The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-10-14


Our readers will regret 70 learn the death Of this much
esteemed citizen and dstDgushsd traveller He died at
the residence Of his father In this city Tuesday night
after an illness Of mouths in the forty seventh year
Of his age His remains will be inferred Friday after
funeral service at st. Thomas Church.
Mr. Stephens was native Of this city and the Of
Bepjauin stephens Esq., Of oldest and weahest
merchants nearly four score years Of age His son.
John L. graduated ut Columbia College, and for few
years was practitioner at law Being OF delicate
sttuon he was induced for the benefit Of his health to
visit foreign countries The Oriental regions the Me-
dter attracted his attention both for the beneficial
character Of their climates and the interesting objects
they present to the traveller. On his return to his
native land he was advised by his friends to
pubish the notes he had kept Of his tour to
the East, and in 1887 he appeared as an author
in his "Incidents Of Travel in Egypt Arabia. Pesrea
and the Holy Land" in two vols, work which imme-
diaely received the public favor and passed rapidly
through several editions This followed in 1885, by
n similar work in two vols Greece Turkey, Po-
land" SC. These works were repuoiishsd in London,
and received the most attering notice from the re-
viewers His next work, small book Of travels through
England did not attain the popularity as his pre-.
yOus contributions in literature
In 1899 Mr.. Stephens was recommended to Governor
Seward for the appointment Of agent OF this state to
visit Holland for the purpose OF collecting ords Of our
colonial history but he was attached to the demo.
cratic party he opposed by the wings in the Lesa
ture and the Governor did not venture TO him
for the Office which he sought, and MIR Brodhead
received the appointment Mr. Van Buren,, being then
President of the United states Mr. stephens the
pontment Of charge dafares to Central America which
enabled him, In official character to visit that inter-
estiDg country and TO explore It's ansiq On bis
the United States be prepared tor the his
celebrated work. and which published Ia 1871,
in two octave volumes, viz "Incidents of Travel in Cen
tral America &C. This work had immense sale and
great popularity on both sides Of the Atlantic Its sue
induced him, in 1872 visit Yucatan. and his
travels in that country with an account Of its antiquities
appeared in two volumes Svo in 1913 The sale OF this
work, although not equal to that Central America
was, We believe highly remunerative ana we may re
mark that American traveller has realized such
large profits from his publications MS Mr Stephens.
When the constitution of New York was revised in
1885, Mr. Stephens chofen Of the delegates from
this city to the State Convention summoned for that
purpose He nominated by the democrats and
also placed the wbig ticket Consequently with Chas
OConor Eq be had the honor Of receiving the vote OF
both parties He took part in some Of the most impor
tant debates in the convention showing liberal
ehtened views in statemanshp the science of 60
yernment
The acquisition Of California having turned the atten-
ton of citizens to the trade Of the Pacific the prac
teal knowledge Of Mr. Stephens sought by those Of
merchants who determined to open commuuica
ton by the ktbmus of Panama The Panama Railroad
Company organized and Mr.. Stephens became large
y and deeply interested in the enterprise. He visited
the Isthmus, and spent much Time that unhealthy
climate in deyisng and forwarding plans to expedite the
great work which is now nearly completed. He has
been for some time President Of the Railroad Company
and in that enterprise has undoubtedly FASTENED the
termination OF his earthly For several months
past he has been suffering from the effects fever
tracted during his last visit to the 1sthmus.
large circle of friends will lament his loss in the prime
of life. His death will be lamened by the American pub
lie and his memory cherished from his proud contribu
lions literature, and his enterprise in of the
most important public works of the day namely, the
opening of enduring pathway for and travel
between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans