Litchfield enquirer., 1857-01-15
Last Hours of Single Gentleman.

4 precisely, an unfortunate young man, Mir. Edward Pinkney, underwent the extreme : penalty of infatuation, by sexpatiating his attachment to Mary Ann Gale, in front of the altar railing of St. Mary's Church, Islington.
 It will be in the recollection of all those friends of the parties, who were at the Jones party in Brixton, two years ago, that Mir. Pinkney was there, and there first introduced to Mary Ann, to whom he instantly began to direct particular atten- tion-dancing with her no less than six ; sets that evening, and handing her things at supper in the most devoted manner.- ! From that time commenced the intimacy between them, which terminated in this mornings catastrophe.
 Peter Pinkney had barely attained his twenty ighth year. but there is reason to believe that for reasons of a peeuniary nature, his single life would have come ear Her, 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 to become accessories to the course for which he had just suffered.
 The unhappy man past the last night of his bachelor existence in his solitary chamber. From halfpast eight to ten, he was busily engaged in writing letters Shortly after ten his younger brother. Hem ry, knocked at the door, when the doomed youth told him, in firm voice, to come in. On being asked whether he intended to go to bed, he replied, Not yet.''
 The question was then put to him, how he thought he could sleep, to which he re- piled. Il do not know" He then ex pressed a desire for a segar and glass of grog, which were supplied him by his bro- ther, who set down and partook of like re- freshment, and now demanded if he would want anything more that night. He said, Nothing" in a firm voice his affection ate brother rose to take leave, when the devoted one considerably advised him to take care of himself.
 l Precisely at quarter of minute of seven the next morning, the victim of Gu pid, being called according to his desire, arose and promptly dressed himself; he had the self control to shave himself with out the slightest injury, for not even scratch upon his chin appeared after the l operation.
 The wretched man was attired in a light blue dress coat, with frosted metal buttons, white waistcoat and nankcen trowsers, with patent leather boots he wore around his neck yariegated scarf, which partially condealed the Corazza of his bosom. In front of the scarf was inserted a breast pin of conspicuous dimensions; having descended the stair. case with quick step, he entered the apartment where his brother and a few friends were awaiting him he shook hands cordially with all present, and to the demand as to the state of his mind he said he felt happy"
 One of the party having thereupon sug- gested that it would be as well to take something before the melancholy ceremc- ny was gone through, he exclaimed " De- 1 c;dedly." Breakfast was accordingly serv- l cd, when he ate the whole of a French roll, a large round of toast two sausages, and three new laid eggs, which he washed down with two great breakfast cups of tea. In reply to an expression of astonishment on the part of a person present, at his ap- petite, he declared that he never felt heartier in his life.
 
 ed that 1t was ten minutes to eleven, he re- marked that it would "soon be over;" his brother then enquired if he could do any thing for him; said tc should like to have glass of ale; having drank this, he ap peared satisfied.
 The fatal moment now approaching, he devoted the remaining brief period of his time to distributing among his friends those little articles which he would soon no long CT want. To one he gave his segar case, to another his tobacco stopper, and he charged his brother Henry with his latch key, with instruction to deliver it. after all was over, with due solemnity, to his land lady.
 The clock at length struck eleven, and at the same moment he was informed that a cab was at the door; he merely said, am ready,a and allowed himself to be con- ducted into ths vehicle into which he got with his brother-his friends followed in l others. f7
 Arrived at the tragical spot, & short. but anxious delay of some seconds took place, after which they were joined by the lady, with her friends. Little was said on either side, but Miss Gale, with customary de corum, shed tears Pinkney endeavored to preserve composure, bat slight twitch- ing of his mouth and eyebrows proclaimed his inward agitation.
 l The illstarred bachelor having submit ttcd quietly to have large white bow lp.nned to his button-hole, now walked, side by side with Miss Gale to the altar :; he surveyed tho imposing preparation with ealmness, and gazed, unmoved, on the clergyman, who assisted by the clerk, was waiting behind the railings.
 All the requisite preliminsries having