Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1839-06-27

LOVE AND SUIcIDE-A DISTRESSING CASE
The following is so painfully interesting, we
give it entire, from the Saint Louis Gazette;
A gentleman yesterday communicated to us
the particulars Of shocking and singular sui,
eide, committed on Saturday last, in Union, the
county seat of Franklin county.
Mr. John d. Burns, clerk in the employ Of
Messrs Chambers 81 Jones, of that place, had
been for some time in a melancholy state OF
mind, induced, it is believed by disappoint.
ment of his affections in regard to young la
! dy-Miss Campbell-of that neighborhood-
He had been observed frequently in converse
ton to express disgust for life, and to dwell
upon sundry well known instances of suicide
Especially a most melancholy case which oc-
Cured in this city, sometime last year. In
talking with companion about the best means
DISCRIMINATING ones life, he was advised, in q
ocular strain, to put a pistol to his temple as
the speedest mode Of execution. As he was
however, in all other respects, remarkable for
the correctness Of his judgment and propriety
Of conduct, little stress was laid upon these alb
creations. few days before his commission
of the fatal act, as he waited upon his sister
and, in a somewhat impressive manner, gave
her sum Of money, saying that it was the
last present she would receive Of him. Nc
strong suspicion Of his intentions was excited
even by this act-as it was supposed that the
maady Of a mind diseased like his, would
Weld TO the usual restoratives Of time, absence
and reflection.
Burns lodged in room adjoining the store
of Mcssrs. Chamberns g. Jones. On Saturday
morning a repor. of a pistol had been noticed q;
proceeding from near the store, without how
ever awakening any particular attention.
Shortly after sunrise, Mr. Jones repaired thith
er, and finding the doors closed, applied with
out effect for admission. He then looked in q
front window, opening from Burns lodging
and found that Burns was setting upright in
chair, with his back to the window, but show
ing upon his temple, which was partially expo
sed, the marks of wound and of blood. Tn,
room was entered, and upon closer examina
ton it appeared that the unhappy young MAJ
had discharged the contents Of pistol through
his head, the ball entering at one temple ant
coming out of the other. The pistol must have
been applied TO the left side of his head, as j
remained in some manner clenched in his lei
hand, which lay where it had fallen, without
having yet relaxed its grasp of the weapon
lie had dressed himself in his best manner
having carefully shaved and put on clean linen;
and evidently had prepared for the commission
of the deed with the utmost delberation.-
There were no marks to show that he had oc-
cupied his bed for the night; and probably was
engaged through those dead watches in medita-
ting upon, and nerving himself TO the fortitude
requisite for the preparation Of the dreadful
act Upon the sleeve Of his own coat was pin
ned paper inscribed-"This is my own act.
On his person were some notes-among them
one desiring that his body might be buried III
the dress in which he died; and another, ad
dressed 10 the object ofhis attachment, and con
tanning these few brief words: FAREWELL my
dear Maryw
Mr.. Burns was about 90 years ofage, and is
described as a very deserving and excellent
young man. His death--as well it might
excited u deep sensation among all those who
knew him; and there are none who do not sin.
cereIy regret his loss.