The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1851-04-02
Last Hours of a SINGLE centlem,n.


his attachment to Mary Ann Gale, in
front of tae alter ratings of st. Ma.
fy's Church, Islington.
1t will be in the recollection of all
those friends Of the parties who were
at Jones party at Brixton, TWO years
ago, that Mr.. Pinckncy was there
and then first introduced to Mary
Gale, to whom he instantly began to
direct particular attentions, dancing
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 in
timacy between them which tcrmna.
ted i'll this mornings catastrophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained
his twenty-cighth year; but there is
reason to believe that but for rca-
sons Of a pccuniary nature, his single
life would have como earlier to an
pntlmcly end. a change for the
better, however, having occurred in
his circumstances, the young lady's
friends were induced to sanction his
addresses, and thus became acccsso-
rics to tho course for Which lie has
just suffered.
The unhappy man passed the last
night of his bachelor existence i'll his
solitary chamber. From half rast
eight to ten he was engaged in writing
letters. Shortly after his Younger
brother, Henry, knocked at the door,
when the doomed youth told him to
come in. On being asked when he
meant bed, he replied -'Not vet
The question was thea put to
him how he thought he should
sleep? to which he answered | don't
know lie then expressed his dc,
sire for scgar and glass Of groy.
His brother, who sat down and par
took Of the like refreshments, now
demanded if he would take anything
moro that night. lie sail 'nothiny,'
sin a firm voice. His ancctionatc
brother then rose 20 take leave. when
the devoted one considerably adyis-
ed him to take care Of himself.
Precisely at quarter of minute
to seven the next morning, the victim
of Cupid having been called, accord
Ing to his desire, he rose and prompt
ly dressed himself. lie had the self
control to shave himself without the
slightest injury; for not even scratch
upon his chin appeared after the or
GRAFTON. 1t would seem that he had
devoted longer time than usual to
his toilet.
~ The wrctchcd man was attircd in
q isht blue dress coat. with frosted
buttons, white vest and nankccn
trowscrs, with patent leather Eoots
lIo wore around his neck a varicg
ted satin scarf which partly concealed
-..e Corraxzo Of the bosom. In front
of the scarf was inserted Lrcast-piu
of conspicuous dimensions.
Having descended the staircase
with a quick step, he entered the
apartment where his brother and a
few friends awaited him. lie then
shook hands with all present: and on
being asked how he slept, answered.
'Vcry wcll;' and to the further de
mand as to the state Of lis mind, he
said that he 'felt happy
One Of the party hcrcrpon sug-
gcsted that it would be as we'll to
take something before the melancholy
ceremony was gone through, lie cx-
claimed with some emphasis, decided
ly.' Breakfast was accordingly scrv-
ed, when he ate French roll, large
round OF toast two sausagcs. 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 he declared that he had ncv.
er felt hcartier in his life.
Having inquired the time, and as.
certained that it was ten minutes to
eleven, he remarked that it would
soon be over. His brother then in
quired if he could do anythin. lor
him; when he said he should like to
have a glass Of ale. Having drank
this, he appeared to be satisfied.
The fatal moment now approached,
he devoted the rcmainimg portion Of
his time to distributing among his
Z friends those little articles he would
no longer want. TO one he rave his
segar case, to another his tobacco
stopper, and he charged his brother
Henry with his latch key, with in
struotions to deliver it after all was
over, with due solemnity, to tie land.
lady.
Tho clock at length struck eleven,
and at the same moment he was in
formed that cab was mt the door.
IIo merely said, Il am ready and
allowed himself to be conducted to