Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1810-09-12
From the National LateMgencer.

e The death of those distinguished by their
station, :.
&c But by their virtue more, awakes the mind
(" To solemn dread, and strikes a sadd'ning
awe"
When public virtue and private worth
exhibit so intimate an assocIation, as they
did in the character of the late Col. JOHN
WHITING, it is honorable to humanity TO
observe the sincere regret displayed by the
citizens of Washington, on the dem'se or
that inAexible patriot and distinguished cl-
tizen. Col. Whiting was a native or the
state of Massachusetts. The contest OF ms
country for her liberties created HIM asol-
der his reflections taught him to be a re-
publican. Col. Whiting took arms in the
cause of the revolution IN his 18th year, and
was Of the army which captured Burgoyne /;
in the action of the 9TH October, 1777, he
was in the hottest fire of the day, in the as
sault of the British lines which were carrl-
ed and on every occasion where eonstan-
Ncy, patriotism and courage could dlst'n-
guish a man, he stood distinguished 10 the
close of that revolution which gave his ma
tive country rank among the nations OF the
earth. When the independence for which
he fought was secured 10 his country,
Whiting retired into the bosom Of his iami-
ly, conducted a bookstore at Lancaster, in
his native state, where as a citizen he sire,
nuously defended those principles he had
fought for as a soldier and being without
$500. o..L:.,,, b,o.lf l. -.lj..N
that his country's independence should be
converted into an ecglne for the supper: of
the ambition of others.
When the accumulated wrongs of the bel
ligerents had again provoked America to
prepare to defend her rights, Whiting once
more offered his life and his sword 70 his
country. Ger. Dearborn, who we'll knew
his worth (ior he had fought by his side and
witnessed his valor) nominated him as lieu
tenant colonel TO one of the new regiments,
and, on the resignation of Col. Parker ne
succeeded to the Colonelcy.
Colonel Whiting arrived at Washington
early in the summer of 1909, nearly 81
stranger but his u,banity, spirit and cor
rect conduct 500 acquired him friends IN
every party. Though firm in the just prin.
ciples OF democracy, the suavlty OF his man
ner secured the respect OF his political op-
poncnts, and his REMAINS were honored by
q more general testimony OF public esteem
than has perhaps been before Witnessed IN
Washington.
The body of this excellent citizen was
deposited in the public burial ground near
the navy yard, IN this city, on tuesday
evening, with military honors and the iu-
neral ceremony was conducted as follows:
The coffin containing the body having
lain in military state tor several hours the
marine corps, commanded by Capt. Fen
wick, attended by their band, paraded be-
fore the lodgings of the Colonel, precisely
at 4 O'Clock from whence they proceeded
to the burial ground with arms reversed,
and the band playing appropriate airs.
Next followed the geveItnd clergy OF the
district.
3dly. The Hearse with Officers Of the
Army and Marine Corps attending as Pail
Bearers.
4thly. General Wilkinson, attended by
Captains Pinkney and Chrystie on horse
back.
5th. Mourners.
9th. Secretary of the Navy.
9Th. Post Master General and DR.. Bar
low.
9Th. Officers of the General Govern
ment.
The procession was closed by a long line
of citizens in carriages, and horsemen,
strongly pourtraying the public feelings at
the loss Of SO distinguished a revolution
airy patriot. Sacred be his ashes, revered
be his name, and honored be his memo
ry!