The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — 1825-09-07 (London, England)

MELANCHOLY EFFECTS OF SEDUCTION.  MAHY7LATIiONNE7 IlOSißieeitillir.;CL;e was witnessed at this Office, and which appalled every individual present. It is the custom, at stated periods, for the Parish Officers to ' bring to the Office, in order to make the necessary affidavits, those unfortunate persons who have been seised with madness, in order to their being forwarded to the Lunatic Asylums, to which custody they cannot be consigned unless the course described be adopted. Two females were by them this day brought up, one of them, an elderly woman, was raving mad, and her frightful cries excited the deepest commiseration. The other was the opposite, depicting that almost incurable state of the disease, called "melancholy madness," and on being brought before the Magistrate she was recognised to be the unfortunate victim of seduction, the beautiful Miss Maria Douglas ; but no more like what she was when last at the Office than night is to day. Her eyes were sunken and hollow, and the death-like paleness of her face showed the deep inroads of affliction upon her evidently susceptible mind. She was attired in the pauper dress, and confined in the strait-waistcoat (like her unhappy companion) having attempted suicide in the work-house. Both were under the evident control of some nurses who accompanied them.  The opportunity, and the conversation that took place respecting her case, has enabled our reporter to give the most affecting particulars connected with her unfortunate situation.  Miss Douglas is now about nineteen years of age, and is the daughter of a highly respectable family, but who, from accidental causes, have been dashed from the highest style of life to the very extreme of poverty. Her father, it was said, died of a broken heart, caused by his misfortunes. His daughter, moving in a splendid sphere, and possessing, in addition to an extremely hand. some person, accomplishments of the first order, received the attentions of a number of very respectable gentlemen, and shortly before the general wreck of her father's fortune, she fell a victim to the arts of a most accomplished seducer of rank, but whose name she will not divulge, although she admits he is of a noble house. She resided in a cottage in St. John's Wood with him for some time, but very soon was deserted, and then,the dark clouds of adversity began to collect around her. She, about four months since, being ejected from the cottage, having disposed of almost everything, and abhorring the courses of profligacy, determined upon committing suicide, and, in the night-time, was observed wandering near the canal in the Regent's Park, by a watchman, who, from her evident agony. of mind, followed her, and saw her plunge into' the water, and sink. fie quickly procured assistance, and just as she rose to the surface, succeeded in rescuing her by catching her hair. She was immediately taken in a state of insen. sihility w one of the lodges, and the usual restoratives being applied, she was restored to sensibility, and on the following morn. mg brought to the office, when her attempted suicide was detailed. She very unwillingly stated to the Magistrate the history of herself, and the causes that led to a determination to rid herself of life and sorrow at the same time. Her misfortunes excited pity, and she re. ceived some relief ; and the publication of the case in the news. papers led many benevolent persons-to send money to the office for her use. She was then very elegantly dressed, and extremely beautiful, but to-day presented an afflicting contrast and those appearancri which precede a premature death. On the occasion above alluded to, an asylum was procured for her in Chapel_ street, Llason-grove ; but she had not long been there, before the weight of her affliction brought on the disease of the mind. She was removed to We infirmary, and very soon the complaint became evidently settled. Having attempted some days ago to cut her throat the usual restraint was applied, and in the state described she was brought to the office. Mr. flossixs asked Mr. Goodger, the parochial surgeon, his opinion of her state of mind. Mr. Goodger said she was insane. Miss Douglas mildly, and bursting into tears, " No, Sir, I beg leav,: to Say that I am not deranged, indeed I am rot. I am only ill, and will soon be well again." Mr. Hoseirta—You then are not well in health. Miss Douglas—Oh, dear DO, but i am not mad; I am quiet ; a circumstance has occurred which affitcts me. Mr. Hosixites-.-Will you describe that? Miss Douglas—Oft, Sir, I cannot now, its a long story and an affecting ore, the circumstance ;marred some time ago, and has  made me very unhappy; it is silely of a private nature. /I ut lam not mad, oh no, I am not mad, L am only unhappy. Mr. OS N s—Aye your parents alive. Miss Douglas sighing, I have no friend living. She then sat down almost exhausted, and the lassitude of the disease appeared gradually stealing over her. The order for her removal was then made out. The other woman appeared not to understand say thing, but swore and raved with the most frightful vehemence. They were removed in a coach.