Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1851-06-26


He was a constant attendant, and took
comfort in the devotional frame OF mind
excited by the music. He was confirm
ed at that church but few weeks be-
fore his death and commemorated the
event in lines, of which the following is
an extract -
Calmly circled round The altar,
The children of the Cross are kneeliig.
| Forward brOtheT--do not ialter,
Fast the tears of sin are stealing;
Washing memory bright and clean.
Making futurity serene
Duling the winter of 1912, he raved
mole than usual. The editor of the Au-
rora says he met him at his simple repast
of apples and milk, in public house on
last Christmas evening. He was abso.
lutely mad. You think l am Macdon-
aid Clarke, 'lsaid he, but am not. The
! mad poet dashed out his brains last
Thursday night, at the foot of Emnet's
monument. The storm that night was
the tears Heaven wept over him. God
animated the body again. am not now
Macdonald Clarke, but Afara, an arch
angel OF the Almighty.
went to Grace church to-day. Miss
-sat in the seat behind me, and l
tossed this velvet bible, with its golden
clasps, into her lap. What do YOU think
shedid? moment she looked surpris-
ed, and then she tossed it back again.
So they all treat me. All I want is
some religious people, that love God and
love one another, to treat me kindly
One sweet smile of Mary---would
make my mind all light and peace; and
would write such poetry as the world
never saw.
Something ought to be done for me-
said he; : l can't take care of myself. l
ought to be sent to an asylum; or
wouldn't it be better to die? The moon
shines through the willow trees on the
graves in St. Paul's church-yard and
they look all covered with diamonds
don't you think they loox like diamonds ?
Then there is lake in Greenwood Gem
etery that would be good cool place
for mel am not afraid to die. The
stars of heaven look down on that lake
and it reflects their brightness
The Mary to whom he alluded, was a
wealthy young lady of this city; one of
those whom his distempered imagination
fancied was his lost half. One night he
was found in the streets, kneeling before
poor beggar, to whom he had just Civ
en- all his money. The beggar, seeing
his follorn condition, wished to return it,
and said, Poor fellow. you need it more
than l. When the Waterman encoun>
tered them, Clarke was writing busily on
his knee, the history of his companion,
which he was beseeching him to tell.
The cap was blown from lis head, on
which pitiltss storm was pelting. The
Waterman could make nothing Of his in
coherent talk, and he was taken to the
Egyptian Tombs; prison where vaga-
bonds and criminals await their trial.
In the morning he begged that the
ok-keeper of the Carlton House might
be sent for; saying that he is my only
friend. This gentleman conveyed him
to the Lunatic Asylum, on Blackwell's
Island. Two of my friends, who visited
him there, found him as comfortable as
his situation allowed. He said he was
treated with great kindness, but his earn
est desire to get out rendered the inter
view very heart trying. He expressed
u wish to recover that hc might write
hymns and spiritual songs all the rest of
his life. In some quiet intervals, he con-
planned of the Jokes that had been prac~
tisad on him, and said it was not kind
but he was fearfully delirious most Of the
tlme-calling vociierously for Water
Water !! and complaining that his brain
| was all on fire.
He died few days after aged Al.
His friend of the Carlton House took up
on himself the charge of bis funeral;
and it is satisfactory to think that it was
all ordered, just as the kind and simple
hearted being would have himself desired
The body was conveyed to Grace church.
and the funeral service performed in the
presence of few who had loved him.
Among these was Fitz, Greene Haleck,
who It is said often bef,iended him in the
cou'se of his suffering life. Many chill
dren were present; and one with fearful
eyes, brought beautiful little bunch of
flowers, which II friend laid upon his boz
som with reverent tenderness. He was
buried at Greenwood Cemetery, under
the shadow of a pine tree, next to the
grave of a little child--a fitting resting
place for the loving and chlldlike poet.
He had often expressed wish to be
buried at Greenwood. Walking there
| with friend Of mine, they selected
spot for his grave; and he seemed pleas
ed as boy, when told of the arrange
ments TINT should be made at his funeral.
| hope the children will come said he,
| want to be buried by the side ofsehil.
dren. Four things l am sure Tiers will
be in heaven music, plenty of little chill
dren. flowers, and pure air.
They are now getting up subscrip.
| ton for n marble monument Tk caan,s