The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1850-04-04
The Last hours of John C.. Calhoun.

The Last hOurs OIL JOhn Cs CaIhOuns
The Washington correspondent of the
New York Herald gives the following acc
ount of the death-bed scene of John c. Cal
houn
During the whole of yesterday Saturday
it was evident by those who had access to the
sick chamber that the lamp of life was near
ly extinguished, and tina. if within a few
hours change did not take place for the
better, his demiSanajabt be confidently ex.
pected. Indeed, he seemed conscious him
self that his mortal career was near a close.
AT about 10 o'clock last night MIR. Venable,
of North Carolina, read to him some letters
which were addressed 10 Mr.. Calhoun by
persons at distance, and which reached
Washington by that days mail. Shortly af-
terwards he addressed Mr.. Joseph A. Scov-
lille, who was with him from the commence
ment Of his sickness till the moment of his
death;
"Read very low some of the papers which
said wished in the morning, as am very
feeble"
About nall-past 10 this morning change
took place for worse. He had been unable
for some hours previous TO raise the matter
from his lungs, and his son turned him on
his side 10 afford him some relief He re-
marked.
"Ii's Of no use; receive no relief-I am
sinking, Place me back as was. lhave no
pulse in my wrist; feel it. The medicine Gan
opiate) has had a charming effect. l feel
warm glow over my system"
He noticed that his son was very much a
armed, and said,
"Why do you sit up9 You had better 90
TO sleep" His breathing had become very
difficult. He said, ,,breathing has become
very harrassing 10 me-" His son lay down
upon couch near him, but not to sleep. AT
about Mr.. Calhoun called him, and address
sing him, said, "John, come here. believe
all that medical skill can do will be of no a.
vail; feel my pulse; have none. Take all
my loose papers out of the drawers, also my
watch, and lock them up in my trunk"
He made the same oquest last evening, at
quarter before G. He spoke the last words
which were audible, II am resting now,
very easily"
MI. Venable, of Norh Carolina, who occu-
pied the next room, was called and came in.
Mr. Calhoun extended his hand !; his eyes
were very bright, and he perfectly conscious,
but did not speak. Mr.. Venable found that
he had no pulse, and poured out a part
of glass of Madeira. =. He raised his head,
drank it, and then sank back upon his pill
ow. MrOr and D. Wallace, of South Caro-
lima, then came in. When the door closed,
Mr. Calhoun turned his eyes in that direction,
and was perfectly conscious of every thing
that passed. He squeezed his sons hand
convulsively his lips moved, and his eyes
were very expressive. His voice could not
be heard, and when some one leaned over
him, as ifto listen, he moved his head, as if
10 say, ~ cannot speak," His breathing
was very hard until five minutes before his
death. One hand rested upon his breast and
he raised the other and placed it once or
twice on his.head Probably the last rush
of blood panied him. When the breath left
the body, it was like along drawn breath.
1t was the last, and all was over. He died
as easy as an infant, and was perfectly con-
scious until the last spark of life had fed.
Thus departed the pure and unsullied spir-
it of John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. His
funeral will take place on Tuesday. The
body will be placed in metal ic coffin and
deposited in a vault in the Congressional bu.
ing grouns, where two of his children are bu-
ried, and remain there until the wishes Of
Mrs Calhoun are known. Mr. Mills has ta
ken bust of deceased statesman, since
death. Intelligence of the. melancholy event
was Immediately transmitted by telegraph
| to his widow and o all the telegraphic sta
tions throughout the country.