The Sun. — 1856-03-10 (London, England)

SUICIDE OF AN OFFICER.  An act of determined self-destruction was committed at an early hour yesterday morning by Mr. Howard Douglas Aytoun, ensign in the 15th Regiment, and godson of Sir Howard Douglas, colonel of the regiment. The fatal act was accomplisbed with a razor, in his bedroom, in the Royal Barracks. It would appear that he had been a man of inexpensive and abstemious habits, and of a retiring disposition. He was 26 years of age, though he looked at least 33, and had formerly belonged to the Fifeshire Militia, from which, about two months since, he was appointed to the 15th. Pecuniary embarrassment seems to have weighed on his mind, and it is said that the prospect of peace, which would lessen his hope of advancement in a profession which he joined rather later in life than usual, bad also a depressing influence en him. Previous to joining the Fifeshire Militia he had been to the Australian gold diggings, and was heard to say that he returned home a poorer man than he went. That the dreadful act by which he terminated his existence was premeditated there can be little doubt from the following memorandum, which was found in his bed ; it was evidently written hastily, in large, unconnected, and straggling letters, on the back of a card on which was printed an almanac for the present year and au interest and discount table. The memorandum was as follows :—" I gave my watch to Gaskin, to dispose of for 101. There are 71. in my desk." The desk alluded to was found to contain 61. 2s. 6d., and a number of letters. J. E. Hyndman, Esq., one of the city coroners, held an inquest on the body at 2 o'clock. The following evidence was given : Major Cole, 15th Regiment, said—The deceased joined the regiment about two months ago, from the Fifeshire Militia. He kept very much aloof from his brother officers. It seemed from his demeanour as if something weighed on his mind. I never saw him drink wine or spirits of any description at the mess. He did not even take beer. When I saw him last, about two days.ago, there wee( nothing.striking or particular in bis manner. In consequence of seeing the card found on his bed (above copied), I sent to Messrs. Cane, Dawson-street, to inquire how his account stood. I received from them the letter now produced, dated March 4, written by deceased. The letter asks for an advance of 91. till the end of the month, to be remitted to a writer in Cupar Fife, Scotland. A postscript of the letter asks whether an order could be cashed in Scotland without heavy deductions, but directs that no movement should be made in the matter till he was heard from again. I understand that Mr. Cane being out, he did not get the cash. His regimental debts only amount to 41. 19s, ed., which should have been paid by the 10th of this month. I saw a letter this morning from the paymaster of the Fifeshire regiment, requiring payment of a small balance. The answer of the deceased, which is not sent, demurs to the debt. From the first day I saw him I formed the idea that he had something heavily weighing on his mind. It was generally remarked by the other officers. He seems to have been quartered at Cupar, which may account for his having some small debts there. Thos. Dyce, Esq., surgeon, 15th Regiment, said—Deceased had been on the sick list since the 4th inst. His comp!aint was very trifling, and he was not confined to bed. I saw him yesterday, and prescribed for him. I observed nothing unusual in hisi manner. He generally seemed in very low spirits, as if something disturbed his mind. At half-past 9 o'clock this morning a private of the regiment reported that deceased hael cut hie throat. I immediately went to his quarters, and found him lying on the floor in a corner of the room, quite dead. I have no reason to say that he was labouring under temporary derangement. He had evidently died from loss of blood. I caneot say whether the wound was inflicted by deceased. Richard Boyle deposed as follows—l was servant to deceased for a month and four days past. I saw deceased alive last at a quarter to ten o'clock last night. He called me to bring him some barley-water. I brought it to him, and be said "That will do for to-night." He was dressed then. I saw him in the lobby, but was not in the room. He went in and shut the door. I had seen him several times during the dey. He was writing letters a great part of the day. Ho gave me two to post at half-past one o'clock. Ido not recollect who they were addressed to. I left a letter, from him, at Messrs. Cane's, in Dawson-street, on Tuesday, and brought back an answer, which I delivered to him. I did not observe anything peceliar in his manner yesterday or last night, when I last saw him. I went to his room at half-past seven o'clock this morning, as usual. I found the door locked. I knocked, but got no answer ; being on the sick list, I thought ho was asleep. I reported the fact to a servant-man named Harris, at nine o'clock; he came down with me, and we forced open the door, having knocked again and got no answer. We found deceased lying on the floor, in his night-dress, dead. I never had heard him speak of money matters. I know of his owing some small debts. I have no reason to think he was deranged. Surgeon George Porter described the wounds. Either would cause his' death, though, if promptly assisted, they might -nothave been fatal. Thejerrr fhand thet 'l!The deceatied died from loss of blvd, which flowed froM two wounds inflicted on his throat by himself, last night or this morning, while labouring under temporary derangement of mind."