The Van Buren press., 1866-02-03
MISCELLANY.
Last Hours of General Jackson.

This illustrous hero and patriot closed
his earthly pilgrimage at the Hermit
age" near Nashville, Tuesday the Sd Of
June, 1S45. His eminent services in va
rious times of difficulty and danger, both
in our councils and armies, can never be
forgotten by the grateful people who de-
lighted to confer upon him the highest
honors in their gift While the luster Of
his name as soldier and statesman shall
long shine upon the page of history, it is
far more pleasing to believe that it has
also been written in Heaven" During
the'latter years Of his life, especially, eX-
President jackson devoted much serious
thought to the momentous subject of reli
giOn, and he died as christians die
Immediately ly after the. event which call
ed nation to mingle its regrets and SEN
sibilities, it was our privilege to read a
very interesting letter from gentleman
who spent few days at the Hermitage
during the last week of the Generals life,
in which he, atlectingly described the sol
cmn and impressive closing scene. The
disease which terminated his long and
useful life, was dropsy, and it had invaded
his whole system. His feet and legs, his
hands and arms, were very much swollen,
he had not strength to stand, and he was
unable to lie down during the last four
months he could obtain no sleep except
by Opiates; and the whole progress OF
the disease was accompanied with great
suffering. But in the midst of all, the
venerable chieftain was patient and resign
ed, repeatedly expressing his entire sub
mission to the Divine will, and his hum
bic hope and trust in the merits of the
Redeemer. He was obliged to be lifted
in and out of his sitting posture in bed
to the same posture in the chair; and
nothing could exceed the atiectionate care
vigilance and never ceasing efforts of his
pious and devoted family to administer to
his relief. TO one Of them he said g /
hope God will grant me patience to sub
NIT to His holy will He does all things
well, and blessed be His holy name" His
bible was always near him; when proped
up in bed, the sacred volume was laid by
him. and he often read it.
TO the last, the General, as usual, re-
ceiyed many visitors; sometimes more
than thirty a day. All were admitted,
from the humblest to the most renowned.
to take the aged dying warrior by the
hand, and bid him farewell. Among the
visitors during the closing week, was Gen.
Jesup, an old friend and companion in
arms; and the meeting Of these most
faithful and gallant soldics and servants
of the republic was deeply interesting and
affecting. A clergyman called to enquire
in regard to the ex- Presidents health. his
faith and future hope; to whom he mild
~ said, = Sir, am in the hands of mer-
ciful God. | have full confidence Of His
goodness and mercy. My lampo life is
nearly out, and the last gIimmer has come.
| am ready to depart when called. The
bible is true. The principles and statutes
Of the holy book have been the rule of
my life, and ] have tried to conform to
It's spirit as near as possible Upon that
sacred volume | rest my hope of eternal
salvation, through the merits and blood
Of our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ
On the Sunday preceding his death,
the General said: "This day is the holy
Sabbath, ordained by God and set apart