New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1859-01-01
Letter from Hon. John A. Tuclxer-His
Death.

From the Columbus Times and Sentinel, December %
We give below letter from the late Hon. John A.
Tucker, which was found on the table IN mis- room At
the time of his DEATH directed to one OF the editors
of this paper. Written for publication, we do not
feel at liberty to withhold it.
It will be read with interest by those who knew its
author-his big heart, his generous impulses, his
strong friendship his marked ability his noble nature,
his many virtues. They will shed tear of sorrow
over his new made grave, and cherish in their hearts
his memory. But the letter.
DAWSON, Ca, December 16.
To P. a. Colquitt-Editor Columbus Times: am
about to do thing which have had in contempla-
ton since ls49-vz to rid the world of me, and to
rid myself of an existence useless to and deroga
tory to others. And, Mr.. Editor, how dare you, or
any of your readers say it is weak or wrong or I'M.
manly to perform the act am about to perform
Life is burden to me-has been for years. i am
driven on BY destiny have no power to control.
Don't say to me it is your Mutyou could act diff
ferentlyh 1t is untrue. always wished to act diff
ferently-I have prayed to act differently have
prayed God to help me act differently. He knows my
wish and purpose to be good nan. This have
prayed for from boybood and yet have not been
good man. "There is divinity that shapes our
ends.H There is power that drives US on like
feather before the wind, and have as little power
to direct our course as the feather in the gale.
Now with all my sins, follies and vices clinging to
my skirts, going unhidden into the presence OF
to ask him If ever wronged man Intentionally; to
| ask him why am not the man always desired to
be; to ask him what punishment am to receive for
knowing my duty, desiring to perform it. and yet not
| having the nerve to do it. Don't say / am drunk
either for it is not tell you, Peyton Coquitt,
am doing this thing upon reflection. lay all night
thinking OF it, have looked at all the reasons fol
aud against it. In some respects have been sue
cessfu man. As certain the world stands, Iwoult
beat the for Judge by more than the Democratic
majority. That is not the thing with me. / woult
not live to be President of the United States unless
l could be the man wish to be. From boy wishet
to be great and good mana man exerting grea
salutary moral influence on mankind. But, as 1t is,
am shedding deathshade aud mildew from the higl
places in the land. ..55 .f
would have waited till got home, but | know
would not do. / would then never have discharges
the duty owe to myself and mankind. could no
part with my wife and little ones. Several times Ii
the last few years have prepared myself for
at home, when my wife knew nothing of it. But +
look at the children and hear them say pa" or t.
look at smiling affectionate wife, that anticipated
my Wishes that forgave thousand ollies, that neve
spoke an unknd word to me, that never did one VI
kind act-I did not have the courage to proceed. b.
believing, as do, that my departure from this III
will benefit my family, as well as others, am goin
to die here to-day. have plenty OF friends who wi
be sorry for this; but to one and all OF them sa
John A. Tucker never professed friendship to any OF
that he deserted in the hour Of trial. My wife ar
! little ones commend to your care.