The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-08
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
"WEDNESDAY, December 5.


Mr. S,LroNsrALI, elected Representative from
Massachusetts vice Mr.. PHILLIPS, resigned, appear
ed was qualified and took his seat
Mr. GARLAND, OF Louisiana, and Mr.. LEGARE, OF
Soulh Carolina, also attended 10 day.
Mr.. Coles Mr.. JAMES GARLAND, Mr. r. M. I.
HuNTEn, ard Mr.. MALLORY, all from Virginia, at
tended Yesterday.
The SPEAKER laid before the House commu-
nication from the Commissioner Of Public Build
ngs, transmitting copies of all contracts made in his
Office from the h of May last until the LIST instant,
inclusive, with the names of the applicants for said
contracts and the amount Of their respective bids:
also, a communication from the Secretary OF the
Treasury, in compliance with the provisions Of the
act of Congress Of 1889, establishing the Treasury
Department, transmitting copies OF all accounts set
tied by the accounting officers OF the Treasury Tor
the LIST and ID quarters of 1887: also, communica
ton from the Clerk of the House Of Representatives
transmitting report OF the expenses OF his office for
the past year
MIR FILLMORE then rose and said Mr.. SPEAK
En- The painful and melancholy duty has devolved
upon me OF announcing TO this House the death OF
my amened friend and colleague, WILLIAM Par
TEasoN. He died al his residence, in Warsaw, on
the Nth day Of August last.
The last time saw him was in this Hail. at the
close OF the late session. He was then in the prime
of life, and apparently in the full enjoyment OF
health. Blessed by his Creator with a constitution
that never felt diSeaSc-environed BY temperance
and regularity Of habit that ordinarily bids defiance
10 its annroach-no man lof, this House with faircr
prospects OF returning TO il again But the unring
sduitywith which he devoted himSelfto the discharge
Of his duties here during that long and arduous SEES
Son doub less Sowed the seeds OF that disease which
SO soon terminated his earthly existence. Beneath
the glow OF health that then mantled his
cheek, was nsidiously proving the canker-worm of
death. He was barely enabled TO return to the bosom
OF his family when his strength gave way, his rea-
son wandered and, ip few short days, all that was
mortal of William Patterson, slept beneath the
clods of the valley" Would that this melancholy
tale ended here Blu, it does not. The partner Of
his earthly joys and sorrows, worn down with the
watchings and anxieties of his last Illness with
constitution too feeble 10 support the accumulated
distress of sensitive mind sunk beneath the weight
of her sorrows, and, in few days after his inter-
men She too, "slep the sleep Of death" by his side
What an appalling bereavement 10 his infant chill
dreni They are now orphans in this wide world,
exhibiting in their changed condition an awful
reality of the uncertainty OF lie and of all earthly
enjoyments
But, sir though gone, he has left behind him
name and reputation dear 10 them that knew him.
Modest and unassuming in his character, kind and
generous in his disposition, honest and niexibe in
his purpose-to know him was TO respect and esteem
him. His heart was without guile and, though he
made professions, yet he habituay pracli>ed all
the virtues that adorn the life of most exemplary
Christian.
| He made prctensions TO literary requirements
| or sateSmanke qualifications, and his native mo-
desty naturally induced him TO seek the quiet retire
ment of private life. But, blessed with good sense
and strong and retentve memory he found leisure,
amid the daily tolls OF laborious occupation, TO
cultivate a taste for reading, which stored his mind
with useful facts. AT the unsolicited request of his
fellow citizens he reluctantly yielded his assent 10
occupy seat on this floor. How he discharged that
important trust during the short time he participated
in our deliberations, is known TO you all. During
! protractcd and uncommonly arduous session, when
many tainted by the way-Side, he was always at his
post. Duiing time OF uncommon excitement and
political acrimony. he was firm in the support of
what he deemed 10 be right yet tolerant 10 the OPT
Mons of others with whom he differed In one
! unrf bp W. gtipDt N hP ~
of all his official duties, and untirng in the more
humble but useful labors OF his station. Naturally
frank honest, and confdng, he drew around bin
circle Of friends, and by the unauthorized goodness
| OF his heart dSarmed even political opposition of
| its rancor. Finally In all the relations CT life, as
father husband brother friend citizen, and legSla
tor he was blameleSs. That no testimony of respect
| FOR his many virtues should be wanting, offer for
| the adoption of the House the resolutions which
send 10 the Chair.
hcsoired, That ibis House has received with deep
sensibty the communication of the death OF the
| Hon. VIM PATTERSON, a Representative from the
| State of New York.
Reolrcd, That the members Of this House will
testify their respect for the memory OF the deceased
by wearing Grape on the left arm for thirty days.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted,
Mr.. GRAY then rose, and addressed the House
as follows: MIR. SPEsKER-l sincerely Join in the cx-
preston Of sorrow the dcceaSe of our late lamened
friend and colleague, whose death we have Just
heard announced, and sympathize with his relatives,
and especially his children, who have suffered
double bereavement and regret yes, sir, deeply re-
greet that there is still yet TO be announced ano!hcr
instance OF mortality, which occurred duriag The
recess OF Congress, among the. delegation from the
State, and that. too from the district which have
the honor in part TO represent, alude to the late
Hon. ANDREW DE WrTT BRuYN, who, for conside-
rabe period prior to- and during the time he served
his constituents in this body, suffered under com
bnalion Of diseases that impaired his usefulness
here, and finally terminated his life on the 9Th day
lgf piv nj ne in Acid from
the irreparable loss which his family have sustained,
the death Of Judge Bruyn is regarded as no ordinary
calamity TO the community TO whom he was init
mately known, and by whom his salutary influence,
both in public and private life was felt and apprc.
cated In all situations in lite he was amiabe and
| unpretending; deliberate in forming his opinions,
and innexblc in maintaining them. He was, in all
respects, an honorable man Justly, and in very
| high degree, enjoying the esteem Of all who knew
:. him; aud those who knew him best respected him
most. He was lawyer Of eminence, distinguished
ior the clear and comprehensive view be took Of all