Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-03-14
FROM WASHINGTONA
Proceedings OF Congress on the lamenta.
BILE murder of Mr.. CILLEy, of Maine.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
AS soon as the journal Of proceedings
was read tits morning, Mr.. FAIRFIELD, of
Maine, rose in his place, and addressed the
IIouse as follows
Mr.. Speaker-An event has occurred
since our last adjournment,wh has spread
a deep gloom over this community, and de.
prived this body Of one of its most valuable
members. | alude, sir, to the death of my
colleague, the Hon. JONATHAN CILLEY,
which, it is my painful duty to announce.
took place on Saturday last near this city,
One hour we saw him in full life, standing
in the midst Of US in all the pride and yigor
of manhood, the next helpless inanirnate
corpse. 1t is case, sir, most melancholy
and heart rending in all its circumstances,
(of which, however, this is not the occa-
sion to speak and brings home to our minds
with peculiar emphasis, the trite but solemn
truth that " in the midst of life we are in
DEATH"
My deceased colleague was a man of un.
common talents. His mind was strong, vig-
orous, well stored, and well disciplined.-
He had, however, that indomtable spirit of
perseverance in all the pursuits of an ele-
waited and honorable ambition, which would
not rest satisfied with low attaInments. He
partook largely, too, Of that fearless patri-
otism of his ancestors, which made them
"pour out their blood like WATER" in the
war of the revolution, and which also dis
played iiselfn the brave and chvalrous con-
duct Of an only brother during the late war.
His fellow citizens had often elected him
to places Of honor and trust in the state of
his adoption, and had now given him seat
among the representatives of the naton-
among us who are now spared TO depore
his abrupt and tragical removal. Though
he had not long been member of this DO.
enduring reputation. His ready power of
debate, his warm and fervid eloquence, his
manly bearing towards Opponents, and cour-
teous demeanor to all, will be readily &C.
knowledged and long remembered by the
members of this House.
That his sudden and melancholy death
will produce deep sensation in Maine, and
indeed throughout the whole country, no
one can doubt; but the anunciation Of the
dreadful fact to the partner of his bosom,
sitting in the midst of the young pledges of
their mutual affection, little dreaming of the
blow which awaits her, it is shocking to con-
template, no one can think of it, but with
feelings of the most poignant and heartfelt
grief. May ale who tempers the wind TO
the shorn lamb" and who, "wil not break
the bruised reed," give her that consolation
and support which she needs, and which no
earthly power can give.
Mr.. FAIRFIELD concluded his remarks by
offering the following resolutions
Resolved, unanimously, That the mem.
bers of this House attend the funeral Of the
Hon. Jonathan Cilley, late a member of this
House from the state of Maine, at IL o'clock
tomorrow.
Resolved, unanimously, That the men,
bers of this House, in testimony Of their
respect for the memory Of the deceased,
will wear Grape on the left arm for thirty
days.
The resolutions having been agreed to,
Mr.. EVANS asked if It was usual to send
communication to the Senate.
The SPEAKER said the communication
would 90 there as matter of course.
The House then adjourned.
IN SENATE.
The resolutions which passed the House
in relation to the death Of Mr.. Cilley were
then announced by the clerk of the House,
and stating that the funeral would take place
from the hall Of the House, tomorrow at
10 o'clock.
Mr.. WILLIAMS rose and addressed the
Senate as follows
Mr.. President came to the Senate
this morning, exhausted and overwhelmed
to perform the melancholy duty of announ-
enc 70 you and to the Senate of the United
States. the sudden and amcnted death of
my friend and colleague, the Hon. JON
ATTAIN CILLEY, Representative from
Maine to the Congress of the United States.
At the last adjournment Of the Senate,
Mr.. Cilley was in perfect health, full Of
hope and expectation of making himself
useful in asserting and vindicating the vio-
lated rights of this state and of distinguish
ing himselfin the great questions which now
so deeply agitate the public mind full of
zeal and ardent patriotism, and Of devotion
to the great cause Of human liberty and
of human rights, he considered that a crisis
had arisen when his country had right to
claim the services Of her sons. He obeyed
the call of his constituents, relinquishing the
enioyments Of the domestic circle of q wife
and three children. He is now lifeless
corpse and all his hopes blasted and des-
troyed, and his constituents are deprived of
the services of an able and faithful repre-.
sentative.
Mr.. Cilley was native of New Hamp-
shire,a belonged 10 one the most ancient
and respectable families in that state. Pat
riotsm and bravery were his inheritance.
His grandfather was the distinguished pat
riot and brave officer Of the revolution,
General CILLEY; and his brother, Captain
JOSEPH CILLEY, was the gallant leader of the
heroic charge under Col MILLER, at the
battle of Bridgwater Heights in the late
war.
The deceased was graduate from Bow
doin College, in Maine, and by his superior
talents and application attained high stand.
| lug at the bar in the state. He was good
lawyer, an able advocate, and powerful
debater.
From early life Mr.. Cilley was ardently
attached to the principles of free govern.