The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — 1825-03-12 (London, England)

CORONER'S INQUEST.  listaatnnot.w Sutetristerday afternoon an Inquisition was held at Green's Hotel, Portugal-street, upon the body or Daniel Cox, Esq. a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, who committed suicide on Thursday, by hanging himself in his bed chamber et the Hotel.  Among the gentlemen in attendance to give evidence was Mr. Alderman Cox.  Mr. James Green, the proprietor of the hotel, stated, that the deceased had been in the habit of coming to his house at intervals for &considerable period. He was with Sir Thomas Hardy during the whole of the time that that officer commanded on the South American station. Ile was brought up under Sir T. Hardy, who was much attached to him. Ile was about 25 years of age. He had lately been staying with his relations in Dorsetahire, whence he returned a few days ago. On Wednesday night he came in about 12 o'clock, and inquired for Captain Wallace, a friend of his, who was staying there. Captain Wallace was out, and the deacesed ordered a bed. fie went to bed soon'after. On Thursday afternoon, about two o'clock, witness was informed that the door of the room in which the deceased slept was locked, and that the chambermaid had several times tried to wake him, but could not. He then went up to the room. lie saw the unfortunate gentleman hanging by the neck to the bed post. On the table near an open razor was a piece of paper, which witness now produced. Upon this paper was written as follows : " I die the victim of folly, adopting a character foreign to my natural one. God forgive me. DA,: Cox." Mr. Green, junior, stated, that he saw the deceased on Tuesday, when he brought a letter for Captain IVallace. On %redneaday he came in about 1 o'clock, and took luncheon. He afterward* threw himself along on some chairs in the Coffee-mom, and called out to the waiter, "If I fall asleep call me at half-past one. He did not fall asleep; but after reading a newspaper for some time, he got up and walked about in rather a hurried manner. He came up to the bar and said, " Green, are my clothes fashionoble ?" Witness gave his opinion on that subject, and he went away. On Wednesday night he came in about 12 o'clock, anti asked for Captain Wallace, who witness said was gone to smoke a segar, and would most likely be late. He said, " That will not do for me. I can't either smoke or drink. I am ill—my head is not right—l can't tell what's the matter with me—l must get down to Cheltenham. He then muttered something to himself, and wit. ness caught only the words, " then I shall not see him." Captain James Wallace, R.N. sworn.—fle first knew the de. ceased about five years ago, andlhad since sailed with him when in the Superb, Sir 'r. H. Hardy, on the South American station. He always considered him perfectly sane. He knew that he had been unwell, but had no idea that his mind was unsettled. Alr.tAlderrnan Cox--Captain Wallace has ',forgotten to state that the deceased had • deformed spine, a fact which perhaps will prove to be, material. His sisters are unhappily afflicted in the same way. Doctor Haslam can give important evidence on that point. Doctor John liaslam said, he knew the deceased and his family intimately. He had a distorted spine. A distortion of the spine renders a person more liable to an affection of the brain, which was sometimes actually produced by it. Mr. Alderman Cox sworn—l know the deceased intimately—he wls distantly related to me. He had often complained to me of a pain in the head, which he said was produced by the distortion of the spine. Captain Wallace, questioned by a Juror—lie had often seen the deceased within the last twelve months. His means were always more than adequate to his expenditure: he was not gay nor expensive. Witness never knew hint addicted to women, to drinking, or to gaming. Had not the least idea what the deceased meant by stating that he was "the victim of folly." He stood high in the opinion of his superior officers, who regarded him as a very talented young man. Several Jurors thought there was sufficient proof of insanity, while others strongly expressed the contrary opinion. After a long argument, the room was cleared, and the Coroner put the question to the vote ; when there appeared for a verdict of Insanity twelve, and on the contrary six. A verdict of " Insanity" was consequently recorded.