Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-06-11

nj huOut oieVen O'CLOCK on SUNDAY mOthtnBi
Bishop Dugan called at the request Of friends to
converse with Mr.. Douglas, who was then, for
the first time, perfectly rational, Mr.. Douglas
Immediately recognized the Bishop, and OK
pressed his qualification at the visit. Bishop Du-
gan soon asked:
" Mr. Douglas, have you been baptized Accor'l-
ing TO the rites of any church ~ Mr.. Douglas
replied:
"Neyern
The Bishop continued: "Do you desire to
have mass said after the ordinance of the holy
Catholic Church ?" The answer was
No, sir, when do will communicate with
you freely"
The Bishop then turned to Mr. Rhodes and
said;
"DO you think he is fully possessed Of his
mental faculties 7" Mr.. Rhodes replied, 1" / do
not know-perhapa you had better ask him
again ~ The Bishop repeated his question, to
which Mr.. Douglus answered in strong, full
voice:
" You perhaps did not understand me. When
desire it, will communicate with you freely"
The Bishop then remarked to Mr.. RhOdes,
"fle is undoubtedly in his right mind and does
not desire my Offices" lie then withdrew.
During the day Sunday Mr.. Douglas seemed
to be much better, aud strong hopes were enter
tanned of his recovery; he slept most of the day
and in the evening seemed much refreshed
MIS- Douglas and MIR. Rhodes remned with him
during the night. AZ about four O'Clock on
Monday morning he seemed to be much worse
and sank rapidly; his friends were sent for, and
at the request of Mrs. Douglas, Bishop Dugan
again visited him. Soon after tho Bishop entered
he approached the bedside, and addressing the
patient, said:
Mr. Douglas, you know your own condition
fully, and in view of your approaching dssolu-
ton, do you desire the ceremony OF extreme
JUNCTION to be performed"
MIR. Douglas replied;
"NO, have no time to discuss these things
nov"
The Bishop then withdrew. After he had
gone, Mrs. Douglas requested MIR. Rhodes TO ask
her husband il he desired the minisirations of
amy other clergyman. MIR. Rhodes then said to
MIR. Douglas:
:. DO you know the clergymen Of this city 7"
To which MIR. Douglas replied:
Nearly every one Of them"
Mr. Rhodes. ado you wish to have either or
any of them call to see you TO converse upon
religious subjects"
MIR. Douglas. mo l thank you"
Soon after this, about o'clock, he desired to
have his position in bed changed, the blinds
opened, and the windows raised Mr. Rhodes
lifted him TO an easier posture, where he could
look out upon the street, aud drink in the fresh
morning air. For few moments he seemed to
gum new life. Then he began to sink awny his
eyes partially closed, and in a slow and measured
Cadence, with considerable pause between each
accent, he uttered:
death death Death ~"
After this he seemed to revive slightly, and
Mr.. Rhodes asked him whether he had any mes
sage to send to his mother, or sister Sarah, or
his boys, "Robby" aud "SteVie," to which he
made no reply, evidently not understanding the
question. Mrs Douglas then placed her arms
around his neck, and said
'Nly dear, do you know Cousin Dan 2"
Eyes" he replied.
Mrs. Douglas continued:
" Your boys, Robby and Stevie, and your
mother and sister Sarah-hav0 you any message
for them ~
The dying man replied.
Tell them to obey the laws and support the
Constitution Of the United States"
AT about five o'clock DR.. Miller came into the
room, and noticing the open shutters and win
dows, inquired
"Why have you all these windows raised and
so much light?"
Mr. Douglas replied:
$50 that we can have fresh air."
AT Mr. Douglas request, Mr.. Rhodes changed
the dying mans position again in the bed for the
last time lie now lay rather down in tue mid
die OF the bed, upon his left side, his head slight.
y bent forward aud off the pillow His wife sat
beside him, holding his right hand in both of
hers, and lesning lenderly over him, sobbng. r.
Mr. Rhodes remarked 10 Mrs. Douglas
q nun afraid he does not lie comfortable i" in
reply to which Mr.. Douglas said
" He is-very comfortable"
These were his last Ineligible words From
1--WE O'Clock he was speechless. but evidently re-
tanned his consciousness. When, few moments
before his DEATH his wife leaned lovingly over
him and sObbingly asked, e Husband, do You
know me- will you kiss me ~ be raised his ewes
md smiled, and though too weak to speak, the
that he was making an almost dylug struggle "a
comply with her request
His death was calm and peaceful few faint
breaihs after nine O'Clock; slight rafting Of
MS throat short, quick, conyulsive shudder,
and stephen A. Douglas had passed from time
into eternity. Chicago cor. Hcrald