The Sun. — 1850-08-22 (London, England)

MURDER. On Saturday morning last a murderous assault was committed by a wife upon her husband, in the usually peace ful town of Gate-house-upon Fleet, which has naturally produced a good deal of excitement in the locality. As the ca'e is in the hluds of the proper authorities we . retrain from ewering into details of the occurrence, but may mention the following for the information of 11. e public. About ten mouhs ago a medical man named Mason commenced practice in Gatehouse. ffa had'sonie years before practised in Dumfries, and afterwards tesidsd for three years on the eastern shores or the terraces°, in the capacity, we believe, of a medical missionary. During that period he converted, or suppoord he hed converted, a Jewess, about 30 years of age, rho resided in Constantinople. lie brought her to this country. and she was baptised in the Free Church of Maxwelltown, as having embraced the tenets of the Christian • faith. Dr. Mason immediately afterwards martial her, and came to reside at Gatehouse, along with a son and daughter by a former nivrringe. About seven o'clock on Saturday morning last, when Dr. Mason was dressing, his wife suddenly jumped out of bed and attacked him in the most furious manner with some sharp instrument— a razor, probably, or surgical instrument—with which she it.flicted several severe wounds. Ile wee& aded in rushing from the room, and ran into another, where he fell down exhausted from the loss of blood. An alarm was immediately given, and aid afforded to the wounded man. On entering the room where the assault t. ad been committed Mrs. Mason was found sitting quietly in an apartment filled with smoke proceeding from the bed, which she had set on fire. The flames were with acme difficulty suppressed, and her person secured. It was found that the unfortunate man had received three wounds, each of a severe and serious nature—one on the throat and jaw, which narrow ly missed the carotid artery; one upon the back of the head; and klrightful gash on the arm above the wrist. lie bas lost a great quantity of blood, and is in a very dangerous state. An express was immediately dispatched to the authorities at Kirkcudbright, with information of the eccurret.ce, and on their proceeding to Gatehouse, the usual examination of the circumstances was made, after which the accused party was sent to Kirkcudbright gaol. We learn that the assault appears from various circumstances to have been premeditated, a formidable weapon buying been found, apparently prepared for some murderous purpose; and a large stone was discovered in the bed on which the unhappy pair had slept during the previous night. An attempt was also made, we under. stand, upon the life of Dr. Mason's son, a young lad, of er hi. f •ther had been wounded, which happily was unsuccessful, the boy escaping uninjured. There are various reports in circulation end surmises made as to the motives which could have urged the commission of this dreadful deed of violence, partly founded upon statements made by the woman when in custody, and also as to vs state of her mind, especially within the last few weeks; but into these matters it would at pre' sent be premature to enter. Dr. Mason resides in a house near the foot of the principal street of the town, which he has occupied since Whit:n[3day. He is attended ' by the other medical men of the place, and is quite sensible, though excessively week from loss of blood. On ' Sunday morning his case was considered to be more favourable.—Dumfries Courier, Aug. 20.