The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-02-12
Death Of MI. Bernard Marigny.

Death Of Mr.. Bernard Marigny.
lFrom the N. O. Bee. !
This venerable gentleman; whose feeble
condition and great sge prepared us to
hear of bis deccase 1t any moment for
some years past, came 10 an accidental
death on yesterday forenoon. Il was his
daily cnstom to leave his dtelling when
the weather permitted, for the purpose Of
taking walking exercise and enjoying the
conversation Of his friends. While on his
wav up Royal street, it seems he stumbled
| in front Of the residence Of Mr.. D'Heme-
court, on that street, and fell, receiving a
severe blow on his head, which produced
almost immediate death. On Sunday,
also, he was on the streets in his usual
good health, and manifested his customary
gaity ofdisposition and rare conversational
gifts.
Mi. Marigny was 30 we'll known to Our
citizens that it is hardly necessary to recall
the facts Of his history or to describe to
them the characteristics Of this remarkable
man, but for those who are not so familiar
with these details, it may not be amiss to
state some of the more prominent points
Of his character.
Mr.. Marlgny was a native OF New Or
leans and came Of distinguished ancestry,
as indicated by his baptismal name, Ber-
nard Xavier de Msrigny de Mandeyille.--
He belonged to past generation, having
been born in the year l785, willis the State
was under Spanish rule, and Inherited vast
landed property in this parish, which if he
had owned at the time Of bis death, would
have made him one Of the ~ealtbiest, If
not the wealthiest man in the United
States. At one time be owned nearly the
entire extent Of ground which NOW consti-
tutes the Third District Of New Orleans,
and numerous plantations and other pro-
perty. The patrimonial dwelling 10 which
he once lived, like his person, formed
to speak--one Of the landmarks Of the soil
aud q link between the present and former
generations. This building is still stand
ing near the river on Leyee street, oppo-
site the Marigny Buildings" within q
few yards ofthe Ponchartrain Railroad de-
pot. II was hers Mr.. Marigny entertained
and befriended Louis Philippe, afterwards
King Of the French, when the latter was
poor and an exile from his native country,
which won for him the lifelong friendship
and gratitude Of that monarch, over whom
he welded considerable influence and with
whom he corresponded regularly bot1 be-
fore and after his downfall ard exile in
England. It was in this house he dis
pensed those elegant inequalities to dis
tinguished strangers, which made bis name
familiar to the eminent travellers of both
continents, who had visited New Orleans.
It Is now used as an asylum for the insane,
having long since passed out Of Mr.. Ma
rigny's hands. This representative Of the
Qncien regime possessed remarkable traits
Of character, and while in his prime held
many public positions. He was member
of the Constitutional Conventions Of Lou
isiana Of 1912 and l845, bodies composed
Of men with whom it was an honor to be
associated, and identified his name With
the work of those historical assemblies
Ha was also q candidate for the Office Of
Governor of the State on more than one
occasion and was an ardent friend, if not
the first citizen III distinction Id the State,
to advocate the establishment of public
schools. He was an intimate friend Of Gen.
Andrew Jackson, and served Under him
at the battle of New Orleans. When Louis
Philippe became King OF the French, he
cordially invited Mr.. Marigny and bis fami-
" to come to France aud take up their
residence at his Court. This friendly in
vitation being accepted, they crossed the
ocean and presented themselves at the
French Court, where they were received
with all the kindness which they had ex-
tended in Louisiana to their royal host,
and remained their for six months, treated
in all respect as members OF the Kings
family. Mr.. Marisuy at that time was in
possession ofimrhense resources. which he
lavished with the magnificent liberality for
which he was noted and which finally
swallowed up his great fortune. He was
emphaticaliy men Of leisure, Of extensive
information and reading, well versed in his
tory and possessed Of an extraordinary
memory. He was as generous in imparting
these possessions to those Who sought his
society as IN deyoting his income to the
qualification and entertainment Of his
friends. Mr.. Marigny Was distinguished for
uncommon gifts OF nature more than for
extensive requirements. He was perfect
storehouse Of information on historical
and other subjects. His intellect was clear
and vigorous. His manners were courtly
and be was in fact q scbevalier" Of the
olden time. 9 aHas 2sb y
He leaves numerous descendants, some
Of whom reside in this city and others ID
Europe. They are well known to our
readers, as members Of the oldest and best
families Of the city. n =,
az The New York Times says, that,
Gas General Grant has already taken
upon his shoulders the Presidents du-
ties, and sends his messages to Con-
gress, utterly ignoring the Presidents
existence, it is clear that there will not
much longer be occasion for Mr.. john
son to stay In Washington, He may
80 to Tennessee. What q parcel Of
old mi1nies the founders of the Repub.
lie were to bother their heads as they
did abont making q Constitution. when
q nation can get on so we'll without