The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-02-29
Death of John Q. Adams.

been filled with the particulars OF the last Ill
ness of this venerable patriot. His sudden
departure has awakened throughout the entire
country and among all classes and parties feel
ings of heartfelt sorrow. for the loss of one of
our country's noblest, greatest sons. No man
in public life was more highly esteemed by
all, than was he, bandid, open, generous, just
and above reproach, he could not help receiv-
ing the warm admiration of all parties and all
sections. But eulogy from us will add moth
ing in paying just tribute to his memory.
Of his last illness the Washington CORE
spondent of the Boston Wing, under date of
Feb. %, says:
cit is now IL o'clock and Mr.. Adams is
still alive, although insensible to all that trans
pires around him. He has been in that state
about As hours. No hope is entertained that
he will live through the day. His breathing
is short and quite difficult, He is at the Cap
itol, in the Speakers room, and will probably
die there Sympathizing friends, who feel
most keenly this dispensation of wise Prov
idence, are constantly going to the Capitol to
learn his situation. l called yesterday at the
Speakers room, to see him for the last time
alive. He was lying upon small couch, with
his eyes closed, perfectly unconscious. Mem
bers of Congress and others were watching
with deep anxiety the progress of the disease.
"Mr. Clay called soon after he was stricken
| down, but the scene was too much for sensi
tive heart like his. He was overpowered by
his feelings, and wept like child beside the
couch of his dying friend
yesterday the House convened, and very
affecting prayer was offered by the Chaplain,
Rev. Mr.. Slicer. After the reading of the
journal, which occupied but moment the
Speaker arose, and said that it had been sug-
gested to him as proper to be announced from
the Chair, that his colleague, the venerable
John Quincy Adams, was lying in the Speak
er's room, and in the opinion of his medical
attendants, was fast passing away.
"And then on motion of Mr.. Burt of South
Carolina, the House unanimously adjourned.
"Mr. Winthrop was much affected when he
made the announcement, as were also many
other members.
"Mr. Giddings, prior to the motion of ad
journment, suggested that the journals should
be so amended as to give the reasons Of the
adjournment of the previous day; which the
Speaker acquiesced in and ordered to be done.
"After the reading of the Journal in the
Senate, Mr.. Davis of Massachusetts,, rose and
informed the Senate that the House of Repre-
sentatives had met and adjourned in conse-
quence of the critical condition of Mr.. Adams,
who was then lying under the roof of this
Capitol, apparently near his end. He there
upon moved that the Senate now adjourn,
which was unanimously agreed to.
"Great preparations had been made to eel.
citrate the anniversary of Washington's birth
day by a National Ball, &c., but in consequence
of the profound sympathy which seems topper
wade all classes in the city for Mr.. Adams, it
was postponed to some future time.
"Mrs. Adams is quite low at present. She
tainted at the bed side of her husband, yester.
day, and was tax en- home. The excitement
has been too severe for one of her feeble
health. She will, in the opinion of her physi-
clans, not long survive him.
"No efforts have been, or will be spared, to
make the last hours CT that eminent man as
easy as possible. The sympathy manifestedin
his behalf, by all classes of people, and the re-
spect shown him demonstrate that he shared
no meagre portion of their affections. Al
though the messenger of death may perform
his work, and the clay tenement of this faith