Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-11-03

also observe that it is announced in the
october number of the Phrenolopical
journal, that he served an apprenticeship
and followed the profession of a batter; and
as these conflicting statements leave MS in
an uncertainty respecting one of the most
important episodes in his life, you or some
others who are in possession of the facts.
would doubtless confer favor upon many
who feel an interest in everything relating
to his history, by informing us to which Of
these mechanical professions he really be.
longed.
Judge O'Neall has but paid Just debt
IN announcing to your readers the death of
this eminent champion of the temperance
reform, and In paying glowing but meri-
ted tribute to his many sterling virtues and
his indefatigable labors in the cause oftem-
perance. Few of the many who have en-
listed beneath her noble banner. has more
than he deserved the gratitude and respect
OF every friend of the poor sot for his indie
tatlgable zeal and unshrinking devotion to
the cause of humanity. Few of the many
Jealous and efficient laborers in this heaven
born struggle, have achieved more victories
or won more trophies from the relentless
foe. Gifted with the powers of a native
orator and inspired With fearless heroism
and an earnestness which challenges our
warmest admiration, he accomplished far
more than many who enjoyed the advan-
tages of early culture which to him had
been denied.
Truly may Judge O'NeaIl say, that he
'literally wore himself OUT in the cause bo
SO much loved. Whilst in the vigor Of
early manhood he had no sooner abinred
allegiance to King Alcohol, than like Han
nibal OF Carthage, he swore eternal hos
tllty to the cruei tyrant; and upon the
shrine Of Temperance he dedicated himself
mind and body, for all subsequent life. And
faithfully did he accomplish the VOWS Of
his self dedication. Springmg at once ike
Roman gladiator into the hottest of the
strife, with true Damascus blade, his tren-
chant fell thick and fast around him; many
foe biting the dust at his feet, MANY a
victim rising, rescued by his valorous arm.
From the Passamaquody to the Neuces his
clarion tones were heard echoing from the
cities to the plains, arousing the hosts of
Temperance to rally around her bloodless
banner and warning the inebriatc to fy for
refuge beneath its benefcent folds.
And what has been his reward (? In the
peace of an approving conscience, and the
smiles of an approving God, it has doubt
less been rich indeed but the paltry Pc
cuniary pittance which he occasionally re-
ceived, was scarcely sufficient to shield him
from the hand of want. And whilst q
Cough and Matthew have connted their
hundreds at every lecture, he, with spirit
of self-sacrifice worthy of our warmest ad-
mlratlon, asked no compensation, save what
his audience voluntarily chose to bestow
upon him, thus silencing the black caIumny
once urged against him that he was actua-
ted by avariciOus motives and the miser's
love Of gold.
The announcement that he has left his
amiable wife and daughter without the
means of providing themselves with even
the comforts of life, will doubtless strike
chord of sorrow and asouse emotions OF
sympathy in many bosom. But surely
the th9psapdaa aai7d af kkaht kkah Is cross tcir thresh
hold. To Judge O'Ncall's appeal, hear
tiy respond and with him | would urge
upon every true friend of temperance, the
obligations they are under to combine in
supplying the means of subsistence to these
bereavcd ones, now that their protector is
no more. Indeed, to abandon them now
as the twilight shadows of adversely are
gathering around them, would imprint
foul stain upon the fair escutcheon of Tenn
pcrance and degrade the reputation of her
votaries for gratitude and justice. Let
those only who have been rescued by the
influence of his eloquent appeals, but con-
tribute mite. and the aggregate will con-
stitute fund amply sufficient to surround
them with every comfort during their de-
clining days.
But l am drawing Out these rambling
thoughts too long for once : the theme Is
fruitful and congenial one, and if my poor
life is spared / may rerert to it again
Other features it has which would like to
see portrayed by abler pens than mine
Why is not John II. W. Hawkins as much
deserving of monumental shaft as the
more favored heroes of civic or military
fame And why should not the memory
of his heroic daughter be perpetuated along
with that of Florence Nightingale or a
Annie Andrews?