The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1842-03-17
Death Of Lewis Williams.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
Taursdan, February "a.

n
from the House of Representatives, an
nouncing the death of the Hon. Lewis VIII
liams, Of North Carolina Wien
Mr.. GRAHAM, of North Carolina, rose
and uddress-l the Senate as follows:
Mr.. President | was a spectator Of the
melancholy event which is announces IN
the message from the House. II was the
result Of u sudden and violent attack Of
disease, which, delying all remedy, proved
fatal in less than thir,y-six hours from ITS
commencement. On Monday Mr.. VIII
liams was in his scat until the close OF the
session Of the House. On "Wednesday,
within little moro than an hour after the
meeting Of the House, he lay llleless
corpse. OF the dreadful lesson which IS
taught by this most unexpected calamity,
it is fitting that others should speak with
more proprieiy than myself. But the &C.
casion gives rise TO few reflections IN
which | hope 10 be INDUCED. 4 public
servant has been struck down by the hand
Of death, almost in the harness Of bis pub
lie labors--a man whose long life for more
than sixty years has been devoted TO use.
iul, honorable, and patriotic service. The
occasion is well calculated TO arrest the or
binary course Of thought and action here,
and to turn our minds 10 the contemplation
OF that awful change TO which we arc all
ultimately destined. 1t reminds us, too,
that the older men are passing away from
the public councils, and naturally excI,es
some inquiry as TO the life and character
of him who has so long shared in the delib.
erations of Congress, and in the gratitude
aud confidence oil his counirymen.
Mr.. Williams was a native Of the coun.
ty of Surry, North Carolina, in which be
always continued his residence. His edu-
cation was liberal, having been graduated
at the University of his native Suite, and
having remained some time subsequently
as u tutor IN the same institution. Not
very long afterwards he was chosen ~
the Legislature a member Of the Board Of
Trustees Of the University, Of which he
was ever one Of the most ylgilant, active,
and faithful guardians. Anxious TO be
useful in the employment Of the country,
he seems early to have contemplated a
public career. In the year 1914 no was
returned from the county Of Surry ono Of
the members Of the House Of Commons IN
the General Assembly Of the State; and
although n young man, ho took prom.
nent part 10 the proceedings Of the ensuing
session. III 1915 he was elected tic Rep.
rcscniaiive in the Congress OF the United
States, Of the 18th Congressional district,
which embraces tho county of his resi-.
dencc; and at every election since that
time he has been returned BY the same
constituency TO the same station. OF his
talents and services as a Member Of Con.
gress It would be supcrnuous to speak here,
IN the scene Of bis llbors, and among his
early and later associates. Ills legislative
history is incorporated in the history Of
the country for more than quarter Of a
ceGtury, IN enc continued series, and IS
found iH the journals and documents of the
House, the renods Of its committees, and
tho register Of its debates during that pc.
Rcd. Few members Of the House ever
performed more useful and laborious ser.
vice than did Mr.. Williams for many years.
while he acted as the chairman of the
Committee Of Claims, in adjusting the nu.
meFous demands on the Government which
grew out Of transactions connected with
the late war with Great Britain. And
none, It IS believed, ever possessed the
confidence Of his associates IN LEGISLATION
in greater degree. With a mind patient,
labonous, and strictly impartial, he appli.
ed himself diligently TO this branch Of The
business Of Congress, and was found so
generally accurate that his opinions acuuir.
cd the greatest weight. His continuous
service for SO many years not only made
him the Father of the House by seniority
OF membership, but his intimate acouaint.
ancc with public affairs, his enlightened
views Of the structure aud policy of our
Government, and his innexibIe honesty
and manliuess Of character, rendered him
one OF the most valuable Of the public
councillors. But, sir, it is not so much
his public action IN the high places of the
country, and his capacities to be servicea.
bic there, that wish particularly 10 mark.
His character viii bear closer examina.
ton and a seyercr scrutiny. | wish 10
bear my humble testimony 10 the eminent
purity OF his private life and moral integ. /
riiy, and 10 speak what believe is The
common sentiment in his wide circle of
acquaintance, that, during his long public
career, neither the angry contests Of par.
lies, the tempiIngs of ambition, Of avarice.
or vice, have sulied his name with single
action which would cause one moment's
regret to his friends. In his public con.
duct he was manly, frank, ingenious, and
devoted 10 his duties. It happened 10 me
IN my boyhood to have been sent to school
n one OF the counties Of his district and /
well remember TO have witnessed tie feel.
ngs Of gratitude, of kindness, and affection
with which he was cherished BY those who
% earl y and constantly honored him with
heir confidence, and whom he repaid with
Iuch ildellty anddisintercstod service. AL.
Ways moral, he became later in life n 70.