Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-02-20

solitary waIk. and Invariably returning 10 hu
studiss. How dcplorable it is to know that &C
smiabls. | would add so valuable a man, saouit
be the SUBJECT Of scandslous insinuations as to
his course Of life ia this city; how truly is thai
man an object Of pity, ii not of de,estation,
who can lightly speak evil of tho bowed down
and afflicted. l feel that | hayu stated suiiic-
icnt to rescue the character Of Mr.. Conway
from the aspcrsions unfeeiing'y east upon him
And if I have stated more, though interesting
to some, l should become his biographcr rath.
or than the protector Of his memory.
From what has been stated, with a variety
of facts l have glanced at, ii is evident that la,
mind occasionally gave way IN 'er a deep seat
Cd melancholy, which he brought with him
from England; this state of mad stood in tho
way Of his popularity; and | have heard that
a fcw in this city have made II a point 10 sncer
at his performances; a mind so weakened ~
previous suffering as his, could not brook il,
and to that I think probable no referred in his
letter to his mother, where he adgerts TO, CIR
cums,anccs beyond his control,'' which had
entirely separated him from the stage.
In his religious exercises he met with little
Encouragement His very dcsotions sub ,ctei
him to observation. which n diseased IN nj fell,
ALAS bat too keonly. Thus broken in heart,
and in prospects,, arc We nj any los. 10 sccount
" tuC UWtht W sb' iHFB "'f 80
at a moment, when laboring under a plroyysm
and alienation Of mind. he should east himself
into tho sea! Does the history of self dH'lruc-
lion afford a solitary instance of one reasoning
as no did on the attributes OF God, and the
mercy which is in tho Saviour, seeking death.
as a refuge, by his own hand? | have foand
sons OF his thoughts on dueiling. in conic-
quence Of a recent event in this city; the view
he takes Of that accursod practice, together
with the Joy he adver.s 10 tho ad"ont Of Christ,
carries conviction 10 my mind. Ills view OF
religion was not Of 4 gloomy cast; but he was
laborilg under temporary fits Vf insanity for
somo time. How ;..tle do we know Of human
nature, whom We lightly attribute TO ;nen GeHb-
crate acts Of solf-inurdcr; such acts arc either
rash, or are the fleets Of insanity. Obscrvc
the feelings no labored under to afford support
to his mother. Would he have lcapcd over
board with his gold watch, his money, and 9th
or valuable articles, in other than IA ;nsound
state Of mind? dwell on this. as many, very
many, have charged this truly aininblc man
with a deliberate intention of the act, chiefly
founding their unchari,able opinions uron the
fact Of his asking to be informed when the sh p
approached Charleston. conclude, Sir, with
"Alas, alas, poo, Conway" Your humble
servant, J. BUCHANAN.
Ifany apology were deemed necessary and
due to our readers. Tor the space We have re-
Gently occupied, in speaking Of the %unfortu-
nate gentleman, who is the s.hject ofthc FORE
going letter wo should say, that personal
regard for the best OF men, and our admiration
Of his talents, have influenced US to oifer eve
ny respect TO his memory. lie was n gentle
man in every sense of tho word-an unrivolled
actor, and a man of sincere picty.