The Sun. — 1849-12-31 (London, England)

DEATH OF LIEUT.-COLONEL IRVINE, C.B, CHIEF DIRECTOR OF ADMIRALTY WORKS.  It is with much regret that we record the death of Lieutenant• Colonel Archibald Irvine, C.D., Director of Engineering and Architectural Wotics of the Admiralty, which event took place at half•past twelve o'clock on Saturday night, at his residence, Highgate. Up to within the la•t three years Colonel Irvine's life was spent in the service of the Honourable East India Company's Engineers, in which his career was an arduous, gallant, and most distinguished one. Ile served in many sieges "and stcrrns, in wh.c!), he was severely wounded, and, we believe, personally led n or two forlorn hopes. As a military engineer his talents were highly prized in India. He filled there many very important and responsible situations, and firaly wound up his service in that part of her Majesty's dominions by distinguishing himself as an engineer officer at tha great battles under Lord Harcinge. In India his engineering skill and ability introduced him to the late Lord Auckland, 'hen Governor-General, who, on Colonel lrvine's return to England, now about three years since, appointed him successor to th I late Colonel I3randreth, R.E., as chief of the Admiralty engineering and architectural dqartment at Somerset House. We fear, however, that this has proved a rather unsuitable office for him, and that the excessive cares and immense anxieties attendant upon it have contributed in no small degree to break down a constitution which, after so many years' toil in India, required repose and retirement. The gallant deceased, we believe, has left a large young family, the provision for which has been much circumscribed by the bankruptcies in India, and the depreciation of certain interests in which he had made large investments. Mr. Scamp, chief assistant to the late Colonel Irvine, will carry on the duties of the department until the vacancy is filled up. The selection of a successor will be a most difficult task, and will require the utmost care and consideration in making it, if the economy and efficiency of the vast public works now being carrried on by the Admiralty be regarded.  ATTEMPTED MURDER —DUDLEY, SATURDAY Yesterday evening Sarah Evans, who stands charged with attempting to murder two of her children by cutting their throats, underwent a final examination before the magistrates at this place. The particulars published previously in some of the papers are incorrect. The evidence of Sarah Evans, one of the prisoner's daughters, a girl of thirteen, who was examined yesterday, went to prove that, hearing In r younger sister, Rosannah, crying, she went up stairs to her, and found her lying on a bed with her mother standing by the bedside. Rosannah's throat was cut and bleed• ing fast, and a bloody knife was lying by her. Her mother's right hand also was bloody. When her mother saw her (witness), she said, " Sarah, it is your turn next," and approached her; on which she ran down stairs, followed part of the way by her mother. However, she escaped from her, and ran to her father, who was at work near, and told him what she had seen, on which he rushed into the licthe and wrested the knife (which she had taken up again) from her. When the prisoner was taken into custody by constable Shore, she, on being told the charge against her, said, " I am sorry I did not do for 'em alt, and myself too." On the husband handing the knife to the constable he point, d out that it had been sharpened; on which the prisoner exclaimed, " I did keen it. The devil told me to cut the child's throat;" and, turning to her husband, she added, "It 'll be your turn next." Two surgeons deposed as to the nature of the wound, which was an inch deep and three inches long. At first it was feared it would be fatal, but the child is now progressing favourably. A the close of the inquiry the prisoner was fully committe for trial at the assizes. She is said to be of a disturbed state of mind.