The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-31

We copy from the Richmond Dispatch the following
notice Of the recent death in this city Of Mr. Robert
Latham, very worthy and excellent gentleman. whose
me editorial talent in former years, and under the
previous management OF the Union, made known to our
readers in the columns OF this journal:
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch
. SUDDEN DEATH OF AN EsrIMABLE mIR-The Wash
ington correspondent OF the Baltimore Clipper" under
date oil The 10Th inst, communicates the following intel
lgence:
"Mr Robert Latham OF Virginia a clerk in ba Treas
nieI Office, was this morning found dead in his bed He
was taken sick only yesterday afternoon with pneumonia
uon' Thus in the midst OF life we are In death"
We read this announcement with sorrow, because we
knew Mr. Latham well, and esteemed him much for his
noble qualities. The Washington papers also contain
notices OF his death but they simple, and put away
IN The obituary department without word or comment
Had Imam Of less merit and more petenson shufied of
MS mortal coil eulogy alter eulogy would have been
uttered over him, and the whole community would have
been made to deplore his loss Yet few men in Wash
ingon were equals Of Robert Latham in genius, and
none could surpass him in nobleness OF soul
MI Latham was native OF Culpeper, and could not
nave been lar from the Middle age Of life when he died
HE commenced life, we believe, in Lynchburg law
yer When we first knew him he edited the "Jeferso-
man there during the presidential campaign which
ended In the first election OF General jackson to the
presidency He then attracted great deal of notice by
Tue vlgor and point OF his editorial essays They
copied and commended in all directions, and among
the best OF their class OF literature of the day. When his
connexion with that paper ceased he seemed rather to
shrink from than court public notice. He withdrew, af-
Ter time. TO the quiet life OF southwestern Virginia
town There he practlsed law, and Tor while edited
paper His retiring disposition kept him very much out
OF the world but those who knew him knew the power
OF his mind The senior Mr.. Richie had an exalted
opinion OF his Abilities and paid him of the highest
compliments we ever passed by editor upon
other. He was finally induced by Mr.. Richie to leave
his secluded life and go with him to Washington, in
1874. as an assistant editor Of the Union.' In this
capacity he continued for time, giving that paper
the benefit OF his abilities When circumstances fed to
his retirement from it, he took clerkshp in the treasury
Office, which he held to the time of his DEATH
Mr. Latham was proud hearted man, OF an independ-
ent spirit, and most perfect gentleman. He
OF honor, without stain and without repoach Possessed
OF fine and commanding person, he fitted by ca
pacy and education for distinguished career but his
unbendlng spirit and his delicate of proprety in
measure disqualified him for that struggle which must
be encountered for popularity. And thus il is with the
world be passes away as clerk in public office,
while men not having 1.-THE OF his mental and personal
merit fill high posts OF honor and responsibility before
the nation. In him death has noble victim, and the
grave closes as generous and true-heaed gentle
man as ever lived. May he rest in peace!