Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1866-06-29
THE LATE GEN. CASs,
His Llfe-His Habits--His Last Illness.


lowing interesting statements
HIS LIFE.
Since 1861 Mr., Cass' life has been mark
ed by the strictest privacy, and his resigna-
ton as Secretary of State constitutes the
upper boundary of public career Of fifty
SIX years duration. During the rebellion,
his sympathies were always with the national
arms, and the prolongation of his days TO
witness our ultimate triumph he considered
among the greatest blessings of his life.
| His last appearance upor public occasion
was that of the reception accorded by this
| city to Colonel Mark Elanigan upon his re
turn after his terrible wouuding at Gettys-
! burg.
He has remained in Detroit constantly
since his return from Washington, save a
short trip year or two since to Newport
and the East for the benefit of his health
His residence has been in the wing, specially
| built for his accommodation, upon the house
OF his daughter, Mrs. Canfeld, corner of
Fort and First streets The old homestead
has been latterly occupied by his son, Hon
Lewis Cass, Jr La the political campaign
OF 1864, Mr.. Cass took no active part, but
AT Its outset committed himself in favor Of
General Mcclellan in a letter addressed to
a Democratic meeting held in Merrill Hail.
Ia this city. Latterly be absented himself
from all society, and also declined all visi-
tors, save those of his most intimate
friends, and occasionally Of distinguished
strangers, who called to pay their respects.
HIS HABITS
Probably the most salient characteristic Of
the deceased statesman was his robust
strength, physical and intellectual. The
vlgor OF his constitution, inherited from
hardy parents and fortified By an active and
stirring life, is attested by his longevity and
the uniform excellence Of his health. His
personal appearance gave evidence of the
possession of great bodily strength and rare
powers of endurance. His habits were TN
exceptionable. He neither used tobacco in
any'form, nor even tasted ardent spirits as
beverage, and he died with system un-
weakened, and a soul untainted by lieen-
tiousness in any guise. The traits of his
intellect were also of the yirile type No
public man of his generation surpassed him
In potent, resolute and tireless energy.
Constant activity, important achieve
meuts, rare capacity for labor, and the
American pugnacity rendered him a prom-
nent actor upon stage trod by some Of the
mightiest Of earth giants
Mr. Cass's business habits were cast in a
like mold. la his dealings with others, he
was always just and liberal. During his life
he never sued debtor, and in the great
commercial crisis which have periodically
convulsed the financial fabric, his course
toward those with whom he was connected
IN business relations, was invariably gener-
Gus beyond all common precedent. Were
the recital permissible, we might mention
striking instances Of this fact in our own
city. His great wealth was the result Of
early purchases Of lands made in this region,
and the subsequent increase ia the value OF
his real estate lt IS estimated that at the
time of his DEATH General Cass was worth
considerably over 81 900, 600. In 1864 his
inco,u was returned at about $33, 900
LAST DAYS AND ILLNESS.
Until about two years ago, General Cass
was. to all appearance, hale and hearty, and
not uufrequcBtly might have been seen en-
ioying an early morning or evening walk. A
short time previous to the above date, his
health began to fail, and it failed very rap
idly since the cold weather set in last Fall
During the month of January he was very
I'LL, and at one time it was thought that he
would not live to see the end Of the month.
At times his mind was slightly affected,
owing to the very painful nature of his dis
ease, but these occurrences were rare. As
general thing, he maintained his mental
faculties until death relieved him Of his suf
feripgs About half an hour before he died
he spoke, but manifested an aversion to be-
ing troubled by any one He frequently
referred to his past life, and would occasion
ally relate anecdotes Of Dr. Farraud, Of
whom he appeared to be particularly fond
Having been informed Of the invasion Of
Canada by the Fenians, he, upon sryeral
occasions, expressed his unqualified disap-
proval of the movement, and characterized
it rs absurd, unWise, and calculated to do
more mischief than good
Official announcement of the death of
General Cass.
WASHINGTON, June Is.
The following was issued this morning
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, June Is, 1866
The President directs the undersigned TO
perform the painful duty of announcing to
the people of the United States that Lewis
Cass, distinguished not more by faithful SER
vice in various public trusts, than by exalted
patriotism at recent period of political
discord, departed this life at four o'clock
yesterday morning.
The several executive Departments of the
Government viii cause approITiate honoES to
be rendered to the memory of the deceased
at home and abroad, wherever the national
name and authority are acknoW ledged.
Signed VIM. I'll. SEWARD.