The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-11-13
A LAMENTABLE SUICIDE.

CINCINNATI, NOV y.
Snicide-Mr John Fl. Donaldson, of Louisville,
committed suicide at his room in the Broadway
Hotel, sometime in the course of the night before
last-it was not discovered until yesterday evening
Lewis Day, Esq. Coroner, held an inquest over his
body, when il appeared that large portion of the
top Of his head was blown off with pistol. II APP
pears by the article that follows, which was found
open, and evidently intended for publication that he
had made two attempts 10 effect his purpose with
laudanum, and failing, he made use Of the pistol.
The letters mentioned near the close of the article
were left sealed and have been promptly forwarded
by Mr.. Day, agreeably to their directions
Here follow his reasons for committing the rash
act. They are written in very good md, and
without the least appea rance OF remor. The Curo-
ner requests us 10 say that the body is deposited in
vault subject to the order and control Of his friends
and relatives-EU. Post.
81 have long been tired Of life and now, without
money, without friends, and without single ray of
hope to cheer ME onward UNANIMOUSLY slandered and
prosecuted by set Of wreches whose own black and
malignant hearts will yet betray them to the world
in their proper characters; neglected and insulted
by seine [who should have been my friendSl without
any real cause surrounded BY difficulties Of various
kinds which see not the most distant prospect Of
ever being able TO conquer, have determined TO end
my misery and wretcdedness at once by sefde-
srruction, rather than to live longer, burden TO
myself and others
"Oh! my beloved wife, little do you dream of the
heavy blow which is so soon TO fall upon your de-
Louisville, two weeks since, had such de,ermi-
nation in my mind as suicide. But yes, ha We long
contemplated it; and now complete the dreadful
tragedy amongst strangers-pprposely to avoid Civ
ing you the pain Of seeing or being near nj after
death. Noble, generous-minded woman may you
hereafter find many, very many friends, where
have lately found none but enemies; and may you
find in your holy religion that consolation you will
so much need in your afilic,ion. God bless you
When came to Cincinnati, fully expected to
receive upwards of 500 in cash from gentleman
whom expected TO meet here but have not re-
ceived one cent. l hope, therefore, Mr. Cromwell
will pardon me for not having money to pay his bill
until 1t can be up from Louisville awhile, he
can retain my baggage.
am Free Mason, in good standing and should
wish TO be buried by that ancient and honorable fra
ternity, ifpossble.
May the Almighty pardon me, as pardon and
forgive all my enemies. ID.
III hope the letter addressed to my dear wife will
be considered prirats, and forwarded to her without
delay. Also, the other, for Mr. Girard.
am an Englishman, and As years yold.
Send the letter to my wife, il you please,
as possible.
"ltook one or bottle full OF laudanum on Fri
day morning. but il did not even put me 10 sleep. l
now lake double the quantity, and hope il will be
efectual this time for life is hateful to me.