfast;" he said, "No, they have breakfasted at my house, they have been in an open boat all night, and are very much fatigued." I then asked him a question, "Who are they?" he said he did not know, but they had news of the utmost consequence, and begged I would let them have good horses.

_Q._ Did any thing else pa.s.s between you and Mr. Sandom?

_A._ No, further than my asking where to; and they said to Westminster.

I told the boys I supposed they were going to the Admiralty.

_Cross-examined by Mr. Serjeant Pell._

_Q._ What time was it you received the note?

_A._ I think the note must have been received about seven o'clock.

_Q._ In the morning?