The Sun.
London, England, 1869-05-11 00:00:00

THE DEATH OP MR. CHARLES ;VESCO JIB.

(From the Lx ter and Plymouth Gazette.)
Painful is it at all times to chronicle the death of
an able, and useful, and estimable man. Trebly
painful is it to perform the melancholy task of re-
cording the removal of an intimate friend, with
whom we have been associated in business and in
pleasure, and who is cut down almost at our side
in the prime of his days. But that duty we have
now to perform, and sure we are that many a
kindly heart in Devonshire will sympathise with
us when we say we announce with poignant regret
the death of Mr. CharleslVescomb, the High Sheriff
of Exeter.

On Thursday Mr. Wescomb was at Exeter and
seemed to be in vigorous health ; and far from the
thoughts of those who conversed with him during
the day was the anticipation that their bright-
spirited friend, who looked so hale and hearty, had
but a few short hours to live.

Ten years since Mr. Wes:comb became proprietor
of the Exeter and Ply mouth Gazette ; and within the
last rive years purchased in succession the Maid-
stone Journal, the London Globe, and the Edinburgh
Courant ; but having entrusted the Globe to other
hands, he returned gladly to Devonshire, and only
last Monday entered into the occupation of his new
midence in Southernhay.

From men of all political opinions we have re-
ceived expressions of heartfelt sympathy with the
deceased's family on their sudden bereavement, and
earnest tributes to Lis merits as a public man.

At the Police-court, on Saturday, the Mayor on
taking his seat, formally announced the melan-
choly event. He said Mr. Wescomb was a man
whom they all admired. His ability in public
affairs was unquestioned, his general urbanity was
admired by all, and his goodness of heart endeared
him to his friends and even to many of his political
opponents.
'Trinity,
The Rev. George Henry Shield, rector of Holy
in his sermon at morning service, made a
most affecting reference to the High Sheriff's
death, and said all concurred in giving earnest
testimony to his public and private worth, to the
honourable and successful industry which marked
his useful life, and to the good qualities of head and
heart which characterised him.
At St. Stephen's Church, where Mr. Wescomb
worshipped for many years, there was a large con •
gregation yesterday morning, it being expected that
some reference would be made to his sudden decease.
The Rev. J. G. Davis preached, taking for his text
the 11th verse of the 2d chapter of the '2d Book of
Kings. In concluding his discourse he spoke of the
sudden decease of Mr. Wescomb, and said he who
was a member of that congregation, and whose place
of business was in that parish, had within the last
few days been called away from amongst them, and
his place would know him no more. Some of them
had esteemed him as a friend, whilst others had re-
spected him for those qualities which made him so
useful a member of s)ciety. 111 the evening the
hey. J. W. lleclgeland, the rector, preached, and
also touchingly alluded to the death of Mr. Wes-
cott:h.

At the evening service at St. Mary Major's, the
Rev. 11. Brainley, in allusion to the sudden death
of the High Sheriff, spoke of Mr. Ilre-icomb as one
much respected and beloved, and who had done
much good in the city. At the conclusion of the
service the Dead March was played on the organ.

The funeral of the late Mr. Charles Wescomb
takes place next Wednesday, in the family vault in
St. Sidwell'e Churchyard.