The Van Buren press., 1866-11-23

. Continued on the inslde.l hg,
From Washington Constitutional Uaioa.
Tho Last Hours of John Van Buren,.
Oar readers arc already informed Of tho
death Of this distinguished American,
which occurred on board the steamer Scotia.
Oct. 18th. up, n his return passage from an
extended European tour The New York
World gives minute and interesting ac-
count OF his illness, and Of the last mani
festations OF his great intellect and devoted
love Of country, which we would gladly
copy if our space allowed it. His mind
dwelt chiefly upon the distracted condition
Of the Union, and his intense anxiety for its
complete restoration seemed to overpower
all other interests even when in q dying
condition, inducing we are told the most
fervent, and eloquent appeals which ever
distinguished his brilliant career. 1t is said
that "forgetful of himself, and his intense
pains, his reason, Grant on all else, still
appreciated and was alive with the peril of
the land which he loved with all the fervor
of his nature tr.f... st,eg
These feelings eliminated in . most re-
markabe manner, which leaves, to us at
once priceless memorial Of his patriotism.
and solemn warning against the madness
and folly of the protracted Radical struggle
against the Union. The scene as described
was not only touching. but sublims The
dying statetman. the loving women, the
grievcd, sympathising friends, grouped in
the small ships cabin form picture to
which the highest genius ofthc poet or err
tist could scarcely do justice The last
thoughts and aspirations of John Van Bu-
rcn Gre a legacy to his countrymen, which,
however imperfectly translated, will bo
preserved among tho treasures Of the ma.
ton; They are thus portrayed in chs
| World: ..G.ea .alrsasse .s.au
| On Friday this supreme anxiety Of Mr.. /.
Van Buren, for the restoration Of the Union
showed itself in an instance which is prob
ably one Of the most remarkable in mortua-
ry history. lie was feeling physically
better His mind showed, however, M
increase Of directness or clearness upon
general topics. or upon any at all, except
ing that singular intensity with which hs
contemplated the distracted condition of
the country. While half reclining, halt
sitting up, supported by the arms Of his
daughter and niece on either side, Mr.. Van
Buren's eye lighted up with unusual bril-
liancy, and even in his position he seemed
to expand to the eye with the pride and
port of the orator of other days. .ll
The narrow cabin became a vast audi
torium to his view, the few friends
mighty audience, but, more than oil. tho
interests Of the country rose supreme in bis
mind and compelled utterance lie began
speech on national affairs, and concluded
it not until he had spoken without inter-
ruption two and q quarter hours. The
gentlemen around his bed say that it was
in all respects worthy Of, and in some su.
perior to his bappicst efforts. At the first hc
rapidly and perspicuously photographed tho
progress. the purposes. and the problems
Of the late wal, and emphasized the pledged
faith OF the Government that it could and
should ultimate OILY in a secured Union Of
free and equal States. He then advertcd
to the efforts of Mr.. johnson to carry out
that pledge in letter and spirit. and to have
for his aspiration and guide the unmistaka-
bic commands Of the Constitution, and
the generous magnaninity of tlnpeople.-
This part Of this most remarkable address
was followed by scarifcation Of Congress
in terms Of satire, eloquencc. and reproach,
Of which none so capable as hc t"-
a rapid review of tho policy Of reunion
and disunion next ensuel, and he thought
he was once more addressing his fellow
citizens in his native State The subject
was presented with splendid reference to
the material interests and historic greatness
OF the Empire State impcra,ively demand.
ing that she plant herself square on the
side Of perfected Union Of equal aud hon.
ored States. At the close Mr.. Van Buren,
Ipronounccda culogy upon tho worth, tho
talent, the integrity of Hon. John L. Hc6.
man. such as ouly man Of his strong in
tmacy with tho subject Of his praise, and
that intensity Of personal attachment. OF
which he developed such remarkable
amount, could so gracefully, SO sincerely.
and SO magnctically pronounce. Asapiece
of composition, whether viewed as litera-
nv, an alyumcntive, or an oratorcal pro-.
duction, this dying address was in all re-
spects no less credit to the national rep.
utaton fthc speaker. thar it was vim.
dcation and tribute TO the cause and mo.
tiyes that evoked its utterancc,