Below is a report from the Exeter Flying Post of December 17th 1818:
"On Friday last, as Miss Mary Jackson, who resided in the parish of Bishop's Clist, near this city, was walking on the Terrace, in front of Summerland Place, on her return home, she was suddenly alarmed at the approach of a cow towards her, and in her haste to avoid the animal, she fell from the footpath. - She was instantly taken, in a most terrified state, to the house of a gentleman, close by, where she experienced every attention that humanity could suggest. Medical assistance was procured, she was bled, and appeared to have recovered, in some degree, from the effects of her fright. She was then, at her particular request, taken to the house of an acquaintance, in Paris-street, where we are sorry to add, she died shortly after her arrival. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body, at the Old London Inn, on Saturday, when the Jury returned a verdict - Died by excessive fright, occasioned by a cow."
This inconsequential tale reads, to me, like a 'Jane Austen' gone wrong. (Jane Austen had died the year before at the too-green age of 41.) Mary Jackson should, of course, have recovered and married, after some entertaining inconveniences, the attentive, humane gentleman who had delivered her from the cow. Alas she died!
Mary was on her way home to Bishop's Clist, a distance of some three miles. It was December. It was probably cold. Most countryfolk must, at this time, have been consummate pedestrians. She was prepared for the brisk walk but not for the Summerlands cow.
Mind you, I am suspicious of the findings of the Inquest. The bleeding doctor is my prime suspect not the poor cow.
No comments:
Post a Comment