The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-06-28
A DIARY ABOUT GEN. JACK
SON
HERMlTAGE, Nav %, 1S4,


during the short visit | make him, what
occurs of interest.
On my arrival found ex President
Jackson more comfortable than he had
been, although his disease is not abated.
and his long and useful life is rapidly
drawing to its close. He has not been
in condition to lie down during the
last four months. His feet and legs, his
hands and arms are very much swollen
with dropsy, which has invaded his
whole ystem. Bandages are drawn
tight around the parts most affected to
prevent, as much as possible, the in
crease Of the water. lie has scarcely
any use Of his hands. The bandages
are, removed several times in the "a
hours, and the parts rubbed severelyto
restore animation and the circulation
of the blood. He has not strength to
stand. His respiration is very short
and attended with much difficulty, and
the whole progress of the disease ac-
companied with great suffering. He
gets no sleep except by opiates. His
left lung was ruptured many years ago,
during the Seminole campaign in Flor
ida, and is entirely destroyed, and the
other much diseased. When the drop
sy commenced, tho cough was extreme
ly severe, and expectoration proluse.-
The symptoms, which had continued
for years, now gradually gave way and
almost entirely ceased. This was fol-
lowed by loss Of appetite and constant
nausea and prostralion. This change
took place early in April; and about the
first of May a diarrhpa commenced
which seemed 10 threaten an immedI-
ate dissolution. This continued for a
few days with great suflering,but unfor-
tunatelv reduced the swelling of the
whole system. The abatement of the
diarrhna was succeeded by the swell
ling in all parts, with violent pain and
extreme difficulty Of breathing, when
nature would again relieve itself as
above described.
Thursday, M0y 29.-Gen. Jackson
is rather more comfortable, having OBJ
tanned from opiates some sleep. This
day he sat awhile to Mr.. Hcaly, who
had been sent by Louis PhiIli pc (the
King Of the French) TO paint his por-
trait. Mr.. Healy sold me that it was
the design of the King of the French
to place his por,rait,hy ihe side OF that
of Washington, which already hangs
in his gaIlery-the most celebrated and
interesting historical gallery in the
world-te surround them with the pic
lures Of the most eminent Of American
generals and statesmen. Mr.. Healy
is commissioned by the king to paint
the portraits Of some twelve Of the most
distinguished revolutionary patriots, to
surround those Of Washington and
Jackson-the greatest and best men
our country ever produced; also some
Of the most prominent living politicians
of the day. Messrs. John Quincy Ad-
ans and Henry Clay We're named by
Mr.. Healy to me. Nj. Healy was en-
abled TO make much progress in his
work today, and, as usual, the General
received many visitors, more than thir-
ty. All were admitted, from the hum
blest to the most renowned, to take the
venerable chiettain by the hand and bid
him farewell. Among the visitors was
general Jcsup, an old friend and COM
panion in arms. The meeting of these
most faithful and gallant soldiers and
servants of the republic was deeply in
teresting and affecting. A reverned
gentleman called to inquire in regard
to the Generals health, his faith and
future hope. The General said: "Sir.
l am in the hands of a mcrcful God. ]
have full confidence in his goodnessand
mercy. My lamp of life is nearly out,
and the last glimmcr has come. | am
ready to depart, when called. The
Bible is true. The principles and stat
utes Of that holy book have been the
rule of my life, and have tried to con-
1orm 10 us spirit rs near rs poSSlble'--
Upon that sacred valume restm hope
for eternal salvation, through the mer-
its and blood Of our blessed Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ" Nothing fur
ther was SAID upon the subject.
Friday, May 3O.--The General pas
sed bad night; no sleep-extremely
feeble this morning. Mr.. Healy. with
considerable eSertions on the part Of
the General, was enabled TO finish the
portrait on which he labored with great
care. 1t was presented 10 the General.
After examining it for some minutes,he
remarked to Mr.. Healy, 81 am satisfied,
sir, that you stand at the head of your
profession; if may be allowed to Judge
of my own likeness, can safely con,
cur in the opinion of my family; this