The Sun. — 1823-07-16 (London, England)

DREADFUL. SUICIDE.—JEALOUSY.—FTWRy a, ternoon an inquisition was taken at the Red Lion public-house, St. Sidwell, on the hotly of Ann Mackay, aged 42, wife of Mr. Dan. Mackay, residing in a cottage near Sidwell, in that parish, who, about half-past 10 o'clock on Monday night, shot herself in her bedroom, with a fowling-piece of her husband's, which wile kept in the house loaded with shot. She effected her purpose by doubling and tying her garter, one end of the loop being placed on the trigger, the other under her foot, placing the muzzle under her stays, and discharging its contents into her body, causing a large wound, from which a portion of the bowels protruded. The unfortunate woman lived about three hours after the fatal transaction, when death terminated her sufferings, May Herd, char-woman to the deceased, said her mistress was a remarkably fine woman, of a sanguine temperament anti strong passions, and that she was aunt to the late Thomas Elliott, Esq. of sporting celebrity, who shot himself some little time since in London, her husband, Mr. M. being 67 years of age. Latterly they bad lived very unhappily, from his being jealous of a young man of the name of Strong, who boarded and lodged with them. She said her master came home on the afternoon in question about four o'clock ; he appeared .to have been drinking; a quarrel ensued between her Taster, mistress, and Strong, and the two latter left the house, hut not in company, Strong quitting it first. Soon after five o'clock her master also went out. In the course of the evening they all returned. Mr. Af. coming home first. Her mistress returned at a quarter before eight , o'clock. Strong was there before. Her muter and Strong had both drank, but Me. S. appeared most intoxicated. The quarrel was resumed, and witness, who was in the washhouse, hearing a great noise, was induced to go into the house, and found her master and Mr. S. fighting. Her mistress at this time was in a state of great agitation, and did not appear to know what she was about. She complained much of her husband's ill-usage—that is, of his being Jealous ; he had never struck her. Mr. and Mrs. Lawless quitted the house about nine o'clock, wishing Mr. and Mrs. M. good night ; her mistress went up stairs, master remaining in the kitchen ; there was always a gun on her master's side of the bed ; it was generally loaded; site saw Mrs. M. several times afterwards, and re' moved the gun from the (room, but which her mistress again got possession of ; witness offered to remain in the house for the night, but this Mrs. N. refused ; at her master's request, when about quitting the house, she asked her mistress if she wanted her any more, who answered no, and before she had time to descend into the kitchen, she heard the report of a go. Susan Bartlett corroborated die testimony of the former vitnos, and said when she heard the report of the in, Mr, N. „„i:t,4l oat-44 Good God, she has shot herself!" and ran irn ; he burst open the door, which was locked ; Mrs. I'M. was lying the floor, with the gun at the bottom of the bed ; r. M. was on fire; which was put out by witness ; did not observe bow the gun was, but .there was much smoke, and a strong smell of gunpowder ; she wait living but did not speak; ..Mr.M. was then desiring her to speak to him,. when she cried out " Oh ! cruel Mackay 1" shelkissed him, and forgave him. Several other witnesses were examined. The Jury, after along, laborious, and patient investigation, delivered the following verdict:---" Shot herself, then labouring under temporary derangement." Mr. Mackay loses an annuity of VV. Per annum by his wife's death.