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 peaceful town of Gate-house-upon-Fleet, which has naturally produced a good deal of excitement in the locality. As the eve is in the hands of the proper authorities we raft sin from entering into details of the occurrence, but may mention the following for the information of the public. About ten months ago a medical man named Mason commenced practice in Gatehouse. He had some years before practised in Dumfries, and afterwards resided for three years on the eastern shores of the lift-ditet ranean, in the capacity, we believe, of a medical missionary. During that period he converted, or supposed he hud converted, a Jewess, about 30 years of age, who resided i❑ 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 married her, and came to reside at Gatehouse, along with a son and daughter by a former marriage. 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 inflicted several severe wounds. He succeeded in rushing from the room, and ran inta another, where be 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 had been committed Mrs. Mason was found sitting quietly in an apartment filled with smoke proceeding from the bed, which she bad set on fire. The flames were with some difficulty suppressed, and her parson 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 narrowly missed the carotid artery; one upon the back of the head; and a.frightful gash on the arm above the wrist. Ile has 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 occurrence, and on their proceeding to Gatehouse, the usual examination of the circumstances was made, after which the accused party was rent to Kirkcudbright gaol. We learn that the assault appears from various circumstances to have been premeditated, a formidable weapon having 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 understand, upon the life of Dr. Mason's son, a young lad, after hi. f ither 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 the state of her mind, especially within the last few weeks; but into these matters it would at present be premature to enter. Dr. Mason resides in a house near the foot of the principal atrcet of the town, which he has occupied since Whitsunday. He is attended by the other medical men of the place, and is quite sensible, though excessively weak from loss of blood. On Sunday mor❑ing his case was considered to be more favourable.—Dumfries Courier; Aug. 20.