Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-01-16
THE GAZETTE.
WAS 1T A pRESENTIMENT?
SATURDAY MORNING. JANUARY l6, 1883

WAS IL n I'M EN-
The doctrine Of preseniimepts has its al
dent votaries, its lukewarm friends and lts
bitter enemies There are few, however,
who do not agree that There is some
thing in ia convenient form OF ex-
preston, which serves to stave of argument
and satisfy the belief. 1t is not our present
purpose to enter into discussion III regard
TO presenliments, or to endeavor 20 prove
that they arc or are not realities. Ga the con-
trary we wish simply to lay the particulars
of striking incident in the history OF our
former fellow citizen, the late lamented Mar
cellus Farmer, before our readers, and let
them form their owu conclusions as TO wheth-
er they can descsy in it the workings of a
presentment or not The facts in the case
come to Us from thoroughly responsible
source, and are strictly true.
Marcellus Farmer was one OF those who
went down amid the great waters with the
ill-fsted Central America. As he had not
been seen for some time previous TO the slhk-
ing of the steamer the ncluslon Is irresistible
that, after ascertaiping the perilous condition
TO which be was reduced, he retired to his
own room, and there remained until the final
summons came. That he made no effort 10
save himself is certain from the testimony OF
bis fellow passengers, and We desire that this
fact may be particularly noted. True, II is
stated that he was quite unwell at the time
OF the disaster but what man, alex or well,
would calmly consent to yield himself up
to the angry sea without, at least, struggle
for life3 Bot to the facts.
Previous to his departure from San Fran
Disco, Mr.. Farmer made will, which was
duly signed, sealed, and left in the hands OF
the executors named in that will--Dr. Coon
and + ebert Judsou, both formerly OF this
CITY In that will he not only made liberal
provision for his wife and his five children,
bot entered into the most minute details IN
regard to his business affairs. lie stated
what amount he owed and TO whom; how
much was owing to him and ty whom; gave
directions in regard to the manner In which
bis property should be invested, and how the
avails should be employed until his children
attained their ma ority; and spoke partlcu-
larly of his partners 10 business, assuring
bis wife that he had ever found them true
and trustworthy, and that she might fully
coD6de in them. Having completed this
duty be addressed an atiectionate letter to his
wife, commencing her and the children God
had given them into the custody OF lsraefs
Great keeper-which letter was sealed up
with the will.
Mr.. Farmer was one Of the most methodic
and scrupulous business men to be found
Nice and punctilious himself, in all his deal
iugs, be was wont to exact the same from
others, until he became proverbial for bis or
der, system, and thoughtfulness in his bust
ness afflirs. The facts which we have Just
presented may be the natural fruits of the
characteristics but they are so singular as
TO cause even hose who knew him most init
mately no little surprise. Taken in conOec-
ton with the circumstance that he gave HIM
self up INTERESTINGLY, when danger and death
stared him in the face, they seem I'VE say not
that they dol to indicate the silent but sub
lime operations of solemn presentiment.--
II they do not illustrate these, they furnish
an example Of GOODNESS and method which 1t
might be we'll for many to initiate. 1t IS es-
pscislly true of Americans that they are &C
customed to do business in hurry, and to
spend far t, little time in making W.T. ten sta
tistics and explanations 10 regard to their at
fairs. Let those who are not willing to re-
ceiVe the dying testimony of poor Farmer IN
any tenderer and loftier sense than proper
business exam pie, try, at least, to profit by
that To our minds it has more impres.
sive and holier construction. -SaRduShy
Lo,JrD0J