The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-04-30
From the Washington Globe.
CAUSES OF GEN. HARRISON'S UNEX-
PECTED DEATH.

WHEN, during the last Presidential canvass, it
was declared from personal knowledge, that Gen.
IIarrsons age and inlirmilies rendered him utterly
incompetent for the endurance of the labor and fa-
lgue incident to the Office, if elected, it is re-
markable fact that the very men who, in by-gone
days, were foremost in striking from the list OF can
didates the name of William II. Crawford, on &C.
count of physical inability, were the first 10 de-
nounce those who would question Gen. Harrlson's
ability for four years service, the enemies oflhe
country. Events have proved the truth Of all which
was assered-nay, more; one short month has
terminated his career, and Death has dashed from
his lips the cup containing the precious draught,
when it was scarcely tasted
Blu, is it improper to inquire into the causes
which led to such a result think not. Justice
to the dead and justice TO the living, demands it;
and while will "no,hng extenuate, or set down
anght in malice" will, so far as am able, fear
lessy and faithfully, endGavor to assign them.
All now TINT General Harrison was aged Gin his
Gslh year) and consequently infrm; indeed his
constitution was more impaired than many of his
age. Instead of remaining at home during the can
yass last summer and fall and permitting his friends
10 eiec'ontc no' h''.,, III who know any thing of
the campaign know that he was drawn out by his
par,isans-out in the woods-here-th ere-eyery
where-engaged in haranguing large multudes 10
advance and secure his election, by proving to the
people that he was physically competent TO the Of
fec How immense was the labor! how extensive
the correspondence, and how great the anxiety of
mind, attending his situation at that time, few in
all probability know. But, the election over, one
would suppose that the General would have been
permitted TO set himself down in peace, and say
"the battle is won the victory achieved; | have
only to rest" But it was not so. have heard,
and believe it, that previous to his departure for
Washington, he had received bushels of letters,
and he was absolutely run down by visitors from
every part of the Union in quest of office.
On the road eastward, at every point he was as
sailed by office bcggars. Those who had denoun-
ced the Van Buren, men as sposmen, and pro-
claimed themselves as acting only from motives of
the most dsinterested patriotism and love of coun-
try, met him at every stopping place. and some ac-
companicd him for miles on the road while their
demands for compensation for the services they had
rendered were ncessant. So completely worn out
was the President, that at Baltimore he had TO
shake hands by proxy.
He came to Washington, marched on foot,
through the snow and rain of one Of the most disa-
greeable days of last winter. to the City Hall where
he was harangucd by the Mayor, and delivered an
address in reply, and was then taken to his lodg-
ings--but not to rest. There was no rest for him.
ne pTlVlCy OIL MS OWH TOoHis CouIu uot sHcuci
from the cry of "Giyc!" "Give!" "Give!' Can
this be denied BY any one who was acquainted with
what TRANSFERRED during the few days after the presi
dent reached the city
lie went to Virginia, TO visit the home of his
childhood, and the scenes of early life; but we are
told that on his way thi,her, whilst there, and on
the road back, his mind was kept almost constant
" on the stretch by applicants TO consider claims
for Office. The few days that interviewed before
the Inauguration he had to suffer the infection of
the impol tunties Of the office begging members of
Congress, who had the knowledge of, and access
TO, his whereabouts.
The day Of Inauguration came The old Pies-
dent was mounted on horseback, and instead of
proceeding directly to the Capitol, was marched
by n circuous route of nearly two miles through an
atmosphere of dust. To use the language Of one
of his political friends, when he arrived there, hs
dress was as white as miller's, and he was so
faint that alcohol and other appliances were re-
ouired TO battle his head and temples" Alter
speaking bareheaded in the open air for an hour
and half with "trumpet-toned voice, as was
said BY paper in this city, 10 the immense multi
tude present, he was again placed on horseback,
and rode 10 the White House; but when he arrived
there was he permitted to retire for rest and re-
freshment after the immense exertions Of the day
Nav, he had TO stand until the vast asscmblnge
could be individually introduced to him. have
heard and believe, that the visters came to offer
their hands, professedly in congratulations it was,
" Here, General, here are my letters and "Here,
General, here are mime On one occasion he