Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-11-10
From wraxalI's Historical Memoirs.
A TRAGEDY in REAL LIFE.

~ ne vicinity OF the noftncrn provinces OF
the kingdom Of Naples TO the papal terrific
ries, and the ease with which malelactors OF
both. countries, respectfully gain an asylum,
by passing the frontiers, opened a door to
the commission of the most hagiiious acts
Conversing one day, at Porici, on this sub
ject with Lady Hamilton, she related to me-
the following story. which shall endeavor
to give in her own words -
"About the year l743. person OF The
name of OgiIvie, an lrshman by birth. who
practised surgery with great reputation al
Rome, and who resided not far from the
Piazza di Spagna,' in that city; being in
bed, was called up to attend some strangers
who demanded his professional assistance
They stopped before his house, in coach !;
and on his going TO the door. he found Two
men masked, by whom he was desired 10
accompany them Immediately, as the case
which brought them admitted Of no delay.
and not TO omit taking with him his lancels
He complied, and got into the coach; but,
no sooner had they quilted the street in
which he resided, than they Informed him
that he must submit to have bis eyes band.
aged the person to whom they were about
TO conduct him, being lady of rank. whose
name and place Of abode il was indispens,
able TO conceal. To this requisilon he like
wise submitted; and after driving through
number Of streets, apparently with view
to prevent his forming any accurate idea OF
the part Of The city 10 which he was con.
dncted, the carriage at length stopped. The
two gentlemen his companions then alight-
ed, and each taking him by the arm, con.
Quoted him into house. Ascending mar
row staircase, they entered an apartment,
where he was released from the bandage ii.
ed over his eyes. One Of them next ac-
quainted him. that il being necessary to put
out OF life lady who had dishonored her
family. they had chosen him to perform the
Office, knowing bis professional skill that
he would find her in the adjoining chamber,
prepared to submit, to her fate; and that he
must open her veins with as much expedi.
ton as possible; service. for the execution
Of which, he should receive liberal re-
compense.
"Ogilvie at first pcrem,orily refused 10
commit an act SO highly repugnant TO his
| feelings. But, the two strangers assured
him. with solemn denunciniions OF venge-
ance that his refusal could only prove fatal
to himself without ailording the slightest as.
sistance to the object OF his compassion -
that her doom was irrerocable. and that un-
less he chose TO participate in a simila. late.
he must submit 10 execute the Office imposed
on him. Thus situated, and finding all eil.
treaty or rcmons,rance vain. he entered the
room, where he found lady. OF q most in
teresting figure and appearance. apparently
in the bloom Of youth. She was habed in
a loose undress and immediately after
wards female attendant placed before heT
a large tub filled with warm water, in which
she immersed her feet Far from opposing
any impeachment TO the act which she knew
he WAS sent 10 perform. the lady assured
him of her perfect resignation; entreatine
him to put the sentence passed upon her in
10 execution, with as lillIe delay as possible
4 She added, ,ha, she was well aware no par
don could be hoped for from those who hae
devoted her TO death. which alone could ex
plate her trespass; felicila,ing herself tina
his humanity would abbreviaie her suffer
ings, and so terminate their duration. .f
\ "Aiier short conflict with his own mind
perceiying no means OF exlrication or OF es
cape, either for the lady or for himself; be
ing moreover urged 10 expedite his work b,
the two persons Without who, impatient a
his reluctance. threatened to exercise vic
ence on him. il he procrasiinated Ogilyi'
took ont his lancet, opened her veins, ant
BLEED her to death in a short time The gen
llemen having carefully examined the body
10 order to ascertain that she was no more
after expressing their satisfaction, Offered
him purse of -cchins. as n remuneration
but he declined all recompcnse, only re
guessing to be conveyed away from a scene
on which he could not reflect without hor
ror. With this en,realy they complied, ant
having again applied a baDdage to his eyes
: they led him down the same staircase. 10 tn
outrage. But, il being narrow, in descend
ing the steps. he conirived to leave on one
or both of the walls. unperceycd by his con
ductors, the marks OF his fingers, which
/ were stained with blood. Alter observing
precautions similar to those used in bring
ing him thither from his own house, he wa
conducted home; and at parting, the tw'
masquers charged him. il he valued bis life
never to divulge. and if possible, never I,
think Of the past transaction. They added
that if he should embrace any measures
with view TO render il public, or to set OF
foot an inquiry into ii. he should be infallibl,
inundated 10 their revenge Having final
: w dismissed him at his own door, they droy
of, leaving him 10 his reflections.
ION the subsequent morning, after grea
, irresoIution, he determined, at whatever risl
|, TO his personal safety, not TO participate. b,
. concealing so enormous cline. II form
!. ed, nevertheless, delicate and difficult un