The Brighton Herald gives this account :of the origin of
Sir David Scott's abolished pension— "iii the mouth of March 1823, a letter, unsealed, and in which great liber- ties were taken with the character of George the Fourth, was placed on the table of one of our libraries. This letter, which, we understand, contained the address of the writer, having found its way into the hands of Sir David Scott, that active Magistrate, accompanied by Mr. J. T. Trangmar, of Boyce's Street, a Head-borough, proceeded to the house of Mrs. Newnhant, (the same that is now occupied by Messrs. Cooper, the solicitors,) where the author of the libd lodged, and took him into custody. His name was Griffiths, a surgeon, pres tising in the town. A pair of pistols, loaded with slugs, belonging to the pri- soner, was taken possession of. by Sir David; who drew the charges on the spot. Four Head-boroughs constantly remained with Griffiths for the speed three or four days and nights; during which period he underwent meal exantimitions, all strictly private. The prisoner, on the fourth or fifth day, wan committed to Lewes House of Correction, whence, about a week after. wards, he was transferred to Bedlam as a lunatic. About two years subs:- quoit ti this event, Sir David Scott succeeded in getting his pens:on. The , lair at the time caused little or no sensation. Twelve years passed away, and the lucky Baronet had quietly pocketed more than 5,0001. of the national money for the apprehension of Griffiths, when, unfortunately fur him, public opinion prevailed upon the Government to institute an inquiry into the claims of those who received pensions. Sir David Scott was subjected to this ordeal, and his pretensions were found to be invalid. Griffiths was never considered by the persons in whose house he lived as any thing like the desperate sort of character which report subsequently represented hint to have been."
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