Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1846-02-28

] xHE LAST HOURS or SINGLE
T CENTLEBlAN.
This morning, April l. at half pas, e.
ieven precisely, an unfortunate young
man, Mr.. Edward Pinkney, underwent
the extreme penalty Of infatualion. by ex.
plating his attachments TO Mary Ann Gale,
in front Of the altar ratings Of St. Mary
Church. Islington.
y will be in the recollection Of all those
friends Of the parties who were at the
Homes party at Brixton, two years ago,
Mat Mr.. Pinkney was there. and there
brst introduced TO Mary Ann, TO whom
he Instantly began to direct particular at
iions-dancing with her no less than
six sets that evening. and handing her
things al supper in the most devoted man
ner. From that period commenced thu
Intimacy between them which terminated
ID this mornings catastrophe.
Poor Pinkney had barely attained his
twenty-eighth year; but there is rea-
son 10 believe that but for reasons of
ispecuniary nature, his single life would
have come earlier TO an untimely end
A change for the better, however. having
occurred in his circumstances, the young
lady's friends were induced 10 sanction
his addresses, and thus to become acces
series to the course for which he has lust
suffered.
The unhappy man passed the last night
of his bachelor existence in his solitary
chamber. From half past eight 10 ten, he
was busily engaged in writing letters
Shortly after ten o'clock. his younger
brother Henry knocked a. the door, when
the doomed youth told him in firm voice
10 come in. On being asked when he
meant to 60 to bed. he replied, mot vet
The question was then put TO him how he
though! he would sleep; to which his an.
swer was, i don't know He then ex.
pressed desire for cigar and glass of
grog, which were supplied him. His
brother who sat down and partook of the
like refreshments. now demanded if he
would want any thing more that night
He said, 'No.hing,' in firm voice. His
affectionate brother then rose 10 take
leave; when the devoted one considera.e.
ly advised him to take caro- of himself.
Precisely at quarter of minute TO
seven the next morning. the victim of Gu
pid having been called according to his de-
sire, rose and promptly dressed himself.
He had the self control 10 shave himself
without the slightest injury, for not even
scratch upon the chin appeared after the
operation. l. would seem that he devo,-
ed longer time to his toile. than usual.
The wretched man was alfred in a
light blue dress coat, with frosted metal
buttons, white wais. coat and nankeen
trousers, with patent leather boots. He
wore round his neck variegated satin
scarf, which partially concealed the Cor
razza OF his bosom. In front of the scarf
was inserted breast pin of conspicuous
dimensions. Having descended the stair
case with quick step, he entered the
apartment where his brother and few
friends were awaiting him He shook
hands cordially with all present; and on
being asked how he had slept, answered.
Very well;' and to the farther demand as
10 the state Of his mind, he said He fel,
happy
One Of the party having hereupon sug-
gested that it would be as we'll to take
something before the melancholy ceremo-
ny was gone through. he exclaimed with
some emphasis. Decidedly Breakfast
was accordingly served; when he ate the
whole of a French roll, large round Of
toast, two sausages, and three new LAID
eggs, which he washed down with two
great breakfas. cups Of tea. In reply to an
expression Of astonishment on the part of
a person present. at his appetite, he de-
clared he never fel, hear,ier in his life.
Having enquired the time, and ascer-
tanned that it was ten minutes to eleven,
he remssked that i. would soon be over
His brother then enquired if he could do
any thing for him; when he said he should
like glass Of ale. Having drank this, he
appeared satisfied.
The fatal moment now approaching, he
| devoted the remaining brief portion of his
time 10 distributing among his friends
those little articles which he would soon
no longer want. To one he gave his ci-
gar case, TO another his tobacco stopper,
aud he charged his brother Harry with
his latch key. with instructions to deliver
it, after all was over, with due solemnity
10 his landlady.
The clock at last struck eleven; and at
the same moment he was informed that a
cab was at .he door. He merely said. Il
am ready and allowed himself 10 be con-
Quoted to the vehicle; into which he got
with his brother-his friends followed in
others.
Arrived at the tragical spot. short but
anxious delay Of some seconds took place;