Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-02-23
DE wITT cLINToN rs 40 MoRE

New York, February I5.-It becomes our
melancholy duty TO record the sudden death Of
Governor DE WITT CLINTON. Apart from the
deep regrets which it must occasion to his person
al friends, as well to those who without distinct
ION of party admirers OF his talents and in
tesectual powers-the intelligence of this unhap-
Ply event, which may be looked upon as a national
'oss, will awaken general feeling OF sorrow
throughout the Union. Mr.. Clinton has been u
niVersaily AMI justly regarded profound states
man and an able scholar, while the policy which
has been SO successfully pursued by him, in re!a-
ton 10 internal Improvements, has found but IL "
opponents. He has been taken from among us in
the midst of his activity and usefulness but not
until he had impressed the character Of his mind
upon the institutions OF our State, and identified hi
name with enterprises, the benefits OF which will
be reaped by the latest posterity. The circum-
stances OF his death, and its immediate cause are
related in the extracts we give below from letters
10 an eminent physician in this city, furnished at
our request The proceedings of the State Lewis
lature on Tuesday contain an eloauent testimony
10 his talents his virtues, and public services from
u gentleman who had been ranked among the most
active OF % political opponents Ere. Post.
Extract OF letter from his family physician, Dr.
James, to DR.. Hosack.
Your apprchensions have been too soon realized
The Governor exp red at half past six O'Clock this
evening During the morning he rode several
miles in carriage, and had been apparently as
wei as usual until few moments before he eX-
fred. " lille the Governor was engaged in his
Judy, Mr.. Charles Clinton observed him to lean
backward in his chair, if distressed for breath
and betore he could cross the his assistance
he expired, without struggle
Extract Of another letter to the same:
Monday ErenlHg, 8 o'clock.
The pride and ornament of our country is TO
more! Your early friend and associate, Governor
Clinton, died this evening att O'clock. Being pre-
sent a very few minutes after his dissolution, |
will briefly state the facts that fell under nv own
observation, and such as / have he I'd from the
irntly. Az IL O'Clock, he rode out with MRS
Clinton and others Of his family: returned at l.
dined at his usual hour, and retired 10 his study:
took tea at quarter past 8, again retired to his
room, and, few minutes after, while sitting in his
chair and conversing with his son, he complained
Of an oppression about the region OF the heart n
glass OF water was handed him, which he drank
Attcr this five minutes may have elapsed when
his son observed his head gradually incline upon
his chest Independent Of this, no change of pos
ture, or the least alteration Of feature, ensued
Lille had deserted its citadel Upon the most careful
and repeated examination, no pulse was discover
Ell at the arm, or the least action at the heart
Vhe means adopted towards resuscitation proved
aDortiye.
That his death was the result Of a chronic dis
case of the heart IS evident. Touchng the nature
OF that disease 1 an not prepared TO hazard an O.
/. pinion.
Some of the Governors family, and a few Of his
friends, express an opinion that he eyinced sy;np-
toms Of slight iadsposition for a number Of days
previous 10 his death--siIl lac was engaged in his
Extract Of letter from 4 Member OF The Legisll-
domestic and official duties
ture 10 DIR. Ifosack
After the very explicit opinion you confidently
expressed TO me, while here, OF the situation Of
Governor Clinton you will not be surprised when
l announce 10 you his death, which took place a.
bout half an hour since. He had taken an unusu-
ally long ride in the morning: dincd with his fami-
iy aud few friends, and when they had with
drawn returned to his library, where he eApired
alm9st Immediately, sitting in his chair. Thus
mas passed from among us one, whom when the
iite shOftliycd feelings and views OF party shall
have passed away, history will record among the
great and distinguished Of our country.
Three Of the faculty were called in on the occa-
sion. one Of whom ! understand has declared the
Immediate cause Of his death 10 have been the rup-
tute Of a blood vessel about tic heart
Extract Of letter from another member Of the
Legislature 70 the same.
O'ciocb. .H0Hdag Eucirinq
The city IL 10 constis nation Gov Clinton died
his evening AT O'clock, while 10 his chair, ia his
study How soon your fearful foreboding5 have
oeen realized.