Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-08-13

q declaration be made ia the presence q
white witness; and it is requisite tina
alter hearing the declaration he shout,
continue with the party and never los,
sight oil hiui until he is gone or dead YOU
are a good witness for John--you see the
propriety and importance Of remaining
with me--your patients must make allow.
ances for your situatuon.n saw and lel,
the force Of the appeal. The interest Of
the scene increased every moment. | was
now locked in chamber with dying
Statesman oil no common order :--one
whose commanding talents and elevated
political station, combined with great &c
ccntricity Of character. had spread his
fame not only through his native land, but
over Europe. He then said, John told
me this morning, master you are dying.p'
made no attempt to concea; my views
s-On the contrary, | assured him would
speak TO him with entire caudor on the
occasion. and told him il had been rather
q subject Of surprise, that be had continu.
ed so long, He now made his prepare
tons to die. Between him and his faith
fui servant there appeared to be com
plete understanding. He directed John
to bring his fathers breast button, which
was Immediately produced. He then di.
rectcd him to place 1t in the bosom Of his
shirt. II was an old fashioned, large size
gold stud. John placed il in the button
hole Of his shirt bosom but to fix it COM
pletely, required hole on the opposite
side. When this was announced to his
master, be quickly said, "get a knife
and cut one.n handed my penknife TO
John, who cut the hole and fixed the val
ued relic to tie satisfaction Of the expiring
patient. A napkin was also called for. &
placed by John over the breast of the pa.
tent For short time he lay perfectly
quiet; bis eyes were closed, and conclu
ded he was disposed to sleep. He sudden
ly reused from this state with the words,
/" Remorse remorse ~ Il was twice re-
peatcd at the last time at the top OF his
voice, evidently with great agitation. He
cried ont Let me see the word. No
reply followed, having learned enough Of
the character Of my patient to ascertain
that when ! did not know exactly what TO
say, it was best to say nothing. He then
exclaimed. {" Get a dictionary aud let me
see the word.v least my eyes around &.
told him believed there was none 10 the
room. /" Write it down, then---let me see
the word" picked up one OF his cards
from the table, 8 Randolph Of Roanoke"
and enquired whether should write on
that ? :. Yes, nothing more proper
then with my pencil wrote Remorse He
took the card IN his hands ia hurried
manner, and fastened his eyes on il with
great intensity. !" Write It on tho baek,n.
he exclaimed--I did so and banded il to
him again. He was exceedingly agita,ed
at this period he repeated "Remorse.
You have no idea whatit is; you can form
no idea of il whatever; II has contributed
TO bring me 10 my present situation but
have looked on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and hope have obtained pardon.n He
then said Now let John take your pencil
and draw line under the word,n which
was accordingly done. inquired what
was to be done with the card? He re-
piled "put it in your pocket--take care Of
it--when am dead look at it." The orr
ginal is now in my possession.
This was an impressive scene. All
the plans of ambition, the honors s. wealth
Of this world had vanished as bubbles on
the water. lie knew & he felt that his mo-
ments were few, and even they were mum.
bered. 1t afforded his physician an oppor-
tunity. without being intrusive, Of offering
10 him few observations, and pointing
the expiring statesman TO hope beyond
the grave.
"My situation at this period, was seri-
Gus and embarrassing. Locked in the
chamber OF patient, and solsmnly called
upon as a witness confirming will AREA
Il. IL r.. al n - ..c
his slaves, when the only human ear that
heard these declarations. except myself s.
the teststor, was one of tho very slaves in
cluded in the bequest. it required no unu-
sual foresight 10 anticipate the construc-
ton that might be put upon such testimo-
ny perhaps in distant court where the
witness might he personally unknown
when added 10 this, ii was found that be
was member OF the religious society Of
friends who long since had washed their
hands from the stain Of slavery, and whose
sentiments on the subject were universal.
" known. | saw that even under chart
table construction of the testimony, the
force Of early impressions. and the bias OF
education, might be supposed impreceph.
bly, to influence even an upright mind. and
give coloring TO words and facts which
to others differently educated might be
viewed in another light.
Under these views, introduced the
subject Of calling in some additional wit
nesses, and suggested sending down stairs
Cor Edm'd Badger, whose attentions were
very great to him. He replied. II have
already communicated that to him"
/, stated il was my Intention 10 he with him.
as steadily as possible until his death. but
with his concurrence Iwould send for two
young physicians who should remain, and
never loose sight Of him until be was dead
and to whom he could make the DECLARE
zion. My son, Doctor Isaac Parrish. and
my young friend and late pupil, Doctor
Francis West, were proposed TO him, say