Poachers.—This system of depredation has lately been carried to an alarming extent in the neighbourhood of Petersfield, particularly on the properties of T. Bonham, Esq. and Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh, Bart. One of the men was sentenced to seven years transportation at the Petworth Sessions. He was taken whilst ensnaring game, in the night, with a party of 20 or more persons, who were armed in various ways, and who compelled 7 gamekeepers to desist from hindering them in their unlawful occupation. A few nights since, a party were interrupted by Mr. Bonham’s gamekeepers, and a sharp contest ensued, which might have been fatal to the keepers, but for the timely coming up of the servants of Sir H. Fetherstonhaugh, who were attracted to the spot by the firing of guns. The poachers immediately gave way, but five of them were taken. Some of them were armed with guns; one pheasant and some snares were found on them. They have been committed to Winchester gaol.
Another poacher has been committed to the same gaol under Lord Ellenborough’s Act; who, it appears, having been closely watched whilst poaching, and finding himself so, he returned home; when some of the keepers endeavoured to secrete themselves behind a large tree in front of his cottage, to watch his going out again; when he deliberately took aim and shot one of them in the face. The man is much, but not dangerously hurt.