Staunton Spectator

A telegraphic dispatch to the New York Herald, dated Baltimore, August 26th, says:

The death of Miss Ida V. Branch, aged twenty-three which followed a surgical operation at the Maryland University Hospital yesterday, has brought to light a singular romance in real life. She was the daughter of James Branch, residing near Smithfield, Isle of Wight county, Va., and possessed extraordinary beauty, and was besides a young lady of culture and refinement. She was the belle of the village and had many admirers. Among others who sought her hand was a Mr. Ferguson, the son of a neighboring farmer, to whom with the consent of her father Ida became betrothed. In January last certain indications in the appearance of Miss Branch aroused a suspicion on the part of her father that the intimacy between them has been of an improper character, and Mr. Branch communicated his suspicions to his daughter. The latter earnestly denied the imputation, and solemnly protested that her intimacy had not exceeded that of the strictest propriety. His suspicions were allayed but subsequently they were again aroused and Miss Branch was sent to her sister, Mrs. Ferguson, at Charlottesville. To this lady Ida made an equally positive denial, but her physical condition was such that her father deemed a medical examination necessary. He visited Charlottesville, and the physician, after an examination, confirmed his suspicions. Notwithstanding this she again protested her innocence, and a second examination by another physician revealed the presence of an ovarian tumor. Dr. Randolph, who made this discovery, recommended her removal to Baltimore for medical treatment. She arrived here on the 15th inst., and was placed under the care of Professor Johnston and other eminent physicians comprising the faculty of the Maryland University. The tumor grew so rapidly that an operation was found necessary. She was assured that the tumor would result in death in a few days, while the operation might possibly save her life. She readily assented, requesting that if she died a post mortem might be made in order to establish her purity and innocence. The operation was performed on Friday, and the tumor, when removed, was found to be of the extraordinary weight of forty-four pounds. She rallied slightly, but subsequently sank, and death ensued on Saturday afternoon. It was discovered that decomposition had begun before the tumor was removed, and that she could not in any case have lived more than a day or two. Her remains were taken to Virginia for burial.