Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-06-14
THE DEATH OF JUDGE DOUGLAS.
letter from Chicago relates the following in relation
The olosiog scenes Of the lie Of judge Douglas

letter from Chicago relates the following in relation
to the clOsOg of the life of Judge Douglas
At about eleven O'Clock, on Sunday morning, Bishop
Duggan called at the request of friends to converse
with Mr. Douglas who was then for the hr't time per-
fectly rational Mr.. Douglas Immediately Recognized the
Bishop and expressed his qualification at the 'islt'-
Bishop Duggan soon asked:
"Mr. Douglas have you ever been baptized ACCORDING
to the rites of any church," Mr.. Douglas replied:
"Never"
The Bishop continuei-"Do you desire to have mass
said after the ordinances of the holy Catholic church
"EO, sir; when do | will communicate with you freely
Toe Bishop then turned TO Mr. Rhodes and SAID DO
you think he is fully possessed of his mental faculties
hr. Rhodes replied: 'l do not know-perhaps you had
better ask him again"
The Bishop repeated the question: to which Mr. Doug
las answered in strong, full voice You, perhaps dd
understand me. When desire 1t, will communi-
cate with you freely"
The Bishop then remarked to Mr.. Rhodes, HE Is
undoubtedly in his right mind and does not desire my
oficesy' He then withdrew.
During ths day Sunday Mr.. Douglas seemed to be
much better and strong hopes were entertained oil his
recovery he slept of the day, aud in the evening
seemed much refreshed Mrs. Douglas and Mr.. Rhodes
remained with him during the night At about four
on Monday morning he seemed TO be much worse, and
sank rapidly his friends sent for and at the re-
ques. OF Mrs Douglas Bishop Duggan again visited him
Soon after the Bishop entered he approached the bed
side, and addressing the patient, said
"hr Douglas, you know your condition fully and IN
view of your approaching dissolution 90 you desire the
ceremony OF extreme JUNCTION TO be performed = Mr..
Douglas replied mo, have time to discuss these
things row..
The Bishop then withdrew. After he had gone MIS-
Douglas requested Mr. Rhodes to ask her husband If he
desired the illustrations of any other clergyman Mr.
Rhodes then said TO Mr.. Dough- DO yon know the
cegymen Of tits city !" To which Mr.. Douglas replied
Nearly every one OF them"
Mr.. RAodes-Oo you wish to have either or any oil
them call to see you, converse upon religious sutecs
Mr. Douglss-No thank you.
Soon after this, about hTe O'clock he desired to have
his position in the bed changed the blinds opened and the
windows raised. Mr.. Rhodes lifted him easier po
sion where he could look out upon the street and dik
10 the fresh morning air For few moments he seeuedto
gain life. Then he began to sink away his eyes par
TALLY closed and in slow aud measured cldences with
considerable pause between each accent he uttered -:
death Death death ~"
After this be seemed to revive slightly, and Mr.
Rhodes ask him whether he had any message to send
to his mother, sister Sarah or his boys Roboy and
'Seve;" which he made no reply evidently not un-
Outstanding the question Mrs Douglas then placed her
around his neck and said MY dear, do you know
Cousin Dan - Yes" he replied
Mrs. Douglas continued "Your boys, Robby and
Steve and your mohr and sister Sarah-have you any
message TO- them?" The dying man repied-"Ieil them
TO obey the laws and support the Constitution OF the
ted States"
At about five O'Clock DR.. Miller came into the room,
and noticing the open shutters and windows inquired,
'Why have you al these windows raised and 50 much
lights" Mr.. Douglas replied, 80 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 He
lay rather down in the middle of the bed, upon his
left side his head slightly bent forward and off the pillow
HIS wife beside him. holding his right hand IN both oil
hers and leaning tendery him, soJbng Mr. Rhodes
remarked to Mrs Douglas am AFRAID he does not lie
comfortable in reply to which Mr.. Douglas sad, lie
is very comfortable"
These were his last ineligible words From five o'clock
he was speechless but evidently retained hs conscious
ness. When few moments before his death, his wife
leaned him aud soobnRly asked, Husband do you
know me? will you kiss me z . he raised his eyes and
smiled and though weak to speak, the movement OF
the mus, Of his mouth evidenced that he was making
an almost dying struggle to comply With her request
His death was calm and peaceful; few faint breahs
after nine O'Clock slight rafting of his throat short
quick convusve shudder, and Stephen A Douglas had
passed from time into eternity.