The daily union., 1852-10-16
From the New York Herald
John l.. stephens, Esq.

Our readers will regret learn the death OF this much
esteemed citizen and distinguished traveller He died at
the residence OF his father in this city, Tuesday night
alter an illness OF some months, in the forty seventh
year oil his age His remains will be inferred on Friday
after funeral service at ST. Thomass Church.
Mr. Stephens native OF this city, and the son
OF Benjamin Stephens. esq, one of Oldest and
weaiihest merchants, now nearly four years OF
age His son, John L., graduated at Columbia College,
and ior few years was practitioner al law Being of
delicate constitution. he induced for the benefit OF
his health 10 visit foreign countries The Oriental re-
glons on the Mediterranean attracted his attention, both
Tor the beneficial character OF their climates and the in
teresng objects they present 10 the traveller. On his
return TO his native land he advised by his friends 10
publish the notes he had kept OF his tour TO the East
and in 1887 he appeared author in his Incidents
OF Travel IN Egypt Arabia, Perea, and the Holy Land"
in two vos.-a work which Immediately received the
public favor, and passed rapidly through several editions
This was followed in 1888 by similar work. in two
volumes on "Greece, Turkey, Poland" &c. These
works were republshed in London, and received the
most fattering notice from the reviewers His next
work, small book OF travels through England. did not
attain the same popularity his previous contributions
in literature.
In 1899. Mr.. Stephens was recommended 10 Governor
Seward for the appointment OF agent OF this State TO
visit Holland for the purpose OF collecting records OF our
colonial history; but as he was attached 10 the demo-
cratic party he opposed by the wings in the essa-
ure and the governor did not venture 10 nominate him
for the Office which he sought, and Mr. Brodhead re.
ceived the appointment. MIR. Van Buren, being then
President Of the United Staes gave Mr.. Stephens the
appointment OF charge d'ahaires to Central America
which enabled him. in official character to visit that
interesting country and 10 explore its antiquities On
his return the United States he prepared for the press
his most celebrated work. and which published in
1s4i in two octave volumes. viz Incidents of Travel
in Central America" &c. This work had an immense
andU hnyh ,f
Its induced him in 1s42 to visit Yucatan and his
travels in that country with account oil its antiquities
appeared in two volumes, ocavo in 1913. The sale of
this work, although not equal 10 that Central Amer-
3D. vas. we believe, highly remuneratve and we may
remark that American traveller has realized such
large profits from his publications MIR. Stephens.
When the constitution OF Nav York was revised in
1885, Mr. Stephens chosen one of The delegates from
this city 10 the State convention summoned for that
purpose. He nominated by the democrats, and was
also placed on the whig ticket Consequently, with
Charles UConor esq., he had the honor Of receiving the
OF both parties He took part in some OF the most
important debates in the convention showing liberal and
enlightened views in craftsmanship and the science of
government
The acquisition OF California having turned the atten.
ton OF ctizess to the trade of the Pacific the prac.
teal knowledge of Mr. Stephens was sought by those
OF our merchants who determined to open communi-
cation by the sihmus Of Panama. The Panama Rail.
ROAD company was organized, and Mr. Stephens became
largely and deeply interested in lheenlerprse He visit
ed the slhmus. and spent much time in that unhealthy
climate in devsng and forwarding plans expedite the
great work which is now nearly completed He had
been for time president of the railroad company
and in that enterprise has undoubtedly FASTENED the term
nation OF his earthly For several months past
he has been suffering from the effects OF fever contract
ed during his last visit to the islhmus
In private life Mr. Stephens was much esteemed and
large circle OF friends will lament his loss In the prime
oflife His death win be amenied by The American pub.
lic and his memory cherished from his proud contrbu
tons 10 our literature, and his enterprise in one of the
most important public works OF the day-namely, The
opening Of an enduring pathway for commerce and travel
between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.