Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-06-06
Tragedy ut COnnersville.


A correspondent Of the Brook vile American,
writing from Connersville. May 2lst, gives full
details Of a horrible case Of illicit love and self
poisoning. which had just disturbed tho usual
quiet OF that orderly town. We quote the ma
ieriai portions Of the account:
'.On yesterday evening it was discovered that
Mr.. Joshua Gregg, Of the firm Of Dan'l Hankins
Il Co.. Merchants. and Miss Sarah Stephens. Of
this place, had attempted their sslf-destruction
by drinking two ounces Of laudanum apiece
mcdiateIy upon the discovery, the most pow
erful remedies were resorted to, to prevent its
fatal effects, which succeeded in restoring the
young lady so far that strong hopes arc now en-
tertained Of her recovery; but Mr.. Gregg died
1T u o'clock this morning.
'From what Miss s. has developed since her
partial restoration, il appears that Gregg has
been paying his attentions to her for a couple Of
years, and that four or five months since, he ac-
compIished her seduction. Two or three weeks
ago, they mutually agreed to commit suicide, she
proposing il. Probably however. the agree m~nt
was conditional: If they did not determine TO
marry they should destroy themselves; for upon
yesterday afternoon about two o'clock, he call'd
on her and in the conversation which ensued, he
told her that it was impossible that they should
ever 10 married. The alternative proposition
then came up and was agreed upon.
"Hs then took from his pocket bottle which
contained four ounces Of laudanum, purchased
the "Wednesday previous at one Of the drng
stores. Miss S. poured the contents into two
equal portions. Gregg with the utmost calmness
raised his to his lips and drank it off at draught
Miss S. hestaied at first, then swallowed part Of
il and set the glass on the table; Gregg told her
to ''be a woman and finish it, She raised it a
second time and drained il to the bottom. 1t had
been arranged that she should 60 Immediately to
the residence Of Mr.. Abram Boyce, across the
street, and wait until he should return from his
boarding house, which he said would be in about
Is minutes. They should then retire to die,
leaving a written request to be buried as they
had met death-together. He started for the
boarding house, but by the time he reached it,
it was evident that he never could fulfill his part
OF the engagement, SO quick and so powerful
had bees the influence Of the poison. He walk
ed up stairs into his room. gave directions that
Thomas D. Hankins should be sent for, said that
he was going to die. pulled off his boots and coat.
and laid down with singular GOODNESS and self
possession to meet his fate. Mr.. Hawkins hav-
ing arrived and discovered the matter imr,edi-
ateiy cals1 in the atte ndance Of physc ians, and
every means that professional skill! could devise
were employed to save him, but alas! without
effect; the murderous dist illmcnt had insnua-
ted itself into
The natural gates and alleys Of the body
TO such an extent that nothing could disIodge it.
He retained his senses for time. and exhib-
IT, lat pavka hl mn
and dsibs ration that distinguished him in every
stage Of the transaction. He repeatedly said
that he was weary Of the world that he was
tired Of living that he wanted to die begged
that nothing should be done to prevent the CON
summation devouuy wished > and steadfastly re-
fused any emetic antdote until he was inform
ed that in all probability Miss s. would recover.
when he reluctantly consented. expressing, how
ever, his entire indifference as to the result
After dark he became inse nsible; from ~ o'clock
his existence was prolonged only by the infiu-
snce Of the galvanic battery. A gentleman who
was present informed me that his appearance
after midnight was the most horrible sight he
ever witnessed. Fropped up with pillows, the
quick spasmodic breathing, the contostions Of the
countenancc, and tho nervous rolling Of the
death. blinded eye ball. effected by the regular
action Of tho battery. with the light Of the lamp
and tho shadows and silence Of those who stood
around, must have made the death-bed scene
peculiarly awful. At half past O'Clock in the
morning. he. who "a hours before was in the en-
joymens Of perfect health, lay an inanimate
corpse; and by his ow hand:
"Miss s. in the meanwhile had proceeded to
the house assigned. and waited for the arrival Of
G. Her wild and agitated cir soon attracted the
attention. and the fumes of the laud anum arous-
Cd The suspicion Of Mrs. Beyce. She could not
keep still-shs about the house. then into
thu garden would stop aud rub her and
face violently rs il she would tear the skin Of
gave incohersnt answers to the questions Of the
lady Of the house. and starting 20 60 across the