The New Hampshire Gazette

LONDON. August.

A most shocking murder was committed at the Pewter Platter in Cross-street, Hatton-garden, by one Stirne, who had been an usher to Mr. Crawford's boarding school in the same street, but had been for some time discharged. Mr. Matthews, a surgeon and man-midwife, late of Seal, in Kent, but last of brook street, Holborn, well known for his skill in the cure of fistulas, having commenced an acquaintance with this person, upon his dismissal took him into his house, and treated him like a brother, supplying him with money and other necessaries; but he making an ill use of this kindness, Mr. Matthews found himself under a necessity of desiring him to provide for himself; which he refusing to do, Mr. Matthews applied to a magistrate for instructions how to proceed, who sent an officer with proper authority to force him out; which he so highly resented, as from that instant to form a resolution of destroying his benefactor, but concealed his intention, and, calling upon Mr. Matthews at a coffee-house in Holborn on Friday morning, desired that unfortunate gentleman to lend him half a guinea, which he readily did; and with this money Stirne purchased the pistols which were to be the instruments of his revenge; and, calling at the Pewter Platter in the evening, where Mr. Matthews had appointed to meet him, he joined company, but seemed thoughtful and confused; upon which one of the gentlemen called him out, and told him he hoped he had no ill intent, for his confusion gave room for suspicion: He assured him, upon his honour, he had not: They then went in again; and in a few minutes after, he drew the pistol from his right breast, which was muffled with brown paper, it is supposed, in order to prevent an alarm, and leaning over the table, with his left hand fired at Mr. Matthews, who gave but one groan, and expired immediately, the ball having gone into his left breast: Then drawing out his other pistol with his right hand, endeavoured to shoot himself, but (whether thro' confusion, or what other cause, it is hard to say) missed himself, the ball going between his body and his arm, and into the frame of the window. Being asked what could be his motive for perpetrating so horrid an act, he said his honour was wounded, and he could not sleep for three nights, his mind being wholly bent upon the means of revenge. He was next morning carried before a magistrate, who committed him to Newgate.