The Sun.
London, England, 1859-09-17 00:00:00

SUICIDE AT NORTH SHIELDS.

Mr. S. Reed concluded an inquest on Thursday,
in the Town Hall, North Shields, on the body of
Mr. Richard Bell, traveller to Mr. W. H. Allison,
brewer, North Shields, who was found dead on
Tuesday afternoon under the circumstances detailed

below :----
The Coroner, in opening the inquiry, said that
this was a case of self-destruction, for there was no
doubt that the man had made away with himself ;
and there was only one point that they need direct
their attention to in the inquiry : it was whether
the deceased man knew right from wrong at the
time he committed the rash act; for if he were com-
petent to know right from wrong he was guilty of
felo de se, and mould be deprived of Christian
burial.
Mr. Hewitt, superintendent of police, said that
yesterday, about half-past two o'clock, a lad came
and told him that Mr. Bell, the traveller to Mr.
Allison, brewer, had hung himself in the porter-
store, Kirby's Bank, Duke-street. Witness found
lying beside the deceased his hat and coat, which
he had put off, and also a letter addressed to W. H.
Allison, Esq., his employer. Mr. Hewitt read the
letter, which was as follows:
" High Brewery, North Shields.

" To W. 11. Allison, Esq."
" Dear Sir—As I can no longer stand against the
bitter anguish of mind, I must now take leave of
everything which is dear to me. I find that
struggling sensation within me which would render
death a comfort rather than life. In my endeavour
to do the best for everybody I have only succeeded
in ruining myself. This I must say, that whatever
may be wrong in my affairs I have not kept a
single item towards my own interest, and every-
thing has been disposed of either directly or indi-
rectly for your welfare. My actions may have
been legally wrong but they are morally right.
There is one thing that I implore of you, that, in
the adjustment of my affairs, you will not disturb
my private house, and do nothing harsh to my wife
or two dear boys, which happiness I have not
known for some years except when in their pre-
sence. I am sorry I have adopted this fatal remedy,
but I cannot live to be the most miserable of human
beings. Wishing you and everybody farewell—l
am, Sir, yours truly, " R. BELL.
" P.S. I was worth money when I came into
your service, and feel assured that if you give those
who may be left behind me to the 2d of February
next, you will be satisfied so far as anything I may
be indebted to you. Only I ask you not to take
severe means, so that what I am worth may not be
)4t
ven away. You are aware you have a security.
" R. BELL."
r. George Martin, agent to Mr. Allison, brewer,
had known the deceased about six year, while in
their service. He always appeared to be very atten-
tive to business. He always considered him a steady
man. He had not been afflicted with illness lately,
though for the last fortnight he appeared much ex-
cited. Within the last fortnight they had suspicion
that he was misapplying the funds of his employer.
Deceased did not say anything himself about being
in difficulties. Within the last fortnight it was
understood that Mr. Allison taxed him with receiv-
ing money and not accounting for it. Witness be-
lieved that Mr. Allison did not threaten to discharge
him,but treated him kindly. Witness saw Bell on
Sunday morning, and he also saw him on Monday
at the office. He appeared in a very depressed state.
He believed he hardly knew what he was doing or
saying at the time.
The Coroner at this stage read to the witness the
letter written by Bell, and asked him if he thought
that was the effusion of an insane man ?
The witness did not think he could say so.
After a long deliberation and discussion the jury
returned a verdict of "Temporary insanity."