The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-07-30
Suicide in Greenwood Cemetery.
AFFECTING LETTERS OF THE SUICIDE TO HIS WIFI
AND SON, ETC.

AND sON, ETC.
About half past seven O'Clock last evening Joseph
Jones, laborer employed in Greenwood Cemetery, on
his way from work, came upon the body Of man who
had just shot himself through the head with large
Colts cavalry pistol which found lying beside him.
The body was dressed suit of black CLOTH with
fine cafskn boots and fine cotton undershir The coat
made in the style known an English walking coat,
and his whole appearance indicated that he
of than ordinary inte gence; and, from the tone
Of most affecting letter to his wife, which was found
in his pocket, he has evidently seen better days The
deceased, whose name is Archibald Matthew'S is a
apparently from forty live 10 fifty years Of age, with
most intellectual forehead and features that in lie must
have been very handsome for man or that age.
Mr. Jones' as soon as he discovered the body immedl.
Sergeant Lawle Of the precinct who sent
officers to the cemetery, who found the body
the Thicke and conveyed II on litter 70 the station
house On opening his vest II found that the body
still which shows the deed must have been
Mr. Jones' In his pocket were found two letters-one
addressed 10 his son. Captain George Matthew'S 53 East
Thirty -drs, street, which Ia as foows:-
DEAR GEoRGE-When you receive this, k I succeed in
carrying out my present intention. shall be
Ny last and only legacy TO you and the rest Of the family
is my deep love. The only explanation l need offer Is
| that the load OF anxiety and is than can
| bear Please dispose oil my body without removing II
| from Greenwood IL possible But by no means remove
remains be inferred with as little publicity as possible.
have much TO write about but find my mind too
ARCHIBALD MATTHEWS.
Another letter found In his pocket addressed to
his wife, which is most affecting. He seemed to f. e that
he unable TO meet some either fanced mis-
fortune and chose the terrible ordeal OF suicide
cape from his worldly troubles.
The following letter to his wife, which Ia written In
tremuos but good hand viii give dca OF the state
Of mind In which the unfortunate when he
committed the terrible deed
DEAR WifE-In what language ! break to you
what you will io while consider to be your greatest
mental and physical condition, with the present
thought Of the utter hopelcssness of any Improvement in
my condition, you would and ought not to consider It,
My mind is confused apd wandering that is mpos
Bile TO concentrate IT, sufficiently TO give you
advice that would be worthy Of your accept.
ancc And | ask your forg gveness for the
act I contemplate Leaving you In your present
unprovided state with Little Freddy il my greatest
afction. But trust the elder boys will assist and
comfort you but be II as IL may feel firmly convinced
that my usefulness has departed having lost
OF the essary qualifications 10 procure living
mechanic aIudc TO my fast failing sight and hearing
There remains but chance OF existence the bounly
OF Others, my present course.
choose this Latter and don't believe there II wrong
done 10 ANY one by 20 dong Knowing the whole cir
cUmsances attendant my present and past life better
than any other oan ! hold myself the best judge
how 10 act in the present emergency Hoping that my
last wish respecting the disposal OF my remains may
meet your appreciation, and that you will sometimes
think kindly OF him you will probably condemn,
am at present, your anectonaie HUSBAND.
lie had in his pocket box Of caps brass niyhtkcy
and dollar and four cents in currency and pennies
The body Is lying at the Foryeighth precinct station
house, and the Coroner will hold inquest to-day.