The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-04-15
Netus Of the Dan.
MELANCHOLY SUICIDE.

The New York papers contain an ac-
life, who was the proprietor of a book store
in the Astor House there. He was former
ly an extensive auctiOneer in Limerick Is
land. and was man of fine literary attain
ments, being very popular il the literary
circles of New York. He ended his life on
Friday night by takingoil of bitter almonds.
The following is letter left by him, and
directed to the coroner, dated seven days
before the commission of the fatal act
Dear Sir:-Believing that a man has a
right of disposing of his own as he may
deem proper, provided he does so without
injury to others, and when he has no one
for whom he is bound to provide, have de-
termined to retire from this world and this
communication is to prevent any misappre-
hensiOn as to the cause of my death. No
one is aware of my intentions. He through
whom l have procured the poison, [ have
deceived; he is, therefore, altogether in
nocent. The reason of my determination
is simply this, that some years ago | form
ed an attachment, unfortunately glowing
not wisely, but too we'll" The object of my
idolatry proved unworthy of my affections,
but this could not alter me, nor weaken the
spell that bound me to her. l have used
every exertion in my power to obliterato
her image, but i'll vain; l find after change
of scene, &c, nothing can effect the pur-
pose, and that it is altogether out of the |
question that | could love another woman. !
l am rendered desOlate. No home, nor
any thing resembling it. The four walls of
a bedroom when l retire at night. What
object then, to toll away! Fruitless, un-
what good am / to myself Or
society! None. Onlyin somebody's way;
therefore | shall retire. l well know how
many worthy friends will be Mortified at this !
step, as they will regard it in the light of
"hying in the face of Providence" 'suncall- !
ed and unsent for l respect their ideas, I
| don't coincide with them. The !
Great Creator Of the universe knows the !
secrets of all hearts, and
Sees equal Lord of all,
A hero perish or a sparrow fall.
desire to be buried in the plainest man
ner and at as little cost as possible. cam
not conclude without expressing the deep |
sense of obligation am under to Messrs. !
Coleman and StetsOn, of the Astor House, |
for their very great kindness to me and [
my grateful Acknowledgements are due and |
are hereby freel y given to all the employ
nes of that establishment. Since | first
entered it | have received nothing but
have written statement of my affairs
rs well as my excited state will permit, and
doubt not but my assets will produce
more than any debts of mine in this country
will amount to. This statement shall ad-
lress to Mr.. Butler, but don't wish it to
DC published; it could only satisfy idle GU
'iosity, for l presume this letter will answer
III the ends of public justice in reference
o the cause of my death, &c.
In conclusion, beg to say that l am sat
'eace with all mankind" and if | have anv
nemies freely forgive them, and hope |
hall be forgiven by those l may have in
ured. never did deliberate wrong that
am aware Of although l am well aware
That weak fellow | have been-wantinc
rmness to say NO" Wishing you every
appiness, and asking nothing of the world
ut the charity of its silence, l am, dear
il, respectfully,
c. G.. MCAULIFFE.
The deceased was 36 years of age, and
as the centre of large circle of friends