Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-04-06
From the Oriental Herald, January 29.

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From the Oriental Herald January 29.
DESCRIPTION OF A HUMAN SACRIFICE IN BEN
GaL.-Yesterday morning, (JuDe Is. 1922 I
wen, 10 Khalee Ghau, in order to witness this
spectacle. On my arrival at the spot, the
corpse was so offensive, that IL was scarcely
possible TO approach within twenty yards OF IL.
found upon inquiry, that The deceased had e1-
PRED three days ago, and the widow having de-
termined to immediate herself on the pile OF her
late husband, and being i'll al the time, 1t was
necessary, in conformity with the rules pre-
scribed by their religion, TO defer the eeremo-
ny until her recovery. The unfortunate female
was at this time concealed within hut, near
which lay the corpse, and no person couId have
access 10 her. The pile was soon erected on
he banks Of neighboring canal; it consisted
Of four stakes driven into the g. ound, aud GOV.
cred with wood and other combushbles. The
wrelched victim. in The meanwhile, arrived,
supported by her nearest relations. She was
about ls years of age, and appeared so weak
and famished that she was literally borne in
the arms OF her attendants, and removed TO a.
mother hut near the water, in order TO Offer up
preparatory prayer. Two Of the gentlemen
present seized this opportunity OF endeavorins
TO dissuade her from purpose so rash and In
consistent, offering ~ MAINTAIN her Tor the re-
mainder of her lie, provided she would desist
from her Intention. representing to her al the
same time the sinfulness and inutiliiy OF such
deed: her mind, however, seemed obviously
wrought up 10 pitch Of wild enthusiasm by
the previous treatment which she had under>
gone, and her replies were rather the ineohe-
rem, rawlings of religious phrenzy. than TIT IAN.
guage Of a re asonable person, and, in spite Of
Il her hop oil
purpose. she remained sledlast in her resolu
ton. During the whole time she seemed OPP
pressed with degree Of langor and stupefac-
ton, that was very apparent in her actions,
which induced myself and the other gentlemen
to believe tina, some Intoxicating drug had been
administered 10 disorder her Imagination. She
was constantly supported in the arms Of a near
relative, whose presence was necessary 10 keep
up her dropping spirits; and 10 prompt her 10
this horrid deed. She was a, length conducted
to the waters edge, in order 10 perform some
other religious ceremony; in the meanwhile the
deceased was laid on the pile, whiiher she her
self now proceeded, and after having walked,
or rather having been carried round the pile
several times, her strength having entirely TALL
ed her, she was lifted from the ground by her
attendants, and placed by them within the arms
Of the deceased: in this situation she was spec
Oily covered with heaps Of dhuj}o, "a kind of
dried rush used on the OCCASION until she was
totally coRcealed from our sight; she was, in
deed, so completely involved in this, that she
mus, have been nearly suffocated by it. Not
content, however, with ibis precaution, her in
human sacrihcers laid a heavy log Of wood a.
cross the place that covered her legs, and were
about 10 add several others, according to tEeir
usual custom, but one Of the gentlemen very
properly removed it, q circumstance that seem.
ed TO cause much displeasure to the perpeira-
tors Of The deed They had also ropes in rea-
Giness, bu: were prevented by US from making
use Of them. Wilhoutsa!l these prerentives,
however, every at,emp, to escape on the part
Of the unhappy victim must have proved fruit
less, loaded as the miserable creature was with
combus,ibles, and confined by the stifened
members Of the cecaying and loa,hsome corpse.
The pile was now lighted, and the shouts OF
the spectators drowned the cries Of the sufferer.
When the flames had so far consumed the pile,
as to expose to view the scorched and dishgur
ed limbs Of the couple, Quilted the place,
with firm impression, that the conduct Of the
helpless and deuded Hindoo female, in similar
cases, is merely the effect Of momentay deli.
rum produced by means adopted towards
her for the purpose. In the present instance,
she appeared entirely passive subject in the
scene, at the mercy Of her attendants, who did
whatever they pleased with her.