SUICIDE OF DR. COMBE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 553, 11 September 1869, Page 2

SUICIDE OF DR. COMBE.

Last Friday morning the town of Nelson (says the Colonist) was startled by the report that Dr Combe, bar-rister-at-law, had been found dead in his bed, with his throat cub, the body presentirg all the appearance of that of a determined suicide. The report proved too true. There, in his scrupu lously orderly bed-room, lay the dead body, undressed, save bat a red undershirt, and an over-shirt of white flannel, both being loosened at the neck. The bed-clothes were lying as if the unfortunate man had suddenly risen up in bed, and, by a movement of the left arm, had thrown them back, uncovering himself, and then inflicted on© frightful cut on his throat with the razor, which was found lying on his right thigh, where it had evidently dropped from his nerveless grasp as he fell back simultaneously with the infliction of the wound. The wound was a deep and wide gash, severing the muscles and blood-vessels, and penetrating, apparently, to the spinal column. The blood was spirted on tho wall at the top of the bed. One

remarkable circumstance was that no appearance of his ordinary daily dress was to be seen about the room. Neither coat, vest, trousers, boots, nor socks were visible; aud it would appear that he had placed these carefully away before going to bed. From the appearance of the face, too, we are informed that the chin had been clean shaven only a few hours before. The candle, which stood on the night table at the bedside, had been blown out, as it was only partially burned. Dr Combe was in partnership with the late Mr Poynter, who died about a year ago; and while evidently eccentric in his manner, nothing particularly noticeable was seen until within the the last few weeks, when he exhibited much more than his customary excitement, aud frequently expressed himself as beinsj short of money. Dr Combe was a far travelled man, highly educated, a good lawyer, and intimately connected with the chief partner of the well-known English firm Combe, Jelafield, and Co. He was for years a barrister on the Surrey Circuit, but was erratic in his movements, having been five or six times h;)me and back again in these Colonies. Ho hud for a time officiated as ActingJudge of the County Court at Ballarafc. He had also travelled in America ; and was an intelligent and entertaining conversationist. Tho unfortunate man was believed to be about fifty years of age.