The Sun. — 1840-11-16 (London, England)

POLICE  GEN CE  GUILDH-4LL.  ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE. —MYSTERIOUS CONDUCT OF A YOUNG MARRIED LADY.—Several days ago a young lady, of the name of Alice Gordon, was arrested by a policeman, when about to commit suicide by plunging into the Thames at Blackfriars-bridge, whereupon she was taken to the Compter, where she has ever since been an inmate for safe custody, rather than as a prisoner. She was conveyed to Guildhall during the week, and questioned by Alderman Humphery and others to discover who are her connexions, as they are, doubtless, persons of respectability, but she has evinced would rather die in prison than apprise her parents theand no as dogged husband her disgraceful situation : she has been importuned with a fatherly tenderness to make a statement in private, on a pledge that she should not be exposed publicly, but, down to Saturday, all was unavailing ; hence the Aldermen consider it necessary that a statement may be made of the facts which have come to their knowledge, in order, if possible, that she may be placed under her natural protectors. She is a short, handsome little woman, apparently about the age of 21, and in consequence of some intercepted letters she has written, it is inferred I that she has left her husband and lived nn terms of intimacy with one of the gentlemen to whom her letters (post-paid) were addressed. It has been gathered, that she and the person alluded to disagreed, and she suddenly left him, and, after pledging her shawl for seven shillings for a temporary subsistence, she attempted, as a dernier ressort, to destroy her life. On Saturday Mr. Alderman T. Wood had a conversation with her, and all that he could elicit from her was that she was born at Frankfort, that she is a married woman, and that her parents live at Southampton, aad their surname initial is the letter B. She pointed to the intercepted letters, and dd complainedtathe y had beenthatthey should be exposed. She was kept secret, and should remain so if she would make a private but candid statement, which she refused to do at all hazards, and she was convoyed to the Compter prison. The following is a verbaim copy of letter, No. 1 :  " Nov. 4.  " Ma chore amie, votre pauvre ami Alice—As my letter will be read, I may as well conclude in English. I do not want my father and mother to know I am in prison, as they will instantly send for my husband, and you know I wish to avoid meeting him, as we have not lived together so long. Excuse my not telling you what I am imprisoned for, fearful you might say anything before the children, and the whole affair be immediately known. I want you to meet me at the office at Guildhall to-morrow at twelve or one, and I wish you to say that you know me, and will see me safe home to my friends. I have pledged my shawl for seven shillings on Monday last, and wish you would send me one to ap• pear in, as I am most disgracefully dressed, and in my folly, perhaps, determined not to say where I am. If you think they will question you too closely, deny all knowledge of me, and do not appear at all. I have gone (i❑ prison) by the name of Alice Gordon, and eta heartily sorry that I have given my own name. Your's s►ncerely, A AA