Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1837-05-17
NIscELLASY.
From Wfaral's Hi.torieal Memoirs.
A TRAGEDY IN REAL LEE.

ihe vicinity Of the nothern provinces Of the
kingdom Of Naples TO the papal territories, and the
ease with which male of both countries re.
spectvely gain asylum, by passing the fon,isrs,
opened the doors to the commission of most dagi-
tious acts. Converting one day, q, Portico, ON
this subject, with lady Hamilton, she related to me
the following story, which shall cndeavor to give
in her own words About the year l743, person
Of the name of Ogilsie, an lfishman by birth, who
practsed surgery with great reputation at Rome,
and who resided not far tiom the piazza di Spag.
nap in that city, being in bed, was called up TO
attend some strangers who demanded his profess
sio,al assistance. They stopped before his house,
in coach; and on his going to the door, he found
two masked man, by whom he was desired 10 ac-
company them Immediately, as the case which
brought them admitted ONO delay, and not to omi,
taking with him hislancets. lie complied, and
got into the coach; but sooner had they Quilted
the street in hch he resided, than they informed
hin thai he must submit 10 have his eyes bandaged,
the person to whom they were about to conduct
him, being lady Of rank whose name and place
OF abode il was indispensable conceal. 10 this
requisition he likewise submitted; and after dri.
wing through number Of streets apparently with
view to his forming any accurate idea Of the part
Of the city to which he was cnnducted the carriage
a: length stopped. The two gentlemen, his com.
panoas, then alightod, and each taking him by the
arm, conducted him into a houss. Ascending a
narrow staircase, they entered apa tment where
he was released from the bandage tied over his
eyes. One Of them next acquainted him. that j,
being necessary TO pu: out Of life lady who had
dishonored her family, they had chosen him to pes.
form the Office, knowing his professional skill that
no would find her in the adjoining chamber, pre-
pared 70 submit to liver fate; and that he must open
nef veins with - much expedition As possible;
ssryic, for the execution Of which he should receive
liberal recon peAse.
(11ily nj first
An act 50 h'ghy repugnant to his feelings. But the
two strangers assured him With solemn denu acia-
tioas Of vengeances that his refusal could only
Prove tataIto himself, without affosdng the slight
est assistance to the object Of his compassion tina.
nsr doom was inesocable, and that unless he chose
to participate in q similar ate, he must submit to
execute the ONCE Imposed Oh him. thus situated,
aad hnalig al ent'saty OF Temonstrancc vain, he
entered the room, whore he 10 ind . lady Of most
interesting figure and appearance, appafenty in
the bloom OF youth. sho was habited in lose
undfes', and immediately afterwards q female at.
| tendant placed bstols her a large tub flied with
wan water, il, which she immersed her feet. Far
from opposing any impeachment to the net which
she knsw he was sent TO perform, the lady assured
him Of her perfect designation, sntrsatng him ia
put the sentence passed upon her into execution
wit, as little delay as possible. shs added, ths,
she was well aware no pardon could be hopsd Tor
from those who had devoted her to death, which
alone could expiaie her tIespass; felicitstng her.
sef that his humanity would abbEeyats her suffer.
| ings, and soon termnnte their duration
After short conflict with his own mind, perceiv.
ing no means Of extrcation Or escape, either fol
the lady or himself; being moreover urged TO sxpe.
dits his work by the two persons without, who, i'm.
patient Al his reluctance, threatened to exercise
violence OH him if he pfocrastinated, Ogilvie tool
out his lancet, opened her veins, and bled her Il
death in shost time. The gentlemen having care
fully examined the body, in order TO ASCERTAIN tina
she was no more, after expressing satisfaction
offered him purse Of zechims as q remuneration
but be declined all recompenss, Only requesting u
DO conveyed away fsom scene on which he coult
not reflect without horror. With this entres.y thel
complied, and having again applied the bandag'
to his eyes, they led him down tho same staircas
10 the carriage. But, il being narrow, in descend
tho stsps, he coatrived 10 leave OH one or boil
; o. The walls, unperceiyed by his conductors, tn
marks of his fingers, which were stained with blood
After observing precautions similar TO those used
7 bringing him thither from his own house, he wa
} constructed homo: aad, in parting, the two masque
charged him, if he valued his life, never to divulge
and ifpossible, to think ofthe past transac
t'o1. They added, that If he should embrace an
measures, with view 70 render j, public, or TO *
on loot any inquiry into it, he should bs nfalibl
Inundated to their revenge. Having finally dis
missed him ct hisown doo., they dove Of, leayin
MN 10 his own reflections.
~ the subseqyent morning, after great irresolu
Mons ne deternined, Al whatever risk 70 his person
safety, not 70 participate by c0ncealing so en0
nous crime. II formed, nsyssthelese, . delical
and difficult undertake 70 sabssantiats the ehasg