Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-05-07
LAST HOURS OF A SINGLE GENTLEMAN.

This morning, NOV llln, d' non Pa''
leven o'clock precisely, and unfortunate
Young man, Mr.. Edward Pinckney, under
went the extreme penalty ofinfatuatlon, by
explaining his attachment to Mary Ann
Gale. in front of the altar ratings of st. Ma
RVS Church, Islington.
II will be in the recollection of all those
friends of the party who were at Jones
party at Brixton two years ago, that MR.
Pinckney was there, and 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 COM
menced the intimacy between them which
terminated in this mornings catastrophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained his
28th year, but there is no belief that but Tor
reasons of a pecuniary nature, his single
life would have come earlier to an untime-
ly end A change for the better, however,
having occurred in his circumstances, the
young ladys friends were induced to sane
ton his. addresses and thus become acces-
sories to the course for which he has just SUI
fered.
The Unhappy young man passed the last
night of his bachelor existence in his solita-
nv chamber. From alfpast 8 to 10 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 90 to bed, he replied, "not yet" The
question was then put to him how he thought
he would sleep? to which he answered, 81
don't know" He then expressed his de-
sire for cigar and a glass of grog. His
brother, who sat down and partook of the
like refreshments, now demanded if he
would take any thing more that night. He
said nothing" in firm voice. His afiec-
tionate brother then rose to take his leave,
when the devoted one considerably advise
ed him to take care of himself.
Precisely at a quarter OF minute to sew
en-, the next morning, the victim OF Cupid
having been called, according to his desire,
arose and promptly dressed himself. He
had the self-control to shave himself with
out the slightest injury; for not even
scratch upon his chin appeared after the
operation. 1t would seem he devoted a
longer time than usual at his toilet.
The wretched man was attired in light
blue dress-coat, with frost buttons, white
vest and nankeen trowsers, with patent
boots. He wore round his neck a variegat-
ed satin scarf, which partly concealed the
Corrazzo of the bosom. In front OF the
scarf was inserted breast-pin of conspicuous
dimensions.
Having descended the staircase with
quick step, 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
answered, every well )" and to the further
demand as to the state Of his mind, he said
that he "felt happy"
One of the party thereupon suggested that
it 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 sausages, and three new
laid eggs, which he washed down with three
great breakfast cups of tea. In reply to an
expression of astonishment, on the part OF
persons present., lc uCSldiSo 'ieS AN AiN>,
never felt heartier in his life.
Having inquired the time, and ascertain
ed that it 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
glass of ale. Having drank this, ne ap-
peared to be satisfied.
rVl>o co@,1 ,oo,oopf pou onnrOo hlnp. he
devoted the remaining portion OF his time
to distribute those little articles ne would
no longer want. To one he gave 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, with due solemnity to the land
lady.
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 con-
Quoted to the vehicle, into which ne got
with his brother, his friends following on be-
hind in others.
Arrived at the tragical spot, short but
anxious delay, of some seconds took place
after which they were ejoined by the lady with
herf riends. Little was said on either side, but
Miss Gale, with customary decorum, shed
tears. Pinckney endeavored to preserve
decorum, but slight twitching in his
mouth and eyebrows, proclaimed his inward
: agitation.
All necessary preliminaries having now
been settled, and the prescribed melancholy
formahties gone through, the usual question
was put
wilt thou have this woman to be tilJ
wife2"
II will"
He then put the fatal ring on Miss Gale:
finger, the hymenial moose was adjusted
and the poor fellow was launched into mat
rimony.-London Punch.
BARNUM's ELEPHANTs.--Mr. Barnum
sometime since, sent Mr. S. B. June, o
Westchester county, New York. to Asia, f
secure for him an immense caravan of will
beasts. Finding thathe could not purchase
them, Mr.. June went into the interior an,
employed party of natives who proceedet
S to hunt for Elephants. In one night the,
!, succeeded in capturing fifteen, by drivinI
u them into pen. One monster was so Sc
h verely wounded that he died, but he sue
d ceeded in bringing thirteen of them to Por
G Gable, and writes that they are safely OF
i board of vessel, and that he has part,