Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-09-29
LOCAL AFFAIRS.


DEATH OF AN A0ED Cl1lzRN The Smyrna
Times eaysi-lt becomes our duty to announce,
this week, the death Of the Rev Piner Mansfield
AT his residence, in THIS town, on the sd inst,
at the advanced age Of 80 years, lacking four
days. He was, at his deceass, the oldest man
iu this town, and possessed until the last, 10 a
remarkable degree for one of his age, his mental
and physical vigor Up TO within week Of his
demise he attended to his usual vocstiOn in a
limited degree, and had, until the last as steady
a nerve aud rs clear "A vision as most men in the
prime Of life. It has been apparent, however,
for some time, that the ''silver cords were break
ing" and his robust constitution was giving WY
before the slow but sure approach Of general
debility until about ten days ago, when there
was evidently much nearer approach to bis vitas
and he sank beneath the weight of accommodating
years. He however was confined to his bed
scarcely week, and the night on which he died
he was apparently no w0rse-but little weaker
and sank peacefully into the arms Of death,
with but few moments warning.
lie came to this place from Charlestown, Md
the place of his birth, when twenty years of age,
and has resided here from that time, carryiug
with him through the whole length of his Journey,
for his upright character, Christian devotion and
zeal for the Of truth and right, the respect
and the esteem of the ent re community. He
united with the NJ. Il. Church the day he was
twenty years Of age in very short time was
licensed a local preacher, and up TO the time in
terrupted with AN asthmatic affection, he was un
energetic, courageous, ardent dispenser Of the
Word, and in many Of his pulpit ministi ations
in the paimy days Of Methodism, had powerful
effect, There are many who will remember
twenty and thirty years ago, when with erect
frame and powerful oice he proclaimed us ''one
having authority" the bessedness OF the Chris
tiau life aud the requirements Of the Gospel.
/ AT the obseauits. Thursday afternoon, Dr..
Cock delivered feeling and touching address
on the exemplifcnhon If the Christian life in the
walk and department OF the deceased, and bis
remains were followed to tner last resting place
by large concourse Of friends.
SAW Mill BuRNr-The Smyrna Times
says The Steam Saw Mill OF Nunes II Cover
dale. Esq, in the western part Of Duck Creek
hundred was burned TO the ground about 2 o.
clock Oh Saturday morning week last 1t is not
known how the fire originated, the structure
being euyeloped When ffst Uncovered, but Mr..
c. THINKS from the manner in which it was built
that il was impossible foi the fire to have oriei-
uated from the furnace. The actual loss will be
about Sl2OO, but the loss Of time &C., 1.-THE mill
being employed in filling contracts with heavy
ship buders) will be rising $1,000. This is
the second time Mr.. Coverdae has had similar
misfortune, the same mill having been burnt to
the ground about four years ago.
TEMPERANCE MASS MEErIHG. Pursuant to
public notice, the Good Templars, OF this county,
| held Il temperance mass meeting in the grove Of
Levi b. Moore, Esq, in Mil Creek Hundred, ON
Thursday last The meeting was organized by
| the selection of the following named gentlemen
as officers s;-president S. Hersey, Of Diamond
STATE Lodge; Vice President, Charles b. Wood
! ward, Of Delaware Lodge; Secretary Mr.. East
I % doll
ed By s. Marshall, john II Graham, T. Roberts,
Rev. Mr.. Moore, and Pusey Heald Of this city,
and Wm. Axe, G. W. p, oi the Sons of Temper
ance OF Pennsylvania. A number Of patriotic
songs were sung Au excellent band Of music
was in attendance which enyened the scene with
soul stirring airs Everything passed off in an
agreeable manner, and no doubt much good will
result to the cause.
SUSSEX AFFAIRS We copy the following
items from "7he Union, Of Friday last:-
Arr@'eh-Lit Thomas, private of Company
|, III Delaware, who had deserted his regiment
some time ugo, was arrested ON last Monday
morning, at his residence at Sound Church, and
! conveyed to Wilmington the same day by Capt.
Samuel Lacey, of Ccutreyille, special ageut of
the government for Baltimore and Dagsboro
Hundreds. The Captain although small in
stature, is "big team oil time aud will make
deserters and sympaihizeIs in his district stand
from under.
Also on last Monday Capt Lacey arrested a
man named Elisha Tubbs. We understand that
Tubbs WAS draited Inst fall, in Maryland, and
never reported himself but by the assistance of
Capt Lacey, he is now reported at Wilmington
According TO the above arrests we expect to hear
from the Capt. often
Capture J u Vessel We are informed that a
vessel was seized aud her crew arrested, some
where in the Chesapeake Bay hy Government
vessel, for taking on board man from the
Virginia shore who was an emissary from jeff
Davis, with letters We. This man seems to have
been person that Uncle Abe has been trying to
catch for some time. The vessel belongs up the
Nanucoke, at Lewisyile, in this county.