The Trial of Charles Random de Berenger, Sir Thomas Cochrane Part 78

_A._ On the 19th of February.

_Q._ In what Bank notes did you pay it?

_A._ In one of .200.

_Mr. Serjeant Best._ From what are you speaking.

_A._ I have a copy of the notes.

_Q._ Is the book here?

_A._ No.

_Mr. Gurney._ You were directed to bring the books with you,--you must go and fetch them.

_Benjamin Lance sworn;_

_Examined by Mr. Gurney._

_Q._ On the 26th of February did you give that check to Mr. b.u.t.t?

_A._ Yes, I did. [_The check was handed in._]

_Mr. Gurney._ Perhaps, my Lord, I had better wait till the witness brings the books; I am extremely sorry for the loss of time?

_Lord Ellenborough._ It will be more clear.

_Mr. Gurney._ I have a little more evidence to give under this head, if your Lords.h.i.+p will allow me to give that now, the letter which I opened, offering Mr. M'Rae's discovery.

_Mr. Joseph Fearn called again;_

_Examined by Mr. Gurney._

_Q._ Look at that letter, [_shewing a letter to the witness_,] do you believe that to be Mr. Cochrane Johnstone's hand-writing?

_A._ I do.

_Q._ Do you believe that also to be Mr. Cochrane Johnstone's hand-writing?

_A._ Yes, I believe that also to be the same that is dated the 18th of April.

[_The letters were delivered in, and read as follow:_]

"To the Chairman of the Committee, "Stock Exchange, No. 18, Great c.u.mberland-street, 12th April 1814.

"Sir,

"I have this moment received a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy, and lose no time in transmitting it to you for the information of the gentlemen composing the Stock Exchange Committee; from the bearer of the letter, I am given to understand, that Mr. M'Rae, is willing to disclose the names of the Princ.i.p.als concerned in the late hoax, on being paid the sum of .10,000. to be deposited in some banker's hands, in the names of two persons, to be nominated by himself, and to be paid to him on the conviction of the offenders.

I am happy to say, that there seems now a reasonable prospect of discovering the authors of the late hoax, and I cannot evince my anxious wish to promote such discovery, more than by a.s.suring you that I am ready to contribute liberally towards the above sum of 10,000_l._ and I rest a.s.sured, that you will eagerly avail yourselves of this opportunity, to effect the proposed discovery (an object you profess to have so much at heart) by concurring with me in such contribution.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient humble servant, (Signed) _A. Cochrane Johnstone_."

[_The inclosure was read as follows:_]

"April 12th.

"Sir,

"I authorize the bearer of this note, to state to you that I am prepared to lay before the Public, the names of the persons who planned and carried into effect the late hoax, practised at the Stock Exchange the 21st of February, provided you accede to the terms which my friend will lay before you.

I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, _A. M'Rae_."

To the honourable, Cochrane Johnstone.

"No. 18, Great c.u.mberland-street, 18th April 1814.

"Sir,

"I have to request, that you will be so good as to inform me what are the intentions of the Stock Exchange, on the subject of the letter which I addressed to you relative to the proposal of Mr. M'Rae.

Lord Cochrane, Mr. b.u.t.t, and myself, are willing to subscribe 1,000_l._ each, in aid of the 10,000_l._ required by Mr.

M'Rae; the bearer waits your answer, which, to prevent any mistake, I hope you will find time to commit to writing.

I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, _A. Cochrane Johnstone_."

To Mr. Charles Laurence, Chairman of the Committee of the Stock Exchange.

[_Mr. Gurney to Mr. Fearn._]

_Q._ Look at the address of that letter [_shewing a letter to the witness_] is that address Mr. Cochrane Johnstone's hand-writing?

_A._ I believe it to be so.

[_The letter was read as follows._]

"To the Committee of the Stock Exchange.