The Spectator Volume 1063 1848 Nov 11. 11 Nov 1848. The sudden and death of Lord Midleton (deceased) at Peper-Harrow Park, was briefly mentioned in our latest impression of last week.

On Monday, an inquest was held over the body. The cause of death was fully proved to have been, as we mentioned, the fumes of charcoal burned in a close room. Lord Midleton had ordered a brazier of burning charcoal to be placed in A small unfrequented room, for the ostensible purpose of drying the damp walls; and he was found dead in this room by his valet. He had taken a pillow from his bedroom, and placed it on step in the other room, and there lay down and died. Several witnesses proved that of late his Lordship had shown signs of deep grief, and even of consequent mental derangement, caused by the circumstances of a Lawsuit with a Mr. Beadon, and Lady Midleton's voluntary separation from him.

Mr. J. Debenham, clerk Mr. Henry Marshall, solicitor, said that he was frequently in his Lordship's company — sometimes for a day together. He often noticed that he was very low-spirited; and he seemed to suffer in mind on account of a lawsuit he had with a Mr. Beadon. The last time he was speaking of something he wanted completed; for in the event of his death, he said, it would be difficult to finish. He then burst out crying. He left the room, and on his return he noticed that he had been crying much.

[Our own information couples the name of another Metropolitan Magistrate with this litigation, under circumstances of a justly exasperating nature to poor Lord Midleton.]

The Reverend Lawrence W. Elliott, of Peper-Harrow, said that he had known the deceased for many years. In July 1847, Lord Midleton communicated to him the intelligence of her Ladyship having left him, and added, that it was all his own fault. He was then in such a distressed state of mind that witness did not like to leave him by himself. Two or three days afterwards, Lord Midleton told witness that he was in such a distressed state that he had hardly been able to keep himself from laying violent hands on himself. Mr. Elliott could not attribute his state of mind to anything else than the separation between himself and Lady Midleton. About the middle of March 1848, whilst conversing with witness, he said, "Oh, my life is a hell on earth and added, that be bad had such a night, that he would not have another like it for all the world; and he concluded by saying that he had been on his knees all the night. He was extremely violent In his language, and seemed to suspect his best friends of wanting Lady Midleton to set him at defiance. He often said he hoped he should be seized with a fit of apoplexy and die. During the last two months, he had spoken of how he had disposed of his property, and what would be the result after his death. On the morning of Wednesday last, be attended at his Lordship's late residence. In the room where he was lying were some verses and letters, with a document headed The last will and testament." [Lord Midleton was a man of peculiarly generous feeling and quick sensibility. Lady Midleton herself, in the accomplishments and matrimonial position which she owed to his affection, afforded an instance of his generosity and superiority to social prejudice.]

The Jury found the following verdict—

"That the Right Honourable George Alan, Viscount Midleton, in a certain room In Peper-Harrow mansion, in the parish of Peper-Harrow, within the county of Surrey, Did, on Wednesday the 1st November 1848, destroy his own life, be being at the time in a state or temporary insanity."

George Alan Brodrick, Viscount Midleton. Baron Brodrick of Midleton, Ireland, and Baron Brodrick of Peper-Harrow, Surrey. was son of George the fourth Viscount. He married Ellen, daughter of — Griffiths; leaves no issue; and will be succeeded by his cousin Charles; who is a barrister, and the son of the late Archbishop of Cashel. The Brodrick family is of ancient Norman stock.