The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-04-24


Inc Most Reverend Archbishop Eccleston died at his
residence Al the Convent OF Visitation in Georgetown
last evenings II twenty Ave minutes past six o'clock
Many days Of sckness preceded his DEATH but he
hnaly passed away TRANQUILITY into gentle slumber.
The highest tunctionary in the Roman Catholic Church
in the United States, mild and gentle Christian,
OF great equanmy and uniformity Of purpose scholar
OF rare accomplishments, gentleman whose Kindness
and urbanity could not be exceeded. he was also
American patriot. whose estimate of his counrymen and
OF the political Institutions OF his country such as
should be proud TO know sympathized in by all
the citizens OF our republic
We have procured from the pages of the Catholic Ex-
position the following brief but truthful narrative of his
lite.
This eminent prelate was born on the 27h June, sol
in Kent county Maryland, few miles from Chester.
town HIS grandfather was Sir John Eccleston, who
emigrated to This country from Fog land, few years
pio 10 our struggle Tor independence His father Samuel
Eccleston was wealthy farmer of Kent county Mary
land ana was distinguished for his highly cultivated mind
and manners Born OF parents who al that time were
members OIL The Protestant Episcopal church, he attend
ed worship IN that denomination until about the age of
eleven years, when he was sent as a student TO ST, Ma
Y's College, Baltimore In this institution lie continued
as day scholar until his fifteenth year, and during this
ea'y period, displayed shining talents and peculiar tact
Tor learning by his sweetness Of dispositions amiable
department and graceful manners, he secured the friend
ship and attachment OF his fellow students and proes
sors as well as all who had the pleasure Of his acquan
studies towards the profession OF the law At sixteen
ears OF age he became boarder in the college He
soon manifested ardent love Of virtue. and other dis
divinity; in which pursuit, by his assduy and talent
he advanced so rapidly to be considered qualified for
The order OF priesthood al earlier age than that order
Very after his ordination he crossed the Atlantic
and visited England Ireland. and France. He was how
ever suddenly recalled TO America. (aer a soourn OF
about two years 10 Euope consequence OF the death
OF his stepiaher. which happened about this time From
abroad he brought back with him large OF useful
knowledge an ardent zeal in the OF his religion
and an increased attachment to republican institutions
Upon his return 10 his native country he received
with affection by his friends and in short
time received marks OF their esteem and appreciation by
his elevation rst to the vice presidency and subsequently,
the presidency OF the lourishng institution in which he
had been educated This office he filed with much
honor TO himself and advantage to the college for several
years.
The late Archbishop Whitfield becoming n6rm from
disease. thought necessary early the year 1884
to appoint coadlu,or or assistant bishop. in order to
lessen the burden OF his duties The choice fell upon
Mr. Eccleston which was ordinary mark OF confidence,
when consider that he had hardly attained his 33l
whose age experiences, and talents would have qualified
them Tor the situation Upon the death OF The ale Arch
bishop he succeeded de ure the title and honoIs OF the
see, on the lith OF September, 1884.
As apreacher of the word OF God the Archbishop had
always been regarded eloquent graceful and persua
sve displaying great zeal and pety in all he uttered and
to enlist the undivided attention OF his hearers
In person he was tall and commanding, and remark
able for his graceful department and ease in converse
ton No approached him famiarly without
being pleased with him. without increased respect
Tor his person His pety was OF the highest order No
one could look upon him without being impressed with
the idea that he was true preate of the church Ever
unoslentatious and unassumng. his great aim do
good 10 all seeking the will OF his great Master
His sddy 10 please Hin, regardless of the world,
which would willingly heap upon him its choicest honors,
did he not studlonsiy fly from them.
Such was Archbishop EccIeson, the worthy successor
Of the CAROLS and the Neaes and model in suavity
and elegance well energy and ecclesiastical depo-
meni, for the hierarchy al whose head he stood
GEoRGETowN, / O'Clock, p. m The Convent Chapel
and Bishops house hung with black and everything
wears the appearance OF wo and mourning Solemn
High Mass for The dead sung in the Chapel a, nine
O'Clock, by the Rev Mr. Brocad. and the De Prcfun-
dis" sung in most solemn by the choir OF
Nuns.
The Archbishop laid in state before the altar, dressed
1t is the most imposing sight ever within the Con-
vent walls The corpse looks though ii were in the
gentlest slumber
The body will be conveyed 10 Baltimore nine O'Clock
morrow The procession will move from the Convent
exactly at half past seven NJ order to reach the
depot IN time for the nine O'clock train. Our Roman
Catholic fellow citizens making arrangements to join
the procession and many Of them will escort the re-
mains TO Baltimore.
The corpse, it's arrival in Baltimore, will be con-
veyed the Cathedral, where it will remain unit, Satur-
day morning, when Grand Solemn High Mass will be
celebrated, at which all the Bishops under the jurisdiction
Of the late Archbishop will ociate, assisted by nearly
all the clergy OF their docesses.