Polynesian., 1851-06-21


eleven O'clock precisely, an unfortunate
young man, Mr.. Edward Pinckney, under
went the extreme penalty Of niatuation, by
expiating his attachment to Mary Ann Gale,
in front of the altar-railings Of st. Mary's
Church. Islington.
1t will be in the recollection of all those
friends of the parties who were al Jones'
party at Brixton, two years ago, that MIR.
Pinckney was there and then first introduced
to Mary Gale to whom he instantly began
to direct particular misunderstanding with
her no less than six acts that evening, and
handing her things at supper in the most de-
voted manner. From that period commen-
ced the intimacy between them which termi-
mated in this mornings catastrophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained his
twenty-eighth year; but there is no belief
that but for reasons of pecuniary nature
his single life would have come earlier to an
untmely end. A change for the better,
however, having occurred in his circumstan-
ces, the young ladies' friends were induced
to sanction his addresses, and thus become
accessories to the course for which he has
Just suffered.
The unhappy man passed the last night
of his bachelor existence in his solitary
chamber From half past eight to ten he
was engaged in writing letters. Shortly af-
ter, his younger brother. Henry, knocked at
the door, when the doomed youth told him
Ito 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 segar and glass of grog. His bro
ther who sat down and partook of the like
refreshments now demanded if he would take
anything more that night He said nothing,
in firm voice. His affectionare brother
then rose TO take leave, when the devoted
one CONSIDERABLY advised him to take care
Of himself.
Precisely at a quarter of minute TO seven
the next morning, the victim of Cupid hav-
ing been called, according to his desire, be
rose and promptly dressed himself. He bad
the self-control to shave himself without the
slightest injury; for not even scratch up
on his chin appeared after the operation. II
would seem that he had devoted a longer
time than usual at his toilet.
The wretched man was attired in light
blue dress-coat with frosted buttons, white
vest and nanieen trowsers, with patent
leather boots. He wore around his neck i
yariegated satin scarf, which partly conceal,
ed the Corrazzo of the bosom. In front o
the scarf was inserted breastpin OF conspic-
uous 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 pres
ent: and on being asked how he slept an
swered- Very well, and to the further de-
mand as to the state Of his mind, he said tina
he felt happy
One of the party hereupon suggested tha
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 ne"
laid eggs. which he washed down with three
great breakfast cups of tea. In reply to al
expression of astonshment, on the part o
persons present, he declared that he hat
never felt heartier in his life.
Having enquired the time, and ascertaine'
that it was ten minutes to eleven, he remark
ed that it would soon be over. His brothe
then enouired if he could do anything fo
him: when he said he should like to have 9
glass of ale. Having drunk this he appear
ed TO be satisfied.
The fatal moment now approaching, NJ
devoted tie remaining portion OF his tlm
to distributing those little articles he woul'
no lonper want. To one he gave his cigar
case. to another his tobacco-stopper, and h
charged his brother Henry with his latch-kel
with instructions to deliver after all was owe
with due solemnity, to the landlady.
The clock at length struck eleven. and
the same moment he was informed that
cab was al the door. He merely SAID
am ready, !" and allowed himself to be con
Quoted to the vehicle, into which he 60
with his brother, his friends following on be
hind in others.
Arrived at the tragical spot, short. bu
anxious delay Of some seconds took place
after which they were joined by the lad
with her friends. Little was said on eithe
side. but Miss Gale, with customary decorun
shed tears. Pinckney endeavored to pre-
serve decorum, but slight twitching in hi
mouth and eyebrows, proclaimed his inwar
agitation.
All necessary preliminaries having no,
been settled, and the prescribed melanchol
formalities gone through, the usual questio
was put-slViIt thou have this woman to b
itby-wife :'-to which the rash youth replie
l in distinct yoice-.I will -
/ He then put the fatal ring on Miss Ga'e
4 finger. the hymenial moose was ADJUSTED
4 and the poor fellow was launched INTO matr