Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1863-07-16

At about half past ] | o'clock Mrs Reese,
his eldest daughter, arrived from Baltimore,
and was recognized by the Admiral, who
lovingly threw his arms around her neck,
and, calling her by name, said he was glad
to see her. and then, closing bis eyes, he
fell back exha austed and unconscious.
AT twenty minutes before O'Clock the
color OF his face had materially changed,
but the clammy sweat stood out in big drops
on bis broad forehead, which seemed to be
in fever heat His extIcmities we're cold,
and his pulse gave out nothing but convul.
sive throbs. Il was thought he could live
but q very few. minutes, and Mrs. Reese
was summoned TO the room but in a few
minutes he again seemed to rally, and he
then bade fair to hold on some time longer.
During this time Captains SANFORD and
Simpson and Mr. Stetson seemed TO vie with
each other in their kind attentions 10 the
form OF one whom they so dearly loved.
From the hour he was taken i'll these gen.
tlemen were in constant attendance upon the
Admiral, and Mr.. Stetson provided every
comfort and luxury that money could pur.
chase for the good of the Admiral. Night
after night they watched over him, but in
vain. He sank from hour to hour, at times
rallying, but always weaker than before.
AT seven minutes past two o clock slight
commissions were manifested, and the pa
tent endeavored to change his position.
The effort was severe tax upon his weak
system, and he fell over sideways; and after
remaining in that position short time, and
apparently BY his own desire, he was laid
back upon the pillows, when he seemed to
be trife easier.
There was from that time no change in
him until the gray dawn of morning came
stres king in through the closed blinds. He
lay there as calm and compIaisant as a man
in the bloom Of life, and but for the peculiar
sound of his breathing one could have scarce.
y believed that he was passing away. It|
dit not seem like the chamber of DEATH
His life had been no exemplary, his trust in
God SO sure and steadfast, that one could
but feel that this was but the journey to
better and brighter land.
We left bis room long after the daylight
had darkened the gaslights, aud when the .
earlier working people were Fastening to
their various stations full of the pleasant
thoughts which review of his life had
brought. Here was man who never en-
tered battle but had, previous to under
taking the work, counted upon the lives OF
his officers and men man who held him.
self responsible to God for every life thrown n
away (; a man addicted to no vice pure in
heart, living always Cody life, and one of
the strong hopes of our naval service. He
was now fast going to meet that Judge who
would say. "Wel! done, thou good and
faithful servant"
Later Saturday morning he rapidly failed;
but after ten o'clock he revived, and was
moderately comfortable during the middle
OF the day. His eldest son arrived during
the day, end sat beside the bedside of his
father during the whole Of the day. During
the early part Of the evening the Admiral
seemed to have gained considerable strength,
and at times talked considerable but his
mind still wandered. Captain Rowan and
Surgeon Williams we're present, and watch
ed him with tenderness and care His feet |
were much warmer than they had been for |
some time, and it was thought he might
live through the night.
From Saturday last up to the present
time the Admiral changed but little, save
that he had daily grown weaker, at times
Frightening up, and in few hours after
ward sinking. His system was one of great
strength, and the disease had a powerful
will and strong constitution to master.
Yesterday, however, he failed rapidly, |
duu oitCi IL was huOWu tudt uc
could not live until midnight. The writer
was present at his death bed, which was
surrounded by his family, Captain Sandford
and the attending servants. ......-I
At ten o'clock he sunk so rapidly that all
present felt his time was numbered by min
utes. In appearance he was much wasted
away, scarcely moving, and he looked calm
and peaceful. ....u,.
At eighteen minutes past ten o'clock he
ceased to breathe, and his spirit winged its
way to the God who gave it.
In making the necessary preparations for
filling so responsible position he overtaxed
his frail system and has gone home to fight
no more. To say that he was universally
beloved conveys but slight idea of the feel
ings of love and admiration which every one
who knew him held for the noble and brave
officer now lost to u, forever. His memory
will ever be green in the hearts of his coun-
trymen.