Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1855-06-15
Last Hours of n Single Gentleman.

The following appeared in Punch, while
yet in the full efulgence of his early glory.
Notwithstanding the long and wide circula-
ton which it has already had, we feel dis
posed to invite another fearful smile of sym
pathy over the msfortunes of the unhappy
bachelor, whose last hours it describes
This morning, November llth, at half past
II clock precisely an unfortunate, young
man, Mr.. Edward Pinckney underwent the
extreme penalty of infatuation, by expiating
his attachment to Mary Ann Gale, in front
of the railings of St. Mary s church, lsling-
ton. 1t will be in the recollection of all
those friends Of the party who We're at Jones
at Brixton, two years ago, that Mr.. Pinck
ney was there and then, first introduced to
Miss Gale, to whom lie instantly began to
direct particular misunderstanding with her
no less than six sets that evening, and hand
ing her things at supper in the most devoted
manner. From that period commenced the
intimacy between them, which terminated in
this morning catastrophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained his
twenty eighth year but there is no belief,
that but for reasons ofa pecuniary ma ture, his
single life would have come to an untimely
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 accessories to
the course for which he has just suffered.
Tho unhappy young man passed the last
night of his bachelor existence in his solitary
chamber From half-past eight or 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
bed, he replied Not yet The question
would sleepl To which he answered. 4"
don't know" lie then expressed his desire
for cigar and glass of grog. His brother,
who partook of the like refreshments, now
demanded if he would take anything more
that night, lie said ." Nothing i'll n firm
voice. His atfectionate brother then rose to
take his leave, when the devoted one cons-
derately advised him to take care of himself,
Precisely at a quarter of minute TO
seven the next morning, the victim of Cupid
having been called according to his desire, he
arose and promptly dressed. lie had the self
control to shave himself, without the slightest
injury, for not even a scratch upon his chin
appeared after the operation. 1t would seem
that he devoted longer time than usual to
his toilet.
The wretched man was attired in a light
blue dress coat, with frosted buttons, a white
vest, and nankeen trousers, with patent
boots lie wore around HI. neck a variegated
satin .carf, which partly concealed the Co
razzo of his bosom. In front of the scarf
was inserted breastpin of conspicuous d.
mensions.
Having descended the staircase with aquick
step, he entered the apartment where his
brother and sister, and few friends, awaited
him. lie then shook hands cordially with
all present, and on being asked how he slept,
answered Very we'll ~ And to the fur
ther demand as to the state of his mind, he
said that he 4" felt happy" One of the party
hereupon suggested that it would be as well
ia take something before the melancholy eere-
mony WAS gone through; he exclaimed with
some emphasis DECIDEDLY Breakfast was
/ accordingly served, when he ate French
/ roll, a large round toast, two sausages, and
drank three great breakfast cups OF tea. In
reply to an expression of astonishment on the
| part of a person present he declared that he
never felt happier in his life.
Having inquired the time, and ascertained
that it was ten minutes of eleven, he re-
marked that it would soon be over. Ills
brother then inquired if he could do anything
for him, when he said he would like glass
of ale, Having drank this he appeared to be
| satisfied,
The fatal moment now approaching he do
voted the remaining portion OF his time to
distribute those little articles he should nc
longer want To one he gave a Cigar case