Extracts from Taunton Courier 21 Nov 1838 reporting upon two coroner's inquests:
Eliza RAYNER sworn._ Belongs to the Isle of Wight; on Friday evening I came by the Defiance coach from Exeter, an outside passenger, sitting on the hinder part of the coach with my back towards the horses, the guard was sitting in the opposite direction; I did not notice any conversation between the coachman and guard, the guard was perfectly sober and very attentive; I only noticed the coachman at Exeter, before I got on the coach; the guard complained of the fog on the road, and repeatedly said, he hoped the fog would soon pass away.
Mrs. RAYNER, who was severely hurt in her back, will, it is expected, be able to resume her journey in a day or two.
The unfortunate Mrs. RAYNER is the widow of a coast-blockadesman who has recently died in Ireland; she was with her two children on the coach journeying to the Isle of Wight, but is now detained at the George Inn by the late accident, where every comfort is bestowed, and attention paid her and the children by Mr. LOARING, until she can proceed on her journey: happily the children, one nine, the other seven years of age, escaped unhurt.
