Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
DaED.
(CoMMUNICATED.)


The readers of the Spectator have already been
informed, through brief notice. OF the death Of
DIR. AppIsoN WADDELL-an event which, by its
sudden occurrence on the night of the 18th inst,
most painfully startled the whole town in which
he had resided so many active and memorable
years. DR.. W., at the time Of his death was In
the 10Th year of his age, aud had been a practi-
sing physician in this community for about 40
wears | am persuaded that the death of no citi-
zen could have cast upon the place gloom so
profound, or awakened sorrow so universal and
genuine. What scene Of domestic JOY or grief
what enterprise of benevueuce- what occasion of
public deliberation-what undertaking of Chris
tian effort-what exercise of the minute charities
oi daily liie--will not long have voice to de-
plore his absence cannot trust myself to
speak of this beloved man as personal friend -
what language would serve me to speak OF him
as a husband and parent! His more immediate
kinsfuk his near relations; his widow aud chill
dren particularly that beloved son who was also
his medical associate-l would iutrude upon
or ID ground were my pen to attempt description
of the agony of their SORROW or a measurement or
their bereavement Oh, it is 50 deep that 1t eau
be lathomed only by the consultations Ot 4 most
mercilul God
The character of the deceased was such as to
win for him universal esteem, and secure to hun
an unusual share of con6dng friendship and draw
to hun a remarkable love from all classes and con-
dlions oi persons. 1t is hardly possible to speak
too highly OF the lamented deceased as whole
man a lofty christian; 4 courteous gentleman
n generous OenetactOr lover OF all gond deeds; a
citizen of un5lemlshed integrity steadaSt trlend
In looking at his mind it is difficult to speak in
exaggerated terms of that broad intellectually
which seemed to possess an equal expansibllity 10
II with n nd
embraced with eomprehenSlyeness almost Won
derlul. the science aud facts Of the profession to
which his useful life was devoted. He was ev
ervwhere at home in the euure field of its rapid
Improvements; was profound student OF It's more
hidden lessons and exhibited surprising wisdom
in his applications of the theary TO the practice of
medicine Who could withhold his confidence
from those conclusions of his mind which, by the
bedside or at the consultation table, carried with
them all the certainty of accurate knowledge, and
all the weight of long, systematzed, experience,
and all the point uforigiOal thought What tam
lily in the community will not mourn the loss of
that intellect which brought It's truly extraordna-
nv powers so to bear upon the diagnosis o; disease
as to deprive it Of half its terror by opening at
once its true nature
"But it was not alone, o child Of affection, as
man of penetrating mind. that this great prac-
titioner became So eadeared To thee He was
also man OF heart. His sensibiliueS never lag
ged behind his intellect. They went together to
the sjck-cham5er. His thought did not move to-
wards his PATIENTS case faster than did his SYM
pathy towards his patients person. lie loved to
do good. Although not indiScrinlnately cOmmuni-
cative of his leelugs observer could tail to see
the deep satisfaction of his soul whenever he had
been enabled to afford relief tn suffering. Did he
not carry with him. into every scene OF sickness,
almost the tenderness of watchiul parentE And
then, when absent from his patients, did not the
prayers which assembled out OF that deep heart OF
Christian faith, still continue to bower over them
like the very messengers OF heaven? God be
thanked for his long lite among us-a life of bles
sing only We shall not soon see his like. take
him in all his character as man and physician
and Oh ristan.
Did my feelings allow, there is much my pen
would love to trace respecting the subject OF this
nIlice, concerning his church connections. | can
only say-and. indeed. is it not enough !-that he
was a man of God. Ills lite as a Presbyterian
T. lder of long standing was easily read by all for
it was written in the large capitals of daily we'll
doing. His venerable form was chief attrac
tion, for years. from the pull pit, and felt pres
ence by all the congregation. lie has gOne we
are the inhertors OF his example.
hope that the public will be favored by some
one intimately acquainted with the early history
JOi our beloved friend with detailed account oi
his long life from beginning to end W.