Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1853-10-06
DEpIoRABLg TRAGEDY IN BALTIMORE

WeIlearn from the Baltic Clipper of Saturday that
most heart-rendlng occurrence took place in that
city on Friday last the particulars of which are Of
truly sad character. They as follows;
The wi Of Mr. James Bourne, residing in Granby
st. two doors from High street administered chlore-
form on Thursday night to two of her children which
resulted in the death Of one of Them an interesting
little boy between SIX and seven years old. Mrs.
Sarah Ann Bourne the unfortunate mother II an
,.srs has leen labqring under adeep-seated melan-
eholy fox the last three months, which we UNDER
stand has een her state since tie birth Of her last
child. which occurred about five weeks since
On Thursday afternocn she proceeded to the drug
store at the corner Of High and baltimore streets,
and unknown to her family purchascda guam. ity Of
chloroftrm and laudanunl. Some time Shortly after
midnight, the husband awakened. and perceive his
wife as he thought in dying condition. lie imme-
daiely has,cned foEuedical assistance and procured
the attendance of Drs. Tharpe and HANDY. who, at
once perceivng that the unfortunate ladv had syval
lowed ehloroorm and laudanum, applied The palyan-
&c battery, and by that means relieved her for the
time being, aud perhaps saved her life.
While this was going on, the children four in nuln-
Der, beside the infaht Of few weeks old were living
in bed in the roo4i. No particular attention was
paid them it being supposed that they were ali asleep
But melancholy 10 relate the unfortunate mother in
her naniacal madness. had administered to two Of
them. doses Of the fatal drugs mixed In molasses
which The poor little inEoeents doubtless had swal-
lowed With feelings Of thankuneSs TO the Kind hand
which had thus sought TO please them WITH palata-
bic odefing. By some means however attention was
attracted 10 them when il appeared that Two Of them
John ~ Rourne fine interesting little boy past six
yearsot age and his sister, eighteen months young
er, were in state dfleshargy
Efforts were at once made 10 arouse them from
their unnatural slunaber In the case OF the girl it
fortunately proved Successful il appearing that she
had thrown mp quantity Of the poison administer
ed to Der, and afterwards gone 10 Sleep But with
The poor little boy IL was different The dose he had
swallowed had done its work, and befdre the B ID
aid OF those who had been awakened TO bis condition
50 late. could be made available he had ceased to
Breathe The mother is now lying in avery preca-
rions situation, the doctors entertaining but slight
hopes Of her recovery. The little girl however We
are pleased to be able TO say is proneuhced by the
physicians out Of danger which Is attributed 10 The
tast Of an over dcsedf the poison having being adj
ministered to her
II was at first supposed that The mother had also
given tie infant part 81 the fatal dose hut the py-
scians have since come 10 4 different conclusion-
The unfortunate mother up to last evening although
esincing partial syuptons Of insanity did not ap-
pear in the least conscious Of the dreadful deed she
had perpetmted
Coroner's inquest was held oyer the body Of the
dead boy, and verdict rendered III accordance with
the facts as above stated