The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-05-29
from tie London Punch.
LAST HOURS OF A SINGLE GENTLE
MAN


past eleven O'Clock precisely, an upfortu-
nate young man, Mr.. Edward Pinckney.
underwent the extreme penalty OF in!stu-
alton, by explaining his attachment to Ma
~ Ann Gale, in front of the atar-railinas
of St. Mary's Church, lslington.
|, will be in the recollection Of all those
friends Of the party who were at Jones'
party at Brixton two years ago, that Mr..
P,nckney was there and then first intro
dueed to Mary Gale, to whom he instant.
" began to direct particular attentions
dancing with her no less than six sets thai
evening, and handing her ,hngs.at supper
10 the most devoted manner. From that
period commenced the intimacy between
them which terminated in this mornings
catastrophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained bis
twenty-eight year; bot there is no belief
That but for reasons Of a pecuniary nature
his single life would have come earlier to
~ untimely end. A change for the bet
ter, however, having occurred in his cir
curnstances, the Young lady's friends were
induced TO sanction his addresses, and thus
become accessories to the course for which
he has iast suffered.
The unhappy young man passed the
last night of his bachelor existence in his
solitary chamber. From half past eight Il
ten he was engaged ia writing letters
Shortly after. his Young brother Henry,
knocked at the door, when the doomed
voath told him to come ia. On being ask
ed when he meant 10 90 TO bed, be replied
--s'not yet' The question was then put
to him how he thought he would sleep? 70
which he answered. 81 don't knew" He
then expressed his desire for cigar and 0
glass Of qrog. His brother. who sat down
and partook Of the like refreshments, now
aemsnded if he would take any thing more
that night. He said .no,hing.n in firm
voice. His affec,ionate brother then rose
10 take bis leave, when the devoted one
considerably advised him to take care 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, he arose and promptly dressed himself
He had the selfcontrol 10 shave himself
without the slightest injury; for no, even
a scratch upon his chin appeared after the
operation. II would seem he devoted d
longer time than usual at his toilet.
The wretched man was at,ired in light
blue dress-coat, with frosted buttons,
white vest and nankeen trowsers with pa
tent boots. He wore round his neck
variegated satin scarf. which partly con
cealed the Corrazzo Of the bosom. In front
Of the scarf was inserted breastpin Of con
spicnous Dimensions
Having descended the staircase with .
qnicll step, he entered the apartment
whore his brother and few friends await
ed him. He then shook hands with all
present; and on being nsked how he slept,
"Very well;" and to tho further
demand asSto the state of his mind, he said
,ha. he "fel, happy"
One of the party hereupon suggested,
that i, would be as well to take something
before the melancholy ceremony was gone
through, he exclaimed, with some empha
sis, "decidcdlv" Breakfas, was according
" served, when he ate French roll, aI
large round toast, two saussges, and thre Q
new laid eggs, which he washed dow u
with three grea, breakfast cups Of tea. Ii
reply 10 an expression Of astonishment, on
he par, Of persons present, he declared
that he had never felt heartier in his life.
Having inquired the time, and ascer-
iained that il was ten minutes Of eleven,
ho remarked that il would soon be over
His brother then inquired if he could do
,nv thing for him; when he said he would |
lake glass Of ale. Having drunk this be
appeared 10 be satisfied.
The fatal moment now approaching, he
devoted the remaining portion Of his time
10 distribute those little articles he would
40 longer want. TO one he gave his ci-
rar case: to another his tobacco-stopper,
aud charged his brother Henry with bis
atch-kev, with Instructions to deliver It ai-
er all was over, with due solemni,y to the
andlady.
The clock at length struck eleven, and
II the snme moment he was informed thaI
cab was at the door. He merely said
4 am ready" and allowed himself To be
conducted to the vehicle, into which he
rot with his brother, his friends following
n behind in others.
Arrived a, the tragical spot, a short bul
Inxious DELAY, Of some seconds, took place.;
,fter which they were joined by the iads |
With her friends Little was said on either
de, bat Miss Gale. with customary deco
nm. shed tears. Pinckney endeavored T.
preserve decorum, but slight twisching in
lis mouth and eyebrows, proclaimed his
inward agitation.
All necessary pre.imnaries having now
'een settled, and the prescribed melancholy |
ormali.ies gone through, the usual question
vas put-.sWilt thou have this woman tol
70 thy wifs?" 81 viii"
He then pu, the fatal ring on Miss Gales |
niger, tho hymenial moose was adjusted
nd the poor fellow was launched intel
natrimony. ,
A Coon ONE.-Some erratic genius has
the following conundrum:' :'Why
: the life Of an editor like the Book Of Rev
lations? Because il is full of type and