The Trial of Charles Random de Berenger, Sir Thomas Cochrane Part 71

_Q._ When you understood him to be acquainted with Lord Cochrane, did he state any thing with regard to his visits to Lord Cochrane?

_A._ He did not.

_Cross-examined by Mr. Park._

_Q._ You have known Mr. De Berenger a great while?

_A._ Yes, I have.

_Q._ He is a man of very considerable science and attainment I am told?

_A._ Very much so.

_Q._ I believe you happen to know that he was at that time, or had been about that time engaged in some plan of Mr. Johnstone's about building a place called Vittoria, in consequence of the great victories?

_A._ It was to be called Ranelagh I understood, I never heard of the name Vittoria.

_Q._ He had been engaged for a considerable time before in drawing a plan?

_A._ He had, which I had seen.

_Q._ And that led him, as you understood, to be very much with Mr.

Cochrane Johnstone?

_A._ It did.

_Q._ Alsop's Buildings is somewhere near Mr. Cochrane Johnstone's house?

_A._ Mr. Cochrane Johnstone has a house there, and this is the ground immediately behind it, about an acre, which is in garden ground, and which was to be converted to that use.

_Q._ Something upon the plan of the old Ranelagh?

_A._ Something upon an improved plan of Mr. De Berenger's.

_Q._ You have seen the plan you say, which Mr. De Berenger drew for Mr.

Cochrane Johnstone?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ How long ago is that?

_A._ I cannot exactly say how long ago it was.

_Q._ Was it before this conversation a good while?

_A._ Before this conversation; when I was in the habit of calling upon him.

_Q._ About the close of the last year probably?

_A._ About that time, I cannot exactly say.

_Q._ Was it not a very beautiful plan that he had drawn for this Ranelagh?

_A._ It was.

_Q._ It required, from the nature of it, a considerable deal of time and labour?

_A._ It did certainly.

_Q._ Do you know whether Mr. De Berenger was very much employed in plans of that kind for the Royal Family and others?

_A._ He was.

_Lord Ellenborough._ If you see any tendency to the advantage of your client, I will not interrupt you, but at present this seems to have no bearing.

_Mr. Park._ I a.s.sure your Lordship, and I know I shall have credit for believing what I state, I would not at this hour of the night pursue it if it was not important, but I feel it necessary when it is stated that there has been a wonderful intimacy, from which, conspiracy is sought to be inferred.

_Lord Ellenborough._ I will not ask you to go into your reasons, if you only say you think it material.

_Mr. Park._ As far as you have seen Mr. De Berenger, for the length of time you have described, do you not believe him to be a man of honor and integrity?

_A._ I certainly do from every thing I have seen; I saw nothing but the most perfect gentleman during the time I lodged under the same roof.

_William Carling sworn._

_Examined by Mr. Adolphus._

_Q._ Whose servant are you?

_A._ The Honorable Basil Cochrane's.

_Q._ Are you in his service still?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ Did Mr. Cochrane Johnstone and my Lord Cochrane visit at your master's house?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ Have you ever seen them there in company with Captain De Berenger?

_A._ Yes; Baron De Berenger is the name I have given in.

_Q._ The gentleman who sits there now?

_A._ Yes.