American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-04-23
WASHINGTON .

The Most Reverend Archbishop Eecleston died
Mt his residence. at the Convent of Visitation in
Georgetown, last evening at twenty-five min
utes past six o'clock. Many days of severe
sickness preceded his death, but he finally
passed away, TRANQUILITY as into a gentle slum-
ber The highest functionary in the Roman
Catholic church in the United States, mild
and gentle Christian man of great equanim-
ity and uniformity of purpose, a scholar of rare
accomplishments, gentleman whose kindness
and urbanity could not be exceeded, he was
also an American patriot, whose estimate of his
countrymen and of the political institutions OF
his country were such as we should be proud
of our republic.
We have procured from the pages of the
Catholic Eapositor the following brief but truth
full narrative of his life:
This eminent prelate was born on the 9th
June, 1901, in Kent county, Maryland, few
miles from Chestertown. His grandfather was
Sir John Eccleston, who emigrated to this
country, from England a few years prior to our
struggle for independence. His father, Samuel
Eccleston, was wealthy farmer of Kent county,
Maryland, and was distinguished for his highly
cultivated mind and manners. Born of parents
who, at that time, were members of the Protes-
tant Episcopal church, he attended worship in
that denomination until about the age of eleven
years, when he was sent, as a student, to St.
Mary's College, Baltimore In this institution
he continued as a day-scholar until his fifteenth
year; and, during this early period, displayed
shining talents, and peculiar tact for learning
BY his sweetness of disposition, amiable deport-
ment, and graceful manners, he secured the
friendship and attachment of his fellow students
and professors, as well as all who had the plea
sure of his acquaintance. 1t was the intention
of his mother to direct his studies towards the
profession Of the law At sixteen years of age,
he became boarder in the College He soon
manifested an ardent love Of virtue, and other
dispositions which, in a few years, resulted in
his study of divinity; in which pursuit by his
assiduity and talent, he advanced so rapidly as
to be considered qualified for the order of priest
hood at an earlier age than that order is gene
rally conferred.
Very soon after his ordination he crossed the
Atlantic, and visited England Ireland, and
France. He was, however, suddenly recalled
to America, latter sojourn of about two years
in Europe in consequence of the death of his
stepfather, which happened about this time.
From abroad he brought back with him large
cause of his religion, and an increased attach
ment to republican institutions. Upon his re-
turn to his native country, he was received with
affection by his numerous friends; and, in
short time, received marks of their esteem and
appreciation, by his elevation first to the vice
presidency, and, subsequently, the presidency
of the fourishing 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 in
firm from disease, it was thought necessary,
early in the year 1884, to appoint a coadjutor
or assistant-bishop, in order to lessen the bur-
den of his duties The choice fell upon Mr..
Eccleston, which was no ordinary mark of con-
fidence when we consider that he had hardly
attained his thirty -third year, and that there
were so many others in the diocess, whose age,
experience, and talents would have qualified
them for the situation. Upon the death of the
late archbishop, he succeeded de 5ure to the
title and honors of the see, on the fourteenth of
September, 1884.
AS preacher of. the word of God the arch
bishop had always been regarded as eloquent,
graceful, and persuasive, displaying great zeal
and piety in all he uttered and was sure to
enlist the undivided attention of his hearers.
In person he was tall and commanding, and
remarkable for his graceful department and ease
in conversation. No one ever approached him
Familiarity without being pleased with him, or
without an increased respect for his person.
His piety was of the highest order. No one
could look upon him without being impressed
with the idea that he was true prelate of the
church. Ever unostentatious and unassuming,
his great aim was to do good to all men, seek
ing the will of his great Master. His study was
to please Him, regardless of the world, which
would WILLINGLY bean InOn him itS choicest
honors did he not studiously fly from them.
Such was Archbishop Eccleston, the worthy
successor of the CAROLS and the Neales; and a
model, in suayity and elegance, as well as
energy and ecclesiastical department, for the
hierarchy at whose head he Stood
GEORGETOWN, o'clock, p. m.-The Con-
vent Chapel and Bishops House are hung
with black, and every thing wears the appear
ance of woe and mourning. Solemn high mass
for the dead was sung in the Chapel at nine
o'clock, by the Reverend Mr.. Brocard, and the
s'De Profundis' was sung in o most solemn
manner by the Choir Of Nuns
The Archbishop is laid in state before the
altar, dressed in full pontifcals, and around
him are the sweetest flowers. 1t is the most
imposing sight ever seen within the Convent
walls. The corpse looks as though it were in
the gentlest slumber.
;. The body viii be conveyed to Baltimore at
nine o'clock tomorrow. The procession win
move from the Convent exactly at half-past
seven, q m, in order to reach the depot in
time for the nine o'clock train. Our Roman
Catholic fellow-citizens are making arrange
ments to ioin in the procession, and many OF