The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-04-24
From lhe Ulster .SsntineI.

DEATH OF THE Hon. CHARLEs G. De WIrT--Ths
Newburgh Journal of the 18th inst, the fol-
lowing melancholy intelligence
"An inquest was held yesterday, FRIDAY last, by
Coroner Chase, the body Of Charles g De Witt.
Of Kingston, Ulster county, late Charge 6Afaires at
Guatinala. He arrived in this country few weeks
SINCE and proceeded to Washington, where he learned
that he superseded in Lis office. On his passage
home in the Utica. yesterday when neas this village no
retired 10 his bed and his throat with smah PEN
knife. in three different places, and also effected two
inc sions in his right arm He was Immediately landed
and taken the United States Hotel where his wonnds
were dressed by Doctor Gardner. But such was the
extent of his injuries that he died about an hour after
ne was landed. The deceased about hlty-two
years Of age, aud convcrsed with his attendants until
few minutes Of his death He formerly practised law
in kngstol--was for time editor Of the Ulster
Sentnel-and was representative 10 Congress. from
that county, previous 70 his appointment as Charge
d'Afares He personally known 10 many in this
village, who represent him to have been intelligent,
amiable and worthy man.
We have not language at command adequate to
express our feelings the fate Of our lamented pre-
decessor. He was, indeed, all that the last words
Of the Journal depict him. "A more dniituI SON,
kind husband and aectionate father never breathed
He was the descendant Of highly-honored ances-
tor, and was much esteemed by numerous and re-
spectacle body Of relatives and friends. He was
sefeducated, and possessed talents and attainments
Of high order His political and moral principles
were sound; and although engaged for many years
in party strife, he never entertained resentments
against solitary individual beyond the existence Of
the occasion which produced them. IL he ever went
10 extremes in times Of political commoion, i was
only when he was pursued by an unsparing adyersa-
ry He encountered, like most self made men, many
Of the ups and downs" Of life; and although, at
times, he had frequent gloomy turns Of mind, he
generally bore up against the ills that flesh is heir
to" with remarkable foritude. Alter experiencing
numerous vicissitudes Of fortune, he found YARN
friend in President Jackson, who duly appreciated
his qualifications and merits. He appointed him
Charge dAffaires of the United States 10 Central
America. In that station he has bcen employed for
the last six years Alter this lapse of time, he re-
turned home to visit his family with the intention
of remaining with them for month or two, and then
repairing again to the discharge Of his public duties
When he arrived at home, he found pecunary
responsibilities incurred during his absence, Of
which he little dreamed. He had hoped to have had
sufficient means to discharge them all TO the utter
most farthing. This hope proved delusive. EN-
barrassments thickened around him, and depressed
his spirits. He proceeded 10 Washington with a
view of making arrangements for his departure once
more on his mission. On his reaching the Pres-
dents house, he found Mr.. Van Buren, different
man from General Jackson. He was received in
cold manner; and when he apprised the President
Of his intention Of setting out tor Guamala IN the
course Of few weeks, be was abruptly told that the
Government had no further need Of his services
This was too much for his already detected mind to
bear In debt far beyond his means--thrown out Of
employment when age was approaching-wilh no
naitering prospects in view-and with large fami.
~ Of children dependent upon him for support
gloom and melancholy took complete possession Of
his mental faculties He Immediately left the Capt.
to in company with his eldest son, on his journey
home But the nearer he approached that spot
which usually gladdens the heart Of man, The more
gloomy and sad he became-until the awful deed
recorded above put end 10 his existence May his
soul rest in peace