Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-01-30

GENERAL, HUNTER.

Early.
GENERAL HUNTER.
We transfer from the Union just and elo
quent tribute from friend, to the virtues of
man whom we loved for his private virtues, and
respected for his gallantry and faithful public
services
Died, in Washington, on the 2lst instant, at
the age of So years, General ALEXANDER hun
rsR, late Marshal of the District OF Columbia.
The subject of this notice was born in Dunn
fries, Prince William county, Virginia, and was
widely known among our public and domestic
circles. Few ever lived to deserve and to enjoy
more truly than he did the warm regard, The
hearty confidence and general respect OF his TEL
Iow-citizeus. The heart of General Hunter
was social and sincere; il was generous, and ne
loved; and he never failed 10 fasten favorable
impression upon his fellow men. Until his ro-
bust health aud manly frame wholly gave way
to the paralytc attacks of which he died, 1t
seldom happened that his hospitable abode was
without number of delighted guests. Though
childless himself he raised up orphans to adore
his name; and received as mucn rue pleasure
from his genuine goodness As he always mpart-
ed to their grateful hearts. Blessed with the
displayed the graces of gentleman, did what
duty required, and marched to his objects with
arm aud equal pace There was order, intel
lec, and success in whatever be planned; and
hose who knew him the longest and the best
have often exclaimed, how great soldier was
in Hunter LOST! You could perceive habitually
about him military promptitude, command
ing forecast, and courageous but generous
temper all showing what the leading impulses
of hi. nature were
But pursuits are sometimes The creatures oil
accident, aud often Of necessity. General Hun
ter felt and understood This ruling truth. bis De.
loved tather-Nalhaniel Hunter-was, IRON e1.
cess OF confidence and kindness suddenly ruined
in bis pecuniary affairs anc gave up his fortune
TO sundry creditors Not long after That event.
he died leaving the subject oil this feeble sketch
lust upon The verge OF manhood-the rising hope
and promise OF his kin. The manly youth
promptly adopted his fathers family, and looked
upon il as his own And well did he perform The
offices Of this voluntary and generous charge.
Yet the strongest characters travel slow, when
70, augusio domi is the load which they have TO
carry. Tnos, know it best who ieel il most; and
for many years this worthy gentleman toiled Tor
The bene6, oi his grateful relatives. Each efori 10
attain his ends was marked by exact and un-
swerving honor aud his conduct was so fully
understood and appreciated by his discerning
neiehbors, that they served and honored him IN
every way they could. Al an carly age they
made him public magistrate OF The county ~
which he lived; and never had public or private
Justice A truer TREND. Before his lucid mind
and iron frame wholly gave way, no man was
ever more steady 10 the right than ne. No tear,
no meHance, nor enreay ever shook ms puf-
pose. or moved him, even tor moment from
the proper point. Innocence was never wronged
when he could defend it, The boldesi knave
however arliui AMI sironc never showed by JUS
lice whcn Hr.'cf was near.
While in early years. his ready skill in the
training and rnan9nvre Of military forces turned
the ewes oil his fellow citizens towards him, and
nlaced the epaules of a General upon him. =
Had his lot been cast upon the battle helis OF
his country, the slonies enemy might have
slammed him wisely or made him hero Of eS.
allied reuown. But troubles nohe morning OF HE
a firm resolve to raise the helpless and oeifiehd
the poer, checked his martial desires, and turned
his thoughts from those dazzling scenes and al
trac,iye deeds which cmbalm the heio's glory IN
his country love.
After General Jackson became President ne
treated General Hun;er as bosom friend, and
made him Marshal ot The District of Columbia
In that irving trust, which ruined his predecessors
General Hunter cont med until July last, and a
wsvs discharged his duties in the wsrsi way
Such was the perfect confidence in his justice
abilities, and honor, that the hshes chalac'ers OF
every party. including The Judges OF me supreme
Court urged his continuance in office; and II mus
be recorded for the honor and the dignity OF pow
sr, thai no Chief Magistrate was ever moved by
the noise OF folly aud the clamor of demagogues
10 remove him. The whirlwind which Swept
away the perishabe tenure OF ierbler incumbents
passed without injury over the unimPeacnaole
title OF this departed worthy. Dealh was The on.
ly lyrant who ever venlured TO disturb him. And
even that grim monster must have sighed al the
havoc on 50 much manly tortitude and resisna-
lion.
Bu, one 90 loved and honored cannot wholly
die He only exchanges the troubles oil NOR
al existence for the joyous radiance OF that celes.
lial sphere, where lie is without end and plea
sure without pain. Departed spirit TO a better
world dear while living 10 the bosoms OF the
wise and good, long will grateful memory hallow
thy grave.
Gus gratia vlvo, eadem sequitur tellure repostum.