Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-10-23
LAST MOMENTS OF JNO. VAN buren,
THE RULING PASSION STRONG IN
DEATH.

The New York Tribune gives the following
particulars Of the last moments of JNo. VAN
BUREN:
The surgeon of the Scotia, DIR. BRIcE, was
consulted on Saturday evening, and found
the patient suffering from a low, nervous
fever, complicated with dangerous disease
Of the kidneys. Ii became a serious ques-
ton whether it was not required, by pru-
dence aad humanity, TO advise Mr.. VAN
BURFS TO remain at Queenstown rather than
expose himself to the discomforts and perils
of a sea voyage st this uncertain season Of
the year. The captain and surgeon, how
ever, were induced to comply with his earn
est wish 10 return TO America, and made ar
rangements TO place him under the immedi-
ate care Of capable and trusty seaman,
who should remain with him night and day
dining the VOYAGE As the steamar got out
to sea, Mr.. VAN buren, grew rapidly worse.
His delerium ran high, without lucid in
terval, while his other maladies showed no
signs Of improvement although he was able
occasionally to 60 for short time to the
promenade deck, which he visited last on the
Tuesday before his death.
During his whole illness ne wasin astate Of
irtense cerebral excitement, talking inces-
sanity relating anecdotes, indulging his Gus
tomary vein Of jocose humor, and on oneoe-
casion delivered a Consecutive political
speech, clear in argument, and forcible in ex-
preston, Of nearly two hours in length. lie
wonld never admit the idea that his sickness
was Of a serious character, and it was with
difficulty that he could be persuaded to take
either medicine or nourishment Although
the experienced surgeon Of the Scotia, aided
a. ~ n N. hn Afcff7-
piiished medical practitioner in New York,
who fortunately happened to be among the
Messengers, regarded the case Of Mr.. VAN
BuREN as one Of extreme danger, no appre-
tensions were entertained OF his approach.
ING death until short time before he
brcathed his last The immediate cause OF
his deoease is supposed TO have been the az.
lection Of the kidneys coming TO a sudden
crisis. The remains OF Mr. VAN buren,
were placed in a coffin a few hours after his
death, which was deposited in one of the
ships boats and securely protected from the
raging storm of wind and rain that ensued.
The New York World, referring to the
speech made By Mr.. VAN BUREN during his
last moments, says
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 mortuary
history. He was feeling physically BETTER
His mind showed, however, no increase o.
directness or clearness upon general topics
or upon any az all, excepting that singular
intensity with which he contemplated IN,
distracted condition Of the country. Will,
half reclining, half sitting up, supported by
the arm of his daughter and niece on eithel
side. Mr.. Wax BUREN's eye lighted up with
an unusual brilliancy, and even IN his posi-
ton he seemed 20 expand 10 the eye wlti
the pride and port Of the orator OF othei
days. The narrow cabin became vast au
ditorium to his view, the few friends a might,
audience, but, more than all, the interests O
the country. rose supreme in his mind ana
compelled utterance. He began a speech OF
national affairs, and concluded il not unit
he had spoken without interruption two ans
quarter hours.
The gentlemen around his bed say that
was IN an respects worthy Of and IN Homi
superior. 10 bis happiesi Efforts. At the hrs
he rapidly and perspicncusiy photographs
the progress, the purposes, and the proolem
of ihe late war, and emphasized the pledges
faith az the Government that i could ans
should ultimate only In secured Union o
free aud equal States. He then adveried q
fhe efforts Of Mr. JoHSs0S 20 carry out tha
plelre IN letter and spirit, and 70 have 90
IL aspiration and guide the uHmisiakabl
co,auands % chs Constitution, and the gen
erous niaenaninity Of the people. Ihi
psrt ct this most remarkable address wa
beloved b. a scarihcation Of Congress =
terms Of satire, eloquence and reProach,