Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-05-20
From the Charleston Courier.

DIED, in this city, on the 18th of April, Miss
SARAH RUrLEDGE, in the I'D year Of her age
The numerous friends-:ndeed it may be said
the COMMUNICATIVE mourn her loss had their
affection deepened by the suddeness of an event
for which they were wholly unprepared-an event,
which has carried sorrow TO many grateful hearts,
who were the recipients Of her consultations when
living and who now enjoy but the sad privilege of
honoring her memory when dead.
Miss RUTLEDGE was direct descendant of that
distinguished family, whose name so proudly Illus
trstes large part of our Revolutionary history,
and is 50 intimately blended with glorious annals
of South Carolina, during the struggle for indepen-
dence and subsequent to its achievement She in
herited, and was always animated by the patriotic
spirit of her ilustrous ancestors and by her pre-
cept, as well as by her example impressed upon
all who touched the circle of her influence much
of the character and the dignity that stamped tie
women Of the Revolution. ..-s-
To mind almost masculine in its grasp and Vi
gor, she added the grace of extensive cultivation
thus combining the faculties Of an instructive COM
paiion and an ableadviser. Few persons of either
sex appeared more sdvaDtageously in social inter-
course, from her varied and peculiarly fascinating
powers of conversation, and when occasion claim
ed the effort in behalf of any worthy object her pen
was singularly attractive and impressive. Alto
gother, she was recognized as a remarkable VIC
have challenged both large attention and admira-
tion but for that feminine delicacy which instnc-
lively shrunk from all esntact with public observa-
ton, and sought, as well adorned, the more con-
genial association of private virtue.
But there Is another and higher point of view,
than these reflected houors of ancestry. AMI these
rare endowments of intellect in which her true
character best illustrated since it may be said
her whole life and ambition wore devoted to lis
y I
chrstlans charity. In the broadcast and best sense
she practiced charity modelling her appreciation of
it, after the instruction of the Great Apostle, and
fulfilling in spirit as by letter, all that he Taught
There are thousands numbered with the dead, and
thousands still hvingn the city Of Charleston, who
have been suecored and soothed, by the ministra-
tons of her discriminating charity whose impov-
erished fresides have been warmed by her bounty;
whose sad hearts have been cheered by her en-
couraging voice; whose endorsements have been
overcome by her counsel; and better than all,
whose religious faith has been fortified and revived
by her instruction. In this work, she recognized
no distinction Of creed, and was contracted by no
sentiment of prejudice. Her soul seemed to ex-
pand and to be pervaded by q Catholic spirit,
worthy of the mission which she voluntarily as
sumed and unostentatousy pursued. Nearly all
the resources OF limited fortune were appropriat-
ed in acts of charity, and the only posthumous
IaHle winch Sne OeSlfeO was monument III INC
hearts of those, whom it was her labor and her
pleasure to serve.
The loss of such benefactor reaches many
hearthstone where afllction has long fingered, and
has carried sorrow into many unsupported house,
holds 1t it little less than a calamity to this COM
munity the extent of which is only realized now
that it cannot be repaired by human agency
Her heart, warmed with universal benevolence to
the highest degree of sensibty. had sacred aud
invioIate fire. To those who were blessed with
her owe, it was happiness Her manner was
cheerful winning and amiable so that while she
was admired, she was respected; and while she en-
lghtened, she the charm of the circle in which
she moved She was formed for life, because she
was prepared for death, because she was chris
tan, and death being but gentle waiting TO i'm
mortality, she lives where life is eternal and real
Her example and her good deeds have embamed
her memory in the affections of those who survive
this beloved and departed friend.
One now touched BY the heavy hand of attic
ton, but inspired by sense ofearly gratitude Of
fers this feeble tribute to the worth of Miss RUT-
LEDGE consecrating it BY tear on her grave.
II