Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-03-28
The last Hours of Single Gentleman.

This morning, November II, at hall. past eleven
O'Clock precisely, an unfortunate young man, Mr.. Ed
ward Pinckney, underwent the extreme penalty of in
| fatuaon, by expiring his attachment to Mary Ann
Gale, in front OF the alter railing of ST. Marys Church
Ellington.
1t will be in the recoecons of all those friends OF
the parties who at Joness party at Briston, two
years ago, that Mr. Pnckney there and then first
introduced to Mary Gale, to whom he instantly began
10 direct particular attentions dancing with her no
less than SIX sets that evening" and handing things al
supper in the most devoted manner. From that period
commenced the intimacy between them which termin-
ated in this mornings catastrophe
Poor Pin tkney had barely attained his twenty nth
year, but there is no to believe that but for
son of pecunary nature his single life would have
come earlier 10 untimely end. A change for the
better, however, having occurred in his circumstances,
the young lady's friends induced 10 sanction his
addresses and thus became accessories 10 the course
Tor which he has just suffered.
The unhappy passed the last night of his bach
elor existence in his solitary chamber From halt-past
eight to ten he was engaged in writing letters Short
~ AFTER his younger brother, Henry, knocked at the
door. when the doomed youth told him to come in On
being asked when he meant TO go to bed. he replied
"Not yet" The question was then put to him how he
thought he would sleep to which he answered,
don't know" He then expressed his desire for CT
| gar and glass of grog His brother who sal down
and parook of the like refreshments. now demanded
II he would take anything more tina: night He said
then rose to take leave when the devoted consider
ately advised him to take care of himself.
| Precisely at quater of minute to the next
morning. the victim of Cupid having been called, ac-
C ording to his desire, he and promptly dressed
himself He had the sefcontro TO shave himself with
out the slightest injury, foE these not even
scratch upon his chin after the operation. 1t would
seem that he had devoted longer time than usual at
| his toilet
The wretched man was attired in light blue dress
coat, with frosted buttons, white vest and nankeen
trousers, with patent leather boots. He wore around
his neck varagated satin Scarf which partly conceal
ed the CorraZzo of the bosom In front of the scarf
was inserted breastpin of conspicuous dimensions.
Having descended the staircase with quick step,
he entered the apartment where is brother and few
friends awaited him. He then shook hands cordially
with all present; and being asked how he slept, an
sWered-" Very WE'LL" and to the further demand as
to the state OF his mind, he said that he felt happy
One OF the party having hereupon suggested that it
would be as well to take something before the melan-
choly ceremony was gone through, he exclaimed with
some emphasis, "decdedy'' Breakfast
DINGHY served, when he ale French roll, large round
OF roast two sausages and three laid eggs, which
he washed down with three great breakfast cups of
'ea. In reply TO an expression of establishment on
the part OF persons present, he declared he felt
heartier in his life
Having enquired the time and ascertained that twas
ten minutes to eleven, he remarked that it would soon
oc i1is uIoiher lnen enquired ii ne cohiG 40
anything Tor him. when he said he should like 10 have
glass of aie Having drank this, he appeared 10 be
satisfied.
The fatal moment now approaching, he devoted a
portion OF his time TO distributing among his friends
these little articles he would no longer want To one
he gave his cigar case TO another his tobacco stopper
and ne charged bis brother Henry with his latch KEY,
with instructions TO deliver il after all was over with
due solemny TO the landlady
The clock at length struck eleven, and at the same
moment he was informed that cab was at the door.
He merely said " | am ready and allowed himself to