The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1828

19th century Jersey
From the Jersey Loyalist: 1828

The front page of the first edition of the Jersey Loyalist on 5 September 1825

Our history of 19th century Jersey from newspaper cuttings has started with the Jersey Loyalist, an English-language newspaper published from 1825 to 1831.

This was a time of great growth and diversification in Jersey, fuelled by an influx of English immigrants which saw the population increase by 17 per cent between 1821 and 1826.

This page is part of a project launched by Jerripedia in 2024 to chronicle the history of Jersey through the 19th century using news cuttings from most of the newspapers published during those 100 years.
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Main index page
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1825
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1826
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1827
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1829
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1830
The 19th century in newspaper cuttings - Loyalist 1831

The Jersey Loyalist launched in 1825, seemingly as much as a political opponent of the British Press, which had launched three years earlier, as a truly commercial venture. This was denied in the introduction on page one of the first edition, but scarcely an edition was published in the next six years without the competitor's coverage of one event or another being roundly criticised.

The British Press, later to become the British Press and Jersey Times, had the last laugh, outliving the Loyalist by almost 80 years.

The Jersey Loyalist was typical of early island newspapers, in that it contained very little local news. The majority of its news columns was devoted to London news, copied apparently verbatim from national newspapers received in the island some days after publication, and focusing on parliamentary affairs, which would have had little or no meaning to island residents, save for the more affluent and better educated immigrant English families which had swelled the island's population in the first quarter of the century.

Local news was restricted largely to coverage of States sittings and the work of the Royal Court, although tragic accidents, both on land and at sea, were also included in the mix. The Loyalist was not highly political, but did allow its readers to voice their opinions in frequently very lengthy letters to the editor, more often than not involving the British Press and Jersey Times.

Our selection of news items which follows has been made in an attempt to paint a picture of as many aspects of island life as possible in 1828.

January

Artillery stores

On the 12th the States, having been convened at the request of the Lieut-Governor, discussed his year-old proposal to build two central magazines at the public expense, to lodge the artillery of the island.

He had written to all the Constables about the need for better storage but they said they could not afford to comply with his wishes and referred the matter to the States. His Excellence said that was urgent that something should be done, either by the States or the parishes, and in case of further delay, he would have recourse to such measures as would compel them.

Jurat Nicolle said that 'from time immemorial' the parishes had had the care of their own artillery and he moved that each parish should keep its own arsenal in a convenient state of repair. After a lively debate this motion was approved by 22 votes to 9.

Remarking that unusually States Members who were on different sides had supported each other, the newspaper added that the States and the public 'are averse to so much military bustle and parade, in a time of profound peace, and they cannot discover what can be the utility of keeping up our establishments on the same large and expensive scale, as if we had another Napoleon threatening us on the opposite coast'.

Flooding

In the first week of the year the area of Les Hemies (Le Geyt and Dumaresq Streets), Minden Place, New Street, Don Street and Beresford Street were twice inundated, the water forcing its way even into some of the houses and warehouses, and causing a great deal of damage to property. This has been caused by the excessive fall of rain during the last fortnight, the brooks not being sufficiently large to carry off the waters.

Shipwrecks

Speedy

The Speedy, master John Bishop, left Southampton on the 8th bound for Jersey. Early on Wednesday morning, in thick snow, she struck the outermost rock off Cap de La Hague and disappeared after three hours. Fourteen crew and passengers reached the shore and arrived in Jersey via Granville on the 10th. The cargo of the Speedy was worth upwards of £3,000.

Mary

The cutter Mary, en route from Perros to Jersey with a cargo of cattle for Robert Waterman, was wrecked in Rocquaine Bay, Guernsey, on the 20th, before deylight. The vessel left Perros the previous day but the crew did not know which of the islands they were approaching in a violent gale. The bowsprit broke and the boom was carried away and the vessel struck a rock not far from the shore. It was high water and the crew remained on board until taken off by a Rocquaine boat. The cabin boy could not be found.

The Mary remained fast on the rock and 18 bullocks, out of 22 on board, together with a horse and a large quantity of poultry, were taken off alive in boats as the tide fell.

The Royal Court was informed of the shipwreck and granted £24 to the master, Thomas Amlod; £10 to mate James Marshelay, who lost a finger during the storm; £2 10s to pilot William Wilcock and seaman George Lock.

Fanny

There are two pages missing from the digital copy of the first 1928 edition of the Loyalist so there is no report of the wreck of the Fanny on the south coast, but a number of reports of inquests followed. It appears from Le Constitutionnel of 5 January that Fanny left St Malo on the morning of 1 January and arrived in the small roads about 2 pm to be met by the pilot boat and a large boat sent to collect Colonel Fyers, one of the passengers.

Because the weather was worsening, other passengers were invited to disembark on the two boats and one went across to Havre des Pas, where eight passengers were disembarked. Capt Destouches, master of the Fanny, put down three anchors, but the ship was battered by strong winds, described by Le Constitutionnel as un ouragan affreux - a frightful hurricane.

Anchor chains and ropes broke and the vessel was driven on to rocks with only a canoe available, which could at best have taken half the 20 people remaining on board. The captain and one of his crew were among them. The newspaper reported that the passengers saved, 'of the highest respectability' assured that no blame could be attached to the conduct of the Captain.

However, this view was not shared by an increasing number of jurymen, as several inquests were held during the month on the bodies of those who died, and calls were being made for the Crown Officers to consider prosecuting Capt Destouches for negligent behaviour.

Vingtenier

Edward Romeril, who had already served nine years as Vingtenier in St Saviour, and had been re-elected, seemingly by political opponents, despite his wish not to serve again, was ordered by the Royal Court to take the oath of office, despite his advocate's arguments.

February

No quorum

The States met on the 2nd, but only five of the Rectors were present, two short of the quorum. The House was told that the Dean had indicated that he would attend if needed to form a quorum, but Jurat Le Maistre objected, saying that he had been summoned like the other Members and it was his duty to be in his place. Jurat Nicolle agreed, observing that it would be derogatory to the dignity of the States to send for the Dean.

The States rose without proceeding to business.

Ship strikes buoy

On the 17th Le Bien Aime, Capt Le Hodey, with a cargo of bullocks, sailing from Granville to Jersey with two other French cutters, struck the buoy near the former port. Thinking that no mischief hadhappened, the master continued his voyage. About three leagues from shore he found the vessel had spring a leak and made a signal of distress. One of the cutters saw the signal, put about and took the passengers and crew on board. Le Bien Aime was towed back to Granville.

Quarry death

On the 22nd John Doyle, a quarryman, was found dead in a quarry near Gallows Hill, a large stone having fallen on his head. He leaves a widow and five children to deplore his untimely end.

March

False banknotes

It is currently reported in town that false bank notes are in circulation. They are said to have been tendered by an individual about 30 years old, 5 ft 8 in tall, speaking English and French, and claiming to be the captain of an oyster smack. A countrywoman has been taken arrested by Mr Godfray, the Denonciateur, while trying to utter one of the bad notes, and has been released on bail pending a Court appearance.

Another quarry death

A man called Mitchell was killed when he was struck by a stone thrown from Fort Regent on the quarry below and fell 70 feet to the ground. A boy called Perryman, whose father is Serjeant Major of the 27th Regiment, stationed at the Fort, has been charged and released on bail. His father and his regimental colleagues have promised financial support for Mitchell's widow and two children.

Flood prevention

A St Helier Vestry meeting received the report of the committee named to consider and advise as to the best means of be adopted in order to prevent the recurrence of the inundations which took place in the town (see above).

The report recommended the removal of several obstructions in the Grand Douet and Faux Bie, and the cutting of an additional canal, four feet wide and three feet deep, from the top of New Street to the bottom of Broad Street, at a cost of about £900.

Sailor killed

A most confusing account of an incident involving English oyster boats and French vessels near the coast of France on the 14th, leading to the death of a sailor, was given in the Loyalist the following week. The first part of the report was copied from an account in the Constitutionnel the day after the confrontation. This was left unedited and followed by what the Loyalist described as 'additional and more authentic particulars'.

It appears that an English fishing smack out of Gorey was taken by an armed French cutter in a disputed position. Other English boats attempted to retake their colleagues' vessel and while they were jumping into it, the French opened fire and a man named John Smith was shot in the leg. He was taken back to Gorey but, despite medical attention and the removal of the shot, he died on the 16th.

The original crew of the English boat were taken to Granville and held in irons, and the three French crewmen on board when the boat was retaken, were held in Jersey pending the outcome of a meeting at Government House attended by the French and English captains and the verdict of an inquest on Smith.

That verdict was that John Smith was killed by a shot fired at him intentionally by M Louvel, Commander of the French cutter Goeland, while Smith, accompanied by several English sailors, were in the act of liberating the oyster smack Favourite, which they considered unlawfully seized by the French cutter.

Public finances

On the 22nd the States were told that claims totalling 93,000 francs could not be paid because of a shortage of revenue. A vote of credit for 100,000, by issuing notes of 400 francs each, bearing an interest of 4 per cent, was recommended. It was pointed out that a significant part of the deficit was accounted for by a near tripling of the cost of the roads in five years.

Postal packets

The Meteor Post Office steam packet, commanded by Capt Connor, will begin running between Weymouth and the islands after 5 April, when there will be three packets a week.

Mrs Grandin

Mrs Grandin of the parish of St John was unfortunately killed on the 24th. She was riding in a cart and coming down a steep hill. The horse having fallen down she was thrown out of the cart and the wheel passing over her neck, she expired a few minutes after.

April

Inquest fees

Giving further consideration to the public accounts, the States were informed on 5 April that an account had been received from the Under-Sheriff for coroner's inquests for the three years ending 31 December 1827, claiming £194 10s. It was remarked that the States had not previously paid for inquests.

The King's Advocate said that the claim arose from an Act of the Royal Court of 22 September 1826, ordering that inquests on soldiers of the garrison should be paid by the Crown, those of inhabitants by the parishes and those of strangers by the States. The account presented involved English and French strangers. The itemised accounts showed 52 6d for drawing up the writ; 2s 6d for the Bailiff's signature; £1 10s 6d for the Sheriff's fee; 10s 6d for the Greffier's fee; £1 10s 6d for the King's Procurator and 2s 6d for each of the 12 jurymen, making a total of £5 10s per inquest.

By 17 votes to 6 it was agreed to pay what was requested and named a committee of nine to look into the whole issue.

Butcher's candle

Butcher John Picot was fined £1 5s and costs for having, on a Saturday night the previous year, when the New Market was shut, left a lighted candle in his stall, thereby endangering the safety of the market. Picot admitted the offence, which he said was occasioned by the negligence of his workmen, having been himself absent for the whole day.

Church assault

A case dating back to October 1826 was finally brought to its conclusion when Philip Duheaume was fined by the Royal Court for an assault in St Ouen's Church on Jurat d'Auvergne. He had dragged the Jurat from a pew and thrown him against the communion table. Duheaume was ordered to pay a fine of £1 17s 6d to the King, £10 damages to Mr d'Auvergne, and costs

Charles Robin bequest

The States were informed that the late Charles Robin had bequeathed to the General Hospital £2,500 sterling, to accumulate with interest to £3,000 (£400,000 in 2012 values). £2,000 was to be employed building an additional wing to the hospital and a chapel, with the remainder to be given to the Chaplain of the chapel, who was to be an inhabitant of the island not possessing a parish.

Oyster fisheries

Following recent disagreements in the oyster fishery between Jersey and France, (see above) the States agreed to set up a committee to prepare a representation to the UK Government. The Jurats of Rosel and de Ste Croix, Rev Bertram and Durell, and Constables Godfray and de Quetteville were named to form the committee.

Illegal parking

Capt Helier Langlois was fined £1 5s to the King for disobeying the harbourmaster's order to remove his vessel from the berth reserved for His Majesty's steam packets in St Helier Harbour.

Drowning

On the 21st Philip de Gruchy, of Trinity, was drowned. He was steering the cuter Union which was dredging for oysters near Carteret, on the coast of France, when the book knocked him overboard. He had sunk before any assistance could be rendered him. He leaves a widow and eight children. Mr de Gruchy was one of the sailors who saved the passengers of the vessel La Ballance which was wrecked on the Dirouelles in 1816. He was presented with a medal by the King of France for his meritorious conduct on that occasion.

May

Shipwrecks

On the last day of April the cutter Victory, Capt Bisson, en route from Plmouth to Jersey was lost on the Minquiers. The vessel was carried there by currents in heavy fog and struck before anyone knew where they were. Eight persons who were on board took to the small boat and landed in Jersey during the evening. Neither the vessel nor cargo were insured.

The following day a Jersey fishing smack from l'Arche Rondel (Archirondel) was lost on the rocks near l'Avarison in Grouville Bay. John Mallet and Philip Laurens (20) jumped overboard. The former saved himself on l'Avarison but Laurens was drowned. John Marett got to the masthead and was saved by a boat sent to pick him up.

Readership

Evidence that the Loyalist was aimed fairly and squarely at the English residents of St Helier was given by this Court report:

"The remainder of the sitting was uninteresting to our English readers, having been devoted to the hearing of two cases for assaults, and the parties being all country people."

It is remarkable that the newspaper would believe that its English readership would be more interested in events in the House of Commons, the counties, Paris, Lisbon and Turkey than in what was happening in the island they had made their new home. It is worth recalling that at this point, the newspaper has only another three years before it ceases publication.

Farm fire

On the night of the 10th, the home of John du Heaume, of La Pointe, St Ouen, was totally burnt, but by the timely assistance of several persons, returning from fishing, the cattle and out offices were saved. It is reported that the house is insured, and it is not known how it took fire.

New Theatre Royal

The opening of the New Theatre Royal was given extensive coverage in the Loyalist during the month, it having met with the resounding approval of the newspaper. Not so the British Press, which had the temerity to criticise its rival's review of the opening night, resulting in another exchange of leading articles between the two, as well as the publication of a letter in the Loyalist, criticising the British Press use of English.

June

Quarry death

The death of a man called Mitchell while working in the quarry below Fort Regent (see above) has been followed by a donation of £25 by the officers and men of the 27th Regiment stationed at the fort to his widow. Sgt-Major Perryman, the father of the boy 'through whose accidental agency the unfortunate man lost his life' subscribed £5. It is worth recalling that the accident involved the boy throwing stones over the ledge into the quarry.

Widower's death

John China, foreman to ship's carpenter Mr Silk, had the misfortune to fall from on board the Dolphin on to the pier in St Helier Harbour and was so dreadfully bruised that he died in the course of the following night in the most excruciating agony. The unfortunate China is generally regretted by all those who knew him and leaves a two-year-old orphan child to deplore his untimely end. He buried his wife about seven months ago.

Boy attacked

A young lad of 12 or 13, son of cart driver Stephen Palmer, was playing in the Royal Square when he received a violent blow to the head with a stick, which felled him to the ground and fractured his skull. Drs Fixott and Poingdestre, who attended him, consider the wound to be of a very serious nature. Cart driver Thomas Screaton was seized by the police accused of having committed this rash act.

Lady's death

King's Procurator Sir Thomas Le Breton's wife, Frances, nee Rawson, died at the age of 33 after a short illness of only eight days caused by a putrid fever. The couple had no children.

Marriage refusal

George Aubin complained to the Royal Court that having been engaged to Miss Maria Dalton for some two years, she had twice announced that she would not go ahead with their marriage, the second occasion being the day that everything had been prepared for the ceremony.

He asked the Court to summon her and condemn her to go ahead with marriage, failing which she should pay £2,000 sterling in damages (£262,000 at 2024 values)

False claims

Mr Nash sued Mary Griffin for having spread false reports which tended to injure his character as a gentleman. Three witnesses stated that Griffin had been in several shops in the town and told the proprietors not to give credit to Mr Nash or his wife because they never paid their debts. The Court immediately condemned Griffin to a fine of £1 5s and costs.

July

Lightning strike

On the 3rd John Bertram (54), his brother Amice (48) and Thomas Le Vesconte left La Rocque to go fishing. Near the Les Boeuf rocks near Les Minquiers they were preparing to spread their nets with their boat was struck by lightning, killing John Bertram on the spot. Had it not been for the timely assistance of a nearby boat the two survivors may have perished. The inquest returned a verdict of 'Died by the Visitation of God'.

The brothers were the sons of Jean Bertram and Rachel, nee Pirouet, of Grouville.

Lloyd's List

Extracts from Lloyd's List published in the Loyalist on 7 July, showing the continuing importance of Jersey's global maritime traffic.

• At Bristol on 26 June, the Olive Branch and on 1 July, Marie Victoire, Vibert, both from Jersey
• In the Clyde on 26 July, the Albion, McLean, from Catania
• At Shield, on 26 June, The Argus, Patterson, and on the 29th, the Britannia, Stoddard, both from Jersey
• At Sunderland on the 1st, Alpha, Hall, from Jersey
• At Elsinore on 23 June, the Calista, Pallot, from St Petersburg, and the St Nicholas, Parrow, from Jersey
• At Danzig between 4 and 11 June, the Minerva, Le Breton; 9 March, Genthe, the Maria, the St Johannes and the Johanna-Dorothea, all from Jersey
• At Riga on 13 June, Vrow Catharina from Jersey
• At Archangel on 3 June, the Twig, Bailhache, from the Clyde, and on the 6th, Ashburton, Carrel, from Jersey
• At Bilbao on 18 June, Robert and Ann, Young, from Jersey

Wives attacked

Daniel Le Page, of St Peter, was accused in the Royal Court of ill-treating his wife and breaking the windows of her house, and of being otherwise 'of a very riotous disposition'. The court ordered him to give security of £12 10s for his future good conduct, or to leave the island.

John Carey, of St Helier, was presented on a similar charge, and of disturbing the public peace. He gave bail in the sum of £6 5s to avoid having to leave the island.

Murder

On the morning of Sunday 22nd John McLean was killed by John Marshall. McLean was quarrelling with John Shave at Snow Hill when Marshall and James Coile intervened. Marshall repeatedly punched McLean to the ground and killed him as he lay there. The inquest returned a verdict of willful murder against Marshall and of being an accessory against Coil. The are being held in prison pending a Court hearing.

Centeniers

Elections for Centenier resulted in the election of Bernard Godfray, Rose Party, by two votes, in St Clement; Jean Dumaresq, Rose Party, by a large majority, in Grouville; and Helier Payn, unopposed, in St Martin.

August

Theft

Appearing in Court charged with stealing soap from Mr May's shop, Elizabeth Dunn said that she was married. Her husband was sent for and said that she was not his wife, although they had lived together for a long time and had several children. He was ready to give bail for himself and the children but Elizabeth Dun 'might get out of the scrape she had got into as well as she could'. The Court condemned him to give bail for himself, Elizabeth Dunn and her children.

Quarrel with soldiers

George Poingdestre was charged with insulting and challenging to fight a soldier near the Parade on the 2nd; to have caused a quarrel between islanders and several soldier, who drew their bayonets. Centenier Nicolle was called and he was obliged to call for the assistance of guard, who secured several rioters and delivered them to their officers at Fort Regent.

Poingdestre said that he was drunk at the time and was sorry for what happened. He was sentenced to a fortnight in prison with the last two days on bread and water. Soldier Thomas Burgess, charged with resisting the authority of the centenier and helping one of his colleagues escape was sentenced to eight days in prison, the final day on bread and water.

Suicide

Queen Street shopkeeper M Gosset was found dead in front of his house on the 11th. He had been labouring for some time under a severe attack of brain fever and it was necessary for someone to sit with him day and night. The two persons who sat with him the previous night fell asleep, and he must have 'seized on that moment to open his bedroom window and throw himself out of it'.

Disputed election

The count after the election for Centenier in St Ouen on the 17th revealed 102 votes for James Le Brocq and 101 for Daniel Dumaresq. In Court Dumaresq challenged the result on the grounds that 'Le Brocq and his friends had recourse to bribery and other illegal means to secure his election; that the King's officers meddled in the election, and by their influence hindered many persons from voting in favour of Dumaresq'. The two candidates were ordered to put their cases to the Greffier.

Runaway horse and cart

On the 18th Eliza Simonet, second daughter of the Constable of Grouville, was crossing Old Post Office Street when she was knocked down by a horse and cart which were at full gallop without a driver. One of the wheels of the cart passed over her chest. We are happy to state that this amiable young lady is in a fair way of recovery.

Drowning

On Thursday 14th three men were fishing between the Ecrehous and Gorey when a sudden squall lurched the boat and John Filleul, of Grouville, fell overboard and disappeared. He leaves a widow and five children of eleven and under. A subscription is to be circulated through the island to support his family.

Garden robberies

Following overnight thefts in the gardens of Mr de Quetteville and Mr Le Rossignol at Le Coie, when fruit, vegetables, tools and other articles were taken, the Loyalist warned its readers that there is a gang of these garden robbers and that all means should be taken to try to arrest them.

Ship launches

The 146-ton brig General Don was launched on the 26th from the yard of George Hamptonne on the pier at St Helier Harbour, 'in front of an immense concourse of people, who lined the two piers to view this very interesting sight'.

Two days later the 128-ton brig Crusader was launched from the De Ste Croix yard at Havre des Pas 'amidst the acclamations of an immense multitude' and accompanied on board by a bugle band.

September

Obituary

The death was announced in England at the age of 51 of Philip Silvester Carteret, of Trinity Manor. His estate descends to his sister, the wife of Captain Symonds, RN. Sir Philip was the youngest son of Admiral Carteret, a celebrated circumnavigator, and Mary Rachel, nee Silvester.

Jesuits

Much concern was expressed in Guernsey at the attempt to establish a Jesuit college in the island, even though it had been refused. A meeting of islanders was called and a petition was drawn up to the sent to the King asking him to resist any move by the Jesuits to establish in Guernsey.

Pontac ball

On 13 September there was a ball in the long saloon at Pontac attended by upwards of ladies and gentlemen of the first families in the island, led by the Lieut-Governor Sir Colin and Lady Halkett, and the Bailiff, Sir Thomas Le Breton and part of his family. The occasion was organised by Col Nicolle, John Le Feuvre, John Nicolle, Thomas Le Marchand, Charles Jones, Charles Thoreau, Edward Miller and Edward Nicolle.

Quaker's refusal

Quaker John Asplet, of St Aubin, was brought before the Royal Court for refusing to do military duty. He said that his conscience would not allow him to do so. He refused bail and insisted on being held in prison pending a full court hearing.

Illegal seizure

The seizure by Grouville Centenier Charles Mallet of property at Mr Snow's house, which he had bought from Edward Roberts, was found to be illegal. It was accepted that Roberts had occupied part of a house belonging to the children of the late Mr Bourinot and had removed his property. The Centenier was ordered to give up the seized contents and pay £2 10s damages to Mr Snow.

October

Price rise

Considerable concern was expressed at the start of the month at the increase in the price of flour from 52s to 72s a sack. The States debated the subject and agreed to buy flour at the best price possible to bring down the price of bread, which had also risen sharply.

Murder charge

The fight in the Royal Square which led to the death of John McLean in July (see above) led to a Royal Court trial. It emerged that James Marshall, who intervened with James Coyle, in a quarrel between McLean and John Shave had earlier threatened violence against McLean if he did not pay a debt of 5s 8½d owed to him. When he came across him in the square he knocked him to the ground and struck several blows while he was lying there. After being told that McLean was dead, he continued the assault.

Much of the hearing was devoted to the issue of whether Marshall was guilty of murder or manslaughter, the argument hinging on the accused's previous assertions that he intended to attack his victim.

The jury retired for an hour and returned a not guilty verdict for Coyle and found Marshall guilty of murder by a majority. He demanded an appeal to the Grand Jury, which was ordered to take place the following day. This large jury found him guilty by a considerable majority of aggravated manslaughter. He was sentenced to be whipped by the public executioner, serve six months in solitary confinement and then to be banished from the island for ever.

Broken bones

Dr Fixott was kept busy during the week of 6 October. Chelsea Pensioner George Seward broke his leg on the Thursday while employed to pick pears in Capt Chevalier's grounds and Dr Fixott was called to set the fracture. The same afternoon the doctor was passing by when Mrs Tocque, of St Lawrence was riding home and thrown from her horse near Water Lane. He drove her home and set her fractured leg.

On the Saturday John Marett, of Samares, fell from his horse and dislocated his leg, which Dr Fixott attended to. The same evening Edward Romeril, of St Lawrence, broke a bone in one of his arms when the cart he was driving was upset, and Dr Fixott also attended to him.

Petition

A petition from property owners between Patriotic Ground and the North Pier asking the States to assist with the building of a quay along its full length was presented by Jurat de Carteret. The plan was believed to be highly useful but also highly expensive. The plan would soon gain approval and work would start the following year, eventually leading to the construction of the Esplanade from the Harbour to West Park.

Oyster measures

A petition presented by a large number of men employed in the oyster fishery called on the States to prevent the Deputy Viscount charging 5s for each measure they were required to obtain, with his official mark. It was disclosed that 300 of these measures had been issued, without the Deputy-Viscount having any authority to make the charge.

This led to a debate over whether the petition should have been presented to the Royal Court, who had authority over the Deputy Viscount, which the States did not. The petition was rejected by 20 votes to 11.

Mont Mado windmill was built in 1827

November

Quaker's refusal

John Asplet appeared again in the Royal Court (see above) accused of refusing to do his military duty. On his behalf, Advocate Hammond said that Asplet was a Quaker, and that members of that religion were excused militia duty in the UK, being required to pay a fine. They were also dispensed from serving in Guernsey.

Not in Jersey, though. He was given one month to arrange his private affairs before being required to leave the island.

Girl killed by horse

Twelve-year-old Ann Le Caplain of St Aubin was rode over and killed on the 17th by a horse which her father had just mounted. The horse became ungovernable and hit the girl.

Child burnt to death

The two-year-old child of George and Mrs du Heaume, of Gorey, was killed by fire when Mrs du Heaume went to her garden to fetch vegetables for dinner, leaving three young children alone. When she returned she found that one of them was in a complete blaze. The child died two days later.

Fall from ship

Francis de La Haye, mate of the new brig Morgiana, was killed when he fell on his head on to the pier from the bowsprit.

Hit by brick

Mary Mollet, of St Martin, was welking along Mulcaster Street near Peter Duhamel's new building, when she was hit on the head by a brick which fell from the top of the house. Dr King attended her and has great hopes of her speedy recovery.

Town military shed

Following earlier concerns about the state of the island's parish sheds for storing artillery (see above) St Helier approved a proposal to sell the site of the existing shed and use the proceeds to build a new one.

Election

Daniel Gaudin of the Rose party beat Clement Touet of the Laurel party by nine votes in an election for Centenier in St Clement. The present Constable, H Godfray, (Laurel) has started campaigning to be re-elected and will be opposed by Philip Le Maistre (Rose).

Property speculator dies

George Ingouville, the founder of Georgetown and perhaps the largest speculator yet in land and houses in the island , died in his 68th year at Fregoniere House .

Gravesend

The harbour at Gravesend has been kept busy by arrivals from Jersey. On the 3rd the Catharine, Quinton; Spring, Martin; Friends, Sparrow, all docked, followed the next day by the Nelson, Phillips; Recovery, Blain; Hawk, Marett; and Wellcome Messenger, Jackson; on the 5th by Nautilus, Serjeant; and Queen Charlotte, Galloway; and on the 6th by the Hebe, Francis.

Early parish assembly

A case brought against St John Chef de Police Richard Le Quesne, by parishioners Picot, Falla, Hocquard, Pinel and Le Messurier, for illegally holding a parish assembly at half past six in the morning came to an abrupt halt while witnesses were being heard in the Royal Court. Le Quesne's counsel told the Court that the parties had reached an agreement and the proceedings of the assembly would be annulled, another meeting would be called and Le Quesne would pay all the expenses of the law suit.

Windmill death

On the 19th Elias Pinel was killed when hit by one of the sails of the Mont Mado windmill.

December

Rozel common dispute

Clement Richardson brought a remonstrance seeking his release from prison, where he had been confined at the request of the Seigneur of Rosel, after a ruling against him in the manorial court.

Richardson, together with three others, was proprietor of a common forming part of the fief of Rozel and the seigneur brought a complaint against him to compel him to level the enclosures dividing the common and pay a fine for having broken up the ground. The seigneur obtained confirmation of the judgment and Richardson was imprisoned.

He argued that the manorial court was not competent to deal with this matter, which should have been brought to the Royal Court. After lengthy pleadings on both sides the Jurats were evenly divided, five in favour of Richardson and five against, and the Bailiff's casting vote was against him.

The following day Richardson withdrew his proposed appeal to the Privy Council, submitted to the sentence of the Court and was released. A similar action brought by John Becquet on the subject was also rejected by the Court later in the day.

New line of quays

On the 12th the Committee of the Piers met and approved a plan for a new line of quays from Patriotic Ground to Conway Street. They were told that the work would cost £24,000 but the owners of properties along the route would undertake to carry out the work if the States granted them £9,000. The committee agreed to put the plan forward to the States with a recommended grant of £8,000.

The committee also agreed to recommend a vote of £3,000 to lower Upper Pier Road to provide an easy descent to the South Pier. They also recommended an expenditure of £2,000 on a harbour at Rozel.