The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-08-19
Jef~rs0n's Death Bsd-His Reiigiou,
Convictions.

Thomas Jefferson Randolph, the nephew
Of Jefferson, gives the following details of
Mr.. Jefferson's last moments:
Mr.. Jefferson had suffered for several
years before his death from diarrhGa,
which he concealed from his family, lest it
might give them uneasiness. Not aware Of
il, was surprised in conversation with him
in March, 1926, to hear him, in speaking of
an event likely to occur about midsummer,
say doubtingly that he might live to that
time. About the middle c: Jane, hearing
that he had sent for his physician, DIR. Dun
gibson, Of the University of Virginia, !
went Immediately 10 see him, and found
him out in his public rooms. Before leaving
the house, he sent servant to me to come
to his room, whereupon he handed me q pa
per which be desired me to examine re-
marking, Don't delay, there is no time TO
be lost He gradually declined, but would
only have his servants sleeping near he be-
ing disturbed only at ., IL and 4 O'Clock in
the night, be needed little nursing. Becom-
ing uneasy about him, entered his room,
unobserved, to pass the night. Coming
round inadvertently to assist him, he chided
me, saying that being actively employed all
day, l needed rcpose. On my replying that
il was more agreeable TO me TO be with him,
he acqucsced, and ] did not leave him
again.
A day or two after, my br0ther-in-law
(Mr. Triss) was admitted His servants
ourselves and the doctor became his sole
nurses. My mother sat with him during
the day, but he would not permit her TO sit
up at night. His family had to decline for
him numerous tenders Of service, from kind
and affectionate friends and neighbors, fear
ing and seeing that it would excite him to
conversation injurious TO him in his weak
condition. He suffered no pain but gradu-
ally sunk from debility. His mind was al
ways clear-it never wandered. He con-
versed freely, and gave advice as to his
private affairs. His manner was as that Of
person going on necessary journey-evin-
cling neither satisfaction or regret. lie re
marked on the tendency of his mind to No
cur back TO the scenes Of the Revolution.
Many incidents he would relate, in his usual
cheerful manner, insensibly diverting my
mind from his dying condition. lie remark.
cd that the curtains of his bed had been
purchased from the first cargo that arrived
after the peace Of 1882. Upon my express
ing the opinion on the occasion that he was
soinewhat better, he turned TO me and said,
DO not imagine for moment that ! ieel
the smallest s0licitude about the result
am like an old watch, with piniOn worn
out here and wheel there. until IT can 60
no longer.
On another occasion, when he was unusu-
ally i'll, he observed to the doctor, g A few
hours more, doctor, and it will be oil over. y
Upon being suddenly aroused from sleep by
a noise in the room, he asked if he had heard
the name OF Mr.. Hatch mentioned--the
minister whose church he attended. On my
replying in the negative. b. observed. ~ be
turned over, have no objection TO see him
ne a kind and good neighbor.' The i'm
preston made upon my mind at the moment
was, that his religious opinions having been
formed upon mature study and reflection, he
had no doubts upon his mind, and therefore
did not desire the attendance OF q clergy
man: have never since doubted the correct.
ness OF the impression then taken. Ills part
ing interview with the diffrent members OF
MS family was calm and composed; impress
ing admonitions upon them, the cardinal
points cf which were to pursue virtne, be
true and faithful. Ny youngest brother, IN
his eighth year. seeming not TO comprehend
the sense, he turned to me with q smile and
said. " George dos not understand what all
this means."
He would speculate upon tire person who
would succeed him as Rector OF the Cniver'
sity OF Virginia, and concluded that Mr.
Madison would be appointed With all the
deep pa,hcs vf exalted friendship be spoke
of his purity his virtues, his wisdo'n, his
learning. and MS great abilities. The friend
shin Of these grea, men was Of an ex'rsor-
dinary character they had been born. lived
and died within twenty-five milo. Of each
o,her-ihey visited frequently through their
whole lives. A,txenty three years Old Mr..
.Jef.rson had been eonsclted 90 Mr.. Madi-
.oos coarse Of -tndy-he then ffsen. Thus
1 Il. Il. 4.