Glasgow Courier. — 1845-11-29 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

SUICIDE AT SEA FROM DISAPPOINTED LOVE.  On the 19th inst. Mr. Baker, the Coroner, received the following anonymous communication, forwarded per post To the Coroner of London, who is advised to investigate minutely at once into a ease of suicide by a young woman the servant-maid of an ' officer's wife at sea, on board the brigantine Mary Ann, just come from Algoa, now in the London Docks, caused by the heartless conduct of others towards her, and insufficient attempts to restrain or save her after one or two attempts to drown herself, which matter has been hushed up entirely. One man has absconded? This letter was written throughout in beautifullyformed Roman letters. When the Coroner received the above, he , immediately forwarded it to Mr. Overton, the summoning officer, who colt himself in communication with Serjeant Orun, of the Denmark Street police-station, who proceeded to investigate the circumstances, when it appeared that on the 23d of August last the Mary Ann left Algoa Bay for England; besides the crew, there were 12 passengers onboard, amongst which number was the lady of Major Campbell, of the 91st Regiment of Light Infantry, at present stationed In Graham's Town, Cape of Good Hope. The deceased was servant to that lady, and had the care of three children. She was a remarkably fine young woman,lB years of age. It appears that almost immediately after embarkation, she formed an attachment to the chief mate of the vessel, named Hutchinson. Some time had elapsed when she was informed that Hutchinson had kept company with a young woman in London, to whom he was to be married on his arrival. She (deceased) taxed him with the fact, which he denied, but at subsequent intervals had spoke very slightingly of her, and applied opprobrious epithets, which had preyed upon her mind; and one night, whilst Hutchinson was keeping the watch on the deck, she attempted to jump overboard, but was prevented by some of the passengers, and was confined to her cabin throughout the remainder of the night. Deceased was advised by the second mate to break off the connection, but she appeared irresolute. At 10 o'clock on the morning of the 22d ult., whilst the ship was off Fayal, there was a sudden cry raised of "Somebody overboard" Captain Guy instantly sprung upon deck, and ordered the ship to be hove-to and the quarter-boat lowered, which being done, after the lapse of about 15 minutes, the body was found floating on the water. She was immediately conveyed on board, when Captain Guy endeavoured for above two hours to restore animation, but without effect. After her death, the following letter, written in pencil, in a bold sad firm hand, was found "October 21, 1845. " Mr. Hutchinson—An injured girl now addresses you; that I have been a very foolish one I know very well; but fool as I am I loved you too well; but much as I have loved you, I must tell you that this is the last time I shall ever trouble you more, for now it is my firm belief that you care no more for me than you do for any one of the sailors—and that your whole study is how you can injure a poor friendless girl. The whole of the voyage you have been deceiving a weak-minded girl—but you shall not deceive use any longer. No, cruellest of men, I will let you know that Elizabeth will be deceived no longer. Farewell for ever—deceitful, cruel man—and forget that ever such a girl as Elizabeth Wilson ever lived, and may God forgive you the injuries you have done me as I forgive you." - - - - • • •  To the -honour of Captain Guy, immediately on the arrival of the vessel in the docks, he dismissed the man (Hutchinson) from his service, as unworthy of confidence, for his base and unmanly conduct to the unfortunate girl.