The Times 1821 - 1830 Dec 11 1827 Attempt to Poison

Dec 11 1827 Attempt to Poison

The Times, Tuesday, Dec 11, 1827; pg. 4; Issue 13459; col B                               ATTEMPT TO POISON.                                        --------------                              (From the Carlisle Journal.) The neighbourhoods of Longtown and Carlisle have, during the past week, been considerably excited by an attempt, which had nearly terminated fatally, to take away the life of a young woman in a state of pregnancy. Not many months have elapsed since examples were made in this city of two men who suffered the just penalty of the law, - the one for murdering a female acquaintance by beating out her brains, the other for administering arsenic to his own wife; yet it seems the most severe examples have no effect upon the minds and feelings of some, who appear so reckless of life. The circumstances of the present case, as far as we have been able to ascertain, are as follow: - On Thursday week, Mary DEANS, aged 25, daughter of John and Jane DEANS, of Longtown, being with child to Thomas BROWN, a gardener or weaver, agreed with him to proceed to Gretna, a distance of only a few miles, to have the marriage rites celebrated. They were accompanied whilst at Longtown by one George BELL, and Mary his wife, who is Thomas BROWN's sister. The parties met there at the house of BELL, when some rum was sent for to drink before proceeding to Gretna. This was towards nightfall, as a candle was lighted. At this time a glass of spirits was prepared for the intended victim; the candle was put out by one of the party, when BROWN stirred a large quantity of corrosive sublimate with his finger into the glass, and pressed her to drink it off, which she did, but immediately complained, saying it was the worst rum she had ever drunk; upon which she was told to take a piece of sugar into her mouth. The natural consequence was the severe illness of the young woman, who has ever since been confined at her parents' house. BROWN has absconded. BELL and his wife were apprehended, and brought before the Mayor of this city yesterday week, when an examination took place; the witnesses present were, we understand, the girl's mother, and the druggist from whom the poison was procured at Longtown. It appears the poison was purchased on Wednesday, and administered on Thursday, andthat if a much smaller quantity had been administered, her death had been more certain. The dose was so large that the stomach ejected it; and it is expected the unfortunate woman will ultimately recover. The prisoners are remanded until she shall be able to attend, and give her evidence against them.

 

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