The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-07-04
Last Days Of Ex-President Polk.
tcoue,popdsuoe oftbs New York Hsrald.I
resting Ace0int of the Last DAYS Qf james r. P0tk.
"a. Prestdent0 of the United States

4cc0nL OF the Last IJdHS James POLK
Ia. PresideRtQ Of The United States.l
NASHVILLE June rs. 1919.
Yesterday, at twenty minutes before O'Clock,
P. NJ, James X. Polk expired, at his residence in
this city.
Mr. Polk had suffered from diarrhoea, on his way
up the Mississippi river from New Orleans, in
March but the attack passed of, and he reached
this city in good health A few days after bis arri-
val he moved into his new mansion, stately edi-
flee, which had just been completed and furnished
in a style Of combined elegance and taste. His
estate lies in the very heart Of the city, emf
hence known as Grundy's Hill, having been the
home Of the Hon. Felix Grundy, from whose heirs
Mr. Polk purchased the property.
Having taken up his abode here, the ex-Presi-
dent gave himself up to the improvement Of the
grounds, and was seen every day about his dwell
ing, aiding and directing the Wufkmen he had en-
ployed. Now overlooking a carpenter, now giving
instructions 10 gardener, often attended by Mrs.
Polk, whose exquisite TASTE constituted the element
Of every improvement II is not fortnight since
saw him on his lawn directing some men,
who were removing decaying cedars. was struck
with his ereetand healthful bearing and the active
energy of his manner, which gave promise of long
life. His flowing gray locks alone made him ap-
pear beyond the middle age of life. He seemed in
full health. The next day, being rainy, he re-
manned within and began 10 arrange his large
library and the labor Of reaching books from the
floor and placing them on the shelves, brought on
fatigue and slight fever, which the next day as
sumed the chars cter of disease in the form of
chronic darrhBa, which was with him complaint
Of many years standing, and readily induced upon
his system by any over exerliOn
For the three first days, his friends felt no alarm.
But the disease battling their skill land for skillu
physicians, Nashville will compare with the first
cities in the Union DIR. Hay, his brOther-in-law,
and family physician for twenty years, was sent
for from Columbia. Bnt the skill and experience
of this gentleman, aided by the highest medical
talent, proved Of no avail Mr.. Polk continued
gradually 10 sink from day to day The disease
was checked upon him four days before his death,
but his constitution was so weakened, that there
did not remain reeUperative energy enough in the
system for healthy reaction He sunk away so
slowly and insensibly, that it eight hours be-
fore he died, after the heavy death respirations
commenced. He died without struggle, simply
ceasing to breathe, as when deep and quiet sleep
falls upon a weary man.
About haitian hour preceding his death, his vene-
rabe mother entered the room, and kneeling by his
bedside, offered up beautiful prayer to the Z" king
Of kings, and lord Of lords committing the soul Of
her son TO his holy keeping. The scene was
strikingly impressive. Major Polk, the Presidents
brother was also by his bedside, with other mem
beers OfIhs family.
Upon the coffin was plain silver plate, with
these words;