Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-10-07
SPEECH AND DEATH OF FRANCIS GRUND


Francis J. Grund, widely known DEM
oeratic politician, and late Editor of the -4ge
(Phn'a) recently renounced the support of
Geo. w. w Woodward, and came out for Curtin.
He made most eloquent and able speech at
the Union League Rooms in Ph iladeiphia, on
Monday evening of last week. HI explained
that he could not stand the doctrines sought
TO be propagated by the proprietors of The
.4ge, aud therefore ceased to be its editor on
the 17th of July the articles calling Davis
president" We're not his-he would not have
given the traitor that title tor the seas worth.
He said if Judge Woodward would come out
squarey on full war platform and avow him
self in favor of vigorous prosecution of the
war until the Rebels lay down their arms. he
would work and vote for him; if, on the con
trary, he supports the war only conditionaliy,
or if. 'sSharing the opinions of Mr. Calhoun.
he holds, as | honestly believe he holds, that
the Federal Government has no right to CO.
cree one or more sovereign States which dare
to raise the standard of Secession and Rebel
lion against the lawful authority OF the Uui
| ted States then, whatever objection | might
heretofore have had to the election of Gov.
Curtin, / shall vote and labor for the success
of that nominee whose election will best Sc
cure the hearty cooperation of the patriotic
people of Pennsylvania in the holy work of
conquering and utterly crushing this wicked
Rebellion.
On the Tuesday evening after the above
! speech was delivered, Mr.. Grund suddenly
died, and the circumstances attending his
death are thus related by the Bulletin
ssMr. Grund resided at No. l7l9 Spruce
street. 1t appears THAI at about eleven o.
clock a crowd with band of music started to
| serenade General Mcclellan. The serenading
| crowd were exceedingly noisy and were groan-
| ing and cheering alternately. Mr.. Grund was
a man of full habit and nervous temperament,
consequently easily excited. As the crowd
| passed his house matches were lighted. and
some of the party proceeded to examine the
names and numbers upon the doors. Others
were yelling and grOaning, aud cheers were
! given for Mcclellan, w oodward, and other
prominent Democrats. With the scenes OF
riot and boodshed in New York fresh in his
| memory, and Judging from the character and
| movements of the gathering in front OF his
| house, II was very natural that Mr.. Grund
should become excited and entertain fears for
his life and property. No sooner were the
| flashes of light seen and the cheers for Wood
!
house by the back door and ran all the way to
the Fifth District Police Station, at Fifteenth
and Locust streets. His visit there was no
doubt to claim the protection OF the police,
| but npon his arrival at the Station House he
was SO much exhausted by over-eXcitement
that he could only say, in a tone almost maud
ible, ''Send for doctOr-bleed me - DR..
Huston was at once summoned, but it was too
late. In ten minutes after leaving his home,
| Mr.. Grund was corpse. His death was caus-
ed by apOplexy, no doubt induced by alarm
and excitement. Lieut. Pauin sent tor the
son of the deceased and endeavored TO break
the sad intelligence 20 him gradually, but
| when the yoang man heard of the demise Of
his father, he tainted and dropped upon the
| sidewalk. at Fifteenth and Locust streets. He
was carried into the Station House, and sever
al hours elapsed before he recovered his sen
| ses- Mrs. Grund, when toln of her husband
death, went out OF her mind, and at last ac
counts was still insensble.