Washington telegraph., 1851-01-15
REMARKABLE DEATH BED SCENE.


published: ed eoti At"
Next morning Ghe day on which he
died) Dr.. Parish received an early aud
urgent message to visit him. Several
persons were III the room, but soon left it,
except his servant. John. who was much
affected at the sight of his dying master
The doctor remarked to him, IL have seen
your master very low before aud lie re-
vived, and perhaps he will again. John
knows better than that, sir" He then
looked at the doctor with great intensity.
aud said in all earnest aud distinct man.
ner, Il confirm every disposition i'm my
will, especially that respecting my slaves.
whom | have manumitted, aud for whom
have made provision
IL am rejoiced to- hear such a declara-
and soon after proposed to leave him for
short time. to attend to another patient
"You must not go" was the reply; "you
Cannot, you shall not leave me- John,
take care that the doctor does not leave
the room." john soon locked the door
aud reported, 'Master, have locked the
door and got the key i'll my pocket; the
doctor can't go now."
lie seemed excited and said, eff you
do go, you need not return" The doctor
appealed to him as to the propriety Of
such an order. inasmuch as he was only
desirous of discllarging his duty to ano-
tner patient. His manner Instantly chang
ed, and he SAID, 81 retract that express
sion." Some time afterwards, turning
an expressive look, he said again, II re-
tract that expression ue uUd
The doctor now said that he understood
the subject OF his communication, aud
presumed the will would explain itself
fully. He replied in his peculiar way
"No you don't understanding; know you
don't. Our laws are extremely particular
on the subject of slaves-a will may
manumit them, but provision for their
subsequent support requires that declara-
ton be made Ill the presence Of white
witness; and 1t is requisite that the wit
ness, after hearing tue declaration, should
continue with the party, and never lose
sight of them until he is gone or dead
You are good wIt;iess for john You
see the propriety aud importance OF your
remaining with me; your patients must
make allowance for your situation. john
told me this morning--'master you are
DYING" sHrH
The doctor spoke with entire candor,
ard replied that it was rather a matter
of surprise that he had lasted SO long
He now made his preparations TO die; he
directed John 10 bring him his father :
breast buttnu-he then directed him to
place it in the bosom of his SHIRT. II
was an old-fashioned, larye-sized gold
stud. John placed it iE the button hul.
of the shirt hOson-but 10 fix 1t complete
ly required hole III the opposite side.
"Get knife" said he "and cut one.
A napkin was called for. aud placed by
John over his breast. For short time
he lay perfectly quiet. with his eyes clos
"Renorse! remnrse." 1t was thrice re-
peated-the last time at the top of his
voice, with great agitation. lie cried
out, "et me see the word; get dictionary
let me see the word" There is none
in the room, sir.
Write it down then--let me see the
word"
The doctor picked up one of his cards
Randolph, of Roanoke e"--"shall write
it on this card.!' "Yes. nothing more
proper The word remorse was then
written in pencil. He took the card III a
hurried manner and tastened his eyes on
it with great Intensity. "Write it Oh the
back" he exclaimed~-it was SO done and
handed him again. He was extremely
acknowledgements! you have no idea
what it is; you can form no idea OF it
whatever; ii has contributed to bring me
20 my present situatiou---but have look
ed to the Lord Jesus Christ, aud hope
have obtained pardon. Now let John
take your pencil aud draw lEe under
the word." which was accordingly done
.Whal am I to do with the card!' in-
quired the doctor. "Put it in your pocket
take care of it--when am dead look
at it,
The doctor now introduced the subject
of calling in some additional witnesses
to his declarations. and suggested sending
down stairs for Edmund Badger. lie re-
piled, Il have already communicated that
to him." The doctor then said. with
your concurrence, sir, | will send for two
young physicians, who shall remain and
never loose sight of you until you are
dead; to whom you can make your decla-
rations-my son DR.. Isaac Parish, aud
my young friend and late pupil. DR..
Francis West, brother of Capt. West"
He quickly asked. "Capt. West of the
packet?"
"Yes, sir, the same" 'Send for him
he is the man; I'll have him.
Before the door was unlocked he point
ed toward bureau and requested the
doctor to take from it a remuneration for
his services. To this the doctor promptly
replied that he would feel as though he
were acting indelicately to comply. He