Mr. Serjeant Bompas. Besides being a notary, do you carry on the business of a merchant at all?—No, not in the least.
How do you become possessed with your knowledge?—In my notarial capacity I have often had to prepare bills of sale of ships, and various documents connected with shipping, and that is the only way I obtain my information.
Mr. Serjeant Bompas. We will read these documents; the one signed by the prisoner at the bar first of all.
Mr. Kelly. Take them one at a time; they stand under very different circumstances. Let me look at it. (It was handed to Mr. Kelly.)
The same was then read, dated London, the 20th of August, 1840, signed “Zulueta &. Co.,” and directed “Captain Jennings,” Portsmouth.
“Sir,—In reply to your favour of yesterday, we have to say that we cannot exceed 500l. for the vessel in question, such as described in your letter, namely, that excepting the sails, the other differences are trifling from the inventory. If you cannot therefore succeed at those limits, we must give up the purchase, and you will please act accordingly.”
Mr. Serjeant Bompas. We propose now to read the one in which there is a postscript from the father.
Mr. Kelly. I feel that this letter is no evidence against the prisoner at the bar. It is a letter written in a handwriting not proved; the signature does not appear at all; but the postscript was in the handwriting of the prisoner’s father. I need hardly say that that is no evidence against the prisoner; but I have not the slightest objection to their reading it. I only add these few words, that because I consent to this being read, it is not to be taken that other documents, if there are any others under different circumstances, are admitted.
The following Letter was read:—
[“London, 26th September, 1840,” the signature cut off, addressed Captain Thomas Jennings, Portsmouth.