The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-03-12 00:00:00

CORONER'S INQUEST.

listaatnnot.w Sutetristerday afternoon an Inquisition
was held at Green's Hotel, Portugal-street, upon the body or
Daniel Cox, Esq. a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, who committed
suicide on Thursday, by hanging himself in his bed chamber et
the Hotel.

Among the gentlemen in attendance to give evidence was Mr.
Alderman Cox.

Mr. James Green, the proprietor of the hotel, stated, that the
deceased had been in the habit of coming to his house at intervals
for &considerable period. He was with Sir Thomas Hardy during
the whole of the time that that officer commanded on the South
American station. Ile was brought up under Sir T. Hardy, who
was much attached to him. Ile was about 25 years of age. He
had lately been staying with his relations in Dorsetahire,
whence he returned a few days ago. On Wednesday night he
came in about 12 o'clock, and inquired for Captain Wallace, a
friend of his, who was staying there. Captain Wallace was out,
and the deacesed ordered a bed. fie went to bed soon'after. On
Thursday afternoon, about two o'clock, witness was informed that
the door of the room in which the deceased slept was locked, and
that the chambermaid had several times tried to wake him, but
could not. He then went up to the room. lie saw the unfortu-
nate gentleman hanging by the neck to the bed post. On the
table near an open razor was a piece of paper, which witness now
produced.
Upon this paper was written as follows :
" I die the victim of folly, adopting a character foreign to my
natural one. God forgive me. DA,: Cox."
Mr. Green, junior, stated, that he saw the deceased on Tuesday,
when he brought a letter for Captain IVallace. On %redneaday he
came in about 1 o'clock, and took luncheon. He afterward* threw
himself along on some chairs in the Coffee-mom, and called out
to the waiter, "If I fall asleep call me at half-past one. He did
not fall asleep; but after reading a newspaper for some time, he
got up and walked about in rather a hurried manner. He came up
to the bar and said, " Green, are my clothes fashionoble ?"
Witness gave his opinion on that subject, and he went away.
On Wednesday night he came in about 12 o'clock, anti asked for
Captain Wallace, who witness said was gone to smoke a segar,
and would most likely be late. He said, " That will not do for
me. I can't either smoke or drink. I am ill—my head is not
right—l can't tell what's the matter with me—l must get down to
Cheltenham. He then muttered something to himself, and wit.
ness caught only the words, " then I shall not see him."
Captain James Wallace, R.N. sworn.—fle first knew the de.
ceased about five years ago, andlhad since sailed with him when in
the Superb, Sir 'r. H. Hardy, on the South American station.
He always considered him perfectly sane. He knew that he had
been unwell, but had no idea that his mind was unsettled.
Alr.tAlderrnan Cox--Captain Wallace has ',forgotten to state that
the deceased had • deformed spine, a fact which perhaps will prove
to be, material. His sisters are unhappily afflicted in the same
way. Doctor Haslam can give important evidence on that point.
Doctor John liaslam said, he knew the deceased and his family
intimately. He had a distorted spine. A distortion of the spine
renders a person more liable to an affection of the brain, which
was sometimes actually produced by it.
Mr. Alderman Cox sworn—l know the deceased intimately—he
wls distantly related to me. He had often complained to me
of a pain in the head, which he said was produced by the distortion
of the spine.
Captain Wallace, questioned by a Juror—lie had often seen
the deceased within the last twelve months. His means were
always more than adequate to his expenditure: he was not gay nor
expensive. Witness never knew hint addicted to women, to
drinking, or to gaming. Had not the least idea what the deceased
meant by stating that he was "the victim of folly." He stood high
in the opinion of his superior officers, who regarded him as a very
talented young man.
Several Jurors thought there was sufficient proof of insanity,
while others strongly expressed the contrary opinion.
After a long argument, the room was cleared, and the Coroner
put the question to the vote ; when there appeared for a verdict of
Insanity twelve, and on the contrary six. A verdict of " Insanity"
was consequently recorded.

DIED.
On the 34th ult. at Florence, Anne Janet. wife of W. O. John.
atone, Esq. and eldest daughter of Samuel Halliday, Erg. Lowe:-
Berkeley-street.
On Sunday, the 6th inst. Mr. Christopher Dunkin, of Pearson's.
wharf, Shad Thames, aged 66, universally respected and regretted.

- -
HIGH WATER THIS DAY AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Morning II min. after S. I Afternoon 30 min. after 7.

--
Printed et TH E BRITISH PRESS Office. by J.R'.Cnasnron,
181, Strand, and published by R. Cannon, sante place.