Transcribed from the Illustrated London News,
4th October 1845.

Lamentable Occurence at Hounslow barracks

An occurrence of a melancholy character took place on Sunday night, at the barracks of the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, stationed at Hounslow, during which Quartermaster Thomas Tarleton was stabbed in the stomach by Lieutenant Martin Kerwan, of that regiment. Various reports were in immediate circulation as to the particulars of the transaction, one of which was, that in consequence of the promotion, by purchase, of Major Harcourt Masters, of that regiment, to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Unattached, which appeared in the London Gazette of Friday week, that officer on Sunday last gave a dinner to his brother officers, which took place in the mess-room of the regiment at Hounslow Barracks. The convivialities of the evening were kept up until a late hour, and it is stated by some who profess to be well-informed , that about twelve o'clock, while under the influence of wine, Lieutenant Kerwan took umbrage at something that occurred, and finally quitted the mess-room for his own apartments, whither he was attended by Quartermaster Tarleton, who endeavoured to soothe his irritated feelings, but on reaching the Lieutenant's apartments that officer immediately seized his sword and stabbed Tarleton as above described.

On Monday evening, on the return of Colonel Daley, the commanding officer, to the barracks, Lieut. Kerwan was, by direction of the military authorities at the Horse Guards, placed under arrest.

At eight o'clock the Rev. Mr. Trimmer, a local magistrate, attended by Sergeant Jeeks, of the police, attended at the barracks, and Quartermaster Tarleton's deposition was taken in writing by the reverend magistrate, and afterwards also the evidence of Mr. Frogley, the surgeon, as to the nature of the wound and the state of the wounded man.

At 12 o'clock on Tuesday a meeting of the magistrates was held in the petty sessions' room at the Three Pigeons Inn, New Brentford, at which a warrant was issued for the immediate apprehension of Lieut. Martin Kerwan, on a charge of cutting and wounding, which was placed for the execution in the hands of Sergeant Jeeks. Shortly before three o'clock the prisoner arrived, accompanied by Colonel Daley. Lieut. Kerwan was immediately placed at the bar.

The deposition of Quartermaster Tarelton was read over in the presence of the prisoner, as was also the deposition of Mr. Frogley, who, being present, added to his testimony, that the unfavourable symptoms which had presented themselves on Monday evening had that morning greatly subsided, but that he was quite unable to pronounce the wounded man as out of danger.

Colonel Daley expressed his readiness to enter into any amount of bail for the appearance of Lieut. Kerwan at a future day; but the Bench said the charge was of so serious a nature that they could not take bail, and it was their duty to remand the prisoner to Tothill fields Bridewell until the fate of Quartermaster Tarleton can be ascertained, or his recovery be such as to enable him to attend.

The prisoner, accompanied by one of the officers of the regiment, was then removed to Tothill fields Bridewell.

According to one account, the officer between whom and Lieut. Kerwan the disagreement took place, was Captain Lane, of the same regiment. Most of the officers present at the dinner drank freely, and, while at table, the altercation took place between Captain Lane and Lieutenant Kerwan. It was stated that, on Lieut. Kerwan finding that the Quartermaster, Tarleton, would not allow him to leave his apartment with his naked sword in his hand, he shut the door, and, pointing to another sword which was hanging up in the room, told him to defend himself; but, before the unfortunate man could do so, he received the wound from the Lieutenant's sword under which he is now suffering.

Quartermaster Tarleton is married, and has three children. His father was quartermaster of the 18th Light Dragoons for many years.

Lieut. Kerwan is believed to be single, and is stated to be highly connected, and of Irish extraction.

The wounded man continues in much the same state.

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