The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-14
suDDEN DEATH OF MR.. MARCY.

We announced in part of our last weeks
issue the sudden and unexpected death of
Hon. w. L. Marcy, late Secretary OF State
under Mr.. Pierce. He died at the Hotel
in Ballston. N. Y, at noon on the 4th inst.
He complained of a pain in the side short
ly after breakfast, and walked to the Office
of DR.. Moore, but not finding the Doctor
in, returned to his room at the Hotel. In
few minutes the Doctor came, and found
Mr.. Marcy lying dead in his room on a
couch, with an open book on his breast
He had just written letter to the Hon.
John NJ. Bolts, of Virginia, which was
found near him. He had been in his usual
health the day before.
He was an old man, seventy-one years of
age-past the allotted three score years
and ten; and yet, up to the close, his mem
tai faculties retained all the yigor of their
meridian prime, and the annals ofdi2lomacy
present nothing superior to his latest efforts
efforts which extorted praise even from
opponents on both sides of the Atlantic
Beyond question. the country has produced
few more vigorous minds, if, indeed, it has
produced any. AS diplomatist and po-
litical controversial writer, we think he
stood not only in the front rank, but the
very foremost in that rank. Clear-headed.
strong minded, vigorous in thought and
expression, sacrificing nothing to mere
show, he was equal to all emergencies and
rose with the demands of the occasion, his
proudest triumphs being always achieved
over the most trying difficulties, and his
reputation steadily eliminating to the close.
Mr.. Marcy was a native of Massachusetts,,
but at an early age removed to Troy, n.
Y, where he studied and commenced the
practice of the law: and also entered with
zeal upon the discussions growing out of
the foreign policy of Jefferson and Madison,
approving and defending their measures
On the declaration of war with Great Britain,
Mr. Marcy volunteered, and served with
credit. About 1916 he was appointed re-
corder of Troy, but connecting himself with
Mr.. Van Buren,, and opposing Governor
Clinton, his removal took place in 1918.
In 1921 be was made Adiutant General,
and Comptroller of the State in 1923 when
he removed to Albany, and became identi-
fed with what is known as the ALBANY
Regency" which for so many years ruled
the New York Democracy. He was ap
pointed an Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court in 1899, but resigned, being elected
to the United States Senate in 1881. He
remained in thu position near two years,
but, being elected Governor, entered upon
the duties of the latter Office in January,
1888. He was twice re elected but defeat
ed by a large majority in 1888. On the
accession of Mr.. Polk to the Presidency,
Mr.. Marcy entered the cabinet as Secretary
of War, which he resigned in I849, when
General Taylor took the Executive chair.
He was prominently brought forward for
the Presidency more than once, and under
General Pierce was Secretary of State.
His acts in the latter capacity are of so
recent occurrence as to make any allusion
to them needless, The late Secretary was
known as a man of extensive attainments
and reading, and writer of great clear
ness and ability.