Evening star., 1869-09-07

SCENES AND INCIDENTS.
The STAR OF yesterday afternoon contained
an announcement Of the death Of General John
A. Rawlins. Secretary of War, together with
sketch Of his life, and an account of The illness
which terminated his earthly career. Although
1t seemed certain for many hours previous to
his demise that there was no hope of his re.
covery, yet the announcement Of his death
shocked and startled the community, and ex-
pressions Of grief and tender words Of respect
for the departed soldier and patriot, and of
sympathy for hls family and friends in their
bereavement, were heard on every hand.
General Rawlins was about five feet eight
inches in height. of slight, though muscular
figure. HIS hair and beard were black, the
former being generally worn falling carelessly
over the forehead. His eyes were dark hazel,
full and expressive. His features were large,
and the profile regular. The mouth was COW
cred by heavy moustache, and was altogether
pleasing in its expression, especially when
he smiled. The Generals skin was smooth
and fair, and presented that pale, parchment
color common to persons afflicted with a pull.
monary complaint. His voice was musical,
and possessed an attractive influence in its
tones that prepossessed one very quickly in his
favor.
ness and death, published ye5terday, we have
since learned the following sad particulars OF
the closing scenes in the life OF b man, who is
worthy tor his honesty of purpose. simplicity
and purity OF character, and nobility Of soul,
10 take rank in history with the most true and
chivalrous Of the heroes Of all ages.
1t will be remembered that a month or so
since, the Secretary's health, which had been
very delicate for some time, was improving,
and strong hopes were entertained by his
physicians that he would survive for many
years. During his recent Northern trip he
was considerably benefited. A few days prior
to his return to this city he made trip from
Danoury, where his family was stopping to
New York city, and it is supposed that the
exposure, and especially the dust which en-.
tered his lungs, had very injurious effect
Until Wednesday last he had apartments a.
No. 256 + street. nearly opposite the Ebbitt
House. Some repairs were being made in the
house, and he complained that the smell of the
paipt was very disagreeable to him. About
ten { a0s ago he met General Smith, the Second
AssislaAk Postmaster General, who cordially
invited NM to make his home with him at his
new residence on Grant Place. General Raw
Iins AT first declined, but finally decided to
make the change, and did so on Wednesday
last; was soon afterwards prostrated with hem.
orrhages, and the loss Of blood caused him 70
sink very rapidly.
PRAYER FOR THE DYING.
Early yesterday morning he expressed a
desire for a change of position. as he had be-
come wearied OF lying on the bed for so long
time. DR.. Cady and others present complied
with his request, and ne was placed in a large
easy chair, with pillows arranged to be as
easy as possible. He expressed mis- relief, and
requested a stimulant, and a glass OF branoy
was administered, which appeared to have q
beneficial effect. He was able, however, to sit
up only for q short time, and in about an
hour returned to the bed. Between and
"a. m, Rev. Mr Wilson, pastor Of McKendree
(Methodlst Episcopal) Chapel, visited the de-.
ceased, postmaster General Cres well, Surgeon
General Barnes, Secretary Cox, and seve-
raj other distinguished officials being
present al the interview. Upon the en-.
trance OF Mr., Wilson, the Secretary at
once glanced toward him, and his counte.
| nance indicated pleasure. The reverend gen.
tleman found him entirely rational and quite
composed. Mr.. Wilson said, "I trust you are
leaning on Christ" The dying man bowed
his head and whispered distinctly, "Yes.''
Mr.. w. then said, Lean hard, aud he will
| support you," and then called the company
| TO prayer. and during the fervent and elo.
| quent appeal to the Throne OF Divine Grace
| the entire company seemed to Participate in
| the holy influences which descended. After
| prayer a few moments elapsed. The preacher
| approached the General, and, taking him by
the hand, said, General, am thankful thai
| yau are so calm. Farewell! / snail try to
meet you in heaven" The General bowed his
head, pressed the minister's nand, and the
| latter departed.
THE LAST SAD HOURS.
Il ha nnf thnu
During these last few hours the dying Secre.
| tary seemed TO be resigned TO his end, and te
| care TO survive only long enough to see the
| President who was expected at 4 O'Clock in
the afternoon. 1t was with this desire in mind
that he made frequent requests for stim ulan u
| to sustain life. He often asked, In the mos
feeling manner, for information from his wife
and family, to whom dispatches announcing
his condition were sent every half hour t<
Danbury, Conn. At one time turning to Sec.
retaTy Cox and Postmaster General Creswell
ne inquired whether they had any hopes Of his
recovery. Mr.. Cox replied very frankly tha
he had not, and asked him IL he had any dir.
ections to give relative to the disposition of bis
| remains in case Of death, when he replied thai
he would leave that 70 his friends, but he I'D.
ded that he did not wish an destinations fun.
eral, or that much expense should attend 1t.
During the day Secretary Cox read the fol.
lowing telegram, which had been received BY
Assistant Attorney General Field:
CoNCoRD, MASS, Sept. 9, 1869.-W. A. Field
Assistont Attorney General, WdsAingtoH, d. c.
II General Rawlins h living. convey to him
/ assurances Of my respect and affection, and Of
| the sorrcw With which learn the condition o
| . friend 20 highly valued-a man % upright
able ana faithful. God bless and keep him
E. r. HoAR.
General Rawlins, who was now rapidly
sinking, said with an effort: ~ am grateful r
Attorney General Hoar for his love, and wish
| you would say 90 70 him.
To Secretary Robeson, who expressed sor.
row at seeing him in such q suffering condi.
ton, General Rawlins said he had attended the
last Cabinet Council he weuld ever be present
| at with b 10 colleagues.
The following telegram from General Sheri.
dan 70 General Sherman, was read TO kaw.
| lins:
"Wnl you please give my love 70 Rawlins
All the olhcers here send their love 70 him.
To tins General Rawlins responded:
/ s.Sheridan 10 kind. 1 appreciate and am
| grateful for his kindness. II the love OF my
friends could DO 1t, would soon be Q healthy
/ man."