The Nevada journal., 1855-08-10
Last Hours of a Single Gentleman,

This morning, November 18th, at half
| past l / O'Clock precisely, an unfortunate
young man, Mr.. Edward Pinckney, under
went the extreme penalty of infatuation,
by expiating his attachment to Mary Ann
Gale, in front of the altar ratings of St.
Mary's Church, Islington
It viii be in the recollection of all those
friends Of the party who were at Jone s,
at Brixton, two years ago, that Mr. Pinck-
ney was there and was then first introduc-
ed to Miss Gale, to whom he instantly be-
gan to direct particular attention, dancing
with her no less than six setts 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 catas-
trophe.
Poor Pinckney had barely attained his
twenty eight year but there is no belief
that, but for reasons Of a pecuniary nature,
his single life would have come to an un-
timely end. A change for the better,
however, having occurred in his circum
stances, the young lady's friends were in
duced to sanction his addresses, and thus
became accessories to the course 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 re-
piled "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 lemonade. His
brother, who partook of the like refresh
ments, now demanded if he would take
anything more that night. He said
''Nothing, )" in firm voice. His affection
ate brother then rose, to take his leave,
when the devoted one considerably advis-
ed him to take care of himself.
Precisely at a quarter Of minute to
seven the next morning, the victim of Gu
pid having been called, according to his
desire, be rose and promptly dressed HIM
self He had the self-control to shave
himself without the slightest injury, for not
even scratch upon his chin appeared af-
ter the operation. 1t would seem that he
devoted longer time than usual at his
toilet.
The wretched man was attired in light
blue dress coa., with frosted buttons, a
white vest, and nankeen trousers, with pa
tent boots He wore around his neck
yariegated satin scarf, which partly con-
cealed the Corrazzo of the bosom. In front
of the scarf was inserted 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, answered: Very
well" And to the further demand as to
the state of his mind, he said that he ''felt
happy" One of the party hereupon sug
gested that it would be as well to take
something before the melancholy ceremo-
ny was gone through; he exclaimed, with
some emphasis: ''Decidedly." Break
fast was accordingly served, when he ate
French roll, a large round toast, two sau-
sages, and drank three great breakfast
cups of tea. In reply to an expression of
astonishment on the part of a person pres
ent, he declared that he never felt happier
in his life.
Having inquired the time, and ascer-
tained that it was ten minutes of eleven,
he remarked that it would soon be over.
His brother then inquired if he could do
any thing 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
devoted the remaining portion of his time
to distribute those little articles he would
no longer want To one, he gave his ci-
gar-case, to another his tohacco-stopper,
and charged his bother Henry with his
latch key; with Instructions to deliver it
after all was over, with due solemnity, to
the dlady The clock at length struck
eleven, and, at the same moment, he was
informed that cab was at the door He
merely said: 81 am ready and allowed
himself to be conducted to the vehicle, in
to which he got with his brother, his
friends following on behind the others
Arriving at the tragical spot, short,
but anxious delay Of some moments took
place, after which they were joined by the
lady with hex friends. Little was said on
either side but Miss Gale, with customa-
ry decorum, shed tears Pickney cndcay-
ored to preserve decorum, but slight
twitching in his mouth and eyebrows pro-
claimed his inward agitation.
| All necessary preliminaries having now
been settled, and the prescribed necessary
formalities gone through, the usual ques
ton was put
"Wilt thou have this woman to be thy
wife -
e'I will.
ole then put the fatal ring on Miss
Gales finger, the hymeneal moose was ad-
| iusted, and the poor fellow was launched