Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-10-23
Death Of John Van Buren,.

JOHN AN buren,, son of the Ex- Presi-
dent and for long while distinguished pol
itician Of New York, died recently on board
the steamer Scotia, ON his return from Eu-
rope, where he had gone in the hope of re-
operating his health The New York. World
furnishes the following particulars of his
death -
On Friday, the anxiety of AR Van Buren,
showed itself In instance which is proba-
bly, one of the most remarkable in nortuary
history lie was feeling physically better.
His mind showed. however, no increase of
directness upon general topics, or upon any
at all, excepting that singular intensity with
which he contemplated the distracted condi-
ton of the country. whitehall reclining,
half sitting up, supported by the arm of his
daughter and neice on either side, Mr. Van
Bureu's eye lightened up with an unusual
brilliancy, and even in his position he seemed
to expand to the eye with the pride and port
of the orator of other days. The narrow cab
in became vast auditorium to his view, the
few friends mighty audience, but, more than
all, the interests of the country rose supreme
In his mind and compelled utterance. He
began speech on national affairs, and con-
cluded it-not until he had spoken without in
terruption two aud a quarter hours. The
gentlemen around his bed say that it was in
all respects worthy of, and In some superior
to-, his happiest efforts.
At the first he rapidly aud perspicuously
photographed the progress, the purposes and
the problems of the late war, and emphasized
the pledged faith of the Government that it
could and should ultimate only in q secured
Union of the free aud equal States. He then
adyerted to the efforts of Mr.. johnson to car,
ry out that pledge in letter and spirit, aud to
have for hisinspiration and guide the unmis-
takcable commands of the Constitution. and
the generous magnanimity of the people
This part of this most remarkable address was
followed by scarifcation of Congress in.
terms of satire, eloquence and reproach. A
rapid review OF the policy of reunion and dis
union next ensued, and be thought he was
once more addressing his fellow citizens in
his native State. The subject was presented
with spleRdid reference to the material in
terests and historic greatness of the Empire
State imperatively demanding that she plant
herself square on the side of perfect Union
ofequal and honored States.
At the close Mr.. Van Buren, pronounced
eulogy upon the worth, the talent, the integ-
Eity of Hon. John T. Hoffman, such as only
man of his strong intimacy wish the subject
of his praise, and that intensity of personal
attachment, of which he developed such re-
markable amount, could so gracefully, SO sim
cerely, aud so magnetically pronounce As ia
piece of composition, whether viewed as a lit
erary, an argumeutative or an oEatorical pro-
duction, this dying address was in all respects
no less credit to the National reputation of
the speaker, than it was a vindication aud
tribute to the cause and motives that evoked
its uttcrance.
After the delivery of this extraordinary
and affecting address, Mr.. Van Buren, re-.
lapsed into state of more ease and platitude
than he had manifested since the beginning
of his illness. He seemed more comfortable
in body and mind, was not either SO petulent
or restless, and passed comparatively easy
night on Friday. On Saturday his condition
was the same. Up to this time no immediate
apprehension of fatal result had been felt.
Mr.. Van Buren's attendants, and he himself.
in his lucid seasons, thought he would get
better on landing and quickly recover his
tone of mind and system. His fever still con-
tinued, but his pain was more OCCASIONAL
On Saturday evening he appeared more hope
tul than ever, and noticed with that eminent
courtesy of his, the presence and attendance
OF his devoted niece and daughter, and his
friends. They left him, as was their wont,
shortly after 10 p. NJ, in the expectation of.
his passing not unusually easy night.
Just before the clock was on tho stroke of
eleven Mr.. Van Buren, signifed to the nurse
his desi'e to rise. and in proceeding to assist
him, the nurse saw that imperceptibly, but
fearfnlly rapidly decisive change had come
over the countenance of the sufferer. He
did not speak. nor seemed able to do so.-
The foridity had left his face. His eyes. ap-
peared vacant. The end was coming. DR..
Price, the surgeon, was called He came
AS he supported Mr.. Van Buron, and just as
his daug liter and neice were entering in an
swer to the summons sent them, his head fell
back upon the pillow and he died without
struggle or the least visible pain, smile
spreading over his face in dissolution as if he
were at last at rest and in peace.