Nov. 23. Mr. Stevens, Cook’s stepfather, arrives in Rugeley, sees Palmer, and discusses Cook’s affairs and the funeral. Cook’s betting book and papers not found. Coffin ordered by Palmer without Stevens’s knowledge. Stevens notices unusual appearance of the body; returns to London and consults a solicitor, who gives him introduction to Mr. Gardner, solicitor in Rugeley. Stevens and Palmer meet on the train from London to Rugeley, and Stevens informs Palmer that he intends to have a post-mortem. “ 25. (Sunday) Palmer applies to Dr. Bamford for death certificate, which is given for apoplexy. Sends for Newton, and has a conversation about the effects of strychnia. “ 26. Post-mortem examination; Palmer is present, and acts suspiciously. Mr. Stevens takes jars, with contents from the body, to London for analysis to be made by Professor Taylor. Dec. 5. Cheshire, having opened Professor Taylor’s letter to Mr. Gardner, containing account of analysis, tells Palmer strychnia or other poisons, with the exception of traces of antimony, have not been found. “ 8. Palmer writes to the coroner as to Professor Taylor’s letter. “ 14. Inquest, at which Professor Taylor gives evidence. Verdict of “wilful murder” returned. Palmer, who was in custody of Sheriff’s officer for the bills, is arrested on the verdict and taken to Stafford Gaol. THE TRIAL. Within the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London. WEDNESDAY, 14TH MAY, 1856. The Court met at Ten o’clock. _Judges_-- LORD CHIEF JUSTICE CAMPBELL. MR. JUSTICE CRESSWELL. MR. BARON ALDERSON. _Counsel for the Crown_-- THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (_Sir Alexander Cockburn_). Mr. EDWARD JAMES, Q.C. Mr. BODKIN. Mr. WELSBY. Mr. HUDDLESTON. _Counsel for the Prisoner_-- Mr. SERJEANT SHEE. Mr. GROVE, Q.C. Mr. GRAY. Mr. KENEALEY. The prisoner, William Palmer, surgeon, of Rugeley, aged thirty-one was indicted for having at Rugeley, county of Stafford, on 21st November, 1855, feloniously, wilfully, and with malice aforethought, committed murder on the person of John Parsons Cook.