Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-06-08
AcAsE OF SLOW POISONING.

We find in the English papers an account OF
the preliminary examination in curious case
of alleged slow poisoning, which, in some of
its features, bears a close resemblance to g
case of the same sort recently tried in New
York city. The parties, however, In the Eng
lish occupied higher social position,
and their relation to each other was of recent
origin aud questionable character.
The deceased, it appeared, who was lady
OF 43, went last Autumn to live in a boarding
house at Bayswater, near London, where she
became acquainted with one Smethurst, sur
geon, who was living in the same house with a
lady much older than himself, who passed as
his wife, and, for aught that appears, was so.
After time, the deceased, who was maiden
lady, removed to another boarding house IN
the neighborhood. Here she was joined by
Smethurst, and subsequently they lett togeth-
er, the deceased giving no notice OF her inten-
tions, where she was going, to sister, her
only relative with whom she was on good
terms and who frequently visited her at Bays
water, where the deceased had introduced her
| to DIR. Smethurst. 1t appears, however, that
the day after leaving Bayswater the deceased
and Smethurst were married at Battersea
| Church whence they went to live at Richmond
| as DIR. and Mrs. Smethurst. Here the lady,
who, beside a life interest in a considerable
| sum. had eight or nine thousand dollars which
| she was entitled TO dispose of by will, was ia
| ken sick with diarrhea and vomiting. Smet-
hurst attended her with great assiduity and ap-
| parent affection, insisting upon giving neF
| food himself, and disinclined, apparently, that
| anybody else should do SO. Her sister, with
whom she had re-opened a correspondence,
was informed of her sickness, but also, that
though her sister desired to see her, she did
not wish her to stay. On this visit the deceas-
ed complained of the taste of the tapioca with
which she was fed, and wished her sister to
prepare some for her, but she was prevented
by Smethurst, under various pretences, and
when she afterward prepared some soup, Smet-
hurst found pretences for taking it into an
other room before the patient could be allow
ed to eat it.
Two medical gentlemen of Richmond we're
called in to attend upon the patient, as the
disease baffied all their skill and as they were
totally at a loss to account for the eXtraordi-
nary symptoms that showed themselves, they
| proposed finally to send for DIR. Todd, who, it
| appears is at the head of the English medical
profession. After considering the case, DIR.
Todd privately expressed the opinion that she
was suffering under the effects of some poison,
administered in small doses; and chemical
examination of the secretions betrayed the
presence of arsenic and antmony. While the
woman was still living, Smethurst was arrest
ed but she was already far gone, and died
shortly after. chemical examination of the
stomach, kidneys, and heart, confirmed the
suspicion of poison, administered in repeated
small doses. Shortly before his arrest, the
poisoner had procured the deceased to exc
cute will in her maiden name, giving him
her property. When he was arrested, letter
| was found upon him, ready for posting, direc
| ted to his other wife.