The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-08-21
THE CASE OF CHRISTINA COCHRAN OR
GILMOUR.

GILMOUR.
The .Ncac York Sun, in abiding to the case of this
unhappy young woman, who is about to be surren-
dered to the British authorities for the alleged muir
der of her husband, has the following interesting
sketch as to the causes which led to her present
dreadful situation 1t will be seen that the tale is
not without its moral, sad and mpressve
"The history Of this unfortunate young woman
should operate as a warning to parents, and teach
them to beware of unrelenting opposition to an hon.
orable attachment formed by daughter, even a
son. merely because the object favored by such is not
of equal wealth or rank in life with themselves. 1t
were better-far better-to raise one than to pros
rate and destroy the other Mr.. Cochran, the father
of this young woman, is wealthy farmer in the
shire of Renfrew, near Paisley, in Scotland. She
received a passably good education, and we have
letter written by her to her parents since her
arrival here couched sweet and affecting language,
and written in a pracsed pretty hand. About five
years ago, it appears, she being still in her teens
she became acquainted with young in the
neighborhood by the Of Anderson, and mu-
tual attachment sprung up between them Although
Of excellent character, and of good moral conduct
he was in humble life, being gardiner in the em
ployment Of gentleman in his native parish. They
made secret of their attachment, but twas bitterly
opposed by her parents, particularly her father and
the father of her future husband had already decided
that she and the unfortunate John Gimour were to be
united The great object Of her parents from the time
of discovering her attachment to Anderson was to
keep them apart, and with this view she times
confined in the attic of her fathers dwelling and
most rigid system of coercion applied to her with
view to compel Abandonment on her part of the OBJ
ject OF her affection, but without effect although
stripes and at times severe beatDgs, resorted
Oh, father she exclaimed one day, cannot marry
John Gmour have nothing to say against him. but
do not love him; permit me to marry John Anderson
who know is attached to me love him and
will go down my knees and bless you. He and
can take the farm which is in short time be
| can't and my little sister live with me, and we
shall all be happy in each others society. John Gil
| mour can find another girl who will love him ard
| make him good wife; but oh, father, | cannot
| cannot-mariy him The appeal was UNDECIDED and
served but to make her situation worse, aud she de
termincd upon escape, TO wander she knew not
whittier Watching an opportunity she fled, but
soon pursued by her father and all the servants
Of his household. She took shelter in a thicket,
where she remained for some time undiscovered,
although her pursuers often passed the spot where
she lay, till her little favorc dog found out
his mistress aud came fondIing upon her This
led TO her detection, and she was taken back
TO the house and severely beaten. Finally, goad-
cd almost TO madness, or to what has been claimed
in regard TO her, insanity she gave consent so
far the law required 10 union with Gilmour and
after beng bcdccked IN bridal robes was brought as
OK TO tho slaughter, or n lamb TO the sacrifice,
from her place Of confinement, and her destiny in
terwoycn for life death with that Of John Gil
mour. The parents had given them tl 900, or about
$4,000 each, making $4,000 IN all, and they were
settled on the farm at lnchunan, which became their
property. In about five weeks from the marriage
the unhappy husband, after short illness, in which
he experienced severe torture persisted Circum-
stances came TO light which afforded but too much
ground for suspicion that he had been murdered aud
that his unfortunate, but now is feared guilty wife,
had caused his death. The subsequent events are
known she fled 10 this country in protection of a
young man, and passing as his wife, but occupying
distinct bcr,hs, and both assuming fictitious name.
Anderson is stll living at Renftewshire and is said
TO be of good character. Christina declares that she
did not murder her husband If So the prayer of all
viii be that God will permit her to pass in safety
through the terrible ordeal which she will be called
so soon TO encounter