Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-03-01
DEATH OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

This distinguished Patriot, Statesman
and Scholar died in the National Capitol,
on the evening Of Wednesday, the 23rd
instant. He was attacked by paralysis
while in his seat in the House on Monday,
Ithe 21st ult.. and was moved to one of the
Committee rooms of the Capitol, where
he died as above stated. The National
|lntelligencer, of Tuesday, says:
4 mournful and agitating event occur
red in the House of Representatives yes
Iterday, which, as the news of it spread
Through the city, engrossed all thoughts
and filled all hearts with sympathy.
Just after the yeas and nays were ia
ken on a question. and the Speaker had
risen to put another question to the House.
a sudden cry was heard on the left of the
Chair. "Mr ADAMS is dying!' Turn
ling our eyes to the spot, we beheld the
venerable man in the act Of falling over
the left arm Of his chair. while his right
arm was extended. grasping his desk for
support. lie would have dropped upon
the floor had he not been caught in the
arms of the member sitting next him,
\ great sensation was created in the
House members from all quarters rushing
from their seats and gathering round the
fallen statesman, who was immediately
lifted into the area in front of the Clerk >
table. The Speaker instantly suggested
that some gentleman move an adjourn
Iment, which being promptly done. the
House adjourned. A sofa was brought.
and Mr.. Adams. in state of perfect help
Ilessness. though not of entire insensibili-
{ty. was gently laid upon it.
The sofa was then taken up and borne
out Of the Hall into the Rotunda. where it
was set down. and the members of both
Houses and strangers who were fast crowd
ling around were with some difficulty re-
pressed and an open space cleared in its
Immediate vicinity; but a medical gentle
|man. member of the House. (who was
prompt, active. and selfpossessed through
out the whole painful scene.) advised that
he be removed to the door of the Rotun-
da opening on the east portico, where a
fresh wind was blowing.
This was done: but the air being chilly
and loaded with vapor. the sofa was. at the
suggestion of Mr.. inthrop. once more
taken up and removed to the Speakers
apartment, the doors of which were forth
with closed to all but professional gentle
men, several OF whom arrived in success
sion as the news spread into the city
While lying in this apartment Mr.. Adams
partially recovered the use Of his speech.
and observed. in faltering accents, This
is the end of earth;'' but quickly added.
RI am composed"
Members had bv this time reached Mr..
As abode with the melancholy intelli-
|gence. and. soon after. Mrs. Adams and
his nephew and niece arrived and made
their way TO the appalling scene. Mrs
A. was deeply affected. and for some mo-
|ments quite Frustrated by the sight of her
husband. now insensible. the pallor ofdeath
upon his countenance. and those sad pre-
|monitories fast making their appearance
which fall with such chill upon the heart.
In the Hall. meanwhile, gloomy pause
occurred in the usual hum Of voices that
fills it. Some members sat in mute sus-
Epense: others stood in groups, and made
|or answered inquiries as to the cause and
fhe probable issue Of the attack: others