The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-02-28

steward had but just returned, without
particularly regarding the reply, when all
were reused by the call on deck, "a man
overheard" at the time the ship was un-
der q press Of sail-although every effort
was made. yet the Captain was aware oil
would be, as II proved unavailing.
1t is material TO observe, that Mr. Con-
way had his valuable Gold watch, his
pocket. book, and all his cash on his per-
son when he rushed overboafd--fortunate- |
ly he had not his prayer book, as ne usu.
ally had, in his hand, in which was found
a Bill Of his Bankers, in New York, which
he had endorsed payable to bis mother; It
appears, also, from his accounts, he not
long since remitted her ElS0 sterling.
Being Anxious to ascertain what he had
Been writing during the passage, exam
ined his books and papers very carefully,
but could only discover several loose sheets
Of paper, which found in vol. OF Cierkes
Commentary on the Bible--three sheets
are folded into three columns, on one 10
written the text in Greek, on the second
Latin, the third in the authorised English
version, all done with great care, indeed |
should add, beautiful precision. AS no
general observation can convey so correct
a view of the man, or do more justice to
his memory, than to give his very actions,
a friend Of mine advised me to furnish
few extracts from these sheets. In one Of
these is set forth in Greek, Latin and En-
giish, the 5th chapter Of Matthew--ano-
thcr written in like manner is from the
| 18th to the Goth verse Of the 10th chapter,
and from the 4lst to the 10th verses of the
22d chapter of Matthew inclusive-in q
note at the bottom Of the last sheet are the
| following words, "For the consideration
| Of those who maintain that our blessed Sa
piour did not call himself the Son Of God"
| He has also len various extracted passa =,
ges from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,
on the same subject--'which examination
he adds, "was suggested by recent con-
versaton upon that subject" found, al.
so, q Commentary Of his own on the 10,
20, 81 and 22d verses Of the 2lst chap. of
John, in which he with great clearness re.
flutes the opinions Of several able Com
mentators, and manifests mind Of no or.
dnary cast and intensity Of thought
These extracts | deem sufficient to show
the bent Of his mind. ! should add that
he has uniformly and regularly attended
the Episcopal Church while in N. York
that the hotel whe,e he resided he excited
the deepest interest, by his unassuming
retiring disposition, never drinking even q
glass Of wne--fter dinner taking soil
tary walk, and Invariably returning to his
studies. How deplorable il is to know that
so amiable, woold add so valuable man.
should be the subject of scandalous insiil-
ualions as to his course Of life in this city
how truly is that man an object Of pity, if
not of detestation, who can lightly speak
evil Of the bowed down and afflicted.
feel that ] have stated sufficient to rescue
the character ofMr. Conway from the as
pensions unfeelingly cast upon him. And
i'll have stated more, though interesting
to some, should become his biographer
rather than the protector Of his memory.
From what has been stated, with vari
ETY. of facts have glanced at, it is evident
that his mind occasionally gave way under
& deep seated melancholy, which he
brought with hiV from England; this state !
Of mind stood in the way of his popularity:
and ] have heard that few in this city
have made il "A point to sneer at his per-
formances; mind so weakened by previ
ous suffering as his, could not brook it,and
to that ! think, it probable he referred in
his letter to his mother where he adverts
to circumstances beyond his control"
which had entirely separated him from the
stage.
In his Religious exercise he met with
little encouragement. His very devotions
subjected him to observation, which die
eased mind felt, alas! but too kcenly.
Thus broken in heart, and in prospects,
are we at any loss to account for the awful
termination of his life, and that, at a mo-
ment when !aboring under paroxysm and
alienation Of mind, he should cast himself
into the sea? Does the history Of self de-
struction afford solitary instance Of one
reasoning as he did on the attributes of
God. and the mercy which Is in the Savior.
seeking death, as a refuge, by his own
hand? have found some Of his thoughts
on duelling, in consequence Of a recent e
vent in this city; the view he takes Of that
accursed practice, together with the joy he
adverts to the advent Of Christ, carries
conviction to my mind. His view Of reig
ion was not Of a gloomy cast; but he was
laboring under temporary fits Of insanity
for some time. How little do we know of
human nature, when we lightly attribute
to men deliberate acts Of self murder; such
acts are either rash, or are the effects Of
insanity. Observe the feelings he lahored
under to afford support to his Mother.
Would he have leaped overheard with his
gold watch, his money, and other valuable
articles, in other than an unsound state Of
mind' dwell on this, as many, very ma
ny. have charged this truly amiable man
with deliberate intention fthe act,chief-
ly founding their uncharitable opinions up.
OH the fact Of his asking to be informed
when the. ship approached Charleston. 1
conclude, sir, with "alas, poor Conway"
Your humble servant, J. BUCHANAN.