Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-03-09
SUICIDE OF A RETURNED SOLDIER.
REMORsE AND ISTEm mPERANCE--
AFFECTING LETTER.

SUICIDE OF RETURNED sOLDIER--
REMORSE AHD INTIimp mpERANCE--
AFFECTING LETTER.
About O'Clock on Friday night returned
soldier named VIM H. Foster was found
dead on a lounge in the apartments corner
of Franklin and Noble sls., Greonpont, with
two small vials empted and marked CLAUDIA
num- ON the table beside him Deceased
had been living alone for some time, his wife
and three children having abandoned him
in consequence Of his Incorporate habits
lie had been private in the 10Th New York
Volunteers, and was hononbly discharged
from the service on the 10Th of September,
1868 About four months ago his conduct,
as alleged became so intolerable that his
wife obtained temporary places for her three
children, the eldest of whom is but II years,
North Second St, Williamsburg.
She then called upon her husband and re-
quested part of the furniture This he re-
fused at the time, hut afterward sent her
word that she could have whatever she
needed When Mrs Foster went for the
furniture hcrhusband seemed quite repeniani
and helped her to remove the things from
the apartment. Seeing that ho was destitute
she gave him a dollar, half the money she
had. THIS seemed to affect him sensibly
and he remarked that he would drown him
self, so AS to give her no more trouble. lie
went TO work Mt his trade shortly aiterward
however and seemed to have reformed.
On Thursday last he visited his Wife, ant
told her to remove the furniture from his
apartments and she agreed to call at O'Clock
on Friday night for the purpose She found
the door of his room locked and the key in
side, and she received no answer when she
knocked. Mrs, Foster then went to the
Forty Precinct Station House and
stated her case, when officer Phelps went tC
the place, forced the door, and found Foster
in the position above stated. Coroner Smith
was notified, took charge Of the body, and
ordered post-mortem examination The
following letter was written by the suicide
on Thursday, the evening Of which day il is
supposed he took the fatal drug.
GREENPoINT, March T.
DEAR WIFE AND CHnDREN:-I Will nd.
dress you perhaps for the last time in this
world. Through the course of family mat
tiers and self.abuse by that demon OF man
kind, rum-it has caused me to commit self
destruction by taking poison (laudanum).
would gladly love to see yourself and the
children in order 10 give you all parting
kiss; but oureiuse an audience to me Alas
we must part, which, hoping through the
mercy of our blessed Redeemer TO all mec
in Heaven. Dear wife, take care Of the
children and bring them up in the love ant
fear of God, and inluse into their hearts tn,
destruction that rum will do unto mankind
learn them TO remember that they once had {
father that was man, but not always
brute
The remainder of the furniture you ma,
take, as it may be of some benefit to YOU
and as regards my body, you may give i
into the hands of the authorities, in order
that it may fill drunkard's grave. Gool
bye, dear wife and children; an eyerlastin!
good bye on this earth, and may God, ii
His infinite mercy, watch and care ior yol
and the children, is the fcrvent PRAYER o
your once loving and happy husband.
+. 5. My age is 32 years, II months
WILLIAM ii. FOSTER
Foster was native OF New York, and al
iron -moulder by occupation. y Mem Yor
Tribune