Too Much Gin

From GENUKI provided by Lindsey Withers:

Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday 28 October 1824 - An Inquest was held Monday, at the Black Horse Inn, Tiverton, by C. D. Pugh, Esq. Coroner, on the body of __ WERE, who died on Sunday last. It appeared in evidence that the deceased (a mason's labourer) was employed to do some repairs in the cellar of Mr Boyce, spirit-merchant; while at work, he and his companions discovered a cask of gin, with a common cock in it, and, procuring a cup, proceeded to help themselves. The deceased drank too freely, and forfeited his life in consequence. - Verdict, Died from the effects of excessive drinking.