Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-11-23
MELANCHOLY AFFAIR.
DISAPPEARANCE AND PROBABLE DEATH OF HON. PRES
TON KING.


TON KING.
Hon. Preston King, Collector of the Port
of New York, whose nervous system has
been seriously deranged for nearly three
weeks, left his room at the Astor House on
Monday week at a. m., remarking that
walk before breakfast would do him good
All day Monday no word of his where
abOuts reached his anxious friends, nor un-
til u O'Clock Tuesday could any trace or
clue be obtained. Messrs Terwilliger and
Usher, of the Custom House, then heard
that a person was drowned the day before
from Hoboken ferry-boat Upon visiting
the boat they ascertained that man, an
swering closely the description of Mr.. King,
came from a West-street car to the ferry
boat Soon after the boat left the dock,
two children going to school gave the al
arm, they had seen man jump overheard.
The boat was stopped, but nothing could
be seen. A hat left upon the deck was sub
sequently identified as belonging to Mr..
King. The ticket-master saw Mr.. King
step from the car, noticing him particularly
from his great weight: He describes his
person and dress with such exact accuracy
as to leave deither doubt, nor shadow of
doubt, as to his inentity. Mr. King spoke
to him, asked him how long before the boat
would start, and what was the fare, and re-
marked that it was a fine morning.
Mr. King was unable to stand the pres
sure of his official position. Every allega-
tion of misconduct in subordinates dis
turbed him. The great number of merto-
rious and wounded officers aud soldiers
asking for situations, excited his sympath-
les. Two or three reported cases Of fraud
alarmed him to such degree that two
weeks ago his nerves gave way. 1t was
suggested that he should go to Ogdens-
burg for week or fortnight in the hope
that repose and home associations would
tranquilize his mind. He did go, but find
ing no rest there, returned to the Astor
House on Saturday. 1t was Immediately
evident that no favorable change had oc-
Cured. He said to the friends around him
that he had broken down was incapable
of making any effort; that he had no iudg-
ment or memory, and no power to resist
what he knew to be imaginary evils In
the meantime, his mental and physical
health was unimpaired. On Sunday, in the
morning, he hcquiesed in suggestion of
attending church, but did not go. He re-
quested that Mr.. Weed should be sent for
early in the morning, and passed most of
the day in conversation with him and two
or three other friends He spoke freely of
his mental alteration twenty-five years ago,
and expressed desire now to go to an as
ylum. Yet all he said proved that his MUD
was now unclouded and undisturbed His
nervous system, and that only, was effec-
ted. But it was quite clear that he must
soon have relief. On Saturday afternoon
and Sunday, he frequently spoke of re-
signing and it was arranged that, after
an examination by DR.. Brown of the
Bloomingdale Asylum, on Monday, he would
either resign then, or await, for few days,
the effect of medical treatment. He had
been disincined to consult physician until
informed that DIR. Brown was at the head
of an asylum. He remarked to Mr. Weed
twice. on Sunday, that death, if it could be
reached without crime, would be a relief
He had intervals of tranquility when his
mind could be drawn away from the evils
created, to the fact that in all respects his
circumstances and condition were such as
bring cOntentment that he had no cares,
no sOrrOwS, no causes of anxiety and that
his lot, compared with hundreds of thous-
ands, was enviable. To all he assented,
and for half an hour, cheerfulness returned
! to him. Finally, when Mr.. Weed left him
Oh Sunday evening, he seemed quite con
tent to await the interview with Dr. Brown,
who came on Monday, but the patient had
departed to return no more.
Mr.. King was educated at Union College,
where he was a classmate of Bishop Pot
ter. he studied law at 0gdensburg, but
Z l.,l
tice. His mind, taste and habits took a
political direction In all things he was
an honest, earnest man, acting always up
on convictions His political creed was as
conscientiously creed as that of a divine
OF an apostle.
Mr.. King came into public life as MEM
Der of Assembly in 1885, from St Law
renee, and was reelected in 1886, 1881 and
1888, He was elected to Congress in l943,
and reelected in l845 In 1857, Mr. King
was elected to the Senate Of the United
States. At the close of his term in the
Senate, Mr.. Seward offered him foreign
mission, but after few days reflection, he
declined it. In 1862, Mr.. Lincoln decided
to make Mr.. King Collector Of this port, but
the pressure for a change eased up and it
was deferred. And finally, when appoin-
ted by President Johnson, he entered with
reluctance upon the discharge of the duties,
fearing, as has unhappily proved to be the
case, that the labor and responsibility were
unsuited to his former habits and pursuits
-NeC York Times
sa- A despatch received yesterday in
Washington by the Secretary of the Treas
ury, from E. NJ. Shelton, dated Galveston,