The inquest on the exhumed body of Anne Palmer, the
wife of William Palmer, began yesterday. The witnesses examined were Ann Rowley and Mrs. Bradw, attendants on Mrs. Palmer ; Eliza Theme, house-servant ; Sarah Palmer and George Palmer, sister and brother of the suspected ; Mr. Bamford, an aged surgeon, and Dr. Knight, a physician, medical attendants on Mrs. Palmer • Mr. Bergen, Superintendent of Police, Mr. William Henry Tindall, assistant actuary of the Atlas Insurance Company. The evidence chiefly bore upon the state of Mrs. Palmer's health and the symptoms at- tending her death. Some excitement was caused by a declaration from the brother of the accused, that Mr. Hawkins, one of the jurymen, said to have assisted in furnishing evidence for the prosecution, would never leave the jury-box without returning a verdict of " Guilty " against William Palmer. The inquest is adjourned. As there was some foul play with letters addressed by Professor Taylor to the solicitor for the prosecution, the Postmaster-General sent down two in- spectors, and they immediately suspended the Postmaster of Rugeley. An inquiry was instituted on Thursday, and resumed yesterday ; but it could not proceed; because the Coroner, a necessary witness, did not or could not keep his appointment. It Would appear, however, that the Postmaster did read Professor Taylor's letter, which he says was " open " ; and that he com- municated its purport to Palmer. Professor Taylor deposes that he posted the letter himself, and that he is sure it was properly secured.
Previous page
