Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-10-10

their readers of the existence Of this esta-
Diisiinlent. Bos. Pat.
HORRID MURDER.
The Jottoari'tg account Of the murder, of Miss
PAI1AN, sciN doubtless be read Nth
some interest. The particulars eff this
melancholy occurrence are green in a letter,
from voUng gentleman an Georgia,
achere the circumstance took place, to his
friend IA Boston, dated Fayette, August 4.
ofrhich the toltOscing as copy.]
"DEAR SIR,
1t unhappily falls to my lot TO inform
you of an event inconceivabiy tragic a
melancholy gloom pervades the whole of
our little village! When you was with us
the last winter, think you must have be-
come acquainted with the beautiful Miss
Pattan, who has ever been justly esteem
ed the highest ornament of our Fair
She was the only Daughter of Col Par
TAN, gentlemanof the first respectabi-
lily of this village. The particulars of
The tragical event are as follows:
About two years since the unfortunate
young lady became acquainted with Il
youth Of respectable parenfsge, by the
name CT SPOoNER, who at that time sus-
tanned An upblemisIled character. Young
SPooNER. who soon after his first intro.
duction became constant in his visits, ex-
hibited that partiality for Miss p. indica-
tive of unteigned affection, and which she
apparently acknowledged with reciprocal
ardor their parents too, at this period.
| so far from disappearing of the mutual
attachment of the happy couple, seemed
anxious for the arrival of the day when
| by their union in marriage, the two fami-
lies would also become happily connect
! ed. But, alas, how unstable are the
| things of This life! how prone are we TO
disappointment adversely unexpectedly
marked one of this fond pair as her own
Young SpoOner, who until now had been
esteemed as young man of unexcepti-
enable character, suddenly became a vo-
tary to dissipation in vain were the en-
| treaties of his fond parents, his fair Ma
| ria in vain the attempts ola large circle
OF friends and acquaintance to effect
| reformation. He yet continued TO visit
| the house of Col. p. but it being now too
apparent that the tipplng and gambling
house was his most favorite place of re-
sort, the Colonel conceived it an indis-
pensable duty 10 deny him this privilege.
his doors were closed against him, and all
| further communication between his
daughter and the now dissipated Spooner
strictly forbiddeii
The unfortunate Maria, whose real at
fachment for young Spooner was too APP
| parent to be doubted; with reluctance
yielded to the indispensable commands of
tender parent-she could not in mo-
ment cease TO feel an affection for the
youth with whom she spent so many hap
| py hours but TO become now his wife
| she was too sensible would not only be
acting IN opposition TO the best advice of
her friends, but would serve only TO en-
tail upon herself and family complicati-
| OH at miseries.
The neglect with which young Spoonet
was nowtreated not only by his fair friend
and connexions, but by those who were
late ms most intimate associates, I'm | not
It's desired effect; apparently to drown
sorrow, to barricade the mind against
| selt-reproach OH retrospect of past e.
vents, ardent spirits were almost con
stantly resorted to-; in short, the unhap
ply youth became that despicabIe cfarac.
ter which vile dissipation is capable Of
reducing us to; yet, in his most sober.
as well as IN his intoxicated hours, would
| he talk OF his undated love for the untor-
tuhate Maria, and Ofthe cruel treatment
oil her friends who were compelling her
to act an Involuntary part toward him.
Although not privileged to visit or ex-
change sl liable with Miss p. it was evil
dent that the rash youth was of the fool
| ISL 0plniOD IDdt size would never consent
to become the wife Of any other person
but hinself; to her person he made pub
lie proclamation of his right, as he had
not only gained her own assent TO uni
on, but that of her nearest connexions.
In this state affairs remained, and with
out any prospect ola reformation I'M
Spooncr, until about four months since.
when he gained information that his Ma
RIA had received the addresses Of new
admrer, to whom she had engaged herr
self IN marriage, and that consummati-
on OF the marriage nuptials were shortly
to take place.
The unfortunate Spooner from this moo
ment became like one entirely lost 10 all
sense Of shame, and bent on mischiefoffhe
most serious nature. The unfortunate Miss
p. whom until now he had vainly fatter-
ed himself as unwilling 10 form a CON
neetion With any other, received now q
share OF the opprobrious cpiihcts with
; which be reproached her friends. Ne
: yer Ibid he publicly swear) shall tlle
ungratetHl pre-engaged Mara, becomcth tbs