The National Register.
London, England, 1818-11-09 00:00:00

REGISTr
prorealed from he
RionelLeereet,

rATIONAL

The Coroner and Jury then
room to the residenci• of the deceased, in
the purpose of viewing the body.
[Upon the arrival of the Jury at the house of the deeeased,
a considerable anxiety was manifested to gain admittance to
view the body. Some of the reporters, of course, wereninong
the numhsr ; but the Coroner prevented the intrusion, by
threatening to commit any person who entered, except the
Jury.]
Thomas Bowen said lie was footman to Sir Samuel "Romilly.
He did not see his master from the middle of August last,
until Sunday afternoon, when he arrived in town from the
Isle of Wight. He looked well, and appeared is good health
.at the time ; much better than could have been expected, from
the domestic affliction which had taken .place, and bearing
that be hail been unwell. Soon after he came in, he lay down
' on the sofa in the library, which was between four and five
o'clock. Witness heard that the deceased was unwell from
the loss of Lady Hominy, whomlied on Thursday night previous
she had been unwell fur a long time, and had a son and six
daughters ; the eldest, the boy, was about 20 years of age
the youngest, a girl, between eight and nine. Sir Samuel
appeared always exceedingly happy in his family ; but the
niultiplicity of his avocations prevented his being much with
them ;he had scarce any time for enjoyment. Witness did
not attend him on Monday meriting, but he knew lie was in-
disposed and confined to his lied; when well, his general hour
of rising was 6 o'clock, and of going to bed, 11. Min Ho-
miny, Mr. William Hominy, Dr. Roget, and Mrs. Davis
(sister of Lady Hominy), were in the house on Monday morn.
ing, es were also some of the servants ( part being in she coml.
try) ;ha cosildnot tell who it was that attended-Sir Samuel in
his bedroom with his breakfast on that morning. Witness
about 1 o'clock beard a noise, like somebody falling on the
floor, up two pair of stairs, and went up to ascertain the
cause. The bed room door of his master was open, and Dr.
Roget was standing outside; witness was about to enter, and
saw Sir Samuel (as be thought) coming towards the door, in
the act of driving the Doctor out. It appeared, however, it
was to ..keep him out, for he raised both his hands and fastened
the door.; he was then bleeding profusely. Witness did not
then observe any instrument he his hand. The door was in-
stantly boat open, and Sir Samuel was found leaning over
the wash hi nd stand, his throat being cut, and the blood
flowing froaktim profusely; a shirt and a blanket were about
him; he was quite speechless, lint he made several signs
with his hand's he was given a Sheet of paper, and pen and
ink. Previous to entering the roossi&Dr. Roget told witness
that the deceased bad cut his throat. 'gnu Hominy, previous
to the fatal act committed by the deceased, had been with
him in the room, box he sent her down to the drawing room,
desiring to see Dr. Hugel. It was during this interval he cut
his throat. He kept a ease of razors, in the ordinary way,
in his room. There were two beds in his room, in one of
which Dr. Reget.slept. Witness asked the Doctor Wile saw
the deceased do the deed; and he replied, that he thought,
upon going into the room when sent for, lie was just throwing
away the razor after inflicting the wound. Witness assisted
his master, together with Dr. ltoget, until Mr. Maybrey, the
surgeon, arrived,.
Mr. Stephen Esuniont, of Geneva, stated, that he was one
of the Representatives of the Council at Geneva, but bad beau
in England previous to the restoration. I have (lie said) been
connected with Sir Samuel Romilly a great many years; my
latesition was to have spent the summer with my best friend,
Sir Samuel, and his lady ; but the state of Lady Hominy's
health was such that she was removed to Cowes, in the Isle
of Wight.
[Here the witness, in great anguish, said it would be
better that be should read the letters he had then received
front Sir Samuel. A letter was then read from Sir Samuel,
dated from Cowes, 27th Sept. inviting Mr. Dtimont to visit
him there ; saying, that he could not promise him any plea-
sure, as he considered Lady Romilly in a very perilous state,.
as the physicians did not say she was out of danger, and con-
cluded thus :
" She is considered by her medical attendants in souse danger.—
She is for the preseat a little better, and I take care neither to let her
nor the poor children see the anxiety I feel, but it costs me a great
deal ; with all this, do not suppose I have not resolution to undergo
every thing to preserve my health for my children's sake."
This letter was fqllowed by two others, informing Mr. Du-
mont of the state of Lady Hominy's health. And he then
resumed his evidence as follows :-1 arrived in the Isle of
Wight on the ..11d of October, and Lady Hominy was well
enough to spend a few hours in compauy ; but Sir Samuel
seemed to have no confidence, and notwithstanding that re-
covery lie was in the same state of anxiety. Lady Romilly
had a relapse, and was for some days in a great •state of
suffering. During that time nothing could equal the ex.
eructating pains of Sir Samuel, but his fortitude and re-
signation. He was almost entirely deprived of sleep, and
I saw he began to entertain the greatest apprehensions
from that circumstance. Twice or three times he has cx-
p dto sue his fears of mental derangement. Once he
sent for me in the middle of the night, at least two o'clock
in the morning, and spoke to me of it dream he had full of
horrors, and said that an impression had remained upon
his mind as if the dream had been a reality. He asked me
if I did not consider that as a proof that his mina was broken,
and his faculties impaired. Conversations about his children
generally restored a certain degree of peace to his mind,
and sometimes he proposed plasm for their education and
future establishment. On Thursday the 29th of October,
about 10 o'clock, while at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, he.
was informed by his nephew, Dr. Roger, for whom lie always
showed the semis attachment as fur one of his sons, that his
lady was no more. I have omitted to say that the two sisters
of Lady Hominy came on the Tuesday preview, and he said
lie could shed no tears when he saw them. He told me his
brains were burning hot. He left Cowes with great relactancg
time next day (Friday), but he declared that he would be
governed esitirel) by Dr. Roget and his friends. I accom-
panied hint, and un Friday we slept at Winchester. He felt
extremely exhausted. Dr. Roget slept in the same room,
and Sir Sa 1111 l ers night was extremely restless. The next
morning I observed marks of great agitation, which he tried
to subdue : he was constantly tearing his gloves, or the palm
of his hand, scratching his fingers and his nose, and some
blood Caine from his nose. When we arrived at 411 inn mi the
toad, he was so weak that lie could proceed no further. We
slept theme, and Dr. Roget still slept in the same room with
hams. I had proposed to him not to come to Russell-square,
but so take some other 11011. e fur the present. He answered,
that he was likely to be laid up for some time, and he wee
desirous of getting home. and he proceeded ; but I observed
more violent signs of agitation still, nun e tearing of his hands
and of his nose. In a moment that lie was shutting his eve,
and wringing his hands, I took the hand of his daughter and
placed it io his hand , ounn"hick, uprising his eyes, and
slaving perceived e hat I had done, lie east npoo me 411

invite.
' fur

NOV 9

utterable look of gratitude. and embraced his daughter.—
Wheu we arrived in Russellssquare, he made great efforts to
compose himself, and went to his library, mid threw himself
upon a sofa, quite in a manner that was alarming to me ; them
for some moments he was joining his hands, as.ln a state of
delirium, but he spoke nothing. A moment after he got ups
took my arm, went round the two rooms, and appeared to
be in a state of a man dying of an internal wooed. One or
two hours after, he desired to ace Dr. Marcel, saying his
nephew, Dr. Roget, suffered too nineh, and that he would
-give him the coinfort of some medical 'friend's assistance. He
wanted to consult him, particularly about a shower bath,
thinking that would relieve the heatof his head; still be de-
clared he had no head ache. I have nothing more to say
upon that subject. After Dr. Marcet (it was Sunday when
we arrived in town, about fiveeftclock) arrived, he would not
quit him the whole night. but slept in the room; i slept in a
room above him. About seven in the morning (Monday) Dr.
Roget came to one in a case of extreme anxiety, telling the
that his uncle was mitelyworse, with a violent fever, uttering
some expressions in a state of perturbation, and complaining
that he .was distracted. 'Dr. Roget immediately called Dr.
Marcet, who came instantly, and they sent fur Dr. Babington
to join in a consultation. I asked Dr. Marcel and Dr. Roget if
I ce tld gc and ice my friend. and they desired me not to de
it, saying the greatest quiet was •necessary for him, and tint
he was only to have one personae attend him in the room.—
I went then to Holland-house,ootiensMoon, to its his three
youngest children, whom Lord Holland had taken from school
to his house, and to make some arrangement with repeet to
them. When I returned to Russell-square about half-past
three, I found one of his servants in tears, and De. Roget is
a state approaching to despair. Aly first feeling was stupor
and astonishment, for I had ever, during the whole month
that I had passed with Sir Samuel, and dining most constantly
with him and his son—and during the time the ladies were
employed in business (during which time we had intimate
conversations)—l never had any apprehension of the act by
which he had lost his life. The intimate knowledge that
had of his high pi inciples of duty—of his moral and religious
fortitude—of his love for his country—and of his—(muels of
fected)—of his parental affection, totally excluded from my
mind every suspicion or idea of the catastrophe that has
happened.
Coroner.—•l dare say the Gentlemen are fully impressed
with the state of Sir Samuel Romilly's mind. from ahe very
clear evidence you have given, Sir. Indeed, it is impossible
to conceive that a great mind like his could be directed by
any thing but the immense weight of affliction which appeals
to have oppressed him. The circumstance of a mind like his,
resting fur so great a length of time upon the same melancholy
sobject, was sufficient, and likely to occasion mental derange-
, meat; and it is likely produced an inflammation on the brat%
which led to the deplorable catastrophe ; but we shall hear
this from the medical gentlemen.
Alexander Marcet, of 23, Russell-square, 'Doctor of Medi-
cine, said, he was in habits of intimacy with Sir Simnel Ho-
miny, but did not attend him professionally. On Sunday
evening, about half past nine o'clock, he went to his house to
see his nephew, Dr. Roget; Sir Samuel was sitting in the
parlour with his family, and witness entered into couversation
with him chant his health. He complained of all extreme
degree of lassitude, particularly about the extremities, where
lie suffered frequent and severe muscular pains. No attitude
afforded him any comfort, and he sat in his chair in a state of
great agitation. Although he retrained lions describing the
anguish of his mind, or giving vent to his feelings, it was
obvious from his manner, as well as what he uttered, that he
despaired of his recovery, in spite of all that was said to
inspire him with hope and comfort. Various steps were
recommended in order to allay his extreme state of irritation,
but he objected to all.in succession. He ultimately iusisteil
on being allowed to go to bed, without making an attempt to
produce relief, upon the ground that be felt he must have a
wretched nights and that if he were tootle medicine, it would
only have the effect of taking away all-confidence from his
medical friends. Next morning, witness attended the deceas-
ed, with Doctors Roget and Rabington ; lie found him con-
siderably altered—his skin, which the night before was quite
dry, was then bedewed with moisture. His mind appeared
much better, and lie seemed more free from bodily agitation.
He was remarkably concise in his answers to all questions,
and attest.] oothing from whence any thing very unfavourable
could be deduced as to the state of his mind. On the cow•
teary, from all that wituess.and the other medical gentlemen
could learn, it was evident that there had been increased
and violent agitation of the body in the night. From the
tranquillity of mind lie appeared to enjoy in the early part of
the night, Dr. Roget thought he had had sonic hours of sleep,
but upon inquiry, the deceased himself declared he had none.
Witness thought it was impossible to say to what consequences
sucla-a state as that in whirs:i lie had found Sir Samuel might
Imam men; but knowing him so well, and relying with such
firmness upon his mind, he never could foresee the,probability
of the deceased being led to the commission of such an ae• ;
Such a catestropheatever occurred to his mind, hut be neves-
theism contemplated.the symptomof his disorder with great
alarm.

William nishingtoo, 411. D. of Ablermanintry, said he ma
sent for to attend at the home of Sir Samuel Rotnilly, in con-
sequence of au urgent Note he had received flout Dr. Y
He arrived between 10 and 11 o'clock. .Previon%ly
going top to the room of Sir S. Itomilly, Ise had learns
Drs. Marcel and Roget all that had antecedently ocef
his visit was therefore short, and he found him its‘a si

corresponding exactly with the account he .11411 krill.
had, however, a few qnestiona to ask Sir Saviviel, and
lie answered with pee lee! distinctness, although he ar
thoughtful and reserved. He expressed to him his
that from the ehmige which had taken place in his sit
more especially the apparent quietude lie had enjoyei.
night, and the perspiration he was under, that lie wont
cover. He hoped a still further impievenient non'
manitisted in the evening, when they would again vist
Wiwi. s lied applied his mind to a coniiiilorationoihetl
circumstances of Sir Sautes .1 Itimiill3 health and the I
his family —of his wife's disease, and the anguish thi
I —his broken rest —his own health awl feverish at

getter with 411 that had been related to hint in the hos
his ft iCIIII3 and relations, would lead to derangement
was of opinion that, under all these sufferings, he must
been in a vale of mental distraction.

The Coroner !mimed up the evidence, and put it
Jury to say whether the evidence they hail heard
sufficiently strung to convince them that the deLease,
have been in a state of mental dermoge•meist at the ti
committed the fatal act, which ter mud his valualsli

The Jury, retarao.l toe rollowii
diet : —" We are imaati 000000 opinion that the dci
eat he, throat while ha a state of menial tempoix
angeateal."

llareet.
ly to his
Ilf d from
Crowed ;
situation
ird. He
eid those
appeared
Is hopes,
pitnation,
ed in the
ould re-
mild be
visit him.
ether the
e stale of
his gave
slate,tt-
muse, by
.lit ; and
oat hare
it to the
W:l4 not
red most
time it.:
Ile life ?
jug ver—
Iceettseti
.try de•

NOV. 9

Vie nailerstatol front one of tho jororAl that the body lay
la the orauner deselibed by the servant; it was extruded as
it fell from Dr. lioget, and nearly covered with blood. A
elteet :sad blanket were over it, and the razor was lying et
the feet of the corpse.. hue face was so much swollen, the
164 ewet intimate friends would scarcely 11411 C known it to be
tkat of Sir Samuel.

The followi anecdote of this meet revered and lamented
man, has come to us frost a very respectable quarter. We
give it publicity with the more pleasure, that it not only tends
to illustrate the mou enrol Clire lirll4llCPSof his death hut caste
an affecting end ennobliag light on the moral excellencies of
his diameter.. It wilt, perhaps, be asked, what anecdote of
his fife would nut tend to make his memory more esteemed,
and Iris loss more regretted? He commenced his career at
the Bar, a ruing wan, liberally, educated, with those high
prinoiples of honour, and that susceptibility of amiable and
generous sentiment, which distinguished his life, but without
placenta fortune, and, still more, with both his parents de-
pends's' upon his professional success. In this situation, he
itemise acquainted with a young Lady, the charms of whose
mind sad person won his affections. Hisconduct was worthy
of his head and his heart, He declared his sentiments to the
object of his affertions • bust added, that he must " acquire
two fortunes" before theyi could he married t the first for
those to whom be owed his first duty—his parents ; the second
fur her. The Lady knew how to appreciate his merit and
his motives, and their vows were mentally pledged to each
other. He catered upon his career of profit and honour with
drat assiduous energy which forms a thief feature of genuine
talent. In a comparatively short period he realised a consi-
derabte suet, and with it purchased an annuity for his parents.
Having put them in possession of this provision for their
byes, he formally declared to them, that his obligations to
them were now fulfilled, and he was about to enter into other
relations, which must exclusively govern him in their hum.—
Se began a second time with fresh spirit—acquired " au.
mind fortune"—all within a very few years—settlettit upon
her on whom he had bestowed his heart, and married her.—
To lose Lady Romilly after an attachment so formed, and
after years flown away in tranquillity of domestic joy, dim.
barbed only by the splendid pursuits of ambition, syuonstuous
with virtue, was one of those shucks which must be left, nude
fined, to the imagination of ands as know what it is to feel.
History will say of Sir Samuel Hominy, that lie died uncor.
refitted by wealth—undrszled by rank—unblemished by ain-
iiition—unvulgarisud by 1101111141 ity—admired by his adver-
saries—and even unvililied by the base. His place at the
Bar—in the Senate—in the country, is vacant, and it will
remain so.
We understand, that when Mr. Maybrey, the surgeon, en-
tered the room, Sir Samuel was still alive, and looked earnestly
at Mr. Maybrey t and after the lapse of a few minutes, his
eyes grew dim, lie fainted away, and expired. It was after
he did the fatal act, that lie expressed a wish to write a let.
ter ; and the sheet of paper, and peu and ink, were given to
him by his attendant.