Source: Bell's Weekly Messenger, No.1828, Sunday, April 10, 1831
Harriet Elton, a female about 30, was brought before the magistrates on Friday for having attempted to drown herself in the Regent's Canal. She stated, that about 11 years ago she was seduced by a colonel, by whom she had six children. His father having disapproved of the connexion, they were separated, but afterwards became reunited. About three years ago the old gentleman again parted them, and since that period she has neither seen nor heard any thing of the colonel, although his father died in the interim. Finding her father's door closed against her, she intended to drown herself. The magistrate, finding that she last slept in Westminster, ordered her to be taken to Queen-square office, with directions to the chief officer that something should be done for her.