A Suicide's Letter to his Son

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 106, 13 June 1885, Page 5

A Suicide's Letter to his Son

Mr A. Braxton Hicks, tho doputycoronor, hold an inquiry at tho Westminster Sessions House concerning tho death of James Langloy, aged thirty-six yoars, a butler, formerly in tho servico of tho Marquis of Northampton, who was found drowned in the Thamos, Tho deceased had been out of employment for some timo, and in October last was sontoncod to three months' imprisonment at the Westminster Police Court for obtaining money under false protences from tho charitable. He was married and had four children. His body was found in the Thames, a piece of paper being discovered in ono of his pockets, bearing tho following words:— "Namo, Jamos Langley; ago, thirty-six years; particulars, no friends in a position to bury me." His son, a boy twelve yoars old, had previously roceived a letter from the deceasod writton on mourning noto papor ag follows :— " 8, Kinnerton Place, S. W., March 2nd, 1SS5. My Dearest Horace,— Before this reaches you I shall have quietly passed, to my last and long rest. My last wish is that you will ever try to lead a blameloss life, and never forget your God. Do all you can for your mother and sisters. You are very young I was only a year older than yourself when I commenced to fight my way in life. Never give way to drink, and never trust yourself to any man or woman in the world. 1 pray for God's blessing to you, and trust you may grow up in His fear. With love and kisses, from your affectionate father, James Lanqley. P. S.-My things will be found at the above address." TheUoroner said that it was a terrible letter for a boy to receive, but he should return it to him so that ho could keep it before him as an example. A verdict of *« Temporary insanity " was recorded,