A FULL AND PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF A MOST
Horrid Murder,

Which was committed by
MARY IRVEN,
ON THE BODY OF HER INFANT CHILD,

June 12, 1817.

THIS unfortunate young woman lived servant with Mrs. Harrison of Mansfield. A man of fortune, by presents and promises seduced her, and when she proved with child, basely deserted her. She disguised her state, and on the birth of the infant, she cut it into peices, tied them up in a cloth, and at night when the family were in bed, put it into the fire, to consume it. The smell so affected Mrs. Harrison, in her chamber, that she came down to inquire the cause, and perceiving an unusual large fire in the kitchen, she took part of it off, when horrible to relate, she discovered the mangled body of a child. On looking in the back kitchen she found the maid washing something bloody. Mrs. Harrison accused her with the dreadful deed, which she immediately acknowledged, and the next day confessed the shocking circumstance to Justice Lee.

The Justice addressed her as follows: You Mary Irven, after a serious investigation of your case, have been found guilty of a most horrid crime; guilty of the murder of your own infant child! You cannot expect pardon in this world, but I recommend you, during the short time which remains for you, to seek it at the throne of your offended God, where mercy may be found.

She was committed to prison to take her Trial.

Tis thus, the self-conceited fop,
With flattery greets the ear:
That he suspicion from your breast,
May quick remove afar.

Thus by his pois'nous arts he draws
Insensibly away;
Your unsuspicious heart, by guile,
From virtue's paths astray.

Nor heeds the wound which he inflicts,
Upon your guiltless mind;
But, hurries on his vicious course,
Some other dupe to find.

Thus, when your honor once is lost,
Your brightest jewel's fled;
Then does your conscience you upbraid,
Which long has dormant laid.

Walker, Printer, near the Duke's Palace, Norwich.