Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-08-11
Il III l. w / l. l..
.ETCII FROM 4 LAWYERS NOTE BOOK

At an carly hour of the morning in the
commencement of the year 1S3-, l was called
upon hy young friend to attend the bedside
OF dying man, who was exceedingly anxious
to bequeath his property to an individual out
of the line of legal succession, and therefore
desired the security of professional aid in the
construction of his will.
Although l have always felt extreme rcpug-
nancy to the presence Of sickness and eschew-
I'D with more than ordinary sensibiIity the
sight of mortal dissolution, yet such were the
peculiar circumstances urged upon me in this
instance, that could not refuse to accompany
my friend to the scene of death.
| waited upon the feeble and fast sinking
being who had eyinccd such particular desire
for my personal attendance, and found him
with all the comforts and convenience which
competency could give TO sick chamber, ap-
parently waiting, in patient resignation the eX-
ecution of the grim and eyelcss foe. An incli-
nation Of the head of the patient all the
recognition of my entrance that his emaciated
and dccaycd energies admitted. The friends
Who stood near him, bade ME he seated by an
szcriforie that had been placed 10y the bedside
with other arrangements for my purpose, and
/ fastened to the accomplishment of the OBJ
jcct of my visit, believing, as L had reason,
from the symptoms already erinced, that the
patient had but short time to live.
Everything WAS arrang ed for the performance
of my office, and the friends gathered closer
around, with mingled desire to learn who
would succeed to So handsome estate, and
to lend what assistance they could to the dis
charge of this solemn right of man.
1t was with great difficulty. and at painful
intervals Of Labor, that the patient able to
make himself understood.
Asdistinctly however, as his situation would
allow, he made known his bequests in the fol-
lowing simple form and orders.
81 give and bequcath my family mansion in
which we are now assembled, with its furui-
iurc, my cquipagc and my gold watch, to my
good aud true friend B." referring to the
young gentleman who had conducted me to
him, and who stood at the bedside supporting
his head at the moment-''tO my faithful
nursc,' (who stood Just then at the foot of the
bed with fearful eye and cXpectant loOk) 81
give and bcqueath the sum of one thousand
dollars, to bc paid to her Immediately after
my decoase to-to-Margaret-" and here
the patient labored if paroXysm of excite
ment and painful feeling would overcome him
Ito Margaret''-he exclaimed, with an un-
natural strength and sharpness of voice, while
the last tcai that exudcd from his CLASSY eye,
traced its tortuous course upon his cold and
sunkcn chcck-ssI give and bequeath the rest
snd residue of all my estate, of whatever kind
and wherever situated, and may God grant
her long enjoyment OF its Christianand char
fable usc.''
The greatest effort seemed here to be accom-
plishcd. The patient motiOned his desire to
he laid in more horizontal position, which
was obcyed 10y those around him, and turning
his face towards ne, cast an anxious look upon
ths paper which held, as if eager to hear its
contents.
1t WAS read 10 him, and he sgnifying his ap-
provai, extended his head as far as his rem
nant of strength would permit, to complete its
execution. l placed the pen in his fingers,
and guided his clammy hand rs 1t traced his
name upon the paper.
Nature seemed to have awaited this deed
ere she completed her course Scarce had
NIc witnesses present signed their attention to
The instrument when the startling and thrilling
sound of the death rattle rung through the
stiffness of the dying chamber.
A long and deep drawn breath hcaved from
ahe breast of the paticnt-and mourning friends
turning their faces from the deserted taberna-
Gle of humanity, told too surely that the work
Of death was accomplished.
gazed q moment in sad and mournful feel
ing upon the vacant eye and parted lips OF the
fresh CORPSE as it lay stifening before me.
fastening from this scene of mortal misery,
/ repaired to my residence, to shake off the
sadness in which the business of the last few
hours had envcloped me, not without deter
riaation, however, to learn at the earliest IN
terview could obtain with the friend OF the
testator, some particulars of his history, and
of her, the remembrance of whom had exclt-
ed SO much emotion on the dying bed.
After the funeral rites had been faithfully
performed, sought the person who had con-
nected me with the events described, and re-
ceivcd from him the following account of the
deceased, and those connected with him.
A number of years ago, Charles, the de-
ceased, was student of medicine in that city.
At this carly period of life, being then on the
threshold Of manhood, he had evlnced great