The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-06-26
From Me Salem Register Of Thursday.
SUICIDE IN PRISON.

TN Tuesday last, between anu o.
clock, p. Nj. RICHARD CRowNiNsHIELp,
JR. against whom an indictment had been
found as principal, in the murder JOSEPH
WHITE, Esq. put period to his existence,
by hanging hinselfin his cell al the pris-
on in this town. He accomplished his
purpose by tying very securely handker
chierto the grating Of his window, and
another round his neck, which we're united
by strong knot, then tying his hands be-
hind him, with another handkerchief, and
suspending himself by stepping from a
chair. When discovered his feet were
resting on the fooI, from which his knees
were not moro than foot distant, it be-
ing necessary for him to bend his limbs
considerably in order to procure strangu-
lation.
As soor MS it was discovered that the
prisoner had committed this desperate act,
several Physicians were sent for, and al
sc the Coroner, Thomas Needham, Esq.
who Immediately summoned Jury, and
held an inquest over the body. Tho evil
dence produced TO the jury we learn was
in substance as fcllows:-The prisoner
took his dinner as usual between IL and |,
and after one O'Clock, the Turnkey went
in to clear away the things, when nothing
unusual was perceived. A little before
two o'clock, Mr. Brown the Gaoler, went
to the cell to carry the prisoner note
from bis father, and calling to him, receiv
en- no answer. He then looked through
the hole at the top of the door, and saw
the prisoner hanging to the grating ofthe
window. Immediately called assist
ance, entered the cell, and had the body
cut down. The watchman stationed in
the prison entry, stated that he FASTENED
20 the cell when Mr. Brown cnlled, and
saw r. Cro,cninshield, Jr. hanging by his
handkerchief from the window CRATE with
his face towards the N. The Turnkey
cut him down, ond laid him on the bed
there was no appearance of life in him
when he was taken down---thought he had
been hanging about 10 or 20 minutes
had no reason to think he had any previ-
Gus Intention ofcommitting such an act
the prisoner had eaten his dinner as usual
about half or three quarter Of an hour pre-
vious.
The physicians stated, that they were
called to the Gaol about a quarter after
2-found the prisoner lying on bed
could not find any pulsation at the wrist or
heart-the countcnance somewhat purple,
apparently from strangulation-opencd a
vein in the arm and he bled freely for a
short time--a vein was then opened in the
neck, which bled more freely than the arm
--attcmpted to produce an artificial respi-
ration without any efiect-the Galvanic
Battery was also used, but it had no effect
Two short farewell letters written by
the dccea aeed, and dated on the day Of his
death which were found in his cell, were
read to the jury. One of the letters was
addressed to his, frther and the other to his
brother, one ofthe prisoners. We learn
that these letters contained no disclosures
in relation to the murder, or allusions to
any persons as concerned in it, but that
they in general terms acknowledged a
vicious life, and expressed his hopeless
ness Of escape from punishment, had he
LIVED to stand a trial.
After full sdcliberation upon the owl
denee' produced, the following verdict was
recorded:
"That the said Richard Crownihshieid
3 L.scame to his.death when in full possess
ion of his faculties, by deliberately hang
ing himself by the neck, with two silker
kandkerchiefs made fast to the CRATES o
his cell"
The body of the deceased remained II
the prison until yesterday at o'clock
wisp It was delivered to the care Of his re
atives, and carried to his fathers resi-
dence in Danycrs for burial. There wa,
an intense curiosity to view the body, ant
/, great numbers Of our citizens were per
mitted to see il previous to its REMOVAL
The deceased was 26 years Of agc.
= The effects Of the-p. isoner, his clothing
&c. found in the cell, were folded an
pucked up in the neatest manner, and tn
tsdd;ng, books, sc. left in the best order
He borrowed razors in order TO shave hin
self only an hour or two previous to hi
death. f
The account IN the Ccntinel Of conye
sation between the deceased and hrs brot
er, overheard by the keeper aboutthe tim
ofthe suicide, is entirely erroneous. Tn
Al Il