Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-13
From the London Punci
Last hours of Single Gentleman.

| This Morning, November | at hali-past eley
en- precisely, an unfortunate young man, MIR. Ed
ward Piuckney, underwent the extleIne penalty
of inlatuatiun, by expiating his attachment Il
Mary Ann Gale in front of the altar ratings o
st. Mary's Church, islirgton.
1t will be in the recollection Of all those friends
of the party who were at jones' at Brixton, twt
years ago, that MIR. Pinckney was there,an theI
first in roduced to Miss Gale, to whom he instant
| ly began to direct particular attenton-danclns
with her no less than six sels that evening, ant
handing her things at supper in the most devoted
manner. From that period commenced the lntl
macy between them which terminated in this NOR
ning's catastrophe.
Poor Pinckney ha barely attained his twenty
eight year but there is no belief, that but tor rea
sons of pecuniary nature, his single lie wouit
have come to an untimely end. change tor Int
better, however, hav ing occurred In his clrcum
stances, the young lady's friends were induced Il
sanction his addresses, and thus became acceSsa
ries to the course for which he had Jusl suffered
The unhappy man passed the last night OF nj
bachelor existence in his solitary chamber. From
half past eight to ten he was engaged in writing
letters. Shortly alter his younger brother Henry
| knocked at the door, when the doomed youth tolt
him to come in. On being asked when he mean
10 90 to bed, he replied, Not yet" The ques
tun was then put to him, how ne thought he woul6
sleep? To which he answered, Il don't know. :
| He then expressed his desire for cigar Y glas;
of grog. His brother, who partook ot the like re-
| freshments, now demanded II ne would take any
thing more that night. He said Nothing" In {
| firm voice His affectiunate brother then rose Il
take his leave, when the devoted one conslderate
| ly advised him to take care OF himself.
| Precisely at quarter of a minute to seven the
next morning, the victim Of Cupid having beer
called according to his desire, he arose and prompt
I ly dressed himself. He had the self control u
shave himself without the slightest injury, to
not even scratch upon his chin appeared aiie
the operation. 1t would seem he devoted long
or time than Usual at his toilet.
The wretched man was attlred in light blut
dress coat, with frosted buttons, white vest
nankeen irowsers with patent boots lie wore
round his neck varlegated satin scarf, which
partly concealed the Corrazzo of the bOsom. Ii
front of the scarf was inserted breastpn of con
spicuous dimensions.
Having descended the staircase with quicl
step, he entered the appartmest where his broth
er and sister, and few friends awaited his com
inc He then shook hands cordially with all pres
ent and on being asked how he slept, answered
|
the state of his mind, he said he telt happy ?
One of tie party hereupon suggested that II woult
;, be as well To take something beore the melancho
" ceremony was gole through; he exclaimed
with some emphasis, decidedly" Breakfast wa
accordingly served, when he ate French roll,
larGe round toast, two sausages, and drank thre
great breakfast cups of tea.Sn reply to all expires
sion of astonishment on the part Of some persol
ha baclarad that ha had felt SucI
happinesssin his life.
Having inquired the time, and ascertaned tina
it was ten minutes of eleven, he remarked that
would suun be over. His brother inquired if hi
could do anything for him, when he said he woult
|. like glass of ale. Having drank This he appear
ed 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 he gave his cigar case, to another his 10
bacco stopper, and charged his brother Henry will
his larch-key, with instructions to deliver IL, aite
ali was over, with due solemnity, TO the landady
The clock at length struck eleven, and at the same
moment he was he was informed that cab wa
at the door. He merely said-"l am ready,
aud allowed himselfto be conducted to the vehicle
into which he gnt with his brother his other friend
> following on behind in others.
Arriving at the tragical spot, short but anxiou
delay OF some moments took place, after whic
they were joined by the lady with her frends.-
Little was said on either side; but Miss Gale, witt
customary decorum shed tears. Pinckney endeavor
ed to preserve decorum, but slight twitching il
his mouth and eyebrows proclaimed his inwar
agitation.
; All necessary preminaries having now bee
settled, and tho prescribed necessary formalite
gone through. the usual question was put-'Wil
thou have this woman to be thy wife 90 81 will.
He then put the fatal ring on Miss Gales fin
ger, the hymeneal Moose was adjnsted, and tn
poor fellow was launched nto-matrimony