Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-10-20
A Boston Banker Attempts to Murder
his Family, and cuts the Threats
of two of his Sons.

Boston, October 9.-An appalling tragedy
took place in the village of Longwoud, in
the town of Brookline, about four miles from
Boston, at an early hour this morning. The
act was produced by insanity on the part of
the perpetrator, aud the victims are his two
little sons, for whom he entertained the great
est affection in his sane moments.
Tie circumstances, rs they appear upon
investigation, are that George l.. Richardson,
during the intense heat of last summer, was
exposed to the sun in such manner as to be-
come n victim to sunstrOke, ever since which
time he has suffered mental depression, and
for, the past week or ten days he has been too
i'll to engage in business. but was not during
this time confined to his house. His friends
were anxious about him on account of these
premOutory symptoms of mental arrangement,
but there was not the slightest fear enter
tanned for its assuming any violent or danger.
Gus form. Last evening he retired early, and
about o'clock this morning his wife awoke
and found him very nervous. In few mo-
mcnts he got up from his bed, took razor
from his dressing case. and going into add
joining room, where his two sons, Henry and
George, were sleeping, he instantly cut the
throat of Henry from ear to ear, producing
almost instant death, and then attempted in
the same manner to kill his second son. The
the latter are very deep and ugly. and is pos
sible he may not survive. Mrs. Richardson.
hearing the cry of the youngest, ran to the
room and pulled her husband back A mo-
ment of reason came, and he exclaimed
Great God, what have done !" and mme-
diately left the house, clad only in his night
shirt, and shortly after jumped into a nIiidam
near by. He extricated himself from the
water immediately, and proceeded in his al
most nude state in the direction of Boston
lie stopped at the house of an Irisbman, and
rappng upon the door demanded admission,
stating that he was cold and wished to warm
himself While the man was preparing to
descend Mr.. Richardson went off. and calling
at the house of Mr.. Henry A Green. near
the Cottage Farm, on the Worcester railroad,
Knocked at the rear door. Tie dumestics,
hearing him, inquired what he wanted, when
he implored admission, stating that he was
cold, and urged them to come down and make
a fire. Before they had time to consider, he
threw up his arms and rushed away. He was
found this forenoon in his own barn under
the hay, and taken to the insane asylum in
Somervile. When be was found he was
laboring under great mental depression, and
though unaware of the deed he had perpetra-
ted, was impressed with the sense of having
committed some great crime.
Mr.. Richardson has wife aud four chill
dren. The lad who is dead was a youth of
fourteen years of age. aud beloved by ALL
His sudden death has thrown the deepest
grief upon his circle of acquaintance, by
whom he was esteemed for lis many noble
traits of character. Mr.. Richardson's love
and care for his children was something more
than iathery. He was their friend aud con.
fdant, participating in all their plans, and
enjoying with them the pleasures of very
happy home He was himself man Of
decided religious character, being at the time
of the above sad occurrence deacon in the
Orthodox Church at Brookline. Continued
ill-health, acting upon a nature naturally
sensitive, created mental arrangement, which
is the only explanation to be given of this
truly sad affair. In the immediate neighbor,
hood of this sadevent, among those who knew
him best, there has been tender and general
expression Of sympathy for the wife and
family thus suddenly and fearfully bereaved.
In business circles Mr.. Richardson is well
known. having been for about forty years
prominently engaged as shipping merchant,
banker, &C., in the city of Boston.
The Post Office at Woodstock, Va has
been made a money order Office.