Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-08-28

SUPPOSED SUloIDs.-Y esterday our city
was considerably exercised by the an
nouncement, that appeared in certain pa
per, that minister had committed suicide
not giving particulars. 1t was soon as.
certained, however, that DR.. John NJ.
Brandt. of the First Southern Church of
Alexandria was the supposed suicide. He
arrived in Norfolk On the 14th instant and
put up at the Atlantic Hotel.
Subsequently he has delivered several
sermons in German at the lectureroom of
Christ Church, of which mention was made
by the daily papers.
Our German population. we understand,
who heard his sermons, were very much
pleased with them, as they, who knew him
personally, were also with BIN. During
his sojourn here he visited several of our
divines, whom he in formed that he came
down here to spend vocation, and that,
if possible, he wished to establish South
ern church in this city. They were very
much pleased with this proposition and
gave him words encouragement. Among
his acquaintance was Mr.. Exner, the fres-
co painter, to whom he told part of his
history, saying that he was a native of
Hamburg; that his father was major in
the city, and in command Of that city; that
he had brother, painter, in New York;
aud that since he had been in this country,
he had lost his wife and three children by
cholera, while living in st. Louis. He ap-
peared very gloomy. we are informed,
when in this conversation, and when he
spoke of the "loved and lost" tears triched
down his cheeks and he appeared to be very
much affected.
At Mr.. Exner's he met young country
man named Lessevre, from Richmond, who
told him he thought be could get a church
in that city, and wrote letter home for
information in regard to it, 10 the mean.
time Mr.. Brandt was to stop at the Atlantic
and await an answer to the letter. He has
not been seen at the Atlantic since last
Monday night.
On Wednesday night, between eight and
nine o'clock, he was seen on Church street,
and he called at Mr.. Exner's saloon about
10 O'Clock the same evening; he took seat
and complained of being sick at the stom-
ach, and appeared to be exceedingly de-
pressed in mind.
He had nothing further to say, and about
IL o'clock he left and went down Main
street. 1t was supposed that he had gone
to his room in the hotel, but not making
his appearance there, his room was entered
and the following letter (Which tells ally
found therein
NORFOLK, Aug. 10Th, 1862
You need not be frightened on finding
me dead. 1t was my wish long ago to die.
I am tired of life of suffering and mis-
ery, as have led it for years. For years
| have vainly struggled against Islander
and calumniations, until at last it has torn
from my very bosom the woman love, and
consigned me to life Of starvation and
misery. have not cent to save my life,
no way of gaining anything, nor any hope
of getting anything to do; for people are
too christian to trust poor man without a
heap of grand recommendations. A man
may be as great a scoundrel as he likes, if
he only has recommendations, he is sure to
get a position; but the honest man, who,
wishes nothing but to serve his fellow-men,
to do his duty faithfully and thus make
an honest living, must be prosecuted, hated,
slandered, until he is entirely ruined. ]
have fought this miserable propensity of
men for 20 years. | am now tired of it
and desire rest, and therefore have gone
where alone can find tin the grave. l
hope that at least that will be granted me.
1t is my last and only wish to be allowed
grave. May the proprietor OF this nice
hotel forgive me that wentinto his house
without means to pay for my board. l
wished, for once, to feel like human be-
ing again. May the thought that he cheer
ed up the last moments of poor, unhappy
wretch, console him for the loss of his
money.
May the Lord bless all who have
ever been kind to me. May He forgive me
and receive me in mercy.
JNo. NJ. BRANDT.
Several other things were found in the
them, package of letters
tied up, and addressed to Mrs. Hason,
Alexandria, some clothing, pipe, &c.
Several rumors ran wild through our
city yesterday touching the sad, and mys-
FERROUS affair, but no additional facts had
been elected up to our going to press.
If he has really drowned himself-of
which there seems to be but little doubt,
there is in his dark fate apeculiarly sad hid
den history, All lat us pity him, speak
of him not harshly, but kindly, whatever
may have been his faults; ay, pity him,
stranger in a strange land, homeless and
friendless. Alas We little know the
whitening sorrows of this
zone more unfortunate
Weary of breath
Rashly importunate
s.