The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-07-25
LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH
GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR.

The Washington correspondent of the
Phila., Bulletin gives tho following inter
es,ing particulars Of the sickness and death
of Gen. Taylor:-
On the morning Of the 4th inst, he was, to all
appearances, sound in health, and in excellent
spirits. In company with his family. and several
OF the Heads OF Departments, he attended at the
National Monument to hear Mr.. Foote'S indepen-
dence oration, and even up TO O'Clock exhibited
no symptoms of illness. However, while upon
the ground, be partook freely OF water and then,
after considerable exercise in walking, and ex-
posure to the sun, he drove home. Arrived at
the mansion he "felt," as be expressed himself to
DR.. Weatherspoon, "very hungry;'' and without
rejecting that he was in an unfit condition to in
du!ge freely in fruits, &c., he called for some
freshnents, and ale heartily Of cherries and wild
berries, which be washed down with copious
draughts of iced milk and water. At dinner he
applied himself again to the cherries, against the
iemonstrances OF DR.. Weatherspoon and in an
hour was seized by cramps, which soon took the
form Of violent cholera morbus. His physician
prescribed The usual remedies, but for time he
resisted, deeming the attack only temporary. and
that il would yield finally to his naturally strong
constitution. Toward midnight, instead of relief,
the attack increased in violence and threatened
desperate results, il not speedily arrested. lie
continued in this condition, without much change,
until the evening OF the 9th. TWAS then deemed
advisable 10 call in other physicians. Accord
ingly, Messrs. Hall and Coolidge were invited,
and promptly responded; but they thought ii
further advisable TO send for the assistance of DR.
Wood OF Baltimore. That gentleman attended
Immediately, and in the same cars came Colonel
Taylor the brother ofthe General, and his family,
who had likewise been teegraphed for. By this
time Ohe morning of the 8th) the disease had
made rapid encroachments on his frame; but by
the united skill of these eminent practitioners the
visible stages Of the cholera morbus were soon
after checked. However, fever ensued, and from
remittant character, il took the form oftyphoid.
Anxiety now began to manifest itself, not only
among the exalted patients family, but among the
physicians themselves. His chances of life hung
upon thread.
Meanwhile, there were other causes, beside
merely eating and drinking, that operated fatally
upon his system. To bis medical attendant on
the 9th, he said ~ should not be surprised if
this were to terminate in my death. / did not
expect 10 encounter what has beset me since my
elevation to the Presidency. God knows that
have endeavored to fulfill what conceived TO be
an honest duty. But have been mistaken
NY motives have been misconstrued, and my
feelings most grossly outraged" He alluded
doubtless 10 the Slavery question, and the man
ner in which he had been variously assailed.--
Even the sanctity of the sick chamber was inva-
ded by certain Southern ultraists, who came to
warn him, that unless he took some necessary
steps 10 protect the South, they mould rote resol,t
hon Of fcensue on ms conduct in the Galphm busi-
ness. repeat merely what know to be true
On the 5th, Messrs Stephens and Toombs watt
ed upon him, as a committee appointed by an
ultra caucus, to demonstrate upon the same sub
ject; and according to the facts developed, the
interview concluded with threat similar to the
above II was not until after his illness of the
4th. and the conference Of the 5th, that the mind
Of the President seemed SO sadly oppressed. and
which called forth the remarks just given. From
this time forward his mental sufferings were
equal 10 his physical.
But to proceed. Toward the evening Of the
sth, the chronic type Of dysentery which had set
in disappeared, and vomiting ensued. Dr. Jou-
bron y Of Philadelphia, who is eminent in these
branches Of treatment, was teiegraphed, and
reply received from him that he would arrive last
evening; but, alas! too late 10 be of service.
The condition Of the patient was now at its
critical point. The sick chamber was restored
to solemn silence, attendance placed on the out
side, and none permitted to enter except the
physicians. The family of the President, with
Col Bliss and other relatives of the deceased,
occupied room adjoining, where they remained,
overwhelmed with grief, and refusing even the
indulgencies Of necessary repose. Bulletins
were hourly sent out, to inform the masses Of the
changes observable in the patient; but these so
slightly varied for the better, that all hope Of his
safety was dspelled at II o'clock. From that
period until daylightthe utmost anxiety prevailed
The ninth dawned, but gloom still surrounded
the Executive mansion. Thousands began to
food the avenues leading thither, and throughout
the day messenger was kept posted at the main
door TO answer the interrogatories that were in
cessanty poured upon him. At 10 O'Clock A
NJ. a report circulated that the President had
ralled-at P. NJ. that he was dead. The con-
sterna,ion created by the latter rumor was happi-
w releved.by an official bulletin at 81, that the
crisis had been passed, and that he was then be-
yond i'm mediate danger. Bells rang for JOY. and
even the boys in the streets Ii, bonres and shout