Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-04-10
PROM THE LEXINGTON GAZETTE.

Below we publish kind and sympathizing let.
fer from Mr.. j. w. Paine, to the father Of Mr.. Jas
r. Moffett, communicating the melancholy Intelll.
pence Of the death of his in California In con-
nection with the publication ofthis letter, we are
requested by Mr.. Moet, to state. Iis' the KIND at
ten,on of Mr.. Paine, and other friends, to his son,
has placed him under the most lasting. obligations
10 them and that his kind letter has aided much In
alleviating the grief Of a bereavsd family.
STOCKTON, UppER CALIFORNIA,
Sunday Evening, Dec. 9, '49. )
Dear Sir "A solemn and painful dnlyis i'm
posed upon me, in being the instrument q! commu-
nicating such sad intelligence as the death q
your SON:
James r. Moffctt is no more :--Hsdeparted this
liis on .ilss Goth of Nevcnber, AT &-iieck, a. III.
will give you all the information icah nsegaid 10
his sickness. I was living in San Francisco when
he arrived in California at which time he was per-
fecily hearty and web, indeed, never saw him
looking in better health in my life. A few days af
ter this, came to Stockton, and heard nothing
from James, till about ten days after, when he and
John B. Rcheson, arrived here on their way TO The
mines. But being offered piece Of land by Mr.
Weber in the neighborhood of the town, they form
ed partnershpand concluded to 60 into the business
of farming, it being almost impossible TO get to the
mines this winter. When James got here he had
slight attack Of Diarrhna, but that being so COM
mon it was considered of little consequence. They
pitched their tent on beautiful plot Of ground on
the Calavera about two miles from Stockton, and In
few days would have commenced operations had
not James unfortunately taken sick; for several
days he continued quite unwelb but thoughtt would
soon wear of, being occassioned, perhaps, from the
use of the water But in few days received
note from Mr.. Richeson, stating that James wished
me to 90 out and see hin. this was my first nfor-
nation of his being confined to his bed. accord
ngiy procured the assistance of Dr. Reins,of Rich
mond, Va, and Immediately hastened out to see
him, and found him very i'll indeed with an attack of
Dysentery. | remained with him from this time
until his death, and did everything in my power TO
render him comfortable and rest assured that noh-
ing was wanting which was necessary for him to
have. But alas! how feeble are the means of man.
He lived two days longer, during which time the
Doctor was with him pretty constantly. He often
spoke of his home and his dear friends so far away
from him. And as each cherished remembrance of
childhood's scenes and loved associations Of those
sunny hours, came rushing up from the past, and
stole into his hrobblng bosom, the intrusive tear
would moisted his eyes, as early fancies passed be-
fore him. for he keeny felt that all the ties Of his
earthly affections were about to be rven. Oh how
often did he speak of his parents when near his end
and charged me to write home full account Of all
the circumstances attending his death: He died on
Thursday, 29ih of November, at | o'clock. About
five minutes before he died, he asked me TO raise
him up, which did, and he expired in my arms.
1t was the calmest death ever beheld but he oft
expressed his willingness to die. And Mr.. Richie
son, never did father watch over son with more
tenderness and solcitude than he did over James,
Day after day, and night after night, was he con-
stantly by his side, administering to all his wants
with all The tenderness ofa devoted mother. had
the body inferred in arespectabe decent manner
in our public burial ground, and intend TO have
suitable board erected to his memory.
Enclosed is lock Of his hair, also small ring
which he wore these are the only tokens can
send you. He left no papers Of any consequence.
He had trunk stored on board vessel at San
Francisco which will attend to when 60 down
in short iime shall act as Administrator upon
his property and write 10 you again by next Steam
er-And now in closing allow me 10 assure you Of
my sympathy with your family in their ceeP be-
reavement. Present my bes! regards to all your
family and believe me 10 be
Yours very respectfully,
JOHN w. PAINE, JR.