The Arkansas advocate., 1833-07-31
FLORENCE, (Ala. July E, 1888. DEATH OF GENERAL COFFEE.

GEN. JOHN COFFEE is ho more he died at his late residence in this vicinity on Sunday last, in the 62d year sf his age. The origin of the disease which terminated his useful and honorable life, may be traced to his journey to Washington hst winter, upon business, connected with the ratihca- tion of the Chiekasaw Treaty. He left home in the cold weather of December, and the fatigue and exposure incident to so long journey ill the stage at that season of the year, were too much for one Of his ad- vanced years and declining strength to an- dergo. The consequence was a severe cold accompanied with obstructed breath ing, indicative of asthma or an affection of the chest: although he was frequently in- disposed and suffered from the effects of Northern climate, his solicitude for the pub- lie welfare induced him to remain at Wash lngton until he saw the treaty ratifed.-. With some difficulty he reached home, and a course of medical treatment was com menced, when his family were permitted to indulge the hope of a speedy restoration to his usual good health; and that hope was cherished till few weeks before his death, when his fate appeared inevitable. He too, was aware of his approaching dissolution, and prepared to meet the solemn event with his characteristic composure and frmness: from the commencement of his indisposi- ton, his attention had been directed to the final arrangement of his temporal affairs, nor did he forget the important preparation for eternity. The christian faith had ever commanded his respect and veneration: he seriously contemplated the truths of revela- ton and derived from them entire submis- sion of the Divine Will.
 Afflicted with distressing disease that allowed it's victim but little respite from acute suffering, the deceased never uttered a murmur: not word of complaint fell from his lips. he exhibited throughout the whole Of his illness, the safl1e ffiffIiIess and fortitude that marked the tenor of his life. No man ever possessed these qualities in a more eminent degree; in the most trying emergencies he was ever the same: com posed, collected and firm, his equaninity and self-possession never deserted him. In the hour of battle, his countenance changed not; his voice never faltered, he was never discomposed by danger or the prospect of death. The prominent traits of his character shone as consplcuously in the character of suffering up to the last try ing scene, as they had formerly been mani- fest in the field. When 1t was apparent to all around him, that the lamp of life was fickering in the socket, and the tear of sor- row would flow unbidden, he alone was composed and tranquil. By looks and words, he encouraged his afflicted family to submit to his departure with his own forti- tude and resignation. Up to the moment of death the suffering of the deceased had been great; but he died instantly without q struggle or a groan. A sudden burst of sorrow from the chamber of the sufferer, announced that his spirit had fled, and that his agonised family were left to mourn.
 Every demonstration of respect and re- gard was shown to the memory of the de- ceased by the citizens of this neighborhood. On Monday, the day fixed for his interment, all business was suspended Tn town: the Board of Aldermen convened early in the morning, entered into resolutions express i've of their regard for the deceased, and sorrow for his loss, and recommended their fellow-citizens to wear crape upon the left arm for thirty days. At an early hour on