for
the magistrates to interfere to put a stop to the proceedings, by the
capture of the ringleader of the party, from whose advice to his
followers the most serious consequences were likely to ensue. At 12
o'clock, they assembled at a place called the Osier Bed, where every
means were resorted to, to quell the disturbance, but without
success. Sir William defied interruption to his men, and fired on
the Rev. William Handley, of Herne Hill, who, with his brother, was
assisting to take him into custody. They then made their way to
Bossenden Wood, where they lay in ambush; but, as no means appeared
to present themselves, by which the ringleader could safely be
secured, he being evidently mad, and in possession of loaded
firearms, threatening to shoot the first man who interfered with him,
it became necessary to apply for the assistance of the 45th regiment,
stationed in Canterbury barracks. On the arrival of a detachment of
this regiment, they proceeded to the wood, where the party was
awaiting their arrival.

"A few minutes previous to the attack, Sir William loudly halloed to
his companions, supposed for the purpose of getting them prepared for
the fight.

"Sir William, on perceiving his opponents, advanced with the greatest
_sang froid_, and deliberately shot Lieutenant Bennett of the
regiment, before his own men. This occasioned a return from the man
covering his officer, who advanced, and shot Sir William, who fell,
and died instantly. The excitement, at that period, occasioned by
each party losing its commander, caused a desperate attack, which
terminated in the death of ten persons, besides the brother of the
constable shot in the morning, and several others seriously wounded,
of some of whom little hopes are entertained of their recovery. The
weapons in the hands of the followers of Sir William, were chiefly,
if not altogether, heavy bludgeons."

The following, from a correspondent, goes far to show the delusions
shared by this maniac and his followers:

"The mention of this lad's name, reminds me that his mother is said
to have done more than any other person in the parish to foster and
encourage the belief which she herself entertained, that Thom was our
blessed Redeemer and Saviour. So steadfast was she in her belief,
that when, after the battle in the wood, a