Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-06-20
RI Diary about General Jackson


ITO day, during the short visit I make him, what
occurs of interest.
On my arrival I 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 close. He has not been in a
fconditon 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
kwhole system. Bandages are drawn tight around
the parts most affected to prevent, much as pos
7sble, the increase of the water. He has scarcely
gany use of his hands. The bandages are removed
severa times in the "a hours, and the parts rubbed
severely to restore animation. He has not strength
to stand His respiration is very short and atten-
fded with much difficulty, and the whole progress
of the disease accompanied with great suffering.
He gets no sleep except by oPiates. His LETT lung
twas ruptured many years age, during the Seminole
campaign in Florida and is entirely destroyed, and
1.-THE other much diseased. When the dropsy com
kmenced, the cough was extremely severe, and ex"
Epectoration profuse. These symptoms, which had
.continued for years, now gave way and almost en-.
sstrey ceased This was followed by loss of appe-
Elite and constant nausea and prostration. This
schange took place early in April and about the
Efirst of May diarrhHa commenced which seemed
Eto threaten an immediate dissolution. This con-
Etinucd few days with great suffering but fortu-
knatey reduced the swelling of the whole system.
kThe abatement of the diarrhea was succeeded by
the swelling in all parts, with violent pain and ex-
Z IRENE difficulty of breathing, when nature would
gagan relieve itself as above described.
Thursday, May 29.-Gen. Jackson is rather
Emore comfortable, having obtained from opiates
Esome sleep. This day he sat a while to Mr.. Healy,
swho had been sent by Louis Philip (the King of
Ethe French) to paint his portrait. Mr. Healy told
me that it the design of the King Of the French
to place his portrait by the side of that of Wash
kington, which already hangs in his gallery-the
most celebrated and interesting historical gallery
lin the world--to surround them with the pictures
of the most eminent American generals and states
men. Mr.. Healy is commissioned by the king to
paint the portraits of some twelve of the most dis
ktngushed revolutionary patriots, to surround those
! of Washington and jacksonville greatest and best
! men country produced; also some Of the
kmost prominent living politicians of the day.
EMessrs John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay were
Snamed by Mr.. Healy to me. Mr.. Heay was ena-
I bled to make much progress in his work to-day );
Eand, usual, the General received many visitors.
{ more than thirty. All were admitted, from the
humblest to the most renowned, to take the vener-
J able chieftain by the hand and bid him farewell.
EAmong the visitors was General Jesup, an old
Efriend and companion in arms. The meeting OF
these most faithful and gallant soldiers and servants
Eof the republic was deeply interesting and aftec-
fling. A reverend gentleman called to inquire IN
kegard to the Generals health his faith, and future
Ehope. The General said Sir, am in the hands
kof merciful God. have full confidence in his
goodness and mercy. My lamp of life is nearly
Eout, and the last glimmer has come. | am ready
Etc depart, when called. The Bible is true. The
prnciples and statutes of that holy book have been
the rule of my life, and have tried to conform to
fits spirit as nearsas possible. Upon that sacred
volume rest my hope for eternal salvation, through
Ethe merits and blood of our blessed Lord and Sa-
sviour, Jesus Christ" Nothing further was said
kupon the subject.
Friday, May 3O.-The General passed bad
Knight no sleep-extremey feeble this morning.
sMr. Healy, with considerable exertons on the part
kof the General, was enabled to finish the portrait
Con which he laboured with great care. 1t was
kpresented to the General After examining it for
Esome minutes he remarked to Mr.. Healy: 81 am
Ksatisfcd, sir, that you stand at the head of your
profession, if may be allowed to Judge Ofmy own
klkeness, can safely concur in the opinion OF my
family; this is the best that has been taken. fee
livery much obliged to you, sir, for the very great
labor and care you have been pleased to bestom
kupon it." The family were all highly gratihed with
fits faithfulness l consider it the most perfect re-
mains of the heroic parsonage, than the full life
THAT made him the most extraordinary combination
spirit and energy, with slender frame the world
! ever saw.
At o'clock, as is the custom, all the Generals
family, except the few who take their turn to watch
kby his sidetook their leave of him. Each of thu
kfamily approached him, received his blessing, bic
Thin farewell, kissed him as it would seem an eter
Enal good night-for he would say my work is dom
flor life After his family retires it is touching t.
8witness this heroic man, who has faced every dan
kger with unyieleing 'front.' offer up his prayers 70
kthose whom Providence has committed to his care
a that Heaven would protect and prosper them whe
Che is no more-prayng still more fervently to Go
for the preservation Of his country, of the Union
and the people of the United States from all foreg
/. Influence and MISUNDERSTANDING his forgiveness
to his enemi,s, and his gratitude to God for hi
), support and success through long life. and 70
the hope Of eternal salvation through the merit
l. of our blessed Redeemer.
The General exerts himself to discharge ever,
duty, and with all his anxious care that is possible
" but his debility, and the unremitting anguish h
e ksufers has almost extinguished every power ex
cept that of his intellect. Occasionally his disres
fkproduces spasmodic affections yet in the midst
Rthe worst paroxyisms of pain, not a murmur, no
even groan escapes his lips. Great and Just il
r life, calm and resigned in death.
d Saturday, May 3l.-The General passed dis
tressed night no sleep-extrcme debility this NOR
ming, attended with increased swelling of the aldo
men, and all his limbs, and difficulty of breathing
He said, 81 hope God will grant me patience t
submit to his holy will He does all things well
and blessed be his molly and merciful name" Hi
bible is always near him; if he is in his chair, it
on the table by his side; when propped up in bed
O that sacred volume is laid by him, and he oftel
d reads it. He has no power. and is lifted in an
out of his sitting posture in bed to the same pos
n ture in his chair. Nothing can exceed the affec
ionate care, vigilance, and never-ceasing efforts
his pious and devoted family to administer to hi
relief; and yet in the midst of the affection whic