The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-07-15
Death Of Hon. William L. Marcy.

Another star-one of the brightest in
he American galaxy has set. On the
'ourth day of July, WILLIAM L. MARCY
departed this life. In the morning he
to be in his usual good health,
except that he complained of a pain in
his side shortly after breakfast. He walk
ed short distance to DR.. Moore's, but
not finding him at home, returned to his
room. In few minutes afterwards the
Doctor came and found him dead, lying
on a couch with an open book on his
breast.
Mr.. MARCY is the fourth great Ameri-
can Statesman who died on the anniversary
of American Independence. Thomas JEFF
ferson, John Adams, James Monroe and
William L. Marcy passed from earth on
the fourth of July.
The following biographical sketch of
this distinguished man, we copy from the
Cincinnati Enquirer:
Mr.. Marcy was born in Southbridge,
Mass, in the year 1855. He soon re-
moved to the State of New York, aud,
upon arriving at manhood, entered upon
his brilliant public career He volunteer
ed, for the defense of his country, in the
war of 1919, and was with the detach.
ment which took the first colors from the
enemy upon the Canadian frontier.
He was elected Recorder of Troy, q
judicial office, and was then appointed
Controller of the State, an Office next in
rank and dignity to that of Governor.
From Controller he ascended to the Su.
preme Bench, the judicial duties of which
he performed with his usual tact and abil
ity. The Jackson Democracy, however,
could not spare the services of his emf
nent talents in more active capacity, and
they accordingly chose him to the United
States Senate. While in this body the
great Presidential struggle of 1882 came
on. Jackson VAS contending against the
great moneyed monopoly, the United
States Bank; and, for a time, the chances
OF his reelection appeared doubtful 1t
was necessary to secure the great State OF
New York, with its powerful electoral vote,
TO make the issue certain. A strong
standard.bearer for Governor was desired
aud the attention of the people was turned
to Mr.. Marcy. lie was nominated and
triumphantly chosen in the fall of thai
year, by large majority, over Franci.
Granger, the candidate of the National Re
publicans and the anti. Masons
In 1884 he was reelected by o still
larger majority over William II. Seward
In 1885 was reelected again by thirt.
thousand majority over Jesse Buel. A
the expiration of his term, in 1888, wa
again brought forward as caudidat
against William H. Seward. That wa
the year of financial revulsion and panic
and the Democratic party was most unjus,
ly made to bear the responsibility of a.
event over which they had no control
He was defeated by eleven thousan,
i majority, and his brilliant administra
tion of six years as Chief Magistrate O
New York was brought to close. Fror
that time until lS45 he remained in retire
ment In that year he was rendered tn
post of Secretary of War by Presiden
Polk. The duties of that department du
ring that Administration were unusuall
important and responsible. How well an
successfully Mr.. Marcy discharged the,
is matter of history.
The glories of the war with Mexico, til
triumphant succusses of the campaigns
Scott and Taylor were due, in measur
to his energetic management of his Cab
net position. While Secretary of War
had his memorable controversy with Ger
eral Scott, whose wounded pride and val
ity led him into a controversy most III
lucky and unfortunate for his fame. tt
Secretary was armed at all points, and, |
the vigor and strength of his diction ali
f the weight of his arguments, he perfect
extinguished the General, even in the e.
, timation of his own friends. The rep
of Mr. Marcy will ever be admired for i
admirable qualities as State paper, al
; at once gave its author high place as
controversionist. In 1852 Mr. Marc
was prominent candidate for Presidel
, in the Democratic National Conventio
He received upon some ballots over
f hundred votes, and would have been nor
mated if New York could have united al
, given him her entire vote.
t General Pierce was at length nomin
: ted and elected as a compromise candida
| and, upon the organization of his Cabins
e rendered Governor Marcy the first plae
e that of Secretury of State. Mr.. Mar
e accepted, and held that position durir
: the four years of his administration, an
by the ability he displayed, greatly add
to his high reputation as statesman
i The correspondence of that departme
under his auspices will stand acomparis
;, with that of the ablest of his predecesso
and reflected great credit upor the A
ministration. His Koszta letter, his Ce
/. trail American negotiations, his conduct
. the Enlistment Question, and of the pl
= posal to abolish Privateering, were
Cy.- n