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Domestic News
September 24, 1798
The Gazette
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
In Trenton, New Jersey, an Irish man drowned himself after arguing with his wife, leaving a detailed suicide note explaining his marital woes, forgiving most but not her, and bequeathing money to Betty M'Kenzie.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
From a late Trenton (N Jersey) paper.
SUICIDE.
A short time since, a poor man, a native of Ireland, having had some few words with his wife, threw himself into the river and was drowned.
The following curious account of his death, written by himself, was found in his apartment, viz.
"As I know the people that will find my carcase is curious about the cause of my death, which is something out of the way, I'll give them all the satisfaction in my power about it, as I know the whole matter from beginning to end, the more my misfortune in marrying a bad wife, that was never pleased but when she was angry with me, and scolding me out of my life.
"It may be reported, as the world is greatly given to lying, that I died by accident, 'but that is a mistake, for I throwed myself into the water, and killed myself, and as the little that is left of my substance is not much, I hope there will be no quarrelling about it." I give all the money that may be found in my breeches pocket to Betty M'Kenzie. My wife said that I had unlawful doings with her, but that's a lie of her own inventing, and if I was alive I would say it to her face, as I don't know for certain whether she be a man or a woman.' As for my wife she must provide for herself, as I mean in future to give her nothing. I had enough to maintain her during my life, and I am sure I will not trouble my head about her now I am dead." 'I forgive all the world except my wife; I don't know rightly where I shall go, but I am very easy about it, as I got absolution fully today without the priest knowing what I had in my head.
"I bore an indifferent good character while I was alive, and would have knocked the biggest man down that dared to say a word against it; but now I am dead they may say what they please, but the devil reward them for their pains. I die in charity with everybody, and wish well to all who have regard for me. I was divided betwixt hanging and drowning, but at last resolved upon the way I have taken, as I thought it was not so vulgar as the other, for they hang thieves and murderers, but never drown them. So I depart this life in the 35th year of my age, without winking, grumbling or whining, but like a man of my own free notion and choice, being at all times a good Christian, with full assurance of going to heaven, where I shall laugh at my wife and the devil."
SUICIDE.
A short time since, a poor man, a native of Ireland, having had some few words with his wife, threw himself into the river and was drowned.
The following curious account of his death, written by himself, was found in his apartment, viz.
"As I know the people that will find my carcase is curious about the cause of my death, which is something out of the way, I'll give them all the satisfaction in my power about it, as I know the whole matter from beginning to end, the more my misfortune in marrying a bad wife, that was never pleased but when she was angry with me, and scolding me out of my life.
"It may be reported, as the world is greatly given to lying, that I died by accident, 'but that is a mistake, for I throwed myself into the water, and killed myself, and as the little that is left of my substance is not much, I hope there will be no quarrelling about it." I give all the money that may be found in my breeches pocket to Betty M'Kenzie. My wife said that I had unlawful doings with her, but that's a lie of her own inventing, and if I was alive I would say it to her face, as I don't know for certain whether she be a man or a woman.' As for my wife she must provide for herself, as I mean in future to give her nothing. I had enough to maintain her during my life, and I am sure I will not trouble my head about her now I am dead." 'I forgive all the world except my wife; I don't know rightly where I shall go, but I am very easy about it, as I got absolution fully today without the priest knowing what I had in my head.
"I bore an indifferent good character while I was alive, and would have knocked the biggest man down that dared to say a word against it; but now I am dead they may say what they please, but the devil reward them for their pains. I die in charity with everybody, and wish well to all who have regard for me. I was divided betwixt hanging and drowning, but at last resolved upon the way I have taken, as I thought it was not so vulgar as the other, for they hang thieves and murderers, but never drown them. So I depart this life in the 35th year of my age, without winking, grumbling or whining, but like a man of my own free notion and choice, being at all times a good Christian, with full assurance of going to heaven, where I shall laugh at my wife and the devil."
What sub-type of article is it?
Death Or Funeral
What keywords are associated?
Suicide
Drowning
Trenton
Suicide Note
Marital Dispute
Ireland Native
What entities or persons were involved?
Betty M'kenzie
Where did it happen?
Trenton, New Jersey
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Trenton, New Jersey
Event Date
A Short Time Since
Key Persons
Betty M'kenzie
Outcome
the man drowned himself in the river.
Event Details
A poor Irish man, aged 35, argued with his wife and threw himself into the river, drowning. He left a suicide note detailing his unhappiness in marriage, denying accusations, bequeathing money to Betty M'Kenzie, forgiving all except his wife, and expressing confidence in his salvation.