Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-12-22
From the Louisville Democrat OF the l4tf.
Death or Colonel VIM. Riddle.

Death or Colonel VIM. Riddle.
The painful news Of the sudden death OF
Colonel William Riddle, cast deep gloom over
the city yesterday s..
1t was only the evening before that he was
in our Office hearty aud well-his manly form
the very picture of health. He returned to his
residence after the close of business hours, and
spent the evening cheerfully at home. AT the
usual hour he retired to bed, but feeling quite
unwell from cholic, he arose and took some
laudanum. This did not allay his pain, and be
arose second time, and from the second dose,
fell asleep to wake no more. his wife was dis'
turbed by his unnatural and heavy breathing
and awoke, but to find him insensibie ana De-
yond the power of medicine. doctor was I'M
mediately sent for, but he arrived too late, for
the thread Of life was broken, ana ms spirit
was about taking its eternal nignt.
For more than twenty years Colonel Riddle
was a citizen Of Louisville, during which time
he had contributed largely, by his activity and
public spirit, to build up the city. Bold, frank,
and generous, he took with him many friends
to the support Of every measure calculated to
advance the interests of our people. Around
him rallied host of supporters in every good
undertaking, for with his keen perception, and
strong, clear judgment he was unconsciously
their. leader.
He was adiutant in the Louisville Legion,
and served during the Mexican war-was be-
loved by his fellow-soldiers and who will cherish
his memory, and are now deploring his loss to
them.
In all the relations of life, he held, q high
position. Citizen, soldier, friend, he was es-
-teemed by all. -.
But to his family is the overwhelming attic
ton; wife and her young babes, his children,
must ever feel the irreparable loss Of the best
of husbands and kindest of fathers.
Orders have been issued by the officers Of the
Legion, and call made by other public bodies,
with which Colonel Riddle had been connected,
for members to hold themselves in readiness to
attend his funeral.
AARON BuaR-The Presbyterian Herald
thus speaks of the last moments of this great,
but misguided man:
"There were some facts connected with the
closing scenes of Mr.. Burr's life, which were
told to us soon after they occurred, by one who
received them from an eye witness, which we
do not now remember TO have seen stated any
where in print We suppose that we will not
be considered as violating the privacy OF the
domestic circle in referring to them at this re-
mote period after their occurrence.
"During Mr.. Burr's last illness. he was very
restless and impatient towards those who were
about his person, often indulgipg in profane
and abusive language. His physician, observ-
ing that modification had commenced in the
extremities, thought it his duty to inform him
of the fact and to assure him that whatever
preparations he might wish to make for death,
should be made at once. In as gentle tones as
be could command, he preached the subject,
assuring him that within twenty -four hours, at
the farthest, he would be dead man. MIR.
Burr: Doctor, can't die. won't die.
shan't die. Ny father and mother, and grand
parents, and uncles, and aunts, were all pious
and godly people. They prayed for my con-
version thousand times, and if God be
nearer of prayer, he is not going to let me die
until their prayers are answered. 1t is impos-
sble that the child Of so many prayers will be
lost
"The doctor replied, Mr.. Burr, you are al.
ready diving He then went over pretty much
the same expression as given above and sank
into stupor, and soon slept the sleep which
knows no waking until the morning of the re-
surrection. We may not have given the pre-
else language used by him, as years have
elapsed since it was reported to us Our in
formant received the impression that he had
run the rounds Of his iniquity, all the while in
dulging the hope that, like the celebrated Au-
gustine, before he died he would be converted,
in answer to the prayers of his pious parents