The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-09-20
a WIPE's INsdHITY.
Repeated Attempts at Suicide A Nnptiai
Feast thst wns Followed by Brutality,
sickness, and the Dethroncment Of Reason.


Harriet Osborne, or IA shc sometimes
calls herself, Hester Jnue Morrill,, has attempted
suicide soven times since July ~. A few months
ago she lived in a tenement In Sixth street, and
supported her aged mother ny working as a
sesmstress. She was then about twenty-tbree
years OF age aud very beautiful, her long golden
hair flowing to her waist, and her light blue eyes
dancing with happiness, In June last, despite
her mothers objections she gave her hand In
marriage to John Morrill,, young man who lived
In the same block. an old schoolmate and friend
Of her childhood. Soon after the marriage sew
eral young women IN the house arranged to
hive small party and celebrate tho event.
Harriet was the life OF the party. Some beer
having been provided, the party was continued
until late hour. and when tho young husband
drinking. But she did not heed him, and the
party mad to be broken up. Morrill, went to his
roum and according TO bis wife's story, beat
her until she was black and blue.
Soon after Harriet was taken Ill. and her mind
became Affected. Then her husband abandoned
her, and went TO Virginia. The Young wife, on
her recovery, endeavored to obtain employment,
but without success. The alteration OF mind
returned, and her mother was Obliged to lock
her In a room. On the morning OF July 20 Har.
riet escaped from the room and wandered
strayinR on the pier at the foot OF Delaney
street, she was about to leap into the river, but
Roundsman Wanley prevented her; Having
been taken TO the Delaney street police station
she gave her name and residence, and her
mother was sent for. But previous to her
mothers arrival she was detected In the act OF
drinking from small vial, and on searching her
the police found two small bottles OF laudaDum.
Under the advice OF Capt. Clinchy her mother
took her home, with the intention OF sending
her to the BlaokwelIs 1slano Asylum for the
Insane.
ON the next day Harriet again escaped, and
late In the evening was rescued by n civilian as
she W. about to jump into the river near Clin-
ton street. Capt. McEwain sent her home, and
she was again locked In a room. Two days later
she again escaped, and at about 10 O'Clock In the
evening taken to the Twenty second street
police station by Oficer Quigiey, to whom she
had been banded over by two young men VINO
said ahe had tried to jump into the river
from the foot OF Eighteenth street. She was
sent to Bellevue Hospital. In that tnstitu-
tlon she escaped from the night Waterman.
but was caught as she was totterinR on the edge
Of the wharf about to plunge In the river. Then
In her room In the hospital she tried to open an
artery by biting her wrist, and the attendant
had trouble with her while they were dressing
tte wound. as she tore OF the bandages as fast
as they were bound on. IL was decided to be
dangerous to leave her to herself and she was
bound hand and foot, and consigned TO guard
ed cell. ON the next cav sue was sent to the
Blackwells Island Asylum for the Insane A
fortnight later she was sent home "a cured.
On the morning of Sept. Harriet went out
and In the evening an officer took her to the
Charles street police station. She told the SER
geant, after considerable questioning, that she
had taken Paris green in the morning, sulphate
of zinc In the afternoon, and a dose OF laudanum
just before her arrest. She was sent to Bellevue
Hospital, and a stomach pump saved her. Afte'
| two days treatment she was discharged. A
her mother, and was found late In the evening
wandering In the streets. The physician OF the
| Eldridge street police station ascertained that
| she had taken an excessive dose Of laudanum
| ing she was taken home by her mother. She
stu says she will yet commit suicide.