The Nevada Democrat., 1858-09-22
Death of senator VIM. l. Ferguson.

10 At precisely five o'clock yesterday afternoon,
Senator William l. Ferguson, of Sacramento
died at the Union Hotel in this city, of pistol
wound, given by Geo. Penn johnson, in duel,
fought on Angel Island, Aug. 2lst During the
last week, Mr.. Ferguson has been gradually
growing weaker, although his spirits remained
as cheerful as at first, and even until yesterday
noon his nearest friends and most constant at
tendants entertained sanguipe hopes of his ulti-
mate recovery. Shortly after that hour, how
ever, his physicians Drs, Sawyer aud Angle,
decided, from the appearance of the wound
that it was indspensahly necessary to make an
incsion into the thigh, which operation was
most skilfully and successfully performed by
DIR. Sawyer, the patient meanwhile being under
the influence of chloroform. The object of this
lncislon was to develop the extent of the wound,
and 10 determine whether or not amputation
was necessary. The hour of two was fixed upon
as the time for the operation, previous to which,
however, he sent for his friend and constant at
tendant, Gen. Estill, with whom he had long
and confidential conversation, which resulted
IN placing the whole matter at the discretion of
Board of Physicians, who met at the time ap-
pointed. This Board consisted Of the attending
physicians above named, together with Drs
Gray, Rowell and Colt The ncision having
been effected, it was apparent that amputation
was the only hope left of saving the patients
life, for it was found that the bones were COM
pletely shattered for alength of six inches The
interstices We're filed witha puddle Of pus, and,
as DR.. Gray informs us, there was at this mo-
Inent no doubt in his mind that amputation, al
though the derRier resort, could not save the pa
TENTS life. Everything having been duly and
carefully prepared, at forty-6ye minutes past
three O'Clock, DIR. Sawyer, assisted by DR.. Gray
and the other attending surgeons, amputated
the limb, the patient.again being under the in-
Huence of chlorolorm. The various arteries
and veins being quickly and skilfully handaged,
very little blood escaped, but the patient was
too far gone to rally and before the operation
was wholly over, the vital spark had fed. Be
fore the commencement of the final operation,
Mr., Ferguson prepared himself for death. He
then for the first time, stated that he believed
the wound had extended to his hipjoint as that
had of late been the source of great pain. lie
bad little or no doubt amputation would be me-
cessary, and did not expect to survive it, Ipr
deed he went so far as to say that life was not
desirable under such circumstances. His Ian
guage was sensible and cheerful, yet his tone
was feeble and melancholy. He convcrscd
freely of the difficulty that brought about the
meeting between him and his antagonist, which,
he Insisted, was misunderstood He did not
doubt that Mr.. Johnston was honest in that mis-
understanding, and believed that he (Mr Fer
guson) had really made the remark attributed
to him. Yet Mr., Il, coutended that he was the
proper judge, and that his adversary was mis-
taken. In this assertion he exhibited much
earnestness, aud repeated the remark again and
again. He spoke of the meeting between them
ON the ground, after he bad been wounded, and
that an improper Interpretation had
been given to Mr.. Johnston's remarks He
contonded they were spoken kindly and feel
ingly, aud We're well intended, and hoped no
friend of his would say TO the contrary. lie
also stated that the whole affair was conducted
honorably aud fairly, and above all be desired
that no prosecution of Mr.. Johnston should be
tolerated by his friends. He said in this con
neetion 81 freely forgive him, aud hope he may
continue to be useful and honorable member
Of society, then why should others whom be
never injured, refuse to do so.r lie spoke of
his mother, but no language can convey the ell
oqucnce Of his trembling lips. and slvery ac-
cents, as he called the name of her who gave
the life that was just entering eternity. Mr. |
Ferguson expressed the wish to be buried in |
as he felt that place to be his home.
yet he would leave the matter to his friends
At this period he desired to he alone In few |
moments thereafter his faithful servant "Johnu |
came from his room bathed in tears. Gle had |
iad hislast prayer on earth" When his friends
again entered be said IL am now ready" The
,hloroIorm was applied, and he never spoke
norc.-AHa, Sept. 18th. ....