Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-07-30

cooking. This was his permanent residence for
about twenty months.
Last winter the family removed, and to these
few persons with whom he held any commupi.
cations, he expressedhis great satisfaction of hav
inc it in his power to live alone For some
months he seemed to enjoy himself very much.
until another family entered the house. He then
concluded 60 erect a cottage OF his own, and as
he could net do it OH the island, he determined
To build il on the main shore |, yet stands abou,
thirty rods from the main fall. Oh the bank Of the
river. He occupied it about two months.
On Friday, the 10th OF June last. he went twice
to the river to battle, and was seen to 90 the third
time; at that time the lerryman saw him in the
water. 1t was about two o'clock in the afternoon;
the ferryman did not see him return, and his
clothes were observed where he had deposited
them. An examination was Immediately made,
but hi, body could not b. discovered. On The
2lst it was taken up at Fort Niagara, and the
next day il vas removed to, and inferred decent,
ly at the burial ground at Niagara Falls.
Thus has terminated the career OF the un(ort.
nate Francis Abbntt, little indeed known !,
those near whom he has spent the last two wears
of his life. Some few slcanngs can be given
lie was an English gentleman. CT respectable a.
mily, If highly cultivated mind and manners -
He had finished education, was not only master
of the languages, and deeply read IN The arts and
sciences, but possessed all the mnor accUmp!isi
ments OF the cOiioQutai powers il an
eminent degree, and music and drawing IN g,ea
perfection. Many wears Of hi. life had been
spent in travelling. He had visited Egypt and
| Palestine, had travelled through Turkey. Greco
| Italy, Spain, Portugal and France. and had n
sided for considerable periods OF time in Rome
Naples. and Paris While at the Falls, bi.pe.:
brought HIM in contact with some Of the inhab.
ants; with few of these he would sometimes BE-
socable--to all others he was distant and reserv.
ed At such times, his conversation would }.
of the most interesting kind, and bis descriptions
of people and countries were highly glowing and +
animated But at times, even with those be I
would hold no conversation, but communicate.
bis wishes on slate. and would request that Do
thing might be said to him. Sometimes for three
or four months together he would 20 unshayet
often with no covering on his head, his body en-
veloped in a Understanding all, and seekn.
the deepest solitude If Iris Island lie compcr
ed much, and generally in Latin; but DESTROYED
his compos, tons as fast amest as he produce 1
them. When his little cot was examined, hOpd
were entertained that some manuscript memOTn
might be found of his own composition, but
had left nothing OF the kind. His faithful De-
guarded his door, ard was with difficulty persus
led aside while it was opened. His cat oceuPs
the place appropriated as his bed. His sui.I
his violin. and flutes, and music books, WEI
scattered around in confusion. There was a p 81
folio, and the leaves of large book: but mol
word, not even his name, WAS written in am Ga
theIn.
Many spots On Irrs Island are consecrated
the memory Of Francis Abbott. On the uge y
end IF the island he had established his val
and at one place it has become hard trCd
well beaten, like that on which a sentinel
forms his tour of duty. Between Iris IsanjlH
Moss Isle, there is empowered in secusiOH q
shade. one Of the most charming waterfall;
cascades imaginable. This was his fayurtt 4
treat for bathing. Here he resorted at all sei;
of the year. In the coolest weather. even
there was snow on the ground and ice 10 as %
yer, he continued to ba,he IN the Niagara
At the lower extremity of the island is abus
leading t. what is called the Terrapin rock;N
| this bridge extends single piece Of timber 81
twelve or fifteen feet over the precipice. on
bridge it was his daily practice to walk; VII
quick step he would pass the brd &c, advance
the timber to the extreme point, turn quick!
his heel and walk back; and continue Ga
walk for hours together. Sometimes he m
let himself down at the end Of the timber
hang under it by his hands and feet, Ovu
terrific preciplce for fifteen minutes at ~
10 the enquiry why he would thus expose
self, he would reply, that in crossing the q
he had frequently seen the sea-boy perOra
more periIous acts. and as he should pr@f
again pas the sea himself, he wished to
himself to such dangers. II the nerves
ers were disturbed, his were hot. In the
est hours Of the night, he was often found
ing alone and unfearing in the most dang
places near the Falls; and at such times s'
shun approach, as it he had a dread Of maj
had stipend allowed him OF about S5s
He always attended to the state of bis atcS
very carefully; was economical in the e,f'
ture Of money for his own immediate USE
was generous in paying for all favCr' 'no
vices, never receiving any thing without I'
immediate payment. He had deep and !
iug sense Of religious duty and deccrani
mild in his behaviour, and inofensise IN Do
duct. Religion subject he well undo
and highly appreciated. The charity ne I
from others, he extended t. all mankind
What. 1t will be asked, could have OroA'
md dpstrnypu All rh mind as Francis hW