Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-07-22
MR.. MARCY'S OLD AGE.


acter in an uncommonly interesting phase The
perplexities and irritations of public service had
been laid aside, and his only was to provide for
his transition to another world-a period which ne
foresaw was not distant In the social and home
pleasures, for which he was so we'll fitted, in the
study of his favorite authors and in the profitable
contemplation of subjects connected with his past
and his future life, he was continually engaged
uniform cheerfulness and amenity pervaded his
manners, and "years which bring the phosophic
mind" without diminishing the rugged strength Of
his nature, had but rendered it genial and at
tractive.
We have seen few instances where the matured
wisdom and experience of a life of seventy years
are more pleasingly manifest than in the subjoned
letter written by Mr.. Marcy in reply to the PROPOSE
ton which elnanated from his friends, Collector
Redfied and Wilson G. Hurt, who, as mark of
esteem and Affection his retirement from the
Cabinet had rendered him the presidency Of an in
ternational bank which they proposed to establish:
MIR. MARCY to MR.. REDFIELD.
WASHINGTON, April 18th, 1857.
"My Dear Sir: owe you an apology for having
so long delayed to reply to your letter OF the 7th
inst I cannot say that have at any time doubted
as to what should be my determination, yet have
reflected much upon the subject to which it related
The suggestion presents opening, which at an
earlier period in life and under other circumstances
would have been very acceptable, but am quite
too old to adventure upon new pursuit. so different
from those which have hitherto engaged my atten-
unless forced INTO IL ny Inducements stronger
than any that now press upon me- My means for
the comforts Of ife it is true would be considered
rather scanty for younger man surrounded by even
ordinary number of dependents, but much less
is wanted when the journey is near its end. have
no disturbing anxieties on that account Every
consderate should desire to place an interval
between the active affairs of his life and its close
In my case, that space cannot be long.
The foregoing view does not embrace another
which has equally controlling influence with me.
have been led into many different pursuits, though
distinct from the others the one row
proposed, and may, perhaps, be allowed to say,
without the imputation of vanity, that have sue
ceeded tolerably well in each but it would be haz-
ardous to go much further in such experiments at
my time of life The pitcher which goes very often
to the well will be very likely at last to come back
broken. If occasion had called foI elaboration,
could not have obtained my OWL consent to have
worn harness any longer in the situation / so lately
occupied, though thought myself pretty well train
ed in its duties. Of such one as is suggested in
your letter, have no experience, and l fear very
little aptitude for it.
In making my views known to Mr. Hunt, desire
you to assure him that most highly appreciate the
friendly sentiments from which the proposition
originated TO him and others who have concurred
in presenting the subject to my consideration, feel
truly grateful. 1t is among the most pleasing
Elections which arise reviewing my past course
that have been able to secure the good opinion of
such men. am, yours truly,
w. L. MARCY.
Hon. HEMAN j. REDFIELD."
Mr. MARcY's RELIGIOUS VIEws-The Albany Ece
ming Journal of the 18th contains the following
testimony, from discourse delivered last Sunday
by Rev. DR.. Welsh, formerly pastor of the Baptist
church which Mr.. Marcy, while in Albany, was in
the habit of attending:
g He had distinct and singularly accurate concep-
tons Of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity
Nor was he ever reluctant TO give uterance to these
views. He admitted at once the sublimity of the
teachings OF Christ and the binding force of those
teachings. He looked upon religion as matter
personal to all men, individuals; and he conceded
that he himself felt the pressing character of the
obligations which it imposed upon him, in common
with the whole human family. But he held
back from public profession of his faith by fear
lest he should bring dsrepute upon the cause of
Christ. For said he, there are palpable defects
in my character which would render it difficult for
me to adorn Christian profession, detects, said
the preacher palpable only to himself; for no man
really had fewer defects of character, no man had
nicer sense of what constituted pure and perfect
character.
at was the preachers fortune to be resident of
Albany during the visitation of the cholera in 1882
During that terrible summer, Cncdents of which
the Doctor graphically presentcd) he was in con.
slant correspondence with the deceased His letters
full of kindness and sympathy. While they
eXhorted the Doctor to patient discharge If the
uutlcS winch the caaIMty imposed upon MIN as d
minister of Christ, they never failed to cover SUBJ
stantia remittance, the expenditure of which carried
joy into many an afflicted household.
1t was the preachers happiness, while pastor
here, to receive application from Mrs. Marcy for ad
mission into the church. While he would not adj
NIT the right of husband to interfere with the
religious convictions of wife, he deemed it proper
to mention to Mr.. Marcy the wishes and purposes
of his companion, adding Governor, have you
any objections that her request to be baptized shall
be complied withY' With promptness and feeling
which showed that his heart in the response,
he said: NO, no, certainly not. Far from it far
from it. l gladly acquicsce; and only regret that
do not feel myself fit to accompany her in the or
dnance.'"
HARDENING IRON AND STEEL-Itis common prac-
tice harden the surface of various articles of iron
and soft steel by coating them with the prussiate of
potash ground into powder, and made of the conss-
tency of thick with water, then heating them
up to dull red color and plunging them into cold
water. Mr.. e. j. Farmer, of Birmingham, England
has, according to the Scientific American, secured
patent for what is stated to be improvement on
this old method He employs composition of the
prussiate of potash, sal-ammonac and satpetre, in
equal proportions by weight, and keeps it on his
forge hearth in state of powder He then makes
up tempering pickle, composed of two ounces of
prussate of potash, the same quantity of Satpetre