Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-07-08
THE BENEVOLENT HOWARD.

THE BENEVOLENT HOWARD.
The particulars of this benevolent
mans last hours were communicated
to his friends in England, by Admiral
Mordvinof, ofthc Black Sea fleet and
Admiral Priestman, an English Off
Ger in the Russian service. How.rd
had visiteda lady about twenty four
miles from Cherseis, where he resi-
ded, who was i'll of an epidemicaI fe
yer; upon his return he was taken ILL.,.
1t had been almost his daily custom,
at certain hour, to visit Admiral
Priestman; when with his usual atten
ton to regularity in the use of his time,
he would place his watch upon the ia.
BILE, and pass exactly an hour with
him in conversation. The Admiral
observeiDg that he failed in his usual
visits. went to call upon him, and
found him weak and i'll setting before
stove in his bed room. Having en-
CURED after his health, Mr.. Howard
replied, that his end was approaching
very fast; that he had several things to
say to his friend, and thanked him for
having called. Admiral, finding him
in such a melancholy mood, endea-
voured to turn the conversation, ina
ginning the whole might be the effect
of his low spirits, but Mr. Howard
soon assured him it was otherw Use, and
added, Freshman, you sly lie this a We
~ dull conversation, and endeavour TO
divert my mind rom dwelling upon
death; but l entertain very different
sentiments Death has no terrors for
me; it is an event | always look to
with cheeriulpess, # not with pleasure;
and be assured, the subject OF it is to me
more greatful than that of any other
| am well aware, that l have only a
short time to live; my mode of life has
rendered itimpossible that l should re.
cover from this fever. II / had, as
you do, eat heartily OF animal food
and drank wine, / might, perhaps,
by altering diet, be able to subduc it,;
but how can such an invalid as l am,
lower his diet? have been accuslom
ed for years to exist upon vegetables
and water, a little bread, and little
tea have no method of lowering
| my nourishment, and consequently l
must die II is such Jolly fellows as
you, Priestman, who get over these
fevers."
Then turning the subject, he spoke
of his funeral, and cheerfulIy gave di
rections concerning the manner of bis
! burial-"There is a spot" said he,
"near the village of Dauphigny-this
would suit me nicely; youknow it we'll,
for I have often said that should like
to be buried there; and let me beg Of
you, as you value your old friend, not
to suffer any pompt to be used at my
. funeral, nor any monument ,er mona
mental inscription " whatsoever to mark
where l am laid; but lay me quietly
in the earth, suhdial over my grave.
and let me be forgotten" Having
given these directions, he was very
earnest in soliciting, that Admiral
Priestnan would lose no time in secnr
ing the object of his wishes, but 60
Immediately and settle with the ow
ner of his land for the place Of his In
termeDt, and prepare every thing for
his burial TIE Admiral left him up
on his melancholy rrrand, having &C
comrli>hed his wishes, returned viii
the intelligence to Mr.. Howard; up
on which his countenapce brighieno.
mp. and CLEAN ofevident satisfaction
came over his face. and be prepared t.
go to he'd. Soon afterwards he mae
his tuiH, leaving as his executor .