The combatants were posted by the seconds at the distance of ten yards; but Major Sweetman, who was short-sighted, complaining that he could not see clearly, Captain Watson called out to him to advance till he was satisfied: he advanced to within four yards, when both parties fired together. Captain Watson’s ball went in at Major Sweetman’s right breast and came out at his left; he fell, and instantly expired. Captain Watson was wounded in the upper part of the thigh, but is in a fair way of recovery, the ball having been extracted.
March 20, 1796.
This day came on at Kingston assizes, the trial of Captain Brereton Watson, for the “murder” of Major Sweetman in a duel, which took place in January, at Cobham.
Captain Watson, still very ill of his wounds, was carried on a sofa covered with black into court. The surgeons refusing to be examined, through fear of being implicated in the crime with which the prisoner was charged, the trial was very short; and the result was, that Captain Watson was acquitted.
BETWEEN MR. RICHARD ENGLAND AND MR. ROWLLS.
February 19, 1796.
Mr. Richard England was put to the bar at the Old Bailey, charged with the “wilful murder” of Mr. Rowlls, brewer, of Kingston, in a duel at Cranford-bridge, June 18, 1784.
Lord Derby, the first witness, gave in evidence that he was present at Ascot races. When in the stand upon the race-course, he heard Mr. England cautioning the gentlemen present not to bet with the deceased, as he neither paid what he lost nor what he borrowed. On which Mr. Rowlls went up to him, called him rascal, or scoundrel, and offered to strike him; when Mr. England bid him stand off, or he would be obliged to knock him down; saying, at the same time, “We have interrupted the company sufficiently here, and if you have anything further to say to me, you know where I am to be found.” A further altercation ensued; but his Lordship being at the other end of the stand, did not distinctly hear it, and then the parties retired. Lord Dartrey, now Lord Cremorne, and his lady, with a gentleman, were at the inn at the time the duel was fought. They went into the garden and endeavoured to prevent the duel; several other persons were collected in the garden. Mr. Rowlls desired his Lordship and others not to interfere; and on a second attempt of his Lordship to make peace, Mr. Rowlls said, if they did not retire, he must, though reluctantly, call them impertinent. Mr. England at the same time stepped forward, and took off his hat; he said, “Gentlemen, I have been cruelly treated; I have been injured in my honour and character; let reparation be made, and I am ready to have done this moment.” Lady Dartrey retired. His Lordship stood in the bower of the garden until he saw Mr. Rowlls fall. One or two witnesses were called, who proved nothing material.
A paper, containing the prisoner’s defence, being read, the Earl of Derby, Marquis of Hertford, Mr. Whitbread, jun., Colonel Bishopp, and other gentlemen, were called to his character. They all spoke of him as a man of decent gentlemanly deportment, who, instead of seeking quarrels, was studious to avoid them. He had been friendly to Englishmen while abroad, and had rendered some service to the military at the siege of Newport.
Mr. Justice Rooke summed up the evidence; after which the jury retired for about three quarters of an hour, when they returned a verdict of “manslaughter.”
The prisoner having fled from the laws of his country for twelve years, the Court was disposed to show no lenity. He was therefore sentenced to pay a fine of one shilling, and to be imprisoned in Newgate twelve months.