The New York herald., 1876-12-28
A STARTLING SUICIDE.

MAJOR GENERAL JOHN p. BANKsoN SHOOTS
HIMsELF-A SINGULAR DEED FOR AN AP-
PATIENTLY VERY RICH MAN-FINANCIAL In
DARRAssMENT THE PROBABLE CAUSE.
PHILADELPHIA Dec. 81, 1876.
Ono Of the most extraordinary cases OF suicide that
have occurred IN this city for time took place
this afternoon. Az two O'Clock to-day, in Office in
OF the busiest streets OF the CITY, in the heart oil
the Wholesale trading houses, Major General John
r. Bankson commanding the First Division OF tho
State National Guard, one OF the best known Of tho
wealthy business men OF Philadelphia, suddenly ended
hts life by pistol shot through the head inflicted BY
his own hand. Notwithstanding the busting
section OF town, tho public place and the busy
time OF day when The suicide occurred It
was not generally known until about two hours a,or-
ward When the news once became current 1t spread
like wildhrc, and hundreds to whom General Bunk
well known by his prominence in business, social
and military circles thronscd the private Office Of
Hanns Dislilling Company's building, at Nos 2lS and
go South Front street, where the dreadful deed took
place. The greatest amazemcnt expressed all
sides that one in the position OF General Bankson
should commit suicide, tor he had an enviable social
position, repulcd to be very wealthy ana to be
possession OF all That makes lie enjoyable and at
irac,ive IL was only after some time and trouble that
the following particulars OF the affair could be learned
by the HERALD correspondent
THE DETAILS
II appears that shortly before TWO o'clock this after
noon General Bunkson came into the oflicc OF the
Hannis Company, OF which he was treasurer in ncr-
vous. hurried manner. Ho had made hurried visits
several times before during the day The only persons
In the at The time Ar. Burton and anottc
young gentleman, statesmen. General Bunkson asked
.Wheres Mr. HannisY"
'Just gone out, SIR, was the reply
"Anything new ~ was his next question.
In response to this he was handed telegram from
the firms New York correspondent, stating that IN
the proof spirit market, TO-DAY, whiskey had gono
down thirteen cents
Anything else Y" no asked and answered in tho
negative He read the telegram. It seemed 10 affect
him unplcasantly He showed considerable annoyance
and went immediately up circular IRON staircase into
lilte private the second noor where he had
desk, and where the gentlemen IN the house usually
dine. colorcd man was gong 10 and iro from this
room removing Dishes and the General went up and
down stairs several times white this was taxing place
Finally lie went up stairs when the servant had lett
the room, and within few minutes attcrward tho re-
port OF pistol shot was heard Startled by the sharp
report the Two saesmen rushed up stars followed by
several workmen, who had been in the warehouse
among The great casks and barrels oil spirits On look
ing Ia at the door a horrible sight was wit
messed Tor General BanKson seated In a char in
front vi his desk. his head thrown back. his iect
stretched forward his arms hanging down at his sides
and his face distorted and disnRured bv blood be-
grimed by powder on tho floor at his sido lay
large revolver such as are carried by officers Of the
National Guard his told the story OF suicide. An
nation showed the unfortunate man to be still
breathing, but he died almost Immediately Dr. A. q.
Gavin was hastily summoned but no was dead before
his arrival The mnzze of the pistol had been
placed in front OF the right eyc near enough to scorch
and blackcn The acc when II discharged and tho
bu let had emerged from the lett sdo OF the lower
part OF the back Of the head. As DR.. CALVIN picked
up tho huge weapon he said, This must have killed
him almost instantly"
In the shor. time while seated at his desk General
Bunkson had written two short notes, In lead pencil
and they bon Iay enclosed and sealed, before the ie-
less body One was directed to Mr. Trevis, broker
and Did friend and schoolmate OF the deceased, and
the other to General Bunkson's son. They writ.
ten hastily in pencil On single half sheet Of pote
paper, and contained simply farewell and announce
ment that whom thcy read ho would be longer
In ihls world.
THE
1t Is understood that the probable cause OF the sui
cidc financial embarrassment, although the de-
ceased was rcputcd to be wealthy. SO TAR however,
his connection with tho Hanns Disulng Company
IL concerned secretary aud treasurer his accounts
are believed 10 be correct. He was very largo
owner oil tho stock OF this Ii lnoso
knew the deceased intimately that Tor some
past he has been endcavoring 10 carry large amount
OF securities which have recently declined about ny
per cent and that 10 keep hmsclf gong he Was com
PEELED To go oat In the street anu borrow This
source giving out he saw failure staring HIM the
face, and this drove him 10 desperation
Late IN the afternoon Coroner Goddard arrived aud
gave PERMISSION Tor the removal OF the body the
residence of the deceased in West Phadeiphis al No.
1905 Pine street. whore his wife and six children live
Tho General had just completed bis iorty second
year, and was a member OF the democratic party.