Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-05-05

Last Hours eta Single Gemelcmau
This morning. November 1lth, ut half
past eleven o'clock precisely, an unfortu
nate young man. Mr.. Edward Pinckney
underwent the extreme penalty Of infatua
ton, by explaining his attachment to Mary
Ann Gale, in front of the alter-railings o.
St. Mary's Church, Islington.
1t will be in the recollection Of all those
friends Of the party who were at Jones
party at Bnxton two years ago, that Mr.
Pinckney was thereand then first introduc-
ed to Mary Gale, to whom he instantly be.
gan to direct particular MISUNDERSTANDING
with her no less than six sets that evening
and handing her things at supper in the
most devoted manner. From that period
commenced the intimacy between them
which terminated in this mornings catas-
trophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained his
wenty-cighth year; but there is no belief
that but for reasons of pecuniary nature
his single. Life would have come earlier to
an untimely end. A change for the better
however, having occurred in his circum-
stances, the young lady's friends were In
| ducec to sanction his addresses, and thus
become accessories to the course for which
he has just suffered.
The unhappy young man passed the
last chamber. From halfpast eightto ten
he was engaged in writing letters. Shortly
after, his young 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 sleepl to which he an
swered: Il don't know" He then ex-
pressed his desire for cigar and glass
of grog. His brother, who sat down and
partook Of the like refreshments, now de-
handed if he would take any thing more
that night. He said nothing" in a firm
voice. His afectionate brother then rose
to take his leave, when the devoted one
considerably advised him to take care of
himself.
Precisely at quarter of minute to
seven thenext morning, the victim of Cupid
having been called, according to his desire,
he arose and promptly dressed himself
He had the self-control to shave himself
without the slightest injury; for not even a
scratch upon his chin appeared after the
operation. Ii would seem he devoted a
longer time than usual athis toilet.
The wrctched man was alfred in a light
blue dress-coat, with frosted buttons, a
white vest and nankccn trowsers, with pa
tent boots. He wore round his neck a va
riegated satin scarf, which partly conceal
cd the Corrazc of the bosom. In front of
the scarf was inserted breastpin of CON
spicuous dimensions
Having descended the staircase with a
quick stcp,he entered the apartment where
his brother and few friends awaited him.
He then shook hands cordially with all
present; and on being asked how he slept,
answercd-"Very WE'LL" and to the further
demand as to the state of his mind, he said
that he "felt happy
One ofthe party hercupon suggested that
:. would be as well to take something be-
fore the melancholy ceremony was gone
through, he exclaimed with some emphasis,
decidedly" Breakfast was accordingly
served, when he ate French roll, large
round toast. two sausagcs, and three new
LAID eggs, which he washed down with
three great breakfast cups of tea. In re-
ply to an expression of astonishment, on
the part of persons present, he declared
that he had never felt heartier in his life.
Having inquired the time, and ascertain
cd that 1t was ten minutes of eleven, he re-
marked that it would soon be over. His
brother then inquired if he could do any
thing for him; when he said he would take
a glass of ale. Having drank this he APP
peared to be satisfied.
The fatal moment now approaching, he
devoted the remaining portion of his time
to distribute those little articles he would
no longer want. To one hegave his cigar
case; to another his tobacco stopper, and
charged his brother Henry with his latch
key, with instructions to deliver it after all
was over, and with due solcmnity 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
81 am ready" and allowed himself to be
conducted to the vehicle, into which he got
with bis brother, his friends following on
behind in others.
Arrived at the tragical spot, short but
anxious delay, of some seconds, took place
after which they were joined by the lady
with her friends. Little was said on eth
er side, but Miss Gale, with customary de-
corum, shed tears. Pinckney endeavored
to preserve dccorum, but slight twiching
about the mouth and eyebrows proclaimed
his inward agitation.
All necessary prelininaries having now
been settled, and the prescribed melan-
choly formalities gone through, the usual
questions was put-"Wilt thou have this
woman to be thy wife?' II will"
He then put the fatal ring ON Miss Gales
finger, the hymenial moose was adjusted,
and the poorfcllow was launched into mat
rimony.