Washington sentinel., 1855-02-14
From The London Punch.

Last Hours or y single Gentleman.
This morning, November | lth, at half past
II o'clock precisely, All unfortunate young man,
Mr. Edward Pinck9ey, underwent the extreme
penalty Of infatuation. by expiating his attach
ment to Mary Ann Gale, in front of the alter
ratings of st. Mary's Church, Islngton.
1t will be in the recollection of all those
friends of the party who were at Jones's at Brix
ton, two years ago, that Mr.. Pinckney was
there, and then first introduced to Miss Gale,
to whom he instantly began to direct particu-
lar Notwithstanding with her no lees than
six sets that evening, and handing her things
| at supper in the most devoted manner From
that period commenced the intimacy between
them, which terminated in this mornings ca
tastrophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained his TWEEN.
ty-eighth year but there is no belief, that but
for reasons of pecuniary nature, 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.
The unhappy young man passed the last
night Of his bachelor existence in his solitary
chamber. From halfpast 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 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, 81 don't know" He
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. He
| said, Nothing in firm voice. His affec-
tionate brother then rose to take his leave,
| when the devoted one considerably advised
him to take care Of himself
Precisely at a quarter of a minute to seven
| the next morning, the victim of Cupid having
| been called, according to his desire, he arose
| and promptly dressed himself. He had the
selfcontro to shave himself, without the slight
| est injury, for not even scratch upon his chin
| appeared after the operation. 1t would seem
| he devoted a longer time than usual at his
toilet.
The wretched man was attired ia a light blue
dress coat, with frosted buttons, white vest
| and nankeen trousers, with patent boots. He
wore around his neck a yariegated satin scarf,
| which partly concealed the Corrazzo of the
| bosom. In front Of the scarf was inserted a
| breastpin of conspicuous dimensions.
| Having descended the staircase with quick
| step, he entered the apartment where his
brother and sister, and few friends, awaited
him. He then shook hands cordially with all
present; 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 that
he "felt happy" One of the party hereupon
suggested that it would be as well to take some
| thing before the melancholy ceremony was
| gone through; he exclaimed with some en-
phasis, Decidedly" Breakfast was accord
puy yad nh he 49,
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 had never
felt happier in his life.
Having inquired the time, and -ascertained
that it was ten minutes of eleven, he remarked
| that 1t would soon be over. His brother then
inquired if he could do anything for him, when
he SAID he would take a glass Of ale. Having
drank this he appeared to be satisfied
The fatal moment now approaching, he de-
voted the remaining portion of his time to dis
tribute those little articles he would no longer
want. To one he gave his cigar case, to an
other his tobacco stopper, and charged his
brother Henry with his latch key, with instruc
tons to deliver it, after all was over, with due
solemnity, to the landlady. The clock at length
struck eleven, and at the same moment he was
itioiiASu tuat u eau was Ut LUe QOOr. lie
merely said-"I am ready" and allowed him.
self to be conducted to the vehicle, into which
he got with his brother, his other friends fol-
lowing on behind, in others.
Arriving at the tragical spot, short but
anxious delay of some moments took place,
after which they we're joined by the lady with
her friends. Little was said on either side !;
but Miss Gale, with customary decorum, shed
tears. Pinckney, endeavored to preserve deco
rum but slight twitching in his mouth and
eyebrows proclaimed his inward agitation.
All necessary preliminaries having now been
settled, and the prescribed necessary formalities
gone through, the usual question was put
wilt thou have this woman to be thy wife?"
~ will"
He then put the fatal ring on Miss Gale s
finger, the hymenial moose was adjusted, and
the poor fellow was launched into--ma.
trimonyl