Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-05
From the New York Express.
LAST MOMENTS OF MR.. CALHOUN,

Every item of intelligence connected with the death
OF Mr Calhoun, will be gathered up with curiosity; and
therefore we make no excuse for the following COLA
ton OF circumstances. [They are related chiefly by
correspondent OF the Herald
AT about eight o'clock on the evening before his death
he remarked that his mind was clearer and
that he had great facility in arranging his thoughts"
On its being suggested to him that he kept his mind
active, he said, cannot avoid thinking of the politi
cal affairs of the country 1t could speak to the Sc
nate fer one hour, could do more good than on any
previous occasion of my life
On the morning of that day his dissolution evil
IDENTIFY rapidly approaching, and it was that he
could survive but avery short period Though evident
y weaker he up for about hours ia the morning
and conyersed short time in the afternoon Several
letters were read to him, on which he commented. He
said he was satisfied the whole South would soon
unite and act against Northern aggression"
Athalt-past tweve he commenced to breathe with
great difficulty, circumstance which very much al arm
ed DR.. John Calhoun his who alone of his family
present Saying that he felt very waketul, he ask
ed his to lie down. Dr. Calhoun did not do but
requested him to take some wine. "No" said Mr.. C.,
81 do not require more stimulus" He continued, 81
feel am sinking; but you had better lie down, john
His son did SO. The difficulty of breathing continued
At two o'clock, in avery feeble voice. he called to John
That gentleman at approached, and was asked to
feel his pulse. Mr.. Calhoun then said, 81 have no pull
sation at the wrist" He soon after said, Take my
watch from the table, and put it in your trunk" This
was done, and he pointed to bureau, and babe his
take from it his papers and similarly dispose OF them
These papers are said to be his manuscript works
effect of the medicine had been good, as he in de-
i9httu perspiraton. About five, Dr. c. sat by the fire.
and recommended his father to take some rest. He
asked him if he felt any pain, and was told, "No; |
have had none throughout the whole attack" DR.. G.
asked if he comfortable. aud was answered, II am
perfectly comfortable" These were his last words.
At about quarter before six, he made motion for
his to approach his bed Hol ing his hand he
grasped Dr. Cs very closely, and looked anxously into
his face, as if he would speak to him. Seeing that he
was unable to do SO, Dr. c. at called the Hon. Mr..
Venabe of North Carolina WI hen the latter came to
his bedside he pressed his hand and presented his wrist
asst 10 indicate his approaching dissolution He looked
very ntenty at Mr.. w. who remarked "you are pulse
less, sir, and must take wine" halt tumbler OF
Madeira was given him. which he drank. Mr.. " then
lett the to other friends Soon after the
Hon. Mr. Orr and the Hon Mr. Wallace, of South Ca
rolina, came in. As Mr.. Calhoun saw The door open
he fixed his eyes Mr.. Orr who came directly to him
Mr.. 0. leaned over and his pulse MIR. Calhoun un-
derstanding what he meant and extending his hand.-
He was asked if he would have DR.. Hail. the physician
sent for. He shook his head in the negative Mr. Ven
able, who had returned them remarked that the wine
had produced no effect and that the pulse had not re-
turned MIR, Calhoun then put on an expression which
was interpreted to "tat lie knew all was over"
adjusted his head on the pillow and breathed quietly
and calmly for some moments No change was OBJ
served in hls counenance until his last BREATH which
was long and deep Inspiration. His eyes Immediately
grew dim, and were closed at once by Mr. Venabe -
The counenance OF the deceased statesman was calm
as if he had fallen asleep, and his mind retained its
brightness 10 the las: moment