I did the basic research for this blog series a couple of years ago. Then, as usual, flitted along to the next thing that caught my interest. Now I'm trying to flesh the cases out and present to you my justification for not being a fan of walking along the canal on dark and lonely nights...
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The Monmouthshire Merlin of February 25th 1843 reported that the body of a soldier had been pulled from the canal that Tuesday:
On Wednesday an inquest was held at Llantarnam, by William Brewer, Esq., coroner, on the body of a man found in the canal on the previous day. The 98th Regiment, which has been stationed at Brecon, for some time, having been relieved by a detachment of the 7th Fusileers, which passed through this town last week, for that destination, on Saturday a large quantity of luggage belonging to the former regiment was forwarded by a boat, from Brecon to Newport, accompanied by a number of men belonging to the regiment, together with several women and children. Having reached Llantarnam on Sunday night, it was determined to remain there till the following day, and as there were no quarters to be had there, some of the party proceeded to Newport, leaving the remainder with the luggage.
On Monday morning the boat with the remainder of the party proceeded to Newport, and from hence to Bristol, without delay. On the following day the body of a man was discovered in the canal, which, on examination, was found to be a private of the 98th. Information was brought to Newport, when it was ascertained that the party of the 98th, which arrived from Brecon on Monday, had reported to the Colonel of the 73rd, at present stationed here, that a private of their regiment had deserted during the previous night. These were the facts stated before the coroner, but as there was no person belonging to the 98th present, it could not be proved that it was that of the missing man. That it is, however, there is no doubt entertained. The name "P. Fagan" was found marked on the shirt of the deceased. Verdict - "Found dead." The body was brought to Newport, by direction of Colonel Love, of the 73rd, and buried with military honours on Thursday, at the same time with a soldier belonging to the latter regiment.
The story was reprinted on March 4th in the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian and the Silurian.
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