Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-04-30
DIED.,

After brief, but painful illness. HENRY Il.
BRISCOE departed this life at his residence, Pied
| monte near this town, on the 2lst day OF April,
! lSG5-aged ~ years and days.
Deceased was son Of the late DR.. John Briscue,
Of this county, and nephew Of the present Major
Thomas Brscoe, of this town. The subject Of this
memoir one of those peculiar personagcs whom
il required one TO know intimately 70 appreciate
properly Afflicted for the greater part of his life
With partial deafness, and being of sensitive dis
position he was rather retiring in his habits, and
exclusive in his associations IN consequence. But
though the number of his intimate associates were
few his social instincts were naturally very strong
and he became warmly attached To those who were
of the charmed circle of his acquaintance. Such
was the characteristic of the man that, The more
you knee Of him The more you liked him Though
quick 10 resent real. supposed insult. or inju-
nv, and resolute, even n the verge Of ohstinacy
in the maintenance of what h. conceived his just
rights vet in the domestic crcl" and 10 his friends
hc Was amiable. forgiying yielding and self sacri-
fcing almost to a fault He was firm friend. an
affJctouatc brother and a devoted son. Hospita-
be genial humane, he was also a man OF eXempla-
rv private moral character Gaming. drunken
ness gu;tony and other fashionable kindred vices,
were an adherence and an abominaiion n him
He doubtles. had his faults-as which Of us have
not-but it is notthc province Of the writer 70 poin'
them out. In the language Of the eulogist Of once
"michty Cesar, b. can say and feel the full force
Of the expression a. he says;
''He was my friend faithful and ju't TO me-"
During the invasion Of this county BY the FEEDER
81 forces Piedmonte came in for its full share OF
degradation. Being exempt from military duty,
deceased remained at home, constituting himself,
sole guardian and protector of his aged and inhrm
mother. Bv concurrent testimony NJ acquitted
himself Of that sacred and responsible duty. with
selfsacrifcing devotion worthy Ola son OF B." Mo-
Their Of Rome" To repeat the story Of outrage
perpetrated upon that defenceless widow and her
II IL 4 a.
suffering endured in consequence would be but 70
"rehearsc tale Of woe only too familiar in the
experience Of many Of our most respectable fani-
lies Suffice il 90 say for the purpose of this brief
notice that, unable IN intimidate him BY threats
into a compliance with their unreasonable demands.
Mr. Briscoe was frequently dragged to prison.
where he would be held incarceratc subj 'ct 70 ev
ery hardship and indgnity. until the wantoD anger
Of some petty epauletted tyrant was aopeasod :
Such harsh and unjust treatment, while II could
not conquer his nvncible spirit yet told too cec-
tuallv against body not overly strong. aid his
constitution received shock from which it never
recovered fastening. doubtless, the advent Of the
dav Of his death.
T. a. ha- been said BY 4 certain wise one, " we
are to Judge Of a mans life bv his ath' so judy
ing. can but form favorable impression OF tn
elmer life nf our departed friend. Being told
Of his probably approaching demise. h. ree.iynd
the announcement with 4 serene cOmposure that
proved him ready for his Maker summons. Like
a wise man setting hi. house in order before TAX
ing long journey, h. calmly directed what di'po-
sifion be wished made in regard u his temporal
affairs and then calling for the Bible. a. he had
often done before desired its sacred truths should
be read 10 him the last time From them he seem
ed 20 gather consolation. and being asked if he had
faith in the Saviour and could RELY upon his prom
ises be answered, calmly. "yes." Immediately
before his death he is said To have bid most aiiec
tonate farewell to all, commencing. with his last
h-nafb his beloved mother IN Tho tender care and
protection Of bis brothers Truly was this act a
most beautiful exemplifcaton ofthe idea Of "ruling
passion strong in death" H. devoted himself TO
hi, mothers happiness while living-how could be
forget her when diving? No more honorable cpl
tsph in the eyes men, Of angels Of God, could
be Inscribed upon his tomb than this:
He loved his Mother"
FRIEND.
At bis residence. near Middletown. Frederick