The Observer, 26 October 1817
HORRIBLE OCCURRENCE.
During the last two or three weeks, persons passing along a road near Pelynt, Cornwall, were annoyed by a smell that appeared to proceed from a field adjoining; but the cause was not sought after until Friday last, when in an unfrequented corner, a person discovered what appeared the mangled carcass of a calf; but on a nearer approach it proved to be the headless trunk of a human being. Horror-struck at the sight, the person gave the alarm, and several individuals hurried to the spot. The body, which was half devoured, appeared to be that of a man and soon after the head was discovered at some distance in a very mutilated state: the whole was highly putrid. Tattered remains of clothing were found on the body, amongst which was part of a woollen frock, such as is worn by stream tinners; there was also found near, a small bundle containing some articles of apparel; which might be supposed to belong to such a person; but nothing appeared that could lead to a discovery of the name or residence of the unfortunate owner. A halter used for horses, was found tied to a stump of a tree, not above two feet from the ground. It is probably that the person had contrived to strangle himself whilst he lay on the ground; his head and shoulders being raised a little by the cord. In this situation the body becoming putrid was discovered and torn by pigs, which had access to the field; – it is supposed that it was the efforts of these animals to tear their prey, that the head was separated from the body. The whole that has yet been learned of this wretched being, is, that about six weeks since a man who had the appearance of a miner, came to the house of Mr. Northcott, a respectable farmer, to whom the field where the body was found belongs, and said that he was in search of employment: he was invited to eat, but he said he should take no more in this world, and left the house much dejected. The same day a halter was missed from the stable; but no idea was entertained of its being taken by the person in question, or of its being stolen. An inquest has been held on the body, but the above is the whole of the facts that were given in evidence; consequently it did not clearly appear how the deceased came by his death. The body has been interred in the proper manner. There seems to be little doubt that the wretched man was driven by poverty and distress to commit suicide, and as he appeared to be at least 40 years of age, he has probably left a wife and family to lament his wretched fate.
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