Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-06-19
The Death of Judge Douglas.

life Of Judge Douglas;
At about eleven o'clock on Sunday
morning, Bishop D1ggan called at the re-
Quest Of friends to converse with Mr. Doug
las, who was then, for the FIST time ner
fectly rational. Mr. Dougas immediately
recognized the Bishop, and expressed his
qualification at, the visit Bishop DugGan
soon asked
Mr. Douglas, have you ever been bap
! ti2ed according 70 the rites any church,"
Mr.. Douglas replied, Never"
The Bishop oontinued-"Do you desire
10 have mass said after the ordinances Of
the holy Catholic church ?" "No sir :;
when / do will communicate with YOU
freely"
The BishoY then turned to Mr.. Rhodes
and said "Do you think he is fully posses
sad Of his mental faculties ?" Mr. Rhodes
replied, - donot know-perhaps YOU had
better ask him again" fhe Bishop repeat.
ed his question, to which Nh Douglas
answered, in strong, full voice; "Yoa per
haps did not understand me- When
desire il, | will communicate with YOU
freely"
The Bishop then remarked to Mr..
Rhodes, "Iie is undoubtedly in his right
mind, and does not desire my Offices" He
then withdrew
During the day Sunday Mr.. Douglas see.
med to be much better and .trong homes
were entertained for his rec very: he
SLEPT most Of the day, and in the evening
seemed much refreshed Mrs. Douglas
and Mr. Rhodes remained with him du.
ring the right. At about four o'clock on
Monday morning he seemed Ia be much
wo"se, nd sank rapidly his friends we're
sent for, and at the request OF Mrs Dong
las Bishop Duggan again visited him.
Soon after the Bishop entered, he aD
preached the bedside, and addressing the
patient said
Mr., Douglas, you know your condition
fully, and in view Of your approaching
dissolution do you desire the ccrcn,o-
ny Of extreme JUNCTION to be performed ?"
Mr.. Douglas replied NO, ! have no
lime to discuss these tEings now"
The Bishop then withdrew. After he
had gone Mrs. Douglas rqrpsted Mr.
Rhodes to ask him if he desired the min
situations of any OTHER clergyman. Mr..
Rhodes then said to Mr.. Douglas :-"Do
you know the clergymen of this city ?"
TO which Mr.. Douglas replied Nearly
every o7e OF them"
Mr. Rhodes-Do you wish to have eth
or or any OF them to see you TO converse
upon religious subjects Mr. Douglas
No. thank you.
Soon after this about five oclock he de
sired 10 have his position in bed changed,
the blinds opened and the windows rails
ed. Mr. Rhodes lifted him 10 an easier
position, where he could look out upon
the street and drink in the fresh morning
air For few moments he seemed 20
gain new life. Then he began 10 sink a,
way his eyes partially closed, ard in slow
and measured cadences, with considera>
tile pause between each accent, he utter
ed death Death death -"
After this he seemed to revive slightly.
and ", Phodes asked him wht her he had
any message to send to his mother, or sister
Sarah, or his BOYS, "Robby and S!evie -
TO which he made no reply, eridontly not
understanding the quston. Mrs Douglas
then p,acca her arm around his neck and
said MY dear. do you know Cousin
Dan ?'' Yes :" be replied.
Mrs Douglas continued -"Y our Toys,
Robie and Steyie, and your other and
Sarah-.havc you any message for them"
The dying man replied, "Tell them to O.
beg the laws and support the Constitution
Of the United States"
4 t about five O'Clock Dr. Miller c' me
into the room, and noticing the open
shutters aud Windows inquired, "Why
have you all these Windows raised and so
much light?" Mr.. Douglls replied, 80
thaL we esn have fresh air
At Mr. Douglrs' request, Mr. Rhodes
changed the dying mans position again
in the bed 70: last time llcnow lay rath.
er down in the middle Of tn bed, upon
his left side, his head slightly bent for
ward and off the pilo~. His wife sat be-
side him, holding his right hand in both
Of herr, md leaning tenderly over him
sobbing Mr. Rhodes remarked to Mrs.
Douglas, ~ am afraid he does not lie com.
Portable :" in reply to which Mr.. Douglas
said, "te is--very comfortable"
These were his last Ineligible words.
Five O'Clock he was speechless, but evil
IDENTITY retained his consciousness When
- few moments before his death, his wife
leaned over him and sobbiugly asked,
Husband, do YOU know me will you kiss
me 2" he raised his eyes ard miled, and
though 10 weak to speak, the moyments
Of The muscles Of his mouth evidenced
that he was making an almost diving
struggle 10 comply with her request His
death was calm and peaceful few faint
breaths after nine o'clock slight rat
tling Of his threat a short, quick, conyul-
sive shudder, and Stephen \ Douglas
had passed from time into eternity.
DOUGLAS LAST SPEECH The last public
address By Judge Douglas was delivered
before the Illinois Legislature at SPRING
field, on the 25th of April last, giving his
views on cur existing notional troubles.-t
We give the closing paragraphs, which
viii be read with a melancholy interest as
the last public address of a great states,
man;
81 have struggled almost against hope
TO avert the calamities of war, and effect
n reunion and reconciliation with our
1. t,,t tba C,,,Nl I L.